AGENDA
MEETING OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
MARCH 26, 2019
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:
The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public
during discussion.
If you wish to speak, please complete an orange card and hand it to the City
Clerk. When your name is called, please step to the microphone, state your name for the
record, and limit the time used to present your remarks in order that others may be given the
opportunity to speak.
The normal process on any particular agenda item is that the motion is
placed on the floor, input is received from the audience, the Council is given an opportunity to
comment on the issue or respond to the audience concerns, and the vote is taken. On ordinances,
there is time provided for public input at the time of the first reading. In consideration of all, if you
have a cell phone, please turn it off or put it on silent ring.
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
1. Motion approving Annual Self-Certification for FY 2020
2. Motion approving FTA Title VI Program for submission to the Iowa Department of
Transportation
3. Motion approving Transit Asset Management Targets
4. Motion setting May 28, 2019, as date of public hearing regarding Amendment to 2019-2022
Transportation Improvement Program
5. Motion approving Draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program and setting May 28,
2019, as date of public hearing
6. Motion approving FY 2020-2024 Passenger Transportation Plan
7. Resolution approving designation of AAMPO representatives to Central Iowa Regional
Transportation Planning Alliance for the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING*
*The Regular City Council Meeting will immediately follow the meeting of the Ames Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee.
PROCLAMATIONS:
1. Proclamation for “National Volunteer Week,” April 7-13, 2019
CONSENT AGENDA:
All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion.
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There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time the
Council members vote on the motion.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Minutes of Regular Meetings held February 26, 2019, and March 5, 2019, and
Special Meeting held February 27, 2019
4. Motion approving Report of Contract Change Orders for March 1-15, 2019
5. Motion approving a 5-day (April 13 - 18) Class C Liquor License for Gateway Market at ISU
Alumni Center, 429 Alumni Lane
6. Motion approving a 5-day (April 21 - 25) Class B Beer License for Gateway Market at ISU
Alumni Center, 420 Beach Avenue
7. Motion approving a 5-day (April 27 - May 2) Class C Liquor License for Christiani’s at ISU
Alumni Center, 420 Beach Avenue
8. Motion approving new Class C Liquor License with Catering and Sunday Sales - Los Altos
Mexican Restaurant LLC, 823 Wheeler, Ste. 5
9. Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License for Sams Club #6568, 305
Airport Road
10. Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License for Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105
Grand Avenue
11. Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a. Special Class C Liquor License with Class B Wine and Sunday Sales - Southgate Expresse,
110 Airport Rd
b. Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Sips and Paddy's Irish Pub,
126 Welch Ave. Suites 101 & 201
c. Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine, Class C Beer and Sunday Sales - Wal-Mart Store
#749, 3105 Grand Ave
d. Special Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Mongolian Buffet, 1620 S Kellogg Ave
#103
e. Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Safari Cuisine, 217 S Duff Ave
f. Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales - Dangerous Curves, 111 5th St.
12. Motion rejecting all bids for the RDF Storage Bin Repair Project
13. Resolution approving and adopting Supplement No. 2019-2 to the
Ames Municipal Code
14. Resolution appointing Oren Geisinger to the Building Board of Appeals
15. Resolution designating City Manager Steve Schainker as the City’s representative to
StoryComm’s Board of Directors
16. Resolution adopting City of Ames 2019 Language Communication Guidelines for Limited
English Proficiency (LEP) persons
17. Resolution setting date of public hearing for April 9, 2019, regarding vacating Traffic Signal
Program (Lincoln Way & Hyland Avenue)Easement at 101 Hyland Avenue
18. Resolution approving Professional Services Agreement with Shive Hattery, Inc., for design
services for the Iowa State University Research Park Phase IV Improvements Project
19. Resolution approving Professional Services Agreement with Walker Parking Consultants for
2019 Downtown Parking Study
20. Resolution approving Professional Services Agreement with WHKS for 2018/19 Shared Use
Path System Expansion (Trail Connection south of Lincoln Way)
21. Public Art Commission Requests:
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a. Resolution approving carry-over of 2017/18 funding
b. Resolution approving 2019 Neighborhood Art acquisitions
c. Resolution approving the 2019/20 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit (AAOSE)
recommendations
22. Resolution approving Releases of Rights Pursuant to Eastgate Subdivision Covenant for
Assessment of Costs and Improvements for Lots 10, 11, 17, 22, and 23
23. Requests from Ames Chamber of Commerce for Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market on
Saturdays from May 4 to October 12, 2019
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending License for
Central Business District
b. Resolution approving closure of 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street, Burnett Avenue from
Main Street to U.S. Bank drive-through, and Tom Evans Plaza from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
c. Resolution approving suspension of parking regulations in CBD Lots X and Y from
6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
d. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement, usage and waiver of
electrical fees, and waiver of fee for blanket Vending License for event from 5:00 a.m. to
1:30 p.m.
24. Requests for Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Farm to Table Dinner on Sunday, August 4,
2019:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving 5-day (Aug. 4-9) Special Class C Liquor License & Outdoor Service for
the event
c. Resolution approving closure of the 500 block of Main Street from 12:00 p.m. on August 4
to 12:00 a.m. on August 5
d. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement in the closed area
during the event and usage and waiver of electrical fees
25. Request from Mary Greeley Medical Center for Hope Run on Saturday, June 15:
a. Resolution approving closure of Mortensen Road from Dotson Drive to State Avenue and
State Avenue from Lettie Street to Mortensen Road from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
b. Resolution approving waiver of road race fee
26. Request from Interfraternity Council / SFE Engagement for IFC Experience Weekend Lunch on
Saturday, April 13:
a. Resolution approving closure of Ash Avenue between Sunset Drive and Gable Lane from
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
27. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for Fire Station #1 Parking Lot
Reconstruction; setting April 17, 2019, as bid due date and April 23, 2019, as date of public
hearing
28. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2014/15 Storm Water Facility
Rehabilitation Program (Somerset); setting April 17, 2019, as bid due date and April 23, 2019,
as date of public hearing
29. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2018/19 Collector Street
Pavement Improvements (Hickory Drive); setting April 17, 2019, as bid due date and April 23,
2019, as date of public hearing
30. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for Teagarden Area Drainage
Improvements; setting April 17, 2019, as bid due date and April 23, 2019, as date of public
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hearing
31. Resolution awarding contract to Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works, Inc. of Lawrence,
Massachusetts, for the Unit No. 7 Boiler Repair project in the amount of $6,376,685
32. Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 to Wright Tree Service for 2018/19 Line Clearance
for Electric Services
33. Resolution approving Change Order No. 4 to SCS Engineers of Clive, Iowa, for additional
services pertaining to Ames Steam Electric Plant’s Inactive Coal Combustion Residuals Surface
Impoundment
34. Resolution approving partial completion of public improvements and reducing security for
Sunset Ridge Subdivision, 8
th
Addition
35. Resolution accepting completion of contract No. 2015-101with Emerson for Distributed Control
System (DCS) equipment for Ames Steam Electric Plant Gas Conversion project
36. Resolution accepting completion of Power Plant Window Replacement project
37. Resolution accepting completion of Year Two of Five-Year Well Rehabilitation Contract
38. Resolution approving Plat of Survey for 100 - 6
th
Street, 108 - 6
th
Street, and 515 Duff Avenue
PUBLIC FORUM:
This is a time set aside for comments from the public on topics of City business
other than those listed on this agenda. Please understand that the Council will not take any action
on your comments at this meeting due to requirements of the Open Meetings Law, but may do so
at a future meeting. The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public; however, at
no time is it appropriate to use profane, obscene, or slanderous language. The Mayor may limit each
speaker to three minutes.
HEARINGS:
39. Hearing on Concrete Replacement of Two CyRide Bus Turnarounds:
a. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract for Site 1 to
Jensen Builders, Ltd., of Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $47,700
b. Motion rejecting all bids for Site 2
40. Hearing on Replacement of CyRide Bus Wash:
a. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to HPC, L.L.C.,
of Ames, Iowa, in the amount of $617,300
41. Hearing on Steam Turbine No. 7 Parts Procurement:
a. Motion rejecting all bids
b. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications; setting April 16, 2019, as bid due
date and April 23, 2019, as date of public hearing
ORDINANCES:
42. First passage of ordinance to allow properties to increase the number of occupants by completing
the Code requirements to make a room with a legally existing egress window a Code-compliant
bedroom
43. Second reading of ordinance adjusting water rates by 7%, effective July 1, 2019
44. 1114 South Dakota Avenue:
a. Resolution approving Zoning Change Agreement for 1114 South Dakota Avenue
b. Second passage of ordinance rezoning of 1114 South Dakota Avenue from Community
Commercial/Residential (CCR) to Community Commercial/Residential (CCR) with revised
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Master Plan
45. Third passage and adoption of prohibiting parking at all times on the east side of North Riverside
Drive and prohibiting parking at all times on the north side of Harris Street ORDINANCE NO.
4381
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
CLOSED SESSION:
46. Motion to hold Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3),
Code of Iowa
, to discuss
collective bargaining strategy:
a. Resolution ratifying contract with IUOE, Local 234 - Blue Collar Unit
ADJOURNMENT:
Please note that this Agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as
provided by Section 21.4(2),
Code of Iowa
.
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ITEM #
AAMPO 1
DATE:
03-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMES AREA MPO ANNUAL SELF-CERTIFICATION FOR FY 2020
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to federal regulations, each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) must
self-certify that its transportation planning process is addressing the major issues in the
metropolitan planning area and is being conducted in accordance with all applicable
requirements. In the last Ames Area MPO process review by the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
a joint report
was issued finding that the transportation planning activities of AAMPO are being
carried out in accordance with federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Certify that the Ames Area MPO transportation planning process is being conducted
in accordance with all applicable requirements.
2. Reject the certification.
ADMINISTRATOR
’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Administrator recommends that the Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy
Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, thereby certifying that the Ames Area MPO
transportation planning process is being conducted in accordance with all applicable
requirements.
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AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
ANNUAL SELF-CERTIFICATION
In accordance with 23 CFR 450.334, the STATE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION and the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for the
Ames, Iowa urbanized area(s) hereby certify that the transportation planning process is
addressing the major issues in the metropolitan planning area and is being conducted in
accordance with all applicable requirements of:
(1) 23 U.S.C. 134, 49 U.S.C. Section 5303, and 23 CFR Part 450;
(2) In nonattainment and maintenance areas, Sections 174 and 176(c) and (d) of the Clean
Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7504, 7506(c) and (d) and 40 CFR 93);
(3) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1) and 49 CFR
part 21;
(4) 49 U.S.C. 5332, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national
origin, sex or age in employment or business opportunity;
(5) Section 1101(b) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (Pub. L. 109-59) regarding the involvement of Disadvantaged
Business Enterprises in FHWA and FTA funded planning;
(6) 23 CFR part 230, regarding the implementation of an equal employment opportunity
program on Federal and Federal-aid highway construction contracts;
(7) The provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101
et
seq.
) and 49 CFR parts 27,37, and 38, and USDOT implementing regulation;
(8) Older Americans Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101);
(9) 23 U.S.C. 324, regarding prohibition of discrimination based on gender; and
(10) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 49 CFR Part 27, regarding
discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
For AAMPO:
_________________________
_________________
John Haila, Chair
Date
Transportation Policy Committee
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ITEM #
AAMPO 2
DATE:
03-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMES AREA MPO FTA TITLE VI PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
As a recipient of Federal funding, the Ames Area MPO is required to operate its
programs and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its
amendments, collectively known as Title VI. These laws prohibit discrimination on the
basis of race, color or national origin. The Ames Area MPO creates two Title VI
programs, one following the guidance and requirements of the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), and the other developed using the guidance and fulfilling the
requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
To comply with requirements set by the FTA, the Ames Area MPO presented an
updated FTA Title VI Program for 2018 to the Transportation Technical Committee on
September 6, 2018. That program was adopted by the Transportation Policy Committee
on September 25, 2018. The program was then submitted to the Iowa Department of
Transportation. On December 5, 2018, the Iowa DOT responded with comments for the
MPO to address and resubmit an updated program.
Updates to the program include:
• Update to the public notice including a statement of where the public can get
more information
• Expanded description of public participation to minority and limited English
proficient populations
• Statement addressing diversity on boards and committees
• Addressing mobility needs of minorities in the planning process
• Inclusion of all transportation projects (not just transit projects) in the impact
analysis
• Disparate impact analysis for all STBG and TAP funded projects
The document has also been reorganized to follow the FTA Title VI program template
as developed by the Iowa DOT. Appendix D will be updated to include a new Limited
English Proficiency (LEP) document, which will be considered by Ames City Council on
March 26.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the FTA Title VI Program.
2. Approve the FTA Title VI Program with Transportation Policy Committee
modifications.
ADMINISTRATOR
’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The AAMPO Technical Committee has unanimously recommended approval of the
Ames Area MPO Title VI Program. Therefore, it is recommended by the Administrator
that the Transportation Policy Committee adopt Alternative No. 1 as noted above.
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M
ARCH
2019
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
515 Clark Ave. Ames, IA 50010
In Accordance with FTA C 4702.1B
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
Recipient Profile
Recipient
Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Administrative Head
John Joiner, MPO Administrator
Recipient Title VI Coordinator and Contact Information
Brian Phillips, City of Ames Title VI Civil Rights Coordinator
Address
Ames Area MPO
PO Box 811
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 239-5160
Fax
(515) 239-5404
E-Mail
bphillips@city.ames.ia.us
Website
http://www.aampo.org
Has the recipient signed and submitted its Title VI Assurances? Yes __X___ No _______
Has the recipient submitted its Title VI Program Plan?
Yes __X___ No _______
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
What strategies has your planning process developed for ensuring, demonstrating, and sustaining
compliance with Title VI?
The MPO has identified environmental justice consideration in long range planning and evaluates all
transportation projects through the lens of balance and opportunity. The MPO also works closely with the
City of Ames to coordinate training efforts for employees with a customer-service driven approach to
providing services for all members of the community regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or
disability. These efforts include public notices around offices and meeting rooms, displayed on the MPO and
city websites, translation services clearly visible at customer services windows, website maintenance with
written translation services, and periodic reviews with staff.
General Requirements
1.
Copy of recipient’s Title VI notice to the Public -
APPENDIX A
Required elements:
_X_ A statement that the agency operates programs without regard to race, color, or national origin
_X_ A description of the procedures that members of the public should follow in order to request additional
information on the recipient’s Title VI obligations
_X_ A description of the procedures that members of the public shall follow in order to file a Title VI
discrimination complaint against the recipient
List locations where the notice is posted:
•
Ames Area MPO office, Room 212 (515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA)
•
Ames City Hall entrance (515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA)
•
www.aampo.org
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
2.
Copy of the recipient’s instructions to the public regarding how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint,
including a copy of the complaint form. –
APPENDIX B
Complaint procedures and the complaint form posted on the recipient’s website at the URL:
http://www.aampo.org
3.
List and description of any transit-related Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits files with, concerning,
or naming the recipient in the last three years. (none)
Table 1 - Transit Related Title VI Investigations
DATE
FILED
(MONTH,
DAY,
YEAR)
SUMMARY (INCLUDE
BASIS OF COMPLAINT:
RACE, COLOR, OR
NATIONAL ORIGIN)
STATUS ACTION(S) TAKEN
INVESTIGATIONS
1. NONE
-
LAWSUITS
1. NONE
-
COMPLAINTS
1. NONE
-
4.
Copy of the public participation plan that includes an outreach plan to engage minority and limited English
proficient populations, as well as a summary of outreach efforts made in the last three years. –
APPENDIX
C
.
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
Describe the methods used to inform low-income and minority populations of planning efforts for
transportation-related services and/or improvements:
The Ames Area MPO used a variety of tools to outreach to diverse populations include EJ and minority
populations through the following tools
•
Public Meetings – Question and answer formatted meeting designed to connect members of the
public with Ames Area MPO staff in a casual setting.
•
Public Hearings – The public is invited to present comments in a public hearing setting in front of the
Transportation Policy Committee and comments are committed to the record. The public hearing is
governed by rules concerning who speaks when and for how long and is overseen by the
Transportation Policy Committee chairperson.
•
Opportunity for Public Comment – A solicitation for public input on a specific subject over a specified
duration of time.
•
General Comments – The Ames Area MPO continuously accepts public comment, regardless of
whether they were given as part of an organized effort or informally. Comments can be sent to the
Ames Area MPO by phone at (515) 239-5169, by e-mail at tfilippini@city.ames.is.us, or by mail sent
to: Ames Area MPO, 515 Clark Ave., Ames, Iowa, 50010.
•
Publishing notices on the City of Ames Facebook page and City of Ames Twitter page
•
Providing a translation tool for over 100 languages on the Ames Area MPO Website at
www.aampo.org
•
Included MPO activities in City of Ames communications distributed on Channel 12 and City of Ames
utility bills.
•
Announcing meeting dates and topics to local human services working groups who represent low-
income and international communities
In late 2018, the Ames Area MPO compiled a list of organizations who advocate for the disadvantaged with
the assistance of community partners. Ultimately, 57 groups were identified who are either located within
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
the Ames area or may have clients within the metropolitan area. The MPO contacted each group with
information about the Ames Area MPO, requesting contact information to be confirmed or updated, and
ways to receive direct communication from the MPO on upcoming transportation planning activities.
The organizations identified include: A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy, AARP Iowa, Aging Resources of Central
Iowa, Ames Community Preschool, Aspen Dental, At Home Care Company, Bickford Assisted Living,
Boost Together for Children, Boys and Girls Club of Story County, Center for Creative Justice, Central
Iowa Center for Independent Living, Central Iowa Community Services, Central Iowa RSVP, ChildCare
Resource and Referral, ChildServe, City of Ames Policy Department, Community and Family Resources,
Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, Creative Counseling, DMACC Adult Literacy Program,
Emergency Residence Project, Engaging International Spouses YWCA, Epilepsy Foundation, Experience
Works, Eyerly Ball, Friendship Arc Homes, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Good Neighbor Emergency
Assistance, Heartland Senior Services, Iowa Able Foundation, Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services, ISU
Extension & Outreach of Story County, Legal Aid Society, Life Connections, Life Line Resources,
Lutheran Services of Iowa, Madrid Home, Madrid Home Community, Mainstream Living, Mary Greeley
Medical Center, Mid Iowa Family Therapy, Mid-Iowa Community Action, NAACP, NAMI Central Iowa,
Planned Parenthood, Raising Readers, Richmond Mental Health Center, Riverside Manor, Story
County Medical Center, Story County Sheriff’s Office, The Arc of Story County, The Salvation Army,
United Way of Story County, University Community Childcare, Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa,
Volunteer Center of Story County, and Youth and Shelter Services.
List minority and/or community media utilized to ensure notification of public meetings or public review
of recipient documents for residents in minority and low-income areas:
•
Ames Tribune
•
Iowa State Daily
•
Des Moines Register
•
Story County Sun
•
KASI/KCCQ radio
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•
KURE, student radio of Iowa State University
•
KHOI community radio
•
Channel 12, Ames Government Channel
•
Channel 16, Ames Public Access
When was the public participation plan last reviewed? Please describe how.
The current public participation plan for the Ames Area MPO was developed in 2016. The document was
developed in consultation with members of the Transportation Technical Committee, comprised of staff from
all member organizations of the MPO. The draft plan was published as a news release and available on the
Ames Area MPO website along with opportunities for input from the public from March 22, 2016 through
May 10, 2016. The plan was reviewed and adopted by the Transportation Policy Committee through a public
hearing process.
5.
Copy of the plan for providing language assistance to persons with limited English proficiency, based on
DOT LEP Guidance, Federal Register, Volume 70, Number 239, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2005-12-
14/html/05-23972.htm –
APPENDIX D
.
What steps has the recipient taken to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information, and
other important components of its programs and services to persons with limited English proficiency?
•
Oral Interpretation Service – The Ames Area MPO offers the Language Line Interpretation Service
through TheBigWord. If there is a non-English speaking individual that comes into a city department,
staff can show them the brochure for the Language Line Interpretation Service and have them select
the language that they understand (the languages are written in both the native language and in
English). Staff members can call the Language Interpretation Service and asks for the appropriate
interpreter as pointed out by the customer. Staff members can utilize a speaker phone so both the
staff member and the customer can be on the line at the same time. Flyers offering the Language Line
Interpretation Service will be posted in the Administrative Offices. Additionally, where best
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appropriate, staff employees will also utilize Google Translator Interpretation Service from their
computers and/or as application on their cell phones.
•
Bureau Refugee Services – the Ames Area MPO as needed, will work with the Bureau of Refugee
Services.
•
The City of Ames has developed a list of all City employees that speak, write, or read a language other
than English fluently. The City of Ames may contact employees on this list for interpretation services
as their schedule permits. A current list will be maintained in the in the Human Resources internal
website.
•
The Ames Area MPO will also allow LEP persons to use an interpreter of their own choosing (whether
a professional interpreter, family member, or friend) in place of or as a supplement to the Language
Line interpretation services offered by the Ames Area MPO.
The MPO web page has the ability to allow its information to be translated into different languages by
selecting the language of choice.
6.
List all non-elected committees and councils, the membership of which is selected by the recipient:
No committees or councils comprised of non-elected members selected by the Ames Area MPO were in place
during the reporting period.
Describe the process the recipient uses to encourage the participation of minorities on such committees.
The membership of Transportation Policy Committee and Transportation Technical Committee are allocated
by the MPO bylaws which govern each body. The MPO may create committees to serve as focus groups or
steering committees for various planning activities as they come. In these instances, the MPO staff will
develop committees which reflects the demographic composition of metropolitan area, in ways such as
gender and race, by outreaching to identified organizations to self-select members to serve on the
committee(s). Through the MPOs coordination with local agencies such as Iowa State University, Story
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County Human Service Council, and the United Way Transportation Collaboration, we are able to identify a
diverse group of community members to participate.
Racial/Ethnic Breakdown of the Non-Elected Committees and Councils:
Table 2 - Racial/Ethnic Breakdown
*Group
Number
Male
-
Female
-
White
-
Black or African American
-
American Indian or Alaskan Native
-
Asian
-
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific
Islander
-
Other
-
*No committees or councils comprised of non-elected members selected by the Ames Area MPO were in
place during the reporting period.
7.
Describe the efforts the recipient uses to ensure subrecipients are complying with Title VI.
To comply with Title VI requirements, all subrecipients of the Ames Area MPO must also comply with Title VI
requirements. To demonstrate compliance with Title VI, the Ames Area MPO does the following to ensure
compliance:
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
•
collects and stores Title VI programs from subrecipients and reviews the programs for compliance for
the following:
o A copy of the subrecipient Title VI notice to the public including a listing of posting locations,
o A copy of the subrecipient instructions to the public on how to file a Title VI complaint along
with a copy of the form,
o A list of all Title VI transportation related investigations, complaints or lawsuits filed with the
subrecipient since the last submission related to the FTA funded project,
o A public participation plan that includes an outreach plan to engage minority and LEP
populations and a summary of outreach efforts made since the last submission,
o A copy of the subrecipient LEP plan,
o Membership of non-elected planning boards/councils/committees for transit-related projects,
including racial breakdown and a description of efforts to encourage minority participation,
o A copy of the Title VI equity analysis during the planning stage for facility projects,
o Copy of the subrecipient’s governing board approving the Title VI program.
•
collects and stores Title VI programs,
•
As required, asks subrecipients to verify that their level and quality of service is provided on an equitable
basis.
The Ames Area MPO monitors both contractors and subrecipients for Title VI compliance as required by Federal
regulations. Currently the Ames Area MPO does not have any subrecipients.
Subrecipients are required to electronically file an annual Title VI report to the Ames Area MPO Administrator
and are subject to a desk or site review at any time. The Ames Area MPO will check all listed elements for
compliance and offer a notice of concurrence that the program complies with Title VI requirements.
8.
Has the recipient constructed a facility, such as a vehicle storage facility, maintenance facility, operation
center, etc., with Federal Transit Administration funds? ____ Yes
_X_ No
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9.
Copy of the board meeting minutes showing the Transportation Policy Committee reviewed and approved
the Title VI Program. –
APPENDIX E
.
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Requirements of Planning Agencies
1.
Agency demographic profile of the planning area that includes identification of the locations of
socioeconomic groups, including low-income and minority populations and summary of the planning
area demographics.
Figure 1 - Environmental Justice Populations
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Table 3 - Demographic Profile
POPULATION BY RACE/ETHNICITY
POPULATION
PERCENT OF URBANIZED
AREA
WHITE
51,006
82.2%
HISPANIC
2,240
3.61%
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN
1,972
3.18%
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKAN
NATIVE
53
0.09%
ASIAN
5,553
8.95%
OTHER
11
0.02%
TWO OR MORE
1,212
1.95%
TOTAL
62,047
100%
ACS demographic and Housing Estimate, Ames, IA Urbanized Area, 2010
Minority Population
FHWA defines a minority population as any readily identifiable groups of minority persons who live in
geographic proximity, and if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed/transient persons (such as
migrant workers or Native Americans) who will be similarly affected by a proposed FHWA program, policy, or
activity. FHWA defines a minority as:
•
Black: a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa
•
Hispanic or Latino: a person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other
Spanish culture or origin,
•
regardless of race
•
Asian American: a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia,
or the Indian
•
subcontinent
•
American Indian and Alaskan Native: a person having origins in any of the original people of North
America, South America (including Central America), and who maintains cultural identification
through tribal affiliation or community recognition
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•
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: a person having origins in any of the original peoples of
Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
Data from the 2010 U.S. Census of Population was used to determine the number and percentage of minority
populations in Ames Area MPO. Data was analyzed to the smallest geographic unit available. For minority
data, the smallest unit is the census block; data used for analysis was from the decennial censuses. Per FHWA
guidance, a readily identifiable group of minority persons was identified as any Census block with a
“substantial” minority populations: where the percentage of minority population was at least one standard
deviation (34 %) higher than the mean of a typical normal data distribution curve as compared to the
percentage of the minority population within the Ames Area MPO boundary. The minority population of the
Ames Area MPO area is 15.0 % of the total population; the threshold value used to determine a “substantial”
minority population is 20.1 % (15 % multiplied by 1.34).
In accordance with FHWA guidance, clusters of minority populations were also identified; these are Census
blocks where there the minority population is not substantially greater than the Ames Area MPO average, but
due to the large population in these blocks, the minority population is great enough to be potentially
disproportionately and highly adversely affected by the proposed actions of the LRTP. These blocks had
minority populations of 50 or greater in a small geographic area.
Low-Income Population
FHWA defines a low-income population as any readily identifiable group of low-income persons who live in
geographic proximity, and, if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed/transient persons (such as
migrant workers or Native Americans) who will be similarly affected by a proposed FHWA program, policy, or
activity. FHWA defines low-income as a person whose median household income is at or below the
department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) poverty guidelines. The best approximation for the number
of people below the DHHS poverty guidelines in a particular area is the number of persons below the Census
Bureau poverty thresholds in that area. In this analysis, 2009-2013 American Community Survey ([ACS] a
Census Bureau product that is updated annually) was used to determine low-income data for the Ames Area
MPO area. The smallest geographical unit available for ACS data is the census block group. The ACS income
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data used are the 5-year average from 2009 to 2013. Similar to the minority population, a readily identifiable
group of low-income population was identified as any Census block with a “substantial” low-income
population: where the percentage of low-income population was at least one standard deviation (34 %)
higher than the mean of a typical normal data distribution curve as compared to the Ames Area MPO area
percentage of the low-income population. The low-income population of the Ames Area MPO area is 25.8 %
of the total population; the threshold value used to determine a “substantial” low income population is
34.6 %.
2.
Describe the procedures by which the mobility needs of minority populations are identified and
considered within the planning process.
A goal of the Ames Area MPO long range plan is to improve mobility for communities identified in areas of
high concentration of Environmental Justice populations. All projects in the long-range plan have been
evaluated on whether the project improves the mobility, has a neutral effect, or degrades mobility. A related
score is assigned with a positive score attributing to projects with improve mobility for these populations.
In addition to the technical review of project location and evaluation, the MPO schedules planning meetings
at locations served by significant transit or bike facilities, such as at Ames City Hall, on campus of Iowa State
University or accessible building adjacent to the ISU campus, in ADA accessible rooms. These locations have
been identified by community groups as easier to access location for these target groups. Through
preparation of plans, particularly the Passenger Transportation Plan and Long-Range Transportation Plan, the
MPO consults with local organizations including the Story County Human Service Council and the United Way
Transportation Collaboration, both which provide service to minority, low-income, and other under-
represented groups, including the elderly, youth, limited English proficient and individuals with disabilities.
In addition, Transportation Policy Committee meetings televised on Ames Channel 12 and live-streamed on
the city Facebook channel. Video records of meetings are also available on demand at www.cityofames.org as
well as the AmesChannel12 YouTube channel.
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3.
Copy of demographic maps that show the impacts of the distribution of State and Federal funds in the
aggregate for public transportation projects –
APPENDIX F
.
4.
Copy of analysis of the planning agency’s transportation system investments that identifies and addresses
any disparate impacts. –
APPENDIX G
.
List adverse social, environmental, economic or demographic impact identified in the planning process:
The Long-Range Transportation Plan for the Ames Area MPO rates all potential projects against the 6 defined
goals of the plan developed through public engagement and consultation. Included in the evaluation criteria
is “Goal 4 - to Provide an accessible transportation system that fits within the context of its surroundings and
preserves community character”. The evaluation includes the projects provision of balanced transportation
access to both environmental justice and non-environmental justice communities. The Scoring approach for
this metric is demonstrated in
Table 4 - Project Performance Objectives and Score Approach.
Table 4 - Project Performance Objectives and Score Approach
LRTP Project Performance
Objective
Candidate Project Scoring Approach
2
1
0
-2
Scoring Discussion
Very Good
Good
Neutral
Poor
4C. Provide balanced
transportation access to
both environmental
justice and non-
environmental justice
communities.
Directly
improves
mobility for
EJ
populations
Limited
direct effect
on EJ
population
mobility.
Project
degrades
mobility for
EJ
populations
Use the defined EJ
areas. No “Very
Good” score.
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Projects with high scores are prioritized and included in the fiscally constrained long-range transportation
plan. Once projects are funded, they are programmed into the Ames Area MPO Transportation Improvement
Program. The included analysis (appendix G) demonstrates the geographic balance of transportation
investments listed in the FY 2019 – 2022 Transportation Improvement Program among both environmental
justice and non-environmental justice identified communities.
Appendices
A.
Title VI notice to the public
B.
Instructions on how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint and complaint form
C.
Public Participation Plan
D.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) document
E.
Committee Approval of the Title VI Program
F.
Demographic Maps of Public Transportation Investments
G.
Analysis of Transportation System Investments
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A
Title VI notice to the public
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
B
Instruction on how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint and complaint form
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
B
Instruction on how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint and complaint form
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
B
Instruction on how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint and complaint form
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
B
Instruction on how to file a Title VI discrimination complaint and complaint form
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
C
Public Participation Plan
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D
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Document
[ LEP DOCUMENT TO BE INCLUDED ONCE APPROVED | MARCH 2019 ]
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E
Committee Approval of the Title VI Program
[ COPY OF MINUTES TO BE INCLUDED | MARCH, 26 2019 ]
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F
Demographic Maps of Public Transit Investments
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F
Demographic Maps of Public Transit Investments
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G
Analysis of Transportation System Investments
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Ames Area MPO 2019 Title VI Program
G
Analysis of Transportation System Investments
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ITEM #
AAMPO 3
DATE:
03-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TRANSIT ASSET MANAGEMENT (TAM) PERFORMANCE TARGETS
BACKGROUND:
On May 23, 2017, using the initial targets adopted by CyRide, the Ames Area MPO
established its first transit asset management targets. In September of 2018, CyRide
developed the first Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan, which included new
performance targets and covered the next four-year period starting in 2019. The MPO
needs to adopt new performance targets within 180 days of receiving a TAM Plan
update. Targets are ultimately used by the MPO to evaluate the allocation of regional
funding to be supportive of reaching set performance targets.
The following table illustrates the initial targets adopted by AAMPO in 2017, followed by
the new targets set in the CyRide TAM Plan. Evaluation of vehicles are based on a
Useful Life Benchmark (ULB), and facilities are evaluated using the FTA Transit
Economic Requirements Model (TERM).
The CyRide Transit Board approved the following targets:
Class
Initial
2019 Performance Target
2020 2021 2022 2023
Rolling Stock
40'-60' Buses
34%
35%
of fleet exceeds CyRide's ULB
of 15 yrs.
35%
39%
37%
36%
Rolling Stock
Cutaways
0%
67%
of fleet exceeds FTA ULB of 10
yrs.
89%
89%
0%
0%
Equipment
Shop Trucks
0%
0%
of fleet exceeds CyRide’s ULB of
10 yrs.
0%
0%
0%
0%
Facilities
Admin./Maintenance
Facility
0%
0%
of facilities rated under 3.0 on
TERM scale
0%
0%
0%
0%
Facilities Ames
Intermodal Facility
0%
0%
of facilities rated under 3.0 on
TERM scale
0%
0%
0%
0%
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the transit asset management (TAM) performance measures as presented.
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2. Approve the presented transit asset management (TAM) performance measures
with Transportation Policy Committee modifications.
ADMINISTRATOR
’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The AAMPO Technical Committee has unanimously recommended approval of the
presented transit asset management performance measures. Therefore, the
Administrator recommends that the Transportation Policy Committee adopt Alternative
No. 1 as noted above.
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ITEM #
AAMPO 4
DATE:
3-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO FY 2019
– 2022 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
To receive Federal funds for transportation improvement projects, it is necessary for the
projects to be included in the approved Iowa Department of Transportation statewide
plan. The initial step in this process is for the Ames Area MPO to develop a
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Regulations require the TIP to include
transportation projects for four years. The TIP may be amended in accordance with the
prescribed amendment and public participation procedures.
This amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 - 2021 Transportation Improvement
Program involves changing the following:
o Updated language on pages 13-15, provided by the Iowa Department of
Transportation, to incorporate the performance measures into the regional
transportation planning process.
The requirements for TIP amendments calls for an opportunity for public review and
comment as well as approval by both the
MPO’s Technical and Policy Committees. The
public input period will be from March 26 to May 10, 2019. After this comment period,
this item will come before the AAMPO Policy Committee again on May 28, 2019 for final
approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Review the amendment to the FY 2019
– 2022 Transportation Improvement
Program and set May 28, 2019 as the date for the public hearing.
2. Review and modify the amendment to the FY 2019
– 2022 Transportation
Improvement Program and set May 28, 2019 as the date for the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATOR
’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Technical Committee has unanimously
recommended approval of the FY 2019
– 2022 Transportation Improvement Program
amendment. Therefore, the Administrator recommends that the Transportation Policy
Committee adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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PLANNING PROCESS
INTRODUCTION
The Transportation Improvement Program serves as a list of
DOT and locally sponsored federal-aid eligible and Swap
surface transportation improvements within the Ames-Gilbert
region. The regional TIP will be consolidated into the State
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) along with the
other 26 planning agencies in the State of Iowa.
Projects in the Ames Area TIP must be consistent with the
long range transportation plan, known as Ames Mobility 2040.
The Transportation Improvement Program is approved by the
Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy Committee.
PERFORMANCE-BASED
The Federal Surface Transportation Bill, known as FAST Act,
requires State and MPO agencies to develop performance
measures to carry out a performance-based planning process.
The Ames Area MPO will implement required metrics in
coordination with the Iowa Department of Transportation. The
MPO will be responsible to report on the following areas of
performance:
• Safety
• Pavement, Bridge, System Performance, Freight
• Transit Asset Management
Performance based planning and performance management
became a focus for State and regional transportation planning
with the signing of the 2012 surface transportation bill Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). This bill
included requirements for performance based planning and
performance management and set seven national goals. The
Ames Area MPO must establish and use a performance-based
approach to transportation decision making to support the
national goals.
KEY TERMS:
• Goal: a broad statement the describes a desired end
state
• Objective: a specific, measurable statement that
supports achievement of a goal
• Performance Measures: metric used to assess
progress towards meeting an objective
• Target: specific level of performance that is desired to
be achieved within a certain timeframe
S
AFETY
The safety measures are:
• Number of Fatalities
• Rate of Fatalities per 100 million VMT
• Number of Serious Injuries
• Rate of Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT
• Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Non-
Motorized Serious Injuries
Rather than setting its own
2014-2018
safety targets, the
Ames Area MPO has chosen to support the Iowa DOT’s safety
targets as published in the
most recent
Iowa Highway Safety
Improvement Program
2017
Annual Report. The MPO
supports those targets by reviewing and programming all
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) projects within
the MPO boundary that are included in the DOT’s
Transportation Improvement Program.
Any Iowa DOT
S
s
ponsored HSIP projects within the MPO
area were selected based on the
strategies included in the
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Strategic Highway Safety Plan and
safety performance
measures and were approved by the Iowa Transportation
Commission. The Iowa
DOT
Dot
conferred with numerous
stakeholder groups, including the Ames Area MPO, as part of
its target setting process. Working in partnership with local
agencies, Iowa DOT safety investments were identified and
programmed which will construct effective countermeasures to
reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The Iowa DOT
projects chosen for HSIP investment are based on crash
history, roadway characteristics, and the existence of
infrastructure countermeasure that can address the types of
crashes present. The Iowa DOT continues to utilize a systemic
safety improvement process rather than relying on “hot spot”
safety improvements.
P
AVEMENT
,
AND
B
RIDGE
,
S
YSTEM
P
ERFORMANCE
,
F
REIGHT
The pavement and bridge measures are:
• Percent of Interstate pavements in Good condition
• Percent of Interstate pavements in Poor condition
• Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Good
Condition
• Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Poor
condition
• Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Good condition
• Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Poor condition
The system performance and freight measures are:
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the Interstate that
are reliable
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the non-Interstate
NHS that are reliable
• Truck Travel Time Reliability Index
The Ames Area MPO will be deciding to set targets or support
the State’s targets for pavement, bridge, system performance,
and freight measures during State Fiscal Year 2019.
Rather than setting its own pavement and bridge targets, the
Ames Area MPO has chosen to support the Iowa DOT’s
pavement and bridge targets as submitted in the most recent
baseline period performance report. The MPO supports those
targets by reviewing and programming all Interstate and
National Highway System projects within the MPO boundary
that are included in the DOT’s Transportation Improvement
Program.
Any Iowa DOT sponsored pavement and bridge projects within
the MPO area were determined in alignment with the Iowa
Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and the
pavement and bridge performance measures. The TAMP
connects Iowa in Motion 2045 and system/modal plans to Iowa
DOT’s Five-Year Program and the STIP. Iowa in Motion 2045
defines a vision for the transportation system over the next 20
years, while the Five-Year Program and STOP identify specific
investments over the next four to five years. The TAMP has a
10-year planning horizon and helps ensure that investments in
the Five-Year Program and STIP are consistent with Iowa
DOT’s longer-term vision. Starting in 2019, the TAMP will also
integrate the pavement and bridge performance targets.
The Iowa DOT conferred with numerous stakeholder groups,
including the Ames Area MPO and local owners of NHS
assets, as part of its target setting process. The methodology
used to set targets used current and historical data on
condition and funding to forecast future condition. Asset
management focuses on performing the right treatment at the
right time to optimize investments and outcomes. Management
systems are utilized to predict bridge and pavement needs and
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help determine the amount of funding needed for stewardship
of the system. The TAMP discusses the major investment
categories that the Commission allocates funding through.
Once the Commission approves the funding for these
categories, Iowa DOT recommends the allocation of the funds
to specific projects using the processes described in the
TAMP. Pavement and bridge projects are programmed to help
meet the desired program outcomes documented in the
TAMP.
S
YSTEM AND
F
REIGHT
R
ELIABILITY
The system performance and freight measures are:
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the Interstate that
are reliable
• Percent of person-miles traveled on the non-Interstate
NHS that are reliable
• Truck Travel Time Reliability Index
Rather than setting its own system and freight reliability
targets, the Ames Area MPO has chosen to support the Iowa
DOT’s system and freight reliability targets as submitted in the
most recent baseline period performance report. The MPO
supports those targets by reviewing and programming all
Interstate and National Highway System projects within the
MPO boundary that are included in the DOT’s Transportation
Improvement Program.
The Iowa DOT conferred with numerous stakeholder groups,
including the Ames Area MPO, as part of its target setting
process. Variability within the existing travel time dataset was
used to forecast future condition. Projects focused on
improving pavement and bridge condition also often help
improve system reliability and freight movement. Additional
projects focused specifically on improving these areas of
system performance are developed in alignment with the
target-setting process for related performance measures, and
the freight improvement strategies and freight investment plan
included in the State Freight Plan. This plan includes a
detailed analysis and prioritization of freight bottlenecks, which
are locations that should be considered for further study and
possibly for future improvements. The process also involved
extensive input from State, MPO, RPA, and industry
representatives. State projects identified in the freight
investment plan and programmed in the STIP were highly-
ranked freight bottlenecks.
T
RANSIT
A
SSET
M
ANAGEMENT
Public transit capital projects included in the STIP align with
the transit asset management (TAM) planning and target
setting processes undertaken by the Iowa DOT, transit
agencies, and MPOs. The Iowa DOT establishes a group
TAM plan and group targets for all small urban and rural
providers while large urban providers establish their own TAM
plans and targets. Investments are made in alignment with
TAM plans with the intent of keeping the state’s public transit
vehicles and facilities in a state of good repair and meeting
transit asset management targets. The Iowa DOT allocates
funding for transit rolling
stock in accordance with the Public
Transit Management System process. In addition, the Iowa
DOT awards public transit infrastructure grants in accordance
with the project priorities established in Iowa Code chapter
924. Additional state and federal funding sources that can be
used by transit agencies for vehicle and facility improvements
are outlined in the funding chapter of the Transit Manager’s
Handbook. Individual transit agencies determine the use of
these sources for capital and operating expenses based on
their local needs.
The transit asset management targets are:
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• Equipment: Percent of non-revenue vehicles met or
exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
• Rolling Stock: Percentage of revenue vehicles met or
exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
• Facilities: Percentage of assets with condition rating
below 3.0 on FTA TERM scale
• Infrastructure: Not applicable.
In May 2017, the Ames Area MPO adopted transit asset
management targets. The infrastructure performance measure
element which FTA requires is limited to rail fixed guideway
assets of which there is not any rail passenger with Ames. The
first Transit Asset Management Plan is due in October 2018.
With the adoption of this plan, performance measure elements
will be included in regional transportation planning documents.
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^
ITEM #
AAMPO 5
DATE:
03-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: DRAFT FY 2020 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
As a part of the federal regulations governing Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the
Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration provide planning
funds to reimburse these agencies for transportation planning activities. The Iowa
Department of Transportation administers this program.
The Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) includes several work elements to
ensure an integrated transportation system. These elements include:
Administrative tasks for transportation planning
Programming and development for the Transportation Improvement Program
Comprehensive transportation planning and in-depth technical analysis
Enhanced transit planning for coordination, accessibility, and efficiency
Public participation enhancement and incorporation into the transportation
planning process
Committee support
Maintenance and development of the Long-Range Transportation Plan
Some expected products in the FY 2020 TPWP include the development of the
Transportation Improvement Programs and ongoing activities related to the Long Range
Transportation Plan update.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program and set May
28, 2019, as the date for the public hearing.
2. Modify the Draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program and set May
28, 2019, as the date for the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATOR
’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Technical Committee has developed and now
recommends approval of this Draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program.
Therefore, the Administrator recommends that the Transportation Policy Committee
adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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DRAFT
FY 2020
Transportation Planning Work Program
Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
The Ames Area MPO prepared this report with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway
Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and in part through local matching funds of the Ames Area MPO member
governments. These contents are the responsibility of the Ames Area MPO. The U.S. government and its agencies assume
no liability for the contents of this report of for the use of its contents. The Ames Area MPO approved this document on
MONTH DAY, 2019. Please call (515) 239.5160 to obtain permission to use.
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2
INTRODUCTION
The Fiscal Year 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) is the work plan for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020. The TPWP is a requirement of 23 CFR
450.308(b) for metropolitan planning organizations to develop a document identifying work proposed
for the next one-year period by major activity and task. The document includes details to indicate who
will perform the planning activity, the schedule for completing the activity, what products should result
from each activity, funding for each activity as well as a total program budget.
AMES AREA MPO ORGNIZATION
The Ames Area MPO was officially
designated the MPO of the Ames
urbanized area by the Governor of
Iowa in March 2003. This designation
was the result of the Ames urbanized
area having a population of greater
than 50,000 in the 2000 census. As a
result of the 2010 Census, the
urbanized areas of Ames and Gilbert
were combined into one urbanized
area, therefore requiring the
Metropolitan Planning Area to be
expanded to encompass this area in
its entirety. The Ames Area MPO
approved the current Metropolitan
Planning Area boundary on
November 13, 2012. The City of
Gilbert and Iowa State University
were added to the Transportation
Policy Committee on March 26, 2013.
Ames is located in central Iowa and is
served by Interstate 35, U.S. Highway
30, and U.S. Highway 69. Surface
transportation needs are met through
over 248 centerline miles of streets.
The community has a very
progressive transit system, CyRide,
which carries over six million bus
passengers per year. While the
majority of transit users have Iowa
State University ties, CyRide serves the entire Ames community.
The Ames Area MPO area includes the Ames Municipal Airport, which serves general aviation needs
for business, industry, and recreation users. On average 119 aircraft operations occur per day at the
Ames Municipal Airport. Railroad provides freight service to the area by dual east-west mainline tracks
and a northern agricultural spur.
Figure 1. Ames Area MPO Planning Boundary
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3
The Ames Area MPO provides continuity of various transportation planning and improvement efforts
throughout the Ames urban area. The City of Ames serves as the fiscal agent for the Ames Area MPO.
The Ames Area MPO consists primarily of two standing committees: The Transportation Policy
Committee and the Transportation Technical Committee.
Transportation Policy Committee
Voting membership on the Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy Committee is open to any county or
city government located, wholly or partially, in the designated Metropolitan Planning Area. Currently the
Ames Area MPO membership includes: City of Ames, City of Gilbert, CyRide, Boone County, and Story
County. The Iowa Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal
Transit Administration, and Iowa State University serve as advisory, non-voting, representatives.
Transportation Policy Committee Membership
Representative Agency
Member
City of Ames †
John Haila
Mayor
City of Ames
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen Council Member
City of Ames
Gloria Betcher
Council Member
City of Ames
Amber Corrieri
Council Member
City of Ames
Tim Gartin
Council Member
City of Ames
David Martin
Council Member
City of Ames
Chris Nelson
Council Member
Boone County
Bill Zinnel
Board of Supervisors
Story County
Lauris Olson
Board of Supervisors
Ames Transit Agency
Juan Bibiloni
CyRide Board Member
City of Gilbert
Jonathan Popp
Mayor
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Andy Loonan
District 1 Transportation Planner
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Darla Hugaboom
Iowa Division Community Planner
Federal Transit Administration ‡
Daniel Nguyen
Region 7 Community Planner
Iowa State University ‡
Cathy Brown
Director for Planning Services
† Chair ‡ Advisory, Non-Voting Member
Transportation Technical Committee
The Transportation Technical Committee consists of technical personnel from various agencies
involved in transportation issues within the planning area. The Transportation Technical Committee
formulates the procedural details of the Transportation Planning Work Program. The committee reviews
and monitors the output of various MPO activities identified in the work program and makes
recommendations to the policy committee. The committee is also responsible for assisting in
developing the short and long-range transportation plans. The Iowa Department of Transportation, the
Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration serve as advisory, non-voting,
representatives.
Transportation Technical Committee Membership
Representative Agency
Member
City of Ames †
Tracy Warner
Municipal Engineer
City of Ames ††
Damion Pregitzer
Traffic Engineer
City of Ames
Justin Clausen
Operations Manager
City of Ames
Kelly Diekmann
Director of Planning & Housing
City of Ames
Justin Moore
Planner
CyRide
Sheri Kyras
Transit Director
Iowa State University
Cathy Brown
Campus Planning Assistant Director
Boone County
Scott Kruse
County Engineer
Story County
Darren Moon
County Engineer
Ames Community School Dist.
Gerry Peters
Facilities Director
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† Chair
††Vice-Chair
‡ Advisory, Non-Voting Member
PLANNING PRIORITIES OF THE FY 2020 WORK PROGRAM
The FY 2020 TPWP addresses the planning goals of the Ames Area MPO, which are:
•
Provide a connected transportation system that offers efficient and reliable mobility options for
all modes of travel.
•
Provide a safe transportation system.
•
Consider and mitigate the impacts of the transportation system on the natural and built
environment.
•
Provide an accessible transportation system which fits within the context of its surroundings
and preserves community character.
•
Provide a transportation system that supports the regional economy and efficiently moves
goods.
•
Maintain transportation infrastructure in a state-of-good-repair.
The following documents are developed, updated, or maintained by the Ames Area MPO:
•
Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP)
•
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
•
Public Participation Plan (PPP)
•
Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
•
Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP)
PERFORMANCE-BASED PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Performance based planning and performance management became a focus for State and regional
transportation planning with the signing of the 2012 surface transportation bill Moving Ahead for
Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). This bill included requirements for performance-based planning
and performance management and set seven national goals. The Ames Area MPO must establish and
use a performance-based approach to transportation decision making to support the national goals.
K
EY
T
ERMS
:
Goal
: a broad statement the describes a desired end state
Objective
: a specific, measurable statement that supports achievement of a goal
Performance Measure
: metric used to assess progress towards meeting an objective
Target
: specific level of performance that is desired to be achieved within a certain timeframe
Safety
The safety measures are:
1.
Number of Fatalities
2.
Rate of Fatalities per 100 million VMT
Ames Economic Development
Commission
Drew Kamp
Director of Public Policy & Business
Development
Iowa Dept. of Transportation ‡
Andy Loonan
District 1 Transportation Planner
Federal Highway Administration ‡
Darla Hugaboom
Iowa Division Community Planner
Federal Transit Administration ‡
Daniel Nguyen
Region 7 Community Planner
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3.
Number of Serious Injuries
4.
Rate of Serious Injuries per 100 million VMT
5.
Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Non-motorized Serious Injuries
Rather than setting its own 2015-2019 safety targets, the Ames Area MPO has chosen to support the
Iowa Department of Transportation safety targets as published in the Iowa Highway Safety
Improvement Program 2018 Annual Report. The MPO supports those targets by reviewing and
programming all Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) projects within the MPO boundary that
are included in the Iowa DOT Transportation Improvement Program. Any Iowa DOT sponsored HSIP
projects within the MPO area were selected based on safety performance measures and were
approved by the Iowa Transportation Commission. The Iowa DOT conferred with numerous
stakeholder groups, including the Ames Area MPO, as part of its target setting process. Working in
partnership with local agencies, Iowa DOT safety investments were identified and programmed which
will construct effective countermeasures to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Iowa DOT
projects chosen for HSIP investment are based on crash history, roadway characteristics, and the
existence of infrastructure countermeasures that can address the types of crashes present. The Iowa
DOT continues to utilize a systemic safety improvement process rather than relying on “hot spot” safety
improvements.
Pavement and Bridge
The pavement and bridge measures are:
1.
Percent of Interstate pavements in Good condition
2.
Percent of Interstate pavements in Poor condition
3.
Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Good Condition
4.
Percent of non-Interstate NHS pavements in Poor condition
5.
Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Good condition
6.
Percent of NHS bridges classified as in Poor condition
In September 2018, the Ames Area MPO adopted to support the targets of the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
System and Freight Reliability
The system performance and freight measures are:
1.
Percent of person-miles traveled on the Interstate that are reliable
2.
Percent of person-miles traveled on the non-Interstate NHS that are reliable
3.
Truck Travel Time Reliability Index
In September 2018, the Ames Area MPO adopted to support the targets of the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
Transit Asset Management
The transit asset management targets are:
1.
Equipment: Percent of non-revenue vehicles met or exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
2.
Rolling Stock: Percentage of revenue vehicles met or exceeded Useful Life Benchmark
3.
Facilities: Percentage of assets with condition rating below 3.0 on FTA TERM scale
4.
Infrastructure: Not applicable.
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In May 2017, the Ames Area MPO adopted transit asset management targets, the same as CyRide’s
targets. CyRide modified their targets on the first three elements above and shared their first Transit
Asset Management Plan and modified targets with the Ames Area MPO on October 1, 2018 as
required. The infrastructure performance measure element which FTA requires is limited to rail fixed
guideway assets of which there is not any rail passenger transportation with Ames.
Transit Safety Plan & Safety Performance Targets
As a recipient of urbanized area formula grant funding, the Ames Transit Agency (CyRide) is to
establish and self-certify its initial agency safety plan by July 20, 2020 where safety performance targets
will be established within this plan based on the following safety performance measures FTA
established in the National Public Transportation Safety Plan (NSP) including:
1.
Fatalities
2.
Injuries
3.
Safety Events
4.
System Reliability
CyRide’s Safety Plan, which will be re-certified each year, will include processes and procedures to
implement Safety Management Systems (SMS) at CyRide to anticipate future risks and detect
problems before safety issues occur. This plan will include strategies for minimizing the exposure of
the public, personnel, and property to unsafe conditions and again include safety performance targets.
SMS will support a data-based framework to identify and analyze safety hazards and risks to prioritize
resources towards the mitigation of these issues. As CyRide’s Safety Plan and safety performance
targets are established for FY2021, this information will be shared with the Ames Area MPO after July
20, 2020 as projects are prioritized within the Ames Area MPO’s LRTP, TPWP and TIP.
Performance Management Agreement
The Iowa DOT and the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization agree to the following
provisions. The communication outlined in these provisions between the MPO and Iowa DOT will
generally be through the statewide planning coordinator in the Office of Systems Planning.
1. Transportation performance data
a. The Iowa DOT will provide MPOs with the statewide performance data used in
developing statewide targets, and, when applicable, will also provide MPOs with
subsets of the statewide data, based on their planning area boundaries.
b. If MPOs choose to develop their own target for any measure, they will provide the Iowa
DOT with any supplemental data they utilize in the target-setting process.
2. Selection of performance targets
a. The Iowa DOT will develop draft statewide performance targets for FHWA measures in
coordination with MPOs. Coordination may include in-person meetings, web meetings,
conference calls, and/or email communication. MPOs shall be given an opportunity to
provide comments on statewide targets and methodology before final statewide targets
are adopted.
b. If an MPO chooses to adopt their own target for any measure, they will develop draft
MPO performance targets in coordination with the Iowa DOT. Coordination methods
will be at the discretion of the MPO, but the Iowa DOT shall be provided an opportunity
to provide comments on draft MPO performance targets and methodology prior to final
approval.
3. Reporting of performance targets
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a. Iowa DOT performance targets will be reported to FHWA and FTA, as applicable.
MPOs will be notified when Iowa DOT has reported final statewide targets.
b. MPO performance targets will be reported to the Iowa DOT.
i. For each target, the MPO will provide the following information no later than 180
days after the date the Iowa DOT or relevant provider of public transportation
establishes performance targets, or the date specified by federal code.
1. A determination of whether the MPO is 1) agreeing to plan and program
projects so that they contribute toward the accomplishment of the Iowa
DOT or relevant provider of public transportation performance target, or 2)
setting a quantifiable target for that performance measure for the MPO’s
planning area.
2. If a quantifiable target is set for the MPO planning area, the MPO will
provide any supplemental data used in determining any such target.
3. Documentation of the MPO’s target or support of the statewide or relevant
public transportation provider target will be provided in the form of a
resolution or meeting minutes.
c. The Iowa DOT will include information outlined in 23 CFR 450.216 (f) in any statewide
transportation plan amended or adopted after May 27, 2018, and information outlined in
23 CFR 450.218 (q) in any statewide transportation improvement program amended or
adopted after May 27, 2018.
d. MPOs will include information outlined in 23 CFR 450.324 (f) (3-4) in any metropolitan
transportation plan amended or adopted after May 27, 2018, and information outlined in
23 CFR 450.326 (d) in any transportation improvement program amended or adopted
after May 27, 2018.
e. Reporting of targets and performance by the Iowa DOT and MPOs shall conform to 23
CFR 490, 49 CFR 625, and 49 CFR 673.
4. Reporting of performance to be used in tracking progress toward attainment of critical
outcomes for the region of the MPO
a. The Iowa DOT will provide MPOs with the statewide performance data used in
developing statewide targets, and, when applicable, will also provide MPOs with
subsets of the statewide data, based on their planning area boundaries.
5. The collection of data for the State asset management plans for the NHS
a. The Iowa DOT will be responsible for collecting bridge and pavement condition data for
the State asset management plan for the NHS.
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AIR QUALITY
The Clean Air Act requires the United States Environmental Protection Agency to set limits on how
much of a particular pollutant can be in the air anywhere in the United States. National Ambient Air
Quality Standards are the pollutant limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency; they define the
allowable concentration of pollution in the air for six different pollutants: Carbon Monoxide, Lead,
Nitrogen Dioxide, Particulate Matter, Ozone, and Sulfur Dioxide.
The Clean Air Act specifies
how areas within the country
are designated as either
“attainment” or “non-
attainment” of an air quality
standard and provides
Environmental Protection
Agency the authority to
define the boundaries of
nonattainment areas. For
areas designated as non-
attainment for one or more
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards, the Clean Air Act
defines a specific timetable
to attain the standard and
requires that non-attainment
areas demonstrate
reasonable and steady
progress in reducing air
pollution emissions until such
time that an area can
demonstrate attainment.
Each state must develop and
submit a State
Implementation Plan that addresses each pollutant for which it fails to meet the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards. Individual state air quality agencies are responsible for defining the overall regional
plan to reduce air pollution emissions to levels that will enable attainment and maintenance of the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This strategy is articulated through the State Implementation
Plan.
Regions which do not meet air quality standards are required to develop transportation plans in
conformance with the State Implementation Plan (SIP), including more frequent updates to plans such
the Long Range Transportation Plan.
The Ames Area MPO does not exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and is considered
an attainment area. The Ames area is therefore not subject to air quality conformity requirements,
updating the Long Range Transportation Plan every five years. However, the Ames Area MPO will
perform activities to monitor and promote air quality issues in the region. The State of Iowa provides
grant opportunities through the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) to promote air quality in
Iowa’s transportation system.
Figure 2. U.S. Green Book
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK PROGRAM
The FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program was developed by input from the Ames Area MPO
staff, members of the Transportation Technical Committee, the general public, and the Transportation
Policy Committee. The following milestones describe the process in which the Transportation Planning
Work Program was developed.
March 14, 2019 – Transportation Technical Committee
A review of the draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program by the Transportation
Technical Committee.
March 15 – May 11, 2019 – Public Input Period
A public comment period for the draft FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program was
established from March 15 through May 11. During the comment period, the recommended draft
document was posted on the AAMPO.org website along with notifications distributed to the
general public. Comments could be submitted via online form, e-mail, mail, and by phone.
March 26, 2019 – Transportation Policy Committee Meeting
A review of the FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program by the Transportation Policy
Committee.
April 2019 – Review from Federal and State Partners
Federal and State partners at the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration,
and Iowa Department of Transportation review the Ames Area MPO Draft FY 2020 Transportation
Planning Work Program. By April 30, 2019, the MPO receives comments to address in the final
FY 2020 TPWP document.
May 28, 2019 – Transportation Policy Committee Hearing
Public hearing held by the Transportation Policy Committee to consider adoption of the FY 2020
Transportation Planning Work Program with opportunities from the public to respond and present
to the committee.
PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT
Consultants will be used to perform tasks associated with the Long Range Transportation Plan update
(Task 5). The LRTP update will span three years and included in the FY19, FY20 and the FY 2021
work programs.
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WORK ELEMENTS
Task 1 – Administration and Support
Objective:
To initiate and properly manage the “3-C” planning process, ensuring that it is continuous, cooperative,
and comprehensive, and in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
Previous Work:
•
Administer the FY 2019 Transportation Planning Work Program
•
Develop and approve the FY 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program
•
Complete annual Self Certification
•
Attend Iowa DOT quarterly MPO meetings
•
Quarterly submittals for planning funding reimbursement
•
Filing and reporting routine items required by the Iowa Department of Transportation, Federal
Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration
•
Conducted four Transportation Policy Committee meetings on: July 10, 2018; September 25,
2018; March 26, 2019; and May 28, 2019
•
Conducted three Transportation Technical Committee meetings on: September 6, 2018; March
14, 2019; and May 16, 2019
•
Conduct a public meeting on May 17, 2019
•
Updated meeting agendas, minutes, and materials on the MPO website: www.aampo.org
Description:
This task includes all administrative tasks which support activities of the MPO including the following:
prepare and submit required documents to maintain the continuity and credibility of the planning
process. Sponsor and conduct meetings and provide support to policy and technical committees.
Prepare budgets, maintain financial records, and ensure monies are spent appropriately. Coordinate
activities with participating agencies and other public and private interests.
Purchase/lease supplies, computer equipment and other equipment necessary to carry out planning
efforts. Maintain software and purchase necessary upgrades when beneficial to the MPO.
Task also includes conducting informational meetings, as well as public hearings, to obtain public input
and feedback on ongoing activities. The Public Participation Plan, along with other pertinent documents
maintained and developed by the Ames Area MPO are posted online at www.aampo.org. The Public
Participation Plan will be evaluated for modifications to evolve with communication preferences as
warranted.
The MPO staff will participate in conferences, seminars, meetings, and other training opportunities to
remain familiar with the latest regulations and techniques related to the transportation planning field as
provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, American Planning
Association, Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa Department of Transportation, peer transportation
planning organizations, and other agencies and professional organizations.
FY 2020 Products:
Product
Estimated Timeline
Maintain records and files in accordance with retention requirements
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Complete reports, surveys, and other materials as requested by Federal, State,
or other governmental agencies
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Carry out Annual Certification and all matters required of the certification
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Administration of Transportation Planning Work Program
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Monitor, coordinate, and implement performance measures into MPO planning
processes as required by Federal and State regulation
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Administer meetings of the Transportation Policy Committee and
Transportation Technical Committee
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Participation in regional and state-wide coordination meetings related to
transportation planning
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Marketing and outreach of MPO planning activities
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Participate and organize conferences, trainings, and coordination meetings
pertinent to transportation planning hosted by Federal, State, professional
organizations, or other agencies
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Task 2 – Transportation Improvement Program
Objective:
Develop and maintain a regional program of near-term projects that are consistent with the Ames Area
MPO long range transportation plan.
Previous Work:
•
Ames Area MPO FY 2018 – 2021 Transportation Improvement Program
o Processed required amendments and administrative modifications in accordance with
outline procedures
•
Ames Area MPO FY 2019 – 2022 Transportation Improvement Program
o Development and adoption of the FY 2019 – 2022 Transportation Improvement
Program
o Prepare resolutions supporting regional Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
grant applications
o Update the program to reflect the MPO’s compliance with the FAST-Act, with approved
performance targets.
•
Ames Area MPO FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement Program
o Solicit and select list of local “Surface Transportation Block Grant” program (STBG)
projects for funding
o Develop draft program document for committee review and public participation process
Description:
The Ames Area MPO is responsible for developing the funding program of transportation projects which
use Federal funds or are regionally significant. The MPO carries out a process for soliciting regional
projects for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Transportation Alternatives program
(STBG-TAP). The MPO also reviews regional projects seeking Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program
(ICAAP) funds.
Projects which are awarded Federal funding or are regionally significant are included in the
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is developed in coordination with local
governments, the State of Iowa, and transit operators. Consistent with the Public Participation Plan,
opportunities for public review and comments will be provided for all Transportation Policy Committee
actions on the TIP. Coordination with the Iowa DOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP) will also be undertaken.
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FY 2020 Products:
Product
Estimated Timeline
FY 2019 – 2022 Transportation Improvement Program
Maintain program through processing formal amendments and
administrative modifications as required
Q1
-
-
-
FY 2020 – 2023 Transportation Improvement Program
Develop and adopt the program
Q1
-
-
-
Maintain program through processing formal amendments and
administrative modifications as required
-
Q2 Q3 Q4
FY 2021 – 2024 Transportation Improvement Program
Prepare resolutions supporting regional Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program
(ICAAP) grant applications
Q1 Q2
-
-
Solicit and prioritize list of local "Transportation Alternatives" (TA) projects
for funding
-
-
Q3 Q4
Solicit and select list of local “Surface Transportation Block Grant” program
(STBG) projects for funding
-
-
Q3 Q4
Develop draft program document for committee review and public
participation process
-
-
-
Q4
Task 3 – Comprehensive Planning
Objective:
Integrate transportation planning and land use planning for Ames Area MPO member jurisdictions.
Previous Work:
•
Updated Safe Routes to School maps in summer 2018
•
Attend Midwest Transportation Model user Group quarterly meetings
•
Performed model analysis for potential development scenarios
•
Prepared regional data for use in the Ames travel demand model
o Processed parcel data and land use assignment
o Developed 2015 model network
Description:
Participate in regional activities which enhance the transportation network including data collection,
collaboration with local transportation activities, technical assistance for member agencies, and other
activities promoting a comprehensive approach.
FY 2020 Products:
Product
Estimated Timeline
Prepare updates to the Safe Routes to School map as necessary in
coordination with the Ames Community School District
Q1
-
-
-
Provide technical assistance to local cities in incorporating regional
transportation planning goals and objectives into comprehensive, sub-area,
capital improvement, and other local plans
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Perform data collection and GIS data maintenance of community assets used
in transportation planning analysis, including traffic and trail count data
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Maintain travel demand model including trip generation, trip distribution, trip
assignment, calibration, and validation
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Develop travel demand model following the ISMS (Iowa Standardized Model
Structure) architecture
Q1 Q2
-
-
Traffic signal synchronization review
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Development of Ames Comprehensive Plan growth scenarios
Q1 Q2
-
-
Analyze potential alternative funding sources
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Maintain and update the Regional ITS Architecture as necessary
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Task 4 – Transit Planning
Objective:
Enhance a coordinated, accessible, and efficient transit system.
Previous Work:
•
Human service/transportation provider coordination meetings and plan updates
•
System Redesign Planning
•
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program update
•
Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program reports
•
Title VI Program Update
•
Transit Asset Management Performance Measures
•
MPO Planning Agreement development
Description:
Planning efforts will reflect prioritization of the following areas:
•
Develop safety and security plan for transit
•
Transit Asset Management planning
•
Title VI Program and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan Update submissions
•
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals submission
•
Triennial Federal review of compliance with Federal Transit Administration regulations
•
Participation of transit operators in metropolitan and statewide planning
•
Coordination of non-emergency human service transportation
•
Planning for transit system management and transit services
•
Make transit capital investment decisions through effective system planning
•
Bus stop planning for future ADA improvements
This item involves transit planning issues related to land use and development issues, ridership surveys
and analyses, plans to manage transit agency in accordance to the Federal Transit Administration
guidelines, and the study of student and commuter service. Meetings will be held to facilitate the locally
developed coordinated public transit/human-services transportation plan to improve transportation
services for the low-income, aging and disabled populations within the community. Efforts will
concentrate on improving operating efficiencies of current services and eliminating gaps where and
when transportation is not available. The Transportation Planner may conduct various planning and
ridership studies throughout the year.
FY 2020 Products:
Product
Estimated Timeline
Various transit plans, administration and audits of the following programs
requiring annual certifications by the transit agency: Equal Employment
Opportunity Program (EEO), Title VI Program, Limited English Proficiency
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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(LEP), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Transit Asset Management
Plan, CyRide Safety & Security Plan, Federal Audits/Reviews.
Update 2020-2024 Ames Area MPO Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) as
needed; monthly PTP coordination with Transportation Collaboration and
Human Service Council groups
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Capital/Financial planning to analyze fleet and facility needs for five-year
period
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Transit Service Planning for current/new services
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Transit Management Planning of current/new policies
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Long-term facility expansion studies
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Bus stop amenities planning
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
TAM performance targets and safety performance measures
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Task 5 – Long Range Transportation Planning
Objective:
Provide framework for orderly, efficient growth of an integrated, multi-modal transportation network.
Previous Work:
•
Evaluation of potential schedule for next Long Range Transportation Plan update
•
Update the LRTP as necessary to ensure compliance with transportation planning
requirements
•
Perform model analysis related to long range transportation projects and potential impacts on
the regional network
•
Prepare preliminary schedule of activities for the 2020 LRTP Update
•
Solicit request for consultant to prepare the 2045 LRTP update
•
Implement contract(s) for consultant services
Description:
The 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (titled: Ames Mobility 2040) became effective October 2015.
To support activities of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, the MPO will continue to monitor and
update the plan as necessary. Both in support of the current plan and in anticipation of the update, plan
elements will be monitored.
By October 2020, the Ames Area MPO will adopt an updated Long-Range Transportation Plan. In this
fiscal year, the MPO will conduct a substantial amount of the plan. The updated LRTP will extend the
planning horizon year to 2045 and have significant updates to comply with FAST-Act performance-
based planning requirements. The LRTP update will include private consultant participation to complete
the plan update.
FY 2020 Products:
Product
Estimated Timeline
Update current plan, as necessary, to ensure compliance with transportation
planning requirements
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Coordinate planning effort with area stakeholders and agencies
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Develop draft LRTP chapters
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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FY 2020 BUDGET SUMMARY AND FUNDING SOURCES
Work Hours Summary
Activity
Agency Responsible
Staff Hours
1. Administration
AAMPO
1,086
2. Transportation
Improvement Program
AAMPO
176
3. Comprehensive Planning AAMPO
493
4. Transit Planning
AAMPO
601
5. Long Range Planning
AAMPO
1,004 – AAMPO staff
2,400 – Consultant
Budget Summary
Federal Funds
Activity Total Cost
Total
Local
Match
Total
Federal
Amount
FTA
5305d
New
FTA
5305d
C/O
FHWA
STBG
New
FHWA
STBG
C/O
FHWA
PL New
FHWA PL
C/O
1 - Admin $ 70,000 $ 14,000 $ 56,000 $ - $ - $ -
$ 49,224 $ 3,224 $ 3,552
2 - TIP
$ 15,000 $ 3,000 $ 12,000 $ - $ - $ - $ 10,548 $ 691 $ 761
3 - Comp
$ 50,000 $ 10,000 $ 40,000 $ - $ - $ - $ 35,160 $ 2,303 $ 2,537
4 - Transit $ 44,697 $ 8,939 $ 35,758 $ 33,870 $ 1,888 $ - $ - $ - $ -
5 - LRTP
$ 312,500 $ 62,500 $ 250,000 $ - $ - $ - $219,748 $ 14,394 $ 15,858
Total $ 492,197 $ 98,439 $ 393,758 $ 33,870 $ 1,888 $ -
$ 314,679 $ 20,612 $ 22,709
FTA
5305d
New
FTA
5305d
C/O
FHWA
STBG
New
FHWA
STBG
C/O
FHWA
PL New
FHWA
PL C/O
TOTAL
Starting Available Balances $ 33,870 $ 1,888 $ -
$ 314,679 $ 99,960 $ 22,709 $ 473,106
Programmed $ 33,870
$ 1,888 $ -
$ 314,679 $ 20,612 $ 22,709 $ 393,758
Unobligated Federal Funds $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 79,348 $ -
$ 79,348
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REVISIONS TO THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
The work program is developed annually, however, can be amended at any time throughout the life of
the document. The following section outlines the process to be used to amend the work program.
MPO Approval Process
The Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy Committee is the designated body to approve the scope
and budget of the Transportation Planning Work Program. The Transportation Policy Committee will
consider adopt of the original program as well as all amendments in accordance with the Public
Participation Plan.
Agency Approval
All work program changes require prior written Federal approval, unless waived by the awarding
agency. The following table denotes the approving agency for various changes to work programs.
Revision type
Approving Agency
Request for additional Federal funding
Federal
Transfer of funds between categories, projects, functions, or
activities which exceeds 10 percent of the total work program
budget when the Federal share of the budget exceeds
$150,000
Federal
Revision of the scope or objectives of activities
Federal
Transferring substantive programmatic work to a third party
(consultant)
Federal
Capital expenditures, including the purchasing of equipment
Federal
Transfer of funds allotted for training allowances
Federal
Transfer of funds between categories, projects, functions, or
activities which do not exceed 10% of the total work program
budget, or when the Federal share of the budget is less than
$150,000
Iowa Department of
Transportation
Revisions related to work that does not involve Federal funding
Ames Area MPO
All necessary TPWP approvals are required to be in place prior to the commencement of activity,
purchasing of equipment, or request for reimbursement. As it relates to procurement of equipment and
services, there should be no notification of award, signed contract, placement of an order, or agreement
with a contractor prior to receiving the necessary approval.
All revision requests should be submitted electronically to the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning
and the agency’s District Planner. Documentation for the revisions shall include the following:
•
A resolution or meeting minutes showing the revision’s approval
•
Budget summary table with changes highlighted/noted
•
Modified section(s) of the plan’s work elements with changes highlighted/noted
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17
If all necessary information is provided, the request will then be forwarded to the Federal Highway
Administration and Federal Transit Administration for review and any necessary approvals. Notification
by the approving agency will be in writing.
Revision requests shall, at a minimum, include:
•
A resolution or meeting minutes showing the approval of the revision
•
Budget summary table with changes highlighted/noted
•
Modified section(s) of the plan’s work elements with changes highlighted/noted
Federal Revision Approval
Revisions where FHWA/FTA is the designated approving agency shall require written approval by
FHWA/FTA prior to commencement of activity, purchasing of equipment, or request for reimbursement.
Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning Revision Approval
Revisions where the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning is the designated approving agency shall
require written approval by the Iowa DOT Office of Systems Planning prior to commencement of activity
or request for reimbursement.
Ames Area MPO Revision Approval
Revisions where the MPO or RPA is the approving agency shall be approved by the Policy Board.
COST ALLOCATION PLAN
The local match for salaries and other expenses is a part of the City of Ames Program Budget adopted
by the City of Ames City Council for all personnel and associated expenses. Costs billed will be for
those specified. The main source of local-match funds will come from the City of Ames Road Use Tax
allocation. New FY 2017 funds have been combined with the carryover amounts for expense
allocations. Carryover funds will be used first before new allocations. The Ames Area MPO does not
charge indirect costs.
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Item # AAMPO 6
Date: 03-26-19
AAMPO TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMES AREA 2020-2024 PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION PLAN (PTP)
BACKGROUND:
The federal government requires an annual, locally coordinated planning effort between
human service agencies and transportation providers in order to increase transportation
efficiencies while improving transit for the disabled and elderly populations. The Iowa
Department of Transportation (DOT) charged metropolitan planning organizations with this
task in urbanized areas called a Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP). The Ames Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) has been approving or amending these plans
since March 2007.
Over the past year, CyRide staff has worked with human service agencies and transportation
providers to consider additional transportation needs, issues and priority projects. These
meetings have primarily occurred through the Story County Human Services Council and the
United Way’s Transportation Collaboration Committee. The result of this effort has been a
coordinated plan update for the Ames area.
The most recent transportation reauthorization bill
– Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
Act (FAST Act)
– now only requires that one type of funding (Enhanced Mobility for Seniors
and Individuals with Disabilities) be coordinated through this process. This funding must first
be identified within an approved PTP before being incorporated into the subsequent
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) in order to receive grant funding from the Federal
Transit Administration.
PTP REQUIREMENTS:
Passenger Transportation Plans are due to the Iowa Department of Transportation every five
years. The last
‘full’ plan was approved by the AAMPO Policy Committee in March 2014 with
amendments in May 2015, September 2016 and May 2017 adding specific projects to benefit
the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The fully updated 2020-2024 PTP document is due
to the Iowa DOT by May 1, 2019. T
he “Ames Area MPO 2020-2024 Passenger Transportation
Plan”
(
https://www.cityofames.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=49667
)
, which is attached for the
Policy
Committee’s review, discusses the following required information:
1.
Introduction & Process
: Discussion of coordination efforts and documentation of the
process in how the PTP was completed.
a. Meetings held (pgs. 3-4),
b. Key Participants (pg. 5)
c. Public input (pg. 6)
2.
Inventory and Process Discussion:
Discussion of the following:
a. Existing transportation providers
’ Vehicle Inventory (pgs. 7-18).
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b. Demographics, Limited English proficient (LEP) population analysis, Layout of the
Ames area and how individuals access transportation services. (pgs. 19-29)
3.
Coordination Issues:
Discussion of the following
:
(pgs. 30-37)
a. General assessment of service, management, fleet, and facility needs
b. Status of previously recommended priorities and strategies
c. Recent development that may affect coordination issues
d. Public input received concerning needs and/or coordination issues.
4.
Priorities and Strategies:
Describes proposed strategies for the next five years that could
eventually lead to projects.
a. Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities funding (Section
5310) must be specifically included in the PTP. (pgs. 38-47)
b. Other potential projects
5.
Funding:
Includes a brief overview of federal, state and local funding opportunities and
expectations of what is reasonably achievable over the next five years and what funding
sources will be sought to meet strategies. (pgs. 48-61)
In January 2019, the Human Services Council (human service and transportation providers)
reviewed the PTP update and voted to recommend these identified priorities and strategies on
to the AAMPO to be incorporated into the PTP update. Additionally, the Iowa DOT reviewed
the PTP draft in February and offered no comments to the plan. The AAMPO Technical
Committee reviewed the plan on March 14, 2019, offered no changes and recommended the
document to the AAMPO for formal approval. The Ames Area 2020-2024 Passenger
Transportation Plan can be viewed at
https://www.cityofames.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=49667
.
The AAMPO Policy Committee is required to approve the PTP along with the recommended
program for submittal to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Federal Transit
Administration by May 1, 2019. Projects for Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities must be in an approved PTP update before approving any projects within the
annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the final Ames Area MPO 2020-2024 Passenger Transportation Plan for
submission to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration.
2. Approve the final Ames Area MPO 2020-2024 Passenger Transportation Plan with AAMPO
Policy committee modifications for submission to the Iowa Department of Transportation
and Federal Transit Administration.
3. Do not approve the Passenger Transportation Plan Update.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDATION:
Approving this plan will allow CyRide to include projects within the TIP and apply for grant
funding to support transportation services in the Ames community. Therefore, it is the
Administrator
’s recommendation that the AAMPO Policy Committee adopt Alternative No. 1. If
comments are made at the Policy Committee meeting, Alternative No. 2 might also be
considered.
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Ames Area MPO 2020 - 2024
Final Passenger Transportation Plan
March 2019
Prepared By:
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Table of Contents
I – INTRODUCTION & PROCESS .................................................................................................................. 2
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 2
PROCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Passenger Transportation Development Plan Meetings ........................................................................... 3
II – INVENTORY & AREA PROFILE ............................................................................................................... 7
EXISTING PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SERVICE ........................................................................... 7
A.
Airports .......................................................................................................................................... 7
B.
Taxi Service ................................................................................................................................... 7
C.
School Transportation .................................................................................................................... 7
D.
Charter ................................................................................................................................. 8
E.
Shuttle Service to Airport ......................................................................................................10
F. ..... Public Transit Providers (Fixed Route & Demand Response. ....................................................... 10
G...... Iowa RideShare ............................................................................................................................ 12
H.
RideSharing Services ................................................................................................................... 12
I.
RSVP Volunteer Transportation Program ..................................................................................... 13
J.
Intercity Bus ................................................................................................................................. 14
K.
Client Transportation Providers .................................................................................................... 16
AREA PROFILE ........................................................................................................................................ 19
A. Location ............................................................................................................................................ 19
B. Demographics .................................................................................................................................. 20
C. Limited English Proficient (LEP) Population ...................................................................................... 21
D. Layout of Study Area ............................................................................................................................... 24
III – COORDINATION ISSUES ..................................................................................................................... 30
GENERAL ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................................... 30
STATUS OF PREVIOUSLY RECOMMENDED PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES .................................... 33
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 34
IV – PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES .......................................................................................................... 38
V – FUNDING .............................................................................................................................................. 48
Federal Transit Assistance Programs ........................................................................................................ 49
Federal Flexible Funds Available to Transit ............................................................................................... 54
State Programs .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Local Funding ............................................................................................................................................ 58
VI – CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 61
APPENDIX
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 2
I – INTRODUCTION & PROCESS
INTRODUCTION
Transportation is the foundation for all individuals to access employment, education, medical care,
social activities, and recreational opportunities within the Ames community. For those individuals
without a personal vehicle due to personal circumstance, accessing these critical needs is still vital. For
some, taking public transit is just part of the university life while attending school. For others, limiting
vehicles in the household is a “green” lifestyle choice for a better environment while others choose and
prefer alternative transportation to the automobile. But regardless of preferred choice or hardship,
mobility throughout the Ames community is essential to maintain connections and independent ––
lifestyles we all cherish.
The Ames Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) is an effort of providing key community decision
makers with the knowledge of how individuals are currently being transported throughout Ames, the
additional transportation needs and service requests identified, and recommended strategies or
projects to overcome these needs. The plan, developed by Ames transportation providers and
human/health service agency representatives, focuses on improving transportation access and
availability for the community with an emphasis towards low-income, elderly and disabled populations.
The process also allows opportunity to coordinate together to bring knowledge of what, where and
when transportation services are available; how to use them; and then how to provide the most
efficient service with available identified resources.
Federal transit law requires that projects receiving Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities formulized funding (Section 5310 program) be included in a locally developed, coordinated
public transit-human services transportation plan. The Iowa Department of Transportation further
requires each metropolitan planning organization or regional planning alliance to conduct this planning
effort to receive this type of federal “transit” funding distributed by the State. They additionally
encourage the coordination with other types of federal and state funding but it is not required. However,
coordinating transportation services offers a way to communicate transportation services offered by all
transportation providers while ensuring the efficient use of funding for existing or new services that
benefit the entire community.
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has been conducting this coordinated planning effort
since 2008 in response to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s requirement to develop a passenger
transportation plan that includes an honest effort to jointly involve human service agencies/organizations,
private transportation providers, and transit systems in the PTP process and consider all passenger
transportation needs and services. The PTP must be updated, at a minimum, every five years add this
planning effort as one of several inputs into the long-range transportation plan. Finally, the AAMPO Policy
Board must approve this document, as well as any amendments.
In addition, at least two transportation collaboration meetings are required each year and must be
submitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of System Planning within the PTP by
February 1st. On years when the full PTP is not due, then minutes from these two transportation
coordination meetings must be submitted by July 31
st
of each year.
The following items detail the required sections for the full Passenger Transportation Plan.
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 3
PROCESS
Sixty-nine organizations throughout Ames collaborated through approximately
26 meetings/tasks
over
the past year into the development of the Ames PTP. Formal involvement of the PTP occurs through
the Story County Human Services Council (HSC) which meets monthly when Iowa State University is in
session. The meetings and minutes from this group are located on th
e
Story County Human Service
Council
w
ebsite
(
http://storycountyhumanservices.org/meetings-2/
)
and on the Ames Area Metropolitan
Planning Organization
(
https://www.cityofames.org/government/aampo/passenger-transportation-
plan/transportation-collaboration
)
website. These identified organizations identify transportation needs
throughout the community, strategies on how to resolve these needs as well as provides consensus
regarding the recommended projects included within the plan to forward to the AAMPO for formal
approval. However, the major emphasis for HSC is networking with other human service agency
representatives and updates on the ASSET process which provides funding for many human service
agencies. The AAMPO representative, Shari Atwood, whom coordinates the PTP process for Ames is
the current co-chair for this group on the HSC executive board. Ms. Atwood develops the agendas and
helps guide the monthly meetings programs with the rest of the HSC board by encouraging monthly
participation at meetings. Ms. Atwood discusses the PTP update with the HSC and updates the
membership on specific transit issues, particularly CyRide, throughout the year.
In 2007, the
United Way of Story County (UWSC)
b
egan the Transportation Collaboration (TC) providing
a smaller forum for human service agencies and transportation providers to discuss transportation
issues. The United Way of Story County identified transportation as one of its core areas to focus upon
citing it in their past campaign efforts and continues to support transportation coordination. The TC
currently meets quarterly through the year where only transportation issues are discussed.
Transportation projects previously funded by UWSC include a car seat program, bus education, car
maintenance/ insurance forums, emergency gas voucher program, medical transportation to University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, HIRTA’s mobile data terminals and t
he
Story County Transportation
“Anyone Can Ride” brochure
(www.cyride.com/sct
).
Passenger Transportation Development Plan Meetings
The following
26
meetings/tasks, contained
within the Appendices with subsequent
notes/minutes; if taken, were held to discuss
transportation issues and needs of the Ames
community. However, all these meetings
provided opportunities to gain knowledge from
providers on new technology or inventory of
Mobility Is…
Knowledge of transportation
services available and how
to use them
vehicles. Any needs identified through meetings held below were discussed and are identified within
the PTP plan. Public input, if received, was documented through the minutes of these meetings.
Human Services Council – PTP Meetings
February 22, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 2-22-2018
March 22, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 3-22-2018 (HSC Secretary did not save
minutes in HSC Google Drive or post online);
Agenda 3-22-2018
(Shari
Atwood with CyRide provided Agency Spotlight on Dial-A-Ride ADA
service)
April 26, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 4-26-2018
May 24, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 5-24-2018
No summer meetings
September 27, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 9-27-2018
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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October 25, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 10-24-2018
December 6, 2018
Human Service Council Minutes 12-6-2018
January 24, 2019
Human Service Council Minutes 1-24-2019;
Agency Sharing 1-23-2014
2020-2024 Transportation Needs/Strategies/Projects
Transportation Collaboration Meetings (TC)
January 10, 2018
Transportation Collaboration Meeting Agenda
/
Minutes
April 11, 2018
Transportation Collaboration Meeting Agenda/Minutes
August 11, 2018
Transportation Collaboration Meeting
Agenda
/
Minutes
October 10, 2018
Transportation Collaboration Meeting
Agenda
/
Minutes
January 9, 2019
Transportation Collaboration Meeting
Agenda
/
Minutes
Educational Meetings/Presentations Regarding CyRide 2.0 Service Changes Implemented
May 2018 (Summer 2018 Service Changes) & August 2018 (School Year 2018-2019 Changes)
https://www.cyride.com/cyride2.0
November 16, 2017
CyRide 2.0
Service Change Public Meeting (Summer & School Year 2018)
January 26, 2018
Engaging International Spouses Group
March 20, 2018
Cyclones Aktion Club
March 22, 2018
Story County Human Service Council
April 10, 2018
City of Ames New Employee Orientation Group
April 11, 2018
Transportation Collaboration Committee
Spring 2018
Towers Residence Hall Group
Spring 2018
Ames Chamber Business Group
Spring 2018
Central Iowa Epilepsy Support Group
November 13, 2018
CyRide 2.0 Service Change Public Meeting (Summer & School Year 2019)
Other Meetings/Tasks
March 30, 2018
HIRTA/CyRide Semiannual Meeting
May 1, 2018
HIRTA/CyRide Semiannual Meeting
May 5, 2018
CyRide 2.0
Summer Service Began
Major changes include:
•
#4 Gray route ends 5/5/2018; replace with EASE
•
#5 Yellow (shorten route to operate with 40-foot bus; increase frequency to 30
minutes all day Weekdays & Saturday
•
#9 Plum - operates weekdays - 40 minute frequency
•
#10 Pink (route ends 5/5/2018; replace with EASE)
•
EASE - East Ames Service Extension (New service; s
ee
EASE Brochure
)
August 13, 2018
CyRide 2.0
School Year Service Began
Major changes include:
• #1 Red
• #2 Green
• #3 Blue
• #5 Yellow (implemented summer 2018)
• #6 Brown
• #7 Purple
• #9 Plum (no changes from school year 2017, but now
will operate 40 minute service over I S U breaks)
• #11 Cherry (re-branded 1A Red)
• #12 Lilac (New route)
• #14 Peach (New route; replaces #3
Blue North and #23 Vet Med trips)
• #21 Cardinal (timepoint change only)
• #23 Orange (more frequent service
shown)
• #24 Silver (eliminated due to low
ridership; access S-lots via #3 Blue or
#14 Peach)
• #25 Gold (New route)
• EASE - East Ames Service Extension
(implemented summer 2018)
September 12th, 2018
Central Iowa Mobility Symposium (Des Moines)
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 5
The AAMPO has compiled an extensive e-mail database listing of Ames’ human/health service
agencies and private-public transportation providers it utilizes in obtaining transportation needs and
suggestions to improve transportation services for the community. A great number of these agencies
attend/participate in either the Human Service Council or Transportation Collaboration contributing
toward PTP collaboration efforts. This listing has also been utilized in the past few years for gaining
letters of support for several successful national discretionary grants for CyRide transit projects within
the Ames community. This email listing has also served to communicate about alternative
transportation, to communicate CyRide 2.0 new/revised services or to relay local sales or donation of
used equipment to non-profit agencies such as vehicles, bicycles, furniture and printers. Overall
communication between human service providers and coordination for increased public transit services
has vastly improved as a result of this process.
Key PTP participants are listed below:
1. Ames Community Preschool Center (ACPC)
2. Aging Resources of Central Iowa
3. Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
4. Ames Community Schools
5. Ames Police Department
6. Ames Public Library
7. A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy (AMOS)
8. Assault Care Center (ACCESS)
9. At Home Care Company
10. Bickford Assisted Living
11. Boost Together for Children
12. Boys & Girls Club of Story County
13. Burlington Trailways
14. Camp Fire USA
15. Center for Child Care Resources
16. Center for Creative Justice
17. Childserve
18. Childcare Resource & Referral
19. CIT
20. City of Ames
21. Community & Family Resources (CFR)
22. Community Partnerships for Protecting Children
(CPPC)
23. Creative Counseling
24. CyRide
25. DMACC/ALP Adult Literacy Program
26. Emergency Resident Project (ERP)
27. Epilepsy Foundation
28. Executive Express
29. Experience Works (EI)
30. Eyerly Ball
31. Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
32. Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance (GNEA)
33. Heartland Senior Services (HSS)
34. Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA)
Public Transit
35. Homeward
36. Iowa Comprehensive Human Service &
Iowa Homeless Youth
37. Iowa Workforce Development
38. ISU Extension & Outreach
39. ISU Story County Extension
40. ISU Memorial Union
41. Jefferson Lines
42. Kiwanis Club of Ames
43. Legal Aid Society
44. Life Connections
45. Life Line Resources
46. Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI):
People Place/Crisis Childcare
47. Madrid Home Communities
48. Mainstream Living
49. Mary Greeley Medical Center
50. Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA):
Health Services
51. Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA):
Family Development
52. National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Iowa
(NAMI- CI)
53. Nevada Chamber of Commerce
54. Optimae Life Services
55. Parent Partner
56. Planned Parenthood
57. Raising Readers
58. Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
59. Riverside Manor
60. Story County
61. Story County Community Services
62. Story County Medical Center
63. The Arc of Story County
64. The Salvation Army
65. University Community Childcare
66. United Way of Story County (UWSC)
67. Volunteer Center of Story County (VCSC)
68. Youth & Shelter Services (YSS)
69. YWCA (Engaging International
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 6
Public Input
Public input into needs and projects essential come from the public calling into the public transit system
about issues they may be having on the service and through feedback through public meetings,
including board meetings. CyRide receives public comments from passengers via telephone or e-mail,
anytime throughout the year regarding requests for services and passes those needs along through the
Ames Area MPO’s PTP effort. CyRide’s policy is to address any customer comment within 24-hours of
receiving the comment and to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The formal written comments are
officially documented within an access database so that they are addressed in a timely manner. In
addition, CyRide reviews its route system to determine if there are significant load capacity issues on
certain routes. CyRide’s policy is to review the trip before and trip after the trip in question and if there
is not capacity on those trips either; add an additional bus for the trip.
Last year, CyRide underwent a system redesign of its entire route structure which was formally approved
for implementation in November 2017. CyRide dubbed the service CyRide 2.0 which was implemented
in the summer and fall of 2018. All of CyRide routes were modified except for two routes – the #21
Cardinal and #8 Aqua. The remaining routes changed alignment along corridors, had frequency
changes or were eliminated and replaced with an on-demand service. The CyRide 2.0 services are not
funded under Section 5310 funding, therefore no approvals of these modifications were warranted
through the PTP process. However, members of the Transportation Collaboration and Human Services
Council were invited to participate within focus groups during the system redesign study as well as were
updated throughout the year-long study and prior to implementation. CyRide continues to assess its
routes and capacity issues each semester as university enrollment changes which drives ridership within
Ames.
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II – INVENTORY & AREA PROFILE
EXISTING PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
A. Airports
The Ames Municipal Airport is
owned and operated by
the City of Ames and located within the Ames’
corporate boundaries just south of US Highway 30 and
west of US Highway 69 providing excellent access to
the community and to the Interstate.
An airport board established by the city provides
guidance in managing the airport. The FAA recognizes
the airport as playing a role in the national airport
system and includes the airport in the National Plan of
Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a general
aviation airport, which makes the airport eligible for
federal funding. Iowa’s Aviation System Plan identifies
the Ames Municipal Airport as an Enhanced Service
airport. Enhanced Service airports have runways 5,000
feet or greater in length with facilities and services that
accommodate a full range of general aviation activity,
including most business jets. The airport serves
business aviation and is a regional transportation and
economic center in the state. Specific airport information can be found on their website at
https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/public-works/ames-municipal-
airport/general-information
.
In 2017, the City of Ames leased the municipal airport to Central Iowa Air Service, the current Fixed
Base Operator. The City of Ames owns and operates the airport.
Its services include:
100LL and Jet A
fuel, full service; charter flights; parking and hangars (for transient aircraft); aircraft maintenance;
Passenger terminal and lounge ; flight school/flight training; Crew cars; hangar rental; pilot
lounge/snooze room/shower; aircraft rentals;; restrooms; and flight planning room.
The nearest passenger air service is available in Des Moines, Iowa approximately 40 miles from Ames.
B. Taxi Service
Taxi service within the City of Ames is provided by Ames Taxi also referred to as Cyclone Cab and can
be reached by calling (515)-232-1343 or (515)-233-3324. They operate between five and seven
vehicles for their operations of which none are ADA accessible. However, they do offer the ability to
fold up the wheelchair in the trunk of the taxicab. Their cabs are insured to transport 100 miles from
Ames and actually have two vehicles that can travel anywhere within the United States. Ames Taxi is
included within the e-mail database being sent out regarding any collaborative meetings for
transportation; however they have yet to participate within collaboration meetings. Two on-street taxi
parking locations were planned into the development of the Ames
Intermodal Facility to facilitate easy pick up or drop off of passengers
wanting intercity bus or airport shuttle services.
C. School Transportation
Durham, Inc, a nationally owned private charter company, currently
provides the transportation for Ames School District for the following
schools: Ames High School, Ames Middle School, Edwards
Elementary, Fellows Elementary, Meeker Elementary, Mitchell
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 8
Elementary and Sawyer Elementary. According to Iowa State law, Elementary and Middle school students
are entitled to free transportation if they live more than two miles from their designated school for
attendance. High school students are entitled to free transportation if they live more than three miles.
However, other factors may determine a student’s eligibility for transportation. Eligibility for this free bus
service is determined as students register for transportation and makes changes in eligibility only at the
start of the school year or second semester. For more information go to
http://www.ames.k12.ia.us/district/departments/business-services/transportation/
As mentioned above, the Ames School District also realizes that some consideration needs to occur for
students that live within 2 miles (3 miles for high school) from school. This service is called “Discretionary
Busing Service”. Any students living within this distance may request discretionary busing and are
approved on a first come, first serve basis. These students must live or have child care on/near an
existing Durham Ames bus route, must be able to get to an established bus stop, have available seat for
them and also pay a fee for this service. Busing is not guaranteed outside elementary school boundaries
however all preschool/early kindergarten students are discretionary riders. Discretionary pricing rates are
available to view at the following location:
http://www.ames.k12.ia.us/district/departments/business-
services/transportation/
.
All preschool/early kindergarten students are considered discretionary bus riders
and must pay for their transportation regardless of the mileage to school. Finally, those students who
qualify for Free and Reduced Meals and fill out the waiver can have the results applied for busing
discounts. All route information including location and time of pickups are handled by Durham School
Services.
According to Durham’s local Transportation Coordinator, Durham transports approximately 3,000 kids to
and from school each day in Ames. Durham has a total of 46 buses in their fleet for Ames school
transportation of which five are ADA accessible. Durham also has two suburban vehicles that they utilize
to transport students to out of boundary schools either for at-risk youth or for students that attend other
districts for specialized educational needs. These vehicles may also be utilized to transport new students
or students that move mid-year that cannot be accommodated until the bus routes/schedules are modified.
Note that both the Ames Middle School (
#1 Red
) and Ames High School
(#2 Green
) a
re both located on,
or within walking distance, of CyRide’s fixed route bus routes that operate 359 days a year through the
Ames community. There are also numerous elementary schools along bus routes as well. Any student
living along a public city bus route can investigate public transit options at
www.cyride.com
and
can ride for
50 cents per ride. Several elementary schools purchase reduced fare CyRide bus tickets to distribute to
students that need transportation periodically to eliminate not having a ride to school as one of the
barriers in getting students to school for an education. For a few years, the United Way has funded public
transit bus tickets for the youth that were distributed through the Alternative Learning Program (ALP)
through the schools to help at risk youth get to and from school.
D. Charter
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) maintains a charter registration website for private charter
companies to register where they conduct business throughout the nation. This website provides a listing
of private charter operators serving communities throughout the nation and is subject to change at any
time. To access this website, go to:
https://ftawebprod.fta.dot.gov/CharterRegistration/(S(y5pc2yb3xlddc255jthj4kmq))/Default.aspx
.
As of January 28, 2019, there are 36 charter companies registered to conduct charters in Ames as shown
on the following page:
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 9
FTA Registered Charter Companies Performing Work to/from Ames, Iowa
ORGANIZATION NAME
STATE
CITY
EMAIL
PHONE
NUMBER
Capital Motor Lines
AL
Montgomery
jmf@capitaltrailways.com
334-832-4166
Capital Motor Lines
AL
Montgomery
jmf@capitaltrailways.com
334-832-4166
Mountain Home Cha
rter Service, Inc.
AR
Mountain home
mhcs@centurytel.net
870-508-5331
Dorr Distribution Systems, Inc
CA
Castroville
rich@discoverycharters
.com
831-633-2877
Nason Partners, LLC
CT
Torrington
sales@kelleytransit.com
860-489-9243
A BUCKHEAD BUS CO
MPANY
GA
LAWRENCEVILL
INFO@BUCKHEADCOACH
.COM
404-296-2923
Eagle Christian Tours
GA
Rome
office@eaglechristiantours.com
706-314-8684
Joye Darwin
GA
Emerson
leisuretimebus@bellsouth.net
770-382-7726
Windstar Lines
, Inc.
IA
Carroll
info@gowindstar.com
712-792-4221
Windstar Lines, Inc.
IA
Carroll
pat@gowindstar.com
712-792-4221
Lawson Enterprises I
nc., LLC
IL
Coal Valley
info@actiitransportatio
n.com
800-769-8891
Miller Transportation
KY
Louisville
john@millertransportation.com
502-368-5644
Tri-City Charter of Bos
sier, Inc.
LA
Bossier City
sales@tricitycharter.com
318-747-4754
Hospitality Enterprises, Inc.
LA
New Orleans
zwebster@bigeasy.com
504-587-1620
Cavalier Coach Corp.
MA
Dedham
cavaliercoach@mindsprin
g.com
617-330-1234
Adventures By Dawn L
LC
MD
Accokeek
erica@abdtours.com
301-868-1141
Adventures By Dawn LLC
MD
Accokeek
erica@abdtours.com
301-868-1141
Huskey bus @ Transporta
tion Services Inc
MO
Festus
kenth@huskeybus.com
636-937-8481
karst stage
MT
Bozeman
ccornwell@karststage.co
m
406-556-3506
Paradise Tra
nsportation, Inc.
NY
Roosevelt
glebron@rideparadise.net
516-870-0558
D & L Charter
OH
Canton
ajk@greatdaytours.com
440-526-5350
Passenger Tran
sportation Specialists Inc
OK
Oklahoma City
sales@redcarpetcharters.
com
405-672-5100
Fullington Autobus Company
PA
Clearfield
jason@fullingtontours.com
814-765-2455
Atchison Transportation Servic
es, Inc.
SC
Spartanburg
spencer@atchisontransport.
com
864-595-1234
Carolina Transit of The Low Country LL
C
SC
Hilton Head
carolinatransit@yahoo.com
843-681-3970
GBJ Inc
TX
Houston
reservations@afchouston.com
713-988-5466
Southwes
tern Coaches, Inc
TX
Killeen
charters@arrowtrailways.com
254-526-0545
Kayote Outfitters
TX
Harlingen
Sales@kayoteoutfitters.com
956-975-4536
Venture Tours
VA
Virginia Beach
darlene@venturebustours.com
757-494-1480
A Goff Limousine a
nd Bus Company LLC
VA
Ruckersville
mail@agofflimo.com
434-979-5466
LW Transportation Charter Service LLC
VA
Chantilly
beth@lw-transportatio
n.com
703-930-6269
Magic carpet Tours
VA
Richmond
magiccarpettours@aol.com
804-232-0082
BRT Transportation,
LLC
VA
Lynchburg
info@brttransportation.com
855-446-7868
FREEDOM TOURS NW IN
C.
WA
WINLOCK
diane@freedomtoursnw.com
360-785-3188
Badger Coaches, Inc.
WI
Madison
info@badgerbus.com
608-310-4861
Gold Star Coaches & C
harter Inc
WI
Fond du Lac
Jared@goldstartours.co
m
920-922-2995
FTA makes little effort to verify the accuracy of these previous private charter operators or the
completeness of information provided on the website may change without notice. Of these 36 registered
charter companies, two are only housed in Iowa and they are the same company. Additionally, there
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Ames Area MPO PTP
Page 10
are 18 out of the 36 listed willing to provide free or reduced rates within Ames. Federal regulations
actually prohibit public transit providers from conducting charters with a few minor exceptions. One of
those exceptions is providing charters to registered qualified human service agencies or agencies
receiving certain federal funding already defined within FTA’s charter regulations. However, there are
not any registered qualified human service organizations listed within the Ames community.
Within Ames Story County Area DEX phone book, charter companies are identified under Buses –
Charter and Rental with the following single charter company listed:
Charter Company
Location
Hawkeye Stages Inc
Iowa City, Iowa
CyRide typically refers any charter requests to CIT Signature Charters located in Ames, Iowa when
requests come through for this type of service since they are locally based. CIT is not registered o
n
FTA’s
charter company webpage
.
E. Shuttle Service to Airport
Executive Express (
www.executiveexpress.biz)
, a private airport shuttle company, began taking
reservations for trips between Ames and the Des Moines International Airport in August 2009. Prior to this,
CyRide provided a limited trip shuttle service to the airport before and after the university student breaks.
Executive Express offered more frequent service to passengers. This service thereby reduced the need for
transportation to the airport via CyRide that had been a previous community need. In addition, Executive
Express provided a safer location for luggage to be contained for the ride to and from Des Moines.
Executive Express currently provides trips 14 times a day, seven days a week, leaving Ames between
3:45 AM and 10:45 PM. They operate out of the Ames Intermodal Facility (AIF) at 129 Hayward Ave and
have an additional pick up in east Ames at the Quality Inn & Suites at 2601 E. 13th Street. The AIF opened
in June 2012 providing office space for Executive Express to sell tickets as well as a comfortable inside
waiting area for their passengers. The AIF also offers an inside garage area for Executive Express to park
their two vehicles. Executive Express brings in additional vehicles before and after the holidays (winter
break or spring break) when the university students go on long breaks. Fares fluctuate depending on the
number of passengers booking a trip but begin at $48 round trip for one person. If a person calls
Executive Express, discounts are available for $10 per person roundtrip. Additionally, kids under 7 always
ride free and kids under 18 ride free with two paying adults if you call in your reservation. There are more
discounts
(
https://www.executiveexpress.biz/discounts
)
for seniors, AAA members, active military, SAVE
PACK and travel rewards logs.. Specific information on what times Executive Express leaves the Ames
community for the Des Moines Airport can be found at
https://www.executiveexpress.biz/city/ames-iowa-
state-university
or
https://www.executiveexpress.biz/city/ames-east-side
.
F. Public Transit Providers (Fixed Route & Demand Response)
Public transit operations within the Ames metropolitan area consist o
f
Ames Transit Agency (CyRide)
(
www.cyride.com
)
for fixed-route transportation throughout the Ames community, including ADA
Paratransit and
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA)
(
www.hirtapublictransit.com
)
that operates
demand response public transit throughout Story County.
CyRide is a collaborative partnership between the City of Ames, Iowa State University and ISU’s
Government of the Student Body. CyRide operates 14 fixed routes, a Dial-A-Ride service for persons with
a disability, and a late night service called Moonlight Express. The fixed routes and Dial-A-Ride operate
every day of the year except Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
New Year's Day. Moonlight Express, our free late night bus service, operates from 10:30pm - 3:00 am on
Friday and Saturday nights when Iowa State University is in full session (summers excluded). All fixed
route trips shown in the timetables are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed (pets that
are not service animals are prohibited).
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HIRTA operates door-to-door demand-response transit service in the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper,
Madison, Marion, Story and Warren. HIRTA provides the service directly for Story County however the
days and hours of service they provide differ by the county. Anyone can ride this transit service, not just
those with disabilities. HIRTA offers same day service within the Ames community. For more
information visi
t
http://www.hirtapublictransit.com/
.
Below is a synopsis of the types of services provided via CyRide and HIRTA:
Type of Service
Fixed-Route
Public Transit Service
ADA Complimentary
Service
(Dial-A-Ride)
Demand Response
Public Transit Service
for Story County
Operator
Ames Transit Agency
(CyRide)
HIRTA
(CyRide
subcontractor)
HIRTA
(direct operation)
Service Area
City of Ames
City of Ames
Story County
Who is Eligible?
General Public
General Public
(as ADA eligible)
General Public, Seniors and
Persons with Disabilities
Days of Operation
359 days/year
359 days/year
Weekdays
Monday-Friday
6am – 12am
6am – 12am
7am – 5:30pm (outside
Ames)
Saturday
8am – 12am
8am – 12am
7:30am – 6pm
(within Ames only)
Sunday
9am – 12am
9am – 12am
8:30am – 6pm
(within Ames only)-
Holidays
Closed: New Years
Day, July 4
th
, Memorial
Day, Thanksgiving,
and Christmas.
Closed: New Years
Day, July 4
th
, Memorial
Day, Thanksgiving,
and Christmas.
Closed: New Years Day,
July4
th
, Memorial Day,
Thanksgiving, and
Christmas.
Fare Structure
(one-way)
FULL FARE = $1.00
REDUCED FARE =
$0.50 (Elderly/disabled,
K-12 students,
Medicare cardholders &
Medicaid cardholders)
Free; ISU students
(ISU student ID
Required) More Info at:
www.cyride.com/fares
$2.00
$6.00 (east of Skunk
River)
$2.00 (in Ames)
$4.00 (in Story County)
$1.00 suggested fare
(low-income passengers;
prior approval required)
$10.00/round trip
(Ames-Iowa City)
$25.00/hour
(outside Story County)
Fleet
Articulated Bus = 6
Heavy duty 40’ bus = 77
Light duty bus = 8
(Buses 100%
accessible) Trucks = 2
Administrative = 5
Light duty buses = 21 (1 leased from CyRide)
Vans = 3 (1 leased from CyRide)
100% accessible
Prior to May 2018, CyRide also contracted with the yellow school bus provider
,
Durham, Inc
(
http://www.durhamschoolservices.com/
)
, to aid in providing fixed-route trippers during peak hours
when heavy loads on certain fixed-routes occur. Durham would typically drop off students at school,
and then assist CyRide by picking up one trip of university students heading towards campus as they
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are returning to the garage. Durham operated up to 7 trippers for CyRide when ISU was in session.
CyRide could alleviate pulling out additional buses for single heavy morning trip(s) into campus and
utilize these Durham trippers instead. However, a few things changed to make this collaboration not
so advantageous anymore. First of all, several morning trips became overloaded instead of just one
signal trip that Durham provided added capacity for so CyRide had to pull out another bus anyhow.
Prior to CyRide 2.0, Durham helped meet that additional capacity (buses/drivers) required for certain
trips. With the implementation of CyRide 2.0, CyRide became more efficient in the number of
vehicles required for peak pull out which in turn provided additional availability in-house when an
extra bus was needed. Secondly, after additional training, CyRide’s drug and alcohol program
manager (DAPM) discovered that Durham’s national policy was out of compliance with FTA
regulations
49 CFR Part 655
(
https://transit-
safety.fta.dot.gov/drugandalcohol/regulations/regulations/49cfr655/49cfr655.pdf
)
. Therefore, CyRide
eliminated all tripper service provided by Durham due to these issues and concerns.
CyRide contracts wit
h
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency
(
HIRTA) to provi
de
CyRide’s
complementary ADA service
(
https://www.cyride.com/schedules/dial-a-ride-ada-paratransit
)
, called Dial-
A-Ride (DAR), within the Ames community. This service serves passengers that cannot otherwise ride
CyRide’s fixed-route buses due to a disability. All passengers must be approved by CyRide to ride this
service. The DAR service allows qualified individuals per the Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
guidelines ride this door-to-door service for twice the fare of the fixed-route system. CyRide reduced the
fixed route fares to $1.00 per ride in May 2018 with the implementation of CyRide 2.0. The DAR service
remained unchanged as rates weren’t raised to twice the fixed route fare in January 2012 when the
fares increased to $1.25. The DAR services mirrors the hours/days of the fixed-route system providing
service to anywhere in the City of Ames when CyRide operates.
G. Iowa RideShare
In October 2016, Iowans began to have a new online way to connect with other commuters who want to
consolidate trips using a car pool or van pool statewide
.
IowaRideshare.org
uses technology to connect
people coming and going to the same location throughout the entire state of Iowa. Bicycle and walking
buddies can also be matched using the secure website. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)
partnered with Des Moines Regional Transit Authority (DART), Metropolitan Area Planning Agencies
(MAPA), East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) and The University of Iowa to integrate
their regional vanpool and carpool databases and consolidate into one system. Individuals may utilize this
online commute matching system to travel with others on a one-time need basis or to commute to work on
a daily basis.
H. RideSharing Services
The City of Ames currently does not offer an organized vanpooling/carpooling program. However, the
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) in Des Moines, Iowa offers a rideshare program,
including carpooling and vanpooling, for the entire central Iowa region (all counties surrounding Polk
County) which includes Story County and the City of Ames. Individuals are also referred to the Iowa
RideShare free carpool database to search for existing carpools if vanpools are not available.
Individuals can put in their relevant commuter data and the database will provide a way to contact other
individuals doing the same trip in their single passenger vehicles. Neither DART nor the Iowa DOT
keeps a database of these organized carpools once they are formed. For more information on DART’s
vanpool/carpool program go to
:
https://www.ridedart.com/services/rideshare
.
As of January 31, 2019, DART was operating seven vans from Ames to the Des Moines metropolitan
area for work purposes carrying a total of 53 commuters including drivers. Two of the vans, a total of 12
commuters, operate to West Des Moines and the rest, 41 commuters, travel to Des Moines. No DART
vanpools currently operate from Des Moines to Ames for work purposes. Costs of the vanpool service
differ depending on the number of passengers within each vanpool and the daily round trip van miles.
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In addition, Iowa State University’s transportation services department operates a non-formalized vanpool
program exclusive to university faculty and staff for the purpose of commuting to and from work. There are
currently six vanpools available (1 Roland, 1 Boone, 1 Ankeny, 2 Des Moines and 1 Story City) that travel
between campus and the respective outlying areas. The members of each group split the cost based on
the number of seats available in their respective van. In addition, the transportation services department
owns approximately 600 fleet vehicles that are leased to university employees on a daily, seasonal, or
yearly basis for university business. The vehicles in their fleet range from trailers, emergency equipment,
pickups, maintenance equipment, and automobiles/vans. For
more information, visit
http://www.transportation.iastate.edu/
.
I. RSVP Volunteer Transportation Program
Central Iowa RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
provides transportation to the general public via volunteers for
those needing transportation. The primary but not exclusive
purpose is to provide Story County’s older adults with safe and
reliable transportation to and from medical appointments and
other essential services in the County.
RSVP recruits, trains and schedules all volunteer drivers and coordinates trip requests. Priority is given to
those residents needing rides to in-county medical appointments (doctor appointments, therapy and
treatment sessions, picking up medication, etc.), but other trips are provided as needed, including trips to
medical appointments in Des Moines and other out-of-county destinations. All clients fill out an application
for transportation services in which they need to meet the following criteria: 1) Be a resident of Story
County, 2) Be ambulatory 3) Be willing to sign a waiver of liability for RSVP to keep on file, 4) Be willing to
comply with ridership policies. For more information, visit
https://www.rsvpvolunteer.org/transportation-
program
.
Volunteer drivers, located throughout Story County, utilize their own vehicles and can be reimbursed for
mileage from RSVP. RSVP welcomes referrals from any Story County agency whose clients may need to
access this service. However, those who are eligible for transportation to medical appointments through
Medicaid can only be provided with non-medical trips through RSVP. Approved clients can access
transportation Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. RSVP does not charge clients for their rides but
does accept donations from riders and encourages them to support the program. These donations are
utilized to offset mileage reimbursement costs for the drivers. In addition to donations, the program is also
funded by UWSC, Story County and the Cities of Ames.
Below are some highlights of how the program has grown in the eight years since its onset of being
operated through RSVP. To summarize, although usage has leveled off over the past 3 years, round trip
ridership has increased by 240% since the program began in January 2010.
Round Trip
Rides
Volunteer
Drivers
# Clients
Taking Trips
CY2010
213
29
38
CY2011
386
40
70
CY2012
559
41
89
CY2013
570
43
82
CY2014
767
57
94
CY2015
940
55
84
CY2016
859
45
80
CY2017
880
42
97
CY2018
718
41
85
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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J.
Intercity Bus
Two intercity bus carriers, Jefferson Lines and Burlington
Trailways, operate scheduled bus service from Ames out
of the Ames Intermodal Facility (AIF) at 129 Hayward
Ave., Suite 103 located in the center of Ames near
campustown as shown to the right. This centralized
location opened in June 2012, after numerous years of the
intercity depot being located on the eastern outskirts of
Ames where residents could not easily obtain this
alternative transportation service. The Ames Intermodal
is located one block from five of CyRide’s bus routes
including:
• #1 R
ed (
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9425
)
• #7 Purple
(
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9445
)
• #11 Cherry
(
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9427
)
• #12 Lilac
(
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9429
)
• #25 Gol
d (
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9437
)
Previously, ridership averaged less than 10 passengers per day getting on and off the bus in Ames when
both intercity carriers were in east Ames. The following explains the operations of both carriers:
• Jefferson Lines currently travels north-south throughout eleven states in the central United
States. For service in Ames, Jefferson operates three trips heading north and two heading
south. These northbound trips were reduced in the 2015 PTP submission due to the reduced
availability for drivers, not demand. According to their website, Jefferson Lines is open for ticket
sales at the AIF Monday – Friday from 9am – 1pm and 2pm-5pm but closed Saturday, Sunday
and holidays. Jefferson can also be reached via its 1-800 phone number Monday –Friday from
7:30 am – 7:00pm and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 7:30am – 4:00pm. Jefferson can
also accommodate customers with disabilities if provided 48 hours’ notice prior to departure as
described on their website at
https://www.jeffersonlines.com/customers-with-disabilities.asp
.
If
notice is not within 48 hours’ notice, they will make every “reasonable effort to accommodate” as
long as such accommodation will not delay the departure of the schedule an individual wishes to
travel.
• Burlington Trailways is based in West Burlington, Iowa. It offers east-west service from
Denver to Chicago and down to St. Louis. In Iowa, it operates along I-80 and provides
several routes in Eastern Iowa linking the Burlington area, Des Moines, the Quad Cities,
Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls. According to Bob Hoxie with Burlington
Trailways, all over the road buses were required to be 100% ADA equipped by October
2012. Currently Burlington Trailways has 33 lift-equipped buses with two-wheelchair
positions on each bus. The map on the following page illustrates the current Iowa intercity
bus travel according to the Iowa DOT.
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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Iowa Passenger Transportation Services
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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K.
Client Transportation Providers
The following organizations below either indicated they provide service for their clients with agency owned
vehicles and discussed their usage at meetings, attained information from their website or over the telephone
in conversations with AAMPO staff. In addition, City of Ames staff identified organizations they knew were
transportation providers since they help fund those agencies through the City of Ames Analysis of Social
Service Evaluation Team (ASSET) process. Twelve providers for direct client transportation provided
information and the AAMPO contacted these organizations via phone to improve the information previously
provided for the 2015 PTP. The twelve transportation providers have the ability to transport their clientele
around the Ames community, Story County and neighboring counties in some instances.
Transportation Provider
Bus
Van
Car
Wheelchair
Accessible
Hours
1
Green Hills Retirement
Community
1
2
1
Yes, 1 Van
As requested; Typically 8AM – 12PM
($5/ride; 2 day advance notice OR more
expensive)
2
Northcrest Community
2
1
Yes, 1 bus
As requested (scheduled for medical
appointments and community outings)
3
The Waterford
1
Yes, 1 Bus
As requested
(Mondays 8 AM-1:30PM
& Thursdays 8 AM-1:30PM
2 drivers
4
Windsor Oaks
1
No
9am- 3pm
5
Ames Community Pre-
School Center
2
No
Field Trips Only
6
Boys & Girls Club
1
2
Yes, 1 bus
Mon. – Fri: 3PM - 4PM; 6PM
7
Youth & Shelter Services
6
As Requested
8
ChildServe
2
2
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 8pm
Sat: 10am-2pm
9
Lutheran Services in Iowa
2
No
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
10
Mainstream Living
4
4
4
11
Friendship Ark
13
1
Yes, 3 vans
24/7
12
Optimae LifeServices
10
No
As requested
Retirement Community/Nursing home/Senior Living Transportation Providers: Four retirement communities for
senior living and/or nursing homes have vehicles specifically to transport clients living at their residential
communities with three of these providers having small buses.
• Green Hills Retirement Community – Fleet of 1 bus, 2 vans (1 accessible) and 1 car. The bus is a 25-
passenger vehicle and is typically
scheduled for event transportation
requiring a certain number of
residents signed up the bus is
deployed. The vans typically
provide transportation for medical
appointments within Ames.
Transportation is also available
upon request for $5 per ride if
scheduled two-days in advance of
the trip. If immediate
transportation is requested, the
cost for this transportation is more expensive to the resident. Green Hills has two drivers (f1 full-time and
1 part-time) with required commercial drivers’ licenses (CDL) available to provide bus transportation.
Additionally, groundskeepers (3) typically have either their CDL or chauffeur's license to provide
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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transportation to residents. All certified nursing assistants (5-7) also have their chauffeur's licenses as well
so they can also transport ambulatory residents for requested trips. These vehicles are typically utilized
for clients upon request only.
•
Northcrest Community
–
(
https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/
)
Fleet of 2 small buses (1 accessible) and one car to transport
their clients throughout Ames for grocery/general shopping,
medical appointments as well as scheduled community
activities.
•
The Waterford
–
https://www.capitalsenior.com/thewaterfordatames/
Fleet of one accessible bus that provides courtesy
transportation according to their website. They offer scheduled courtesy transportation for their
residents upon request.
•
Windsor Oaks
(
https://www.windsoroaksseniors.com/
)
– Fleet of 1 van that is non-accessible. This
vehicle is typically utilized for clients per request. A part-time maintenance employee operates the
vehicle while on duty between the hours of 9AM -3PM.
Human Service Agency Transportation: The following human service agencies provide transportation for their
clients. Three agencies provide transportation for the youth in Ames for programs and or services they provide.
However, the majority of these providers serve the mentally disabled community that may require more personal
attention in their transport. In addition, these agencies below also serve the entire county and may travel to
neighboring counties for their clients.
•
Ames Community Pre-School
(
http://www.acpc-childcare.org/
)
: Ames Community Pre-School currently
has 2 large vans (accommodates 10 passengers as cannot utilize back seat) and 1 minivan of which
none are accessible. The vehicles are only utilized for emergencies and for field trips for children
under 5 years of age and only when CyRide is not an option.
•
Boys & Girls Club of Story County
(
https://www.bgcstorycounty.org/
)
: Boys and Girls Club of Story
County currently has 1 bus (wheelchair accessible) and 2 vans, utilized only to transport middle and
high school students from school to the club. Transportation is only provided to these members with
prior consent from parents or guardians. In Nevada, the Boys & Girls club contracts with HIRTA to
transport members home. Boys & Girls Club indicates they currently have a concern to have three
staff that they utilize as drivers although they wish for available staff with commercial driver’s licenses
(CDL) to drive the bus. They utilize local maintenance repair shops to maintain all their vehicles.
They consider affordable transportation as becoming more problematic within the Ames community
and that transportation services are not available in the areas that clients need them on the very
west-side of Ames.
•
Youth & Shelter Services
(
https://www.yss.org/
):
Through a PTP meeting, YSS staff revealed 5-6, 15-
passenger vans have been converted to dissipate load so that vans can be insured due to rollover
factor. Belinda
•
Childserve
(
https://www.childserve.org/childcare/childcare-ames/
)
: ChildServe utilizes a fleet of 2
accessible vans to transport children with mental and/or physical disabilities for their
Supported
Community Living (
SCL
) and respite programs. The SCL program offers skill-building services to help
children and young adults increase their independence and confidence while respite provides breaks for
family caregivers. ChildServe supervisors coordinate this transportation. The vans are utilized to
integrate the children and teens within the community they reside. The vans are only utilized if staff
vehicles cannot accommodate the child due to the mobility equipment. One of the vans will need to
be replaced in the next 3-5 years due to unreliability. ChildServe has approximately 6 individuals to
drive their vehicles. They do acknowledge that many of their clients live outside of the Ames
community. They provide weekday transportation between 2-8pm and Saturdays between 9am-5pm.
This service is free to their clients.
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Ames Area MPO PTP
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•
Lutheran Services in Iowa
(
https://lsiowa.org/
)
: Fleet of 2 minivans and 1 car that are not accessible. LSI
transports for their Services for People with Disabilities (SFPD) program to work toward an
independent lifestyle. Additionally transportation is provided for crisis child care programs which
offers short-term relief to people caring for individuals with disabilities. LSI indicates that there are
numerous times when all three vehicles are checked out at the same time and no vehicles are
available for transportation purposes.
•
Mainstream Living Inc
(
http://www.mainstreamliving.org/
)
– Fleet of 4 vans and 4 cars; 4 are accessible.
Mainstream is one of the main locations that many Story County agencies refer mentally disabled
clients to receive life skills. Many clients within other agencies Ames are also clients at Mainstream
Living. (Emailed Kurt Carlson).
•
Friendship Ark, Inc
(
http://www.friendshipark.org/
)
: Fleet of 13 vans (3 accessible) with approximately
65 driving staff that transport clients throughout Ames, Story County and Polk County. Friendship Ark
has a coordinator that creates a monthly transportation schedule for their day habilitation program. For
each home, transportation is provided as needed by staff who is working. They anticipate having to
expand their fleet with 2-3 vehicles over the next 5 years for continued growth in the residential as well
as day-habilitation programs. Also, they have a need for more wheelchair accessible vehicles. In
addition, the executive director coordinates rides for clients who are utilizing HIRTA to get to an
outside day program.
•
Optimae LifeServices
(
http://www.optimaelifeservices.com/
)
–Optimae acquired the Story County
Community Life Program in Ames in 2015 starting with jail diversion services which then expanded to
other services including: supported community living, residential sites, transitional homes, low-income
support services behavioral health, home health, community integration, the In Zone (recovery center
for individuals with disabilities) and intensive psychiatric rehabilitation. Prior to the purchase, SCCL
was equipped with a fleet of 22 cars/vans that the City of Ames fleet services department maintained.
Additionally, fleet services would often allocate vehicles from the City of Ames’ police departments
retired fleet to supplement SCCL. This coordination no longer occurs. Optimae Life is a privately
funded entity and now obtain their cars through
Enterprise
(
https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-
rental/locations/us/ia/ames-6224.html
)
. They have a fleet of 10 cars which are utilized for the following
purposes: 1 jail diversion department; 5 on site (1 of those in the shop), 3 at residential care facility
(RCF) homes (serve the elderly with sever and persistent mental illness) within Ames and 1 for
community integration. The RCF homes offer individuals with mental illness and disabilities assistance
with day-to-day living activities to help them succeed and, in some cases, transition out of the facility.
Other Transportation Coordination (without vehicles)
• CareMore Health is an agency that provide counseling, medical/dental, mental health services and other
health services. They aid transportation efforts in Ames by providing bus education on how to ride the
bus as well as coordinate Medicaid transportation services with the MCO’s. They also subsidize their
clients’ trips by purchasing bus passes and/or tickets to utilize CyRide services.
• Central Iowa Community Services (CICS) provides services such as education/training, mental health
services, transportation, disability assistance, financial assistance as well as service coordination.
Their clients are the elderly, low-income, youth, individuals with medical needs, and individuals with
disabilities. CICS provides subsidy gas vouchers, passes/tickets, volunteer driver program, how to
ride the bus education and coordinates services with providers providing transportation. They indicate
that accessing apartments outside of Ames is problematic. This may be due to unaffordable or
unavailable low-income housing within Ames.
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AREA PROFILE
A. Location
The City of Ames is located within Story County at the intersection of I-35 and Highway 30 as shown on the
below. The area highlighted in green is the City of Ames city limits and the MPO planning boundary is the
blue dashed line.
Ames Area MPO Planning Boundary
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The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is one of nine metropolitan planning areas in the State of
Iowa; newly formed after the 2000 Census when the community rose over 50,000 in population. The Ames
community is also home to Iowa State University students that equate to over half of the Ames population.
Specifically, the Ames urbanized area population from the US Census is estimated at 65,005 with
(
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF
)
approximately 36,000
(55%) of that university students. However, this enrollment drops to approximately 12,000 students
(
https://www.registrar.iastate.edu/enrollment/university
)
for the summer enrollment. Essentially 37 percent of
the total population leaves Ames during the summer which dramatically impacts the passenger transportation
needs and level of service provided to the community. As a result, the Ames community enjoys a much
higher level of transit service due to the university students’ demand for alternative transportation. The public
transit operator, CyRide, estimates that approximately 93 percent of the public transit ridership in Ames is
university student related and they in turn support 60 percent of the public transit providers’ budget. As a
result, the transportation services are greatly influenced by where the university students’ live within the Ames
community with most routes operating through central campus. These high frequency transit services
however also benefit the overall community as they travel through Ames.
B. Demographics
The following demographic information is reported from the US Census’ most current 2013-2017 American
Community Survey 5-year estimates website in regards to information on the City of Ames’ low-income, elderly
and disabled populations.
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF
Population information was also ascertained from Iowa State University regarding fall 2017 student enrollment,
students with disabilities and students with low-income to obtain more detailed information on this subset. It
should be noted that students were counted as part of the 2010 US Census since the count is based on where
you reside for the majority of the year. University students equate to more than half of the City of Ames
population reaching 35,993 students in 2017. Student population impacts public transit demand in Ames
greatly as each student attending Iowa State University rides CyRide on average 170 times per year. CyRide
places “extra” buses onto route corridors if needed to handle this higher demand.
Elderly Population
The elderly population in Ames is 9.3% of the residents. As shown, ISU students hardly contribute to this
9.3.% as approximately 0.04% is over the age of 64 years. In fact, the Ames community is relatively a young
community with the median age being 23.1.
Ames, Iowa: Population By Age
2013-2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Number
Percent
ISU Students:
Population By Age -
2017
Number
Percent
Total Population*
65,005
Total ISU Population
35,993 *54.24%
Under 19 years of Age
17,071
26.2%
Under 19 Years of Age 11,612 32.26%
20-24 yrs.
19,164
29.5%
20-24 yrs.
19,126 53.14%
25-54 yrs.
18,185
28.0%
25-49 yrs.
5,079 14.11%
55-64 yrs.
4,498
6.9%
50-64 yrs.
163
0.45%
Over 64 yrs.
6,087
9.3%
Over 64 yrs.
13
0.04%
Median Age
23.1
Sources: ISU Students: Population By Age 2017; Office of the Registrar:
https://www.ir.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/factbook/AY2019/Students/Enrollment_by_Age.pdf
Ames, Iowa: Population By Age; 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates –
(
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF
)
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Disabled Population
Approximately 6.01% of the Ames community is estimated to be disabled with 2.2% of those individuals
under the age of 35. The largest population segment of disabled individuals is between the ages of 35-64
years old.
Ames, Iowa:
Disabled
Population
Number
Male
Female
Total
Percent
Total Population*
65,005
1,815
2,069
3,884
5.85%
Under 5 Years
-
-
-
0.00%
5-17 Years
95
80
175
4.48%
18-34 Years
594
655
1,249
32.16%
35-64 Years
348
617
965
24.85%
65-74 Years
284
244
528
13.59%
75 Years and
Over
494
473
967
24.90%
Sources:
* Ames, Iowa: Population By Age; 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates –
(
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF
)
Disabled Population breakdown by age -
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_B18101&prodType=table
Poverty Status
Approximately 16,249 individuals are below the poverty level in Ames. The majority of those are between
the ages of 18-64 years old as shown in the following 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates table. The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University determined that $396,092,553
in financial aid dollars was awarded to ISU students for 2017 through scholarships, grants loans or
employment. Approximately 35,993 students attended Iowa State University in the fall 2017.
Ames, Iowa: Poverty Status in the Past 12
Months (American Community Survey
2013-2017 Estimates
All income levels
Below
Poverty
Level
Percent
below
Poverty
Level
All individuals for whom poverty status is
determined
55,467
16,279
29.3%
Under 18 years
7,580
645
8.5%
18-64 Years
41,995
15,446
36.8%
65 years +
5,892
188
3.2%
Sourc
e:
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF
C. Limited English Proficient (LEP) Population
An analysis of the City of Ames’ limited English proficient (LEP) population is provided below which was
based on CyRide’s Title VI Program which was approved by the Federal Transit Administration on January 4,
2017. This program expires on November 30, 2019.
LEP persons, as defined b
y
FTA C 4702.1B
,
are individuals that speak English “less than very well.” After
conducting the federally required four factor analysis, CyRide identified one specific language type over the
1,000 person Safe Harbor Threshold as defined by the Department of Justice, which was adopted by the
Federal Transit Administration. The largest and only LEP population for languages spoken within the City of
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Ames is Chinese, which is at 1,458 persons (2.5%) speaking English “less than very well”. There is a margin
of error of +-352 which still indicates this LEP group is over the threshold. To see the full four factor analysis,
please refer to the attached appendix and view CyRide’s “Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Access Plan
Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency” document.
City of Ames Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Individuals
Language
Sp
ea
k
la
ng
ua
ge
at
ho
m
e
M
arg
in
o
f
Erro
r
Sp
ea
k
En
gl
ish
“v
ery
w
ell
”
M
arg
in
o
f
Erro
r
Sp
ea
k
En
gl
ish
le
ss
th
an
“v
ery
w
ell
”
M
arg
in
o
f
Erro
r
Per
cen
ta
ge
sp
ea
ki
ng
En
glis
h le
ss
th
an
v
er
y wel
l
Total Population > 5 Years of Age
58,791 +/-204
1,072 +/-254
Speak only English
51,457 +/-661
98 +/-51
Spanish or Spanish Creole:
1,267 +/-289
0 +/-22
195 +/-133
0.3%
French (incl. Patois, Cajun):
132 +/-61
36 +/-41
34 +/-33
0.1%
French Creole:
0 +/-22
177 +/-163
0 +/-22
0.0%
Italian:
36 +/-41
169 +/-78
0 +/-22
0.0%
Portuguese or Portuguese Creole:
184 +/-164
3
+/-5
7 +/-12
0.0%
German:
198 +/-86
10 +/-16
29 +/-34
0.0%
Yiddish:
3
+/-5
28 +/-45
0 +/-22
0.0%
Other West Germanic languages:
10 +/-16
14 +/-16
0 +/-22
0.0%
Scandinavian languages:
28 +/-45
164 +/-155
0 +/-22
0.0%
Greek:
14 +/-16
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0.0%
Russian:
191 +/-158
77 +/-80
27 +/-33
0.0%
Polish:
0 +/-22
171 +/-235
0 +/-22
0.0%
Serbo-Croatian:
84 +/-83
0 +/-22
7 +/-11
0.0%
Other Slavic languages:
171 +/-235
20 +/-24
0 +/-22
0.0%
Armenian:
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0.0%
Persian:
41 +/-35
190 +/-162
21 +/-25
0.0%
Gujarati:
50 +/-74
0 +/-22
50 +/-74
0.1%
Hindi:
198 +/-158
297 +/-187
8 +/-13
0.0%
Urdu:
0 +/-22
12 +/-19
0 +/-22
0.0%
Other Indic languages:
321 +/-192
986 +/-329
24 +/-28
0.0%
Other Indo-European languages:
32 +/-38
31 +/-54
20 +/-31
0.0%
Chinese:
2,444 +/-463
47 +/-56
1,458 +/-352
2.5%
Japanese:
40 +/-56
0 +/-22
9 +/-15
0.0%
Korean:
315 +/-204
0 +/-22
268 +/-190
0.5%
Mon-Khmer, Cambodian:
0 +/-22
17 +/-18
0 +/-22
0.0%
Hmong:
0 +/-22
9 +/-15
0 +/-22
0.0%
Thai:
17 +/-18
32 +/-35
0 +/-22
0.0%
Laotian:
40 +/-47
398 +/-200
31 +/-34
0.1%
Vietnamese:
86 +/-63
102 +/-71
54 +/-51
0.1%
Other Asian languages:
475 +/-226
67 +/-57
77 +/-64
0.1%
Tagalog:
102 +/-71
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0.0%
Other Pacific Island languages:
301 +/-189
0 +/-22
234 +/-179
0.4%
Navajo:
0 +/-22
24 +/-37
0 +/-22
0.0%
Other Native North American languages:
18 +/-27
237 +/-160
18 +/-27
0.0%
Hungarian:
24 +/-37
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0.0%
Arabic:
389 +/-252
123 +/-77
152 +/-212
0.3%
Hebrew:
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0 +/-22
0.0%
African languages:
123 +/-77
1,072 +/-254
0 +/-22
0.0%
Other and unspecified languages:
0 +/-22
98 +/-51
0 +/-22
0.0%
Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates for the City of Ames:
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_B16001&prodType=table
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Again, the next LEP plan will be revised within CyRide’s next Title VI program submittal to FTA in October
2019.
Below are programs and activities that CyRide currently utilizes to provide meaningful access to its passenger
transportation programs within the Ames community as referenced under the current Title VI program
approved by FTA in January 2017.
•
Google Translate
– CyRide allows translation of its website into preferred languages for the Ames
community. Although not fully accurate within the Mandarin language, as shared by YSS’s Chinese
Global Oureach Director, the translation provides some ability for LEP individuals in a multitude of
languages to translate posted schedules, alerts and news information. Ames residents rely more
upon their smart phones or tablets to determine when a bus will arrive either on CyRide’s website or
IASTATE application or via real-time through NEXT BUS as opposed to printed material. In order to
provide quick information to the LEP public for schedules, alerts and news, translation via Google
Translate is our best resource.
•
Vital Translations
– In determining which documents were vital and which were not, we determined
that those documents that provide protections under Title VI and those needing applications to
access our services the most vital. Therefore, the following information is translated directly by an
experienced interpreter for CyRide’s only LEP speaking population over 1,000 (Mandarin Chinese):
o
Title VI Notice to the Public
o
Title VI Policy & Procedures
o
Title VI Complaint Form
o
Dial-A-Ride Application
o
Reasonable Accommodation Form
o
Reasonable Accommodation Procedures
o
Public Meeting Notices of ‘major’ planning or fare changes (Notices will be displayed behind
driver, Asian grocery stores, CyRide website, Facebook & Twitter)
o
New Buses only (interior bus signage throughout the bus; added beginning in 2018)
•
Supervisor Assistance
– Bus operators are trained to slow down their rate of speech or use written
communication when working with non-English speaking passengers. Often passengers are able to
identify their destination on the route map. If drivers are unable to communicate with passengers,
they should call the dispatcher for assistance. If a supervisor assists, they have 24/7 access to
language interpreter services if needed.
•
Customer Service
o
Picture Graphics - a picture book is available at CyRide’s office filled with pictures or graphics of
typical lost items are found on the bus. These photos are identified via photos and words in
alternative languages (Chinese, Korean, Spanish, etc) to help determine what passengers may
be trying to locate when coming to CyRide's offices for Lost & Found items.
o
I Speak Cards -
I Speak Cards
a
re utilized to help decipher which language the individual
speaks to assist them further.
•
Language Interpreter Services
- Over the phone language interpreter services to assist in
understanding our non-English speaking customers' needs. This language interpreter service
supports over 240 languages and can be accessed during all days and times of the week, 365 days a
year, whenever there language barriers and confusion by transit staff in understanding our customers'
needs. Similarly, CyRide's customers can also request the Language Line Interpreter service
whenever calling or visiting CyRide and language is a barrier/limitation to receiving CyRide's services.
CyRide's supervisors also have access to this over the phone service when assisting non-English
speaking customers in the field. This service would be utilized as well during public hearings. This
meaningful access is communicated on CyRide’s website at
http://www.cyride.com/language-
assistance
D. Layout of Study Area
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Within the 2010 PTP, the AAMPO spent many hours creating maps detailing where major employers, banks,
schools nursing homes/assisted living facilities, medical services, pharmacies, childcare, and grocery stores
were located in relation to public transit. Therefore in the FY2020 PTP as in the FY2015 PTP, the AAMPO
chose not to detail out these maps as many of the areas are served but may be served less at night, during
university breaks, or on weekends. Those issues can be relayed verbally within the coordination section.
It was recently estimated that approximately 74-82% of the Ames residents live within a quarter mile of a
transit route from their home. A quarter mile is traditionally what a person would walk (i.e. two to three blocks)
when getting off a bus along a transit route. While this percentage fluctuates at night and on the weekend,
those are the times when transit isn’t as high in demand. The only exception of the table below is on Sunday
service when the #5 Yellow does not operate and #6 Brown route ends its service at Towers. Therefore the
south end of Ames is substantially underserved on Sundays. The table below summarizes the four transit
coverage maps on pages 25-28. Please note that the source of population numbers below are obtained from
the Environmental Systems Research Inc.
Population within ¼
mile of transit route
Ames Transit Coverage
Weekday Day
54,445
82%
Weekday
Night
48,882
74%
Weekend
49,427
74%
*
ISU Breaks
51,684
77%
* Note: Sundays - #5 Yellow Route does not operate and #6 Brown only operates to Towers.
In addition, CyRide serves a great majority of the Ames employment district. See the Transit Coverage by
Zoning Designation maps on pages 26-29 for these visual estimates.
The areas that CyRide does not cover as well include more affluent residential areas of the community,
agricultural areas and government/airport zones. CyRide also tends to service areas of the community closer to
campus than those areas on the fringes of the community. This is by design and CyRide’s transit board has
chosen to serve high residential development on current transit corridors over new developments.
The major employers in town are Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Transportation, Mary Greeley,
USDA, and Danfoss, Inc., etc. The significant impact is that over 54% of the population is going to school for a
higher education. One of the main issues is that while CyRide does serve many areas within Ames, the service
may not be frequent enough to adequately serve an area to encourage them to take public transit or may not be
a direct route to their overall destination.
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Citi
Z
nr
i
n!J
a
r
;.ot e.
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III – COORDINATION ISSUES
GENERAL ASSESSMENT
CyRide coordinates with the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) in providing transportation
throughout the Ames community. CyRide has an excellent working relationship with this provider who also
provides public transit for the entire Story County. These efforts are described below:
•
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) provides public transportation directly for Story County
as well as coordinates with CyRide to provide their ADA complimentary service for the City of Ames. In
this manner, one transportation provider offers all demand response service within one county with
multiple contracts thereby maximizing efficiencies. HIRTA is responsible for all transportation for
counties surrounding Polk County and provides direct service to all its counties with the exception of
Madison and Dallas County. HIRTA contracts transit services within these two counties under the
following agencies: Madison County Elderly Services, Inc & HomeCare Services of Dallas County.
•
CyRide coordinates transportation service for the entire Ames community including Iowa State
University under a 28E Agreement between the City of Ames, Iowa State University, and Iowa State
University’s student government. As a result, many discussions transpire monthly and more often
between these organizations in an effort to provide quality transit to the community. Over the past four
years, CyRide has increased their articulated bus fleet to six vehicles, implemented newly designed
ADA bus shelters throughout the community, replaced its roof for its original facility, and completely
redesigned its transit system dubbed CyRide 2.0. CyRide has also initiated several new
routes/services including the #9 Plum, #11 Cherry, #12 Lilac, #14 Peach, and East Ames Service
Extension (EASE) while also increasing frequency on other routes (#2 Green#6 Brown, #3 Blue
Sunday, #9 Plum). The other major factor has been the increase in the number of buses operated
within the fleet for its peak hour requirement (75 buses) to accommodate ridership demand (i.e. 6.8
million passengers). As a result of this increase in the fleet, CyRide has parked 17-19 buses outside the
facility since the last garage expansion was completed in 2014. According to the lease with Iowa State
on its property, CyRide must park all its vehicles inside but this is not physically possible to operate the
service required to meet passenger demand.
In addition, CyRide also now coordinates with Executive Express, Jefferson Lines and Burlington
Trailways in their annual lease agreements to utilize the Ames Intermodal Facility. While CyRide does
not operate through the Intermodal facility itself, CyRide/City of Ames does ‘own’ the facility and the
impact to have these three services centralized within the community is essential. The one location for
regional transportation provides a one stop shop within the community to connect with regional
transportation outside of Ames.
Transportation Collaboration: In August 2007, the United Way of Story County began a Transportation
Collaboration to discuss transportation needs/issues of human service agencies in Ames and this committee is
still meeting in 2019. This committee meets at least quarterly throughout the year with some years meeting
more often depending on priorities. Discussions for improving transportation over the last year within the
community and education have impacted the following areas:
• Demand Response Service Action Plan Progress Reports
• HIRTA Strategic Plan
• HIRTA online schedule & pay application promotion
• Medicaid issues in Story County
• Story County Transportation Brochure revisions
• Bus passes/gas voucher emergency program
• RSVP driver volunteer program
• CyRide 2.0 Implementation
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CyRide’s General Assessment –
Service Demand:
In general, fixed route public transit within the Ames community is being requested at a
high level. Residents are demanding additional service routes, additional frequency on existing routes, and
later evening service along corridors. The impact of CyRide’s services are described in the table below in the
amount of unlinked (one-way rides) ridership on CyRide. CyRide achieved its highest ridership ever in
FY2016 with 6,785,479 rides after eight years of consistent increases. In fact, CyRide increased
ridership by 46 percent through FY2016. In the past four years, CyRide has stabilized its ridership,
dropping by 2.1% since FY2015. At the same time, student enrollment at Iowa State has also dropped by
2.8 percent (1,009 students) over the same time period. Due to less students enrolled at Iowa State in the
fall of 2018, CyRide anticipates ridership to be remain fairly stable at 6.6 million passengers for FY2019.
While Iowa State is not limiting the number of students enrolling, there are 1,009 less students attending
over this four-year span including 10 percent less international students (444) enrolled. With each additional
student attending the university, CyRide can anticipate 170 rides per student for the year.
CyRide Fixed Route
(ALL Services; including Dial-A-Ride)
Annual Numbers
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
# Riders (unlinked)
6,711,665
6,785,479
6,658,027
6,572,065
# Elderly Rides
81,477
82,376
80,834
79,766
# Disabled Rides
59,435
60,179
56,948
56,012
# Revenue Hours
120,953
125,133
125,239
126,040
# Revenue Miles
1,239,463
1,295,696
1,295,299
1,327,382
# Days Provided
359
359
359
359
Operating Costs
$9,413,299
$9,800,528
$10,444,195
$10,826,415
FTA (5307 &STA)
$1,970,542
$1,951,176
$1,974,304
$2,085,368
State
$696,250
$751,915
$771,643
$781,008
The highest demand is primarily along high residential housing or apartments within the Ames community into
campus. Over the past few years, new high residential housing has been concentrated along S. 16
th
,
Frederickson Court, Mortensen Road and State St. Additionally, development of student housing has
occurred within campustown or along Lincoln Way within walking distance of campus.
Staff:
CyRide has maintained same management since 2006. CyRide did hire a Transit Planner in 2006
to help with the additional planning requirements due to the City of Ames becoming a metropolitan planning
organization after exceeding 50,000 in population. In addition, positions within CyRide’s maintenance
division have not changed since 2006 when CyRide operated 49 buses. CyRide now has an overall fleet
of 98 vehicles (buses, administrative vehicles, trucks). With the additional work, a larger and more varied
fleet (hybrid and articulated buses) as well as the technology that is now required to maintain these
vehicles, the job of maintaining CyRide’s fleet has become more challenging. The transit industry uses a
“rules of thumb” methodology to determine appropriate maintenance staffing levels within a transit agency.
These are illustrated below along with CyRide’s metric for each.
Rule of Thumb
Industry Standard
CyRide Actual
Miles of Service
1 mechanic/120,000 miles
1 mechanic/253,504 miles
Buses Per Mechanic
1 mechanic/7.62 buses
1 mechanic/15.9 buses
Buses Per Lane
Worker
1 lane worker/17.92 buses
1 lane worker/41.5 buses
CyRide has been trying to hire an additional diesel mechanic for the past year but has been unsuccessful in
two recruitments. This may be difficult to attain qualified applicants in the future.
Over the past four years, CyRide has increased its operational staff with three additional staff - one Trainer,
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one Operations Manager and one Informational Technology Coordinator. The trainer position is to help train
additional drivers to obtain their commercial driver’s license and safely operate a transit bus safely within our
service area. The additional Operations Manager is to help manage drivers after they are hired. Both of
these areas have not increase while CyRide increased its ridership by 46% and required bus pull out from 45
buses to 75 buses. Finally, CyRide hired a half-time Information Technology Coordinator to help coordinate
all the technology projects ongoing and new including the automated vehicle annunciators technology.
Fleet:
CyRide’s revenue fleet has an average age of 10.4 years compared to a national average of 7.8.
Prior to MAP-21, CyRide had been extremely successful in attaining national discretionary grants to support
the purchase of replacement/expansion buses. With the passing of the MAP-21 transportation bill, CyRide
become ineligible to apply for discretionary grants due to the limited population in Ames despite
outperforming many large transit systems. The FAST Act transportation bill reversed this decision and
CyRide is once again eligible to apply for this discretionary funding. CyRide is expecting another delivery of
one bus in FY2020 and four buses in FY2021 funded through the state’s PTMS process.
CyRide currently has adequate spare buses that are utilized whenever a bus breaks down in its system.
Having a aging fleet means that buses break down more often than newer fleets. In the past, CyRide has
had only 3 spare buses but has worked over the past four years to purchase used buses to increase the fleet
to a reasonable level to serve residents. Vehicles range between 1 year and 25 years of age. The useful life
of a transit bus is typically 12 years.
CyRide leases two vehicles to its ADA subcontractor to operate its Dial-A-Ride service – one bus and one
van. The new van was purchased and leased to HIRTA in 2014 in reaction to an action plan to help keep
demand response routes within Ames on-time in the community. The bus, replaced in 2017, is currently two
years old and will reach its useful life at 4 years. Systematic replacement of these vehicles within this fleet is
needed every 4-8 years. CyRide currently has both these vehicles on a replacement schedule for every 5
years within its capital plan. In addition, another vehicle (bus/van) may be warranted if capacity issues arise
on the Dial-A-Ride service, however ridership has decreased over the past four years. CyRide monitors Dial-
A-Ride ridership to ensure enough vehicles are available to transport DAR passengers.
Facility:
The original facility was built in 1983 on its current site built for only 25 buses. Since that time,
there have been numerous expansions via piecemeal as federal funding is available. In 2015,
CyRide
completed its fifth expansion to its facility allowing inside storage for an additional 11 buses.. At this time,
CyRide can store up to 80 buses inside its maintenance facility with 17-19 buses still parking outside. The
vehicles parked outside are difficult to manage operationally during the cold weather months as they have
difficulty starting in the morning. Also, the ability to maintain buses after 5:00 p.m. becomes burdensome as
the maintenance facility is literally surrounded by parked buses that have completed their transit service for
the day. Circulation of the buses in and out of maintenance becomes impossible with maintenance in the
center of the facility. Generally maintenance functions near the perimeter of a building to provide
maintenance at all times of the day or evening. Furthermore, CyRide’s lease with the university indicates
that parking of vehicles overnight must be inside the maintenance garage. Over the past year, CyRide has
had discussions with the transit board and they’ve come to the understanding that additional bus storage
expansion on the current site is not an opportunity without also giving up parking for employees. Therefore,
CyRide is currently having discussions with the transit board once again to find a second site location for
future expansion. CyRide is planning for space for a fleet of 125 buses.
HIRTA General Assessment –
HIRTA’s service assessment would be conducted within CIRPTA’s PTP for the region since HIRTA’s
service coverage is all of the counties surrounding Polk County.
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STATUS OF
PREVIOUSLY RECOMMENDED
PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES
The Human Service Council (HSC) members have had several opportunities to review the status of
previously recommended projects, listed below, over several meetings over the years but most recently at
their . An overview of the PTP requirement was shared for those new to HSC. A summary spreadsheet of
previously recommended projects from the 2015 PTP, as amended, was shared with the group and the
status of whether they were on- going, pending or not started which can be viewed on the following pages.
At that time, yellow highlighted projects were approved, on-going or would be implemented. Bold projects
were partially funded for a portion of the full project. Pending projects were highlighted in grey. Projects in
white were not approved for grant funding and therefore not implemented, not requested or delayed.
Justification to the community for each project follows the table thereafter. Comments were requested from
the group and received. The update was also shared via e-mail out to human/health service agencies
representatives not able to attend the meeting.
To summarize, Ames was successful within the past year receiving grant funding to implement several
transportation services and purchase buses. Major highlights include:
•
System Redesign Study
completed July 2016-April 2017: Transportation Collaboration member part
of focus group discussions
•
CyRide 2.0 System Redesign Implemented in phases:
May 2018 & August 2018: Discussion with
the Transportation Collaboration and Story County Human Services Council on changed routes,
alignments, frequency; lower fares; and new policies in light of growing by 46% over the past decade
•
Installed/purchased shelters
for following locations:
1. S. 4
th
& Hazel #6491 - #3 Blue (completed)
2. S. 5
th
& Walnut #6540 - #3 Blue (completed)
3. Lincoln Way & Beedle #3540 - #1 Red, #11 Cherry, #7 Purple (completed)
4. University Blvd & Research Park #8960 - #6 Brown (completed)
5. Sweeney Hall #2540 (purchased to install upon completion of ISU phase #3 Union Drive
improvement project) – ISU Campus
6. Howe Hall #2541 (purchased to install upon completion of ISU phase #3 Union Drive
improvement project)– ISU Campus
7. Upper Friley #2050 (purchased to install upon completion of ISU phase #3 Union Drive
improvement project)– ISU Campus
8. Storm & Welch (purchased to install) - #6 Brown
•
Four CyRide 60-foot articulated buses
were delivered in 2016 (5339 Grant)
•
Six CyRide large buses were delivered in 2015
(final State of Good Repair discretionary grant
funded via SAFETEA- LU transportation bill. All future State of Good Repair grants under MAP-21
transportation bill were designated for rail improvements.)
•
CyRide Subcontracted ADA Dial-A-Ride Services Continued
. CyRide and HIRTA now meeting
semi-annually.
•
Replaced leased Dial-A-Ride Bus in 2017
as previous bus past its useful life.
•
Purchased new Dial-A-Ride MV1 van in 2014
to help meet on-demand schedule within Ames;
project out of demand response action plan
•
CyRide Facility Expansion Significantly Completed in 2015
; however still parking buses outside
still due to increasing fleet size with used buses)
•
Information Technology Coordinator was hired
in
July 2018 to begin work on CyRide’s automatic
vehicle annunciator project over the next few years. The annunciators are being tested with currently
automatic vehicle locator system (Nextbus) and ensure this system works properly prior to deploying
this technology throughout the system.
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•
HIRTA Customer Service Portal
– HIRTA implemented a customer service portal called Amble in
2018 where customers can now book their own trips online, change their account status (address,
phone number, etc.), check on their trip status, and pay
for trips. Riders can manage their account from a
smartphone or computer. HIRTA implemented this for
their passengers throughout their entire service area
including Ames and CyRide’s Dial-A-Ride (DAR)
customers for a total cost of approximately $180,000.
This technology was requested by Iowa State
University’s Alliance for Disabilities Awareness group
who met with CyRide on several occasions in 2017 to
improve their rider experience. Both CyRide and the
United Way of Story County contributed funding toward
the purchase of this project. HIRTA released this new
technology within Ames first as a trial to customers
before deploying throughout all of its counties due to
funders being in Story County. HIRTA is the first rural
property to have this type of technology throughout the
nation.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
1)
CyRide 2.0 Implementation
– In 2018, CyRide began implementing its new transit
system, fare reduction and new service policies
dubbed
CyRide 2.0
- The Next
Generation of Navigating Ames
.
https://www.cyride.com/cyride2.0
.
CyRide’s
transit board voted to implement CyRide 2.0 after a year-long
system redesign
study
(2016-2017) and intensive public input in April 2017.
(
https://www.cyride.com/about-us/planning-documents/current-planning-
projects/system-redesign-study
)
This study was CyRide’s first full analysis of its
route structure and schedules since it began service over 40 years ago. CyRide
operated virtually the same route structure at 4 million passengers as it did with
nearly 7 million. They $187,000 study, financed by the Ames Area MPO and
CyRide, was to help determine if the transit system was providing optimal transit
service to the Ames community. Over that next year, CyRide modified all of its routes but two (#21 Cardinal
& #8 Aqua).
In addition to route and schedule changes, CyRide 2.0 also lowered fares back down to $1 per ride (2012
levels), initiated new service policies and renumbered all of the bus stops within the transit system. CyRide
2.0 was implemented within two phases with a few service routes modified in May 2018 along with lower
fares and new service policies. The remaining service changes were implemented in August 2018. Visit
https://www.cyride.com/home/showdocument?id=9461
,
for a quick summary of changes by service change
date. For more information, visit
https://www.cyride.com/cyride2.0
.
2)
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act
–
(
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/legislation.cfm
)
Every few years, a new transportation bill is signed into law to provide long-term transportation funding
throughout the United States, including funding for public transit systems. The FAST Act was signed into
law by President Obama on December 4, 2015. The FAST Act authorized $305 billion over fiscal years
2016 through 2020 for highway, highway and motor vehicle safety, public transportation, motor carrier
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o
80 buses stored
indoors; some in
areas that do not
allow vehicle
circulation
o
17-19 buses stored
safety, hazardous materials safety, rail, and research, technology, and statistics programs. This new law
provides transit agencies with its “authorized” level of federal operating and capital funding for this period.
Congress then “appropriates” funds annually each year. This bill revised two critical areas for public transit
in Ames including:
• Small Transit Intensive Cities Apportionment (STIC) Funding (Section 5307) Increased to 2 Percent –
Under the STIC formula, FTA currently apportions 1.5 percent of the funds made available for Section
5307 to UZAs that are under 200,000 in population and have public transportation service that operates
at a level equal to or above the industry average for UZAs with a population of at least 200,000, but not
more than 999,999. STIC funds are apportioned based on six performance categories: Passenger miles
traveled per vehicle revenue mile, passenger miles traveled per vehicle revenue hour, vehicle revenue
miles per capita, vehicle revenue hours per capita, passenger miles traveled per capita, and passengers
per capita. In FY 2019, the STIC set aside will increase from 1.5 percent to 2 percent. Therefore,
CyRide will receive an additional $200,000-$250,000 more in Section 5307 funding for its annual
apportionment to supplement its transit operation. Based on this knowledge, CyRide’s transit board
voted to increase service on certain routes for service beginning in May 2019.
• Bus & Bus Facilities Discretionary Funding (Section 5339) Eligible to Direct Recipients – Under the
SAFETEA-LU transportation bill (transportation bill prior to MAP-21), CyRide competed for nationally
competitive grants for Section 5339 funding and obtained on average $2 million annually for buses and
facility projects. The MAP-21 transportation bill only allowed designated recipients (State DOT’s and
transit agencies serving populations with 200,000+ in population) to apply for these opportunities. The
newest FAST Act transportation bill changed this designation and CyRide, a direct recipient, may once
again apply whenever a Section 5339 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is released.
3)
Asset Management (TAM) Plan
– Every transit agency must develop a transit asset management (TAM)
plan if it owns, operates, or manages capital assets used to provide public transportation and receives
federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. Each transit provider must designate an
Accountable Executive to ensure appropriate resources for implementing the agency's TAM plan and the
Transit Agency Safety Plan. Specifically, the TAM plan provides the following:
• Inventory of assets
• Condition assessment of inventoried assets with capital responsibility
• Descriptions of analytic process to assist in capital asset investment
prioritization
• Prioritized list of investments
CyRide developed its first Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan (Tier II) and
shared this plan with the Ames Area MPO as required by
October 1, 2018.
4)
Facility Location Study
– CyRide has expanded its original
facility built for 25 buses five times since 2002. The last
expansion was completed in 2014 which planned to house
all the vehicles in CyRide’s fleet but fell short of that goal.
The transit agency currently owns and operates a revenue
fleet of 98 vehicles housed on this same 4.5 acre lot. With
this last expansion completed in 2014, CyRide expanded its
fleet again to accommodate ridership growth and still has 17-
19 buses stored outside. Only 80 buses are stored inside
the garage without any room for vehicle circulation. Future
expansion of the garage at CyRide’s current location to meet
CyRide’s long-term needs of a fleet with 125 vehicles is not feasible. Therefore, CyRide is currently
conducting a facility study to determine where and how CyRide can expand to meet it current
fleet/operations of 98 vehicles, as well as a site/plan on how to accommodate a future fleet/operations of
125 buses anticipated over the next 20-year period.
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5)
Battery Electric Bus Study
– CyRide is currently doing a study to provide the feasibility of obtaining zero
emission buses within its fleet. This study will also provide a deployment plan and determine any actions
and costs that would need to be taken to maximize BEB usage in CyRide’s daily service and facility. This
study includes any changes CyRide would need to make to its maintenance facility to accommodate BEB.
This study will conclude in February 2019 and provide CyRide with information to make critical decisions to
possibly move forward with BEB in the future.
6)
Automatic Vehicle Annunciators
– CyRide has recently began to implement automatic vehicle
annunciators technology to its buses that will communicate next stops verbally and visually to the public as
the bus approaches a bus stop. (i.e. “Your next stop is ‘Lincoln Way & Beach’) This was a request that
came directly from meetings with Iowa State University’s Alliance for Disability Awareness group that
requested that drivers immediately begin calling out “all bus stops” within the community. They indicated
that this announcement of stop would provide them with a frame of reference to where they were within the
Ames community at any given time. Funding for this technology has been identified and CyRide is currently
testing out its current system, Nextbus, to determine whether AVA can simply be added under its current
infrastructure. If unable to function, CyRide may be searching for not only annunciator technology but also
for automated vehicle location technology to ensure the systems work well together in obtaining predicted
arrival information. CyRide’s will undergo a process to announce stops according to ADA guidelines when
implementing this digital technology over the next year.
7)
CyRide Bus Shelters
– CyRide has now implemented 8-10 shelters with its new ADA design throughout
the Ames community since its first shelter implementation in 2012. The new design incorporates solar
lighting for those locations that cannot connect directly to electric. Many shelters on ISU campus have
been connected directly to electric at the cost of the university (i.e. Student Services bus stop shown
below). This bus stop will be updated considerably by Iowa State University as they reconstruct Union
Drive beginning in March 2019. Once completed, additional space for transit riders to stand will be
provided.
In January 2019, the Iowa DOT provided a full list of non-ADA bus stops along DOT corridors that they
would like upgraded within our bus stop plan. Unfortunately, this list was communicated after the FY2020
capital plan was approved by the transit board and annunciators are the priority through FY2021. CyRide
will look at this listing over the next year and see how they can incorporate some of these stops along with
priority stops already identified to be updated throughout Ames within future capital plans beginning with
FY2022. CyRide has designated $50,000 in bus shelter improvements within the FY2020 Capital Plan from
FY2022 through FY2024.
8)
Story County Transportation Brochure
–Since 2015, the United Way’s Transportation Collaboration (TC)
has modified the Story County transportation brochure that provides information on all the available open to
the public transportation providers within Story County approximately eight times. The brochure, with the
most current and relevant information, can be downloaded at
www.cyride.com/sct
.
This continues to be a
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useful brochure to market transportation to the Ames community.
9)
Articulated Bus Fleet Increased
– CyRide’s articulated fleet is now a total of six buses to serve
passengers specifically on its #23 Orange route, which is the busiest route in the State of Iowa carrying
nearly 1.8 million passengers. This route
frequently could pull up to a given stop on
the route and fill the bus. In 2016,
CyRide welcomed four additional 60-foot
articulated buses into its fleet that were
purchased under a SAFETEA-LU grant
called Ladders of Opportunity bringing its
total articulated bus fleet to six.
Previously, CyRide operated all 40-foot
buses on this route and demand grew
each and every year to the point that
buses were leaving every 2-3 minutes
from the park and ride lot towards
campus. This not only demanded more
buses, but more drivers and funding to
pay the operating expense of this service.
With the six articulated buses, CyRide
can operate these buses without having to have an “extra” bus tag along to accommodate the demand by
passengers thereby creating efficiencies. Now, the service now leaves the park and ride every four
minutes as opposed to every 2 minutes. The result is less congestion on the Osborn corridor through the
center of campus. CyRide’s ultimate goal is to attain a total of 10 articulated buses so that 8 buses can
operate on this busy route at any given time and have spare buses available in case one breaks down.
Additionally, CyRide attained approval on October 30, 2018 by the Iowa DOT to operate the articulate
buses on this busy three-mile route as operationally needed instead of operating these buses to gain the
required 10,000 miles to meet the Iowa DOT’s PTMS mileage policy. Therefore, adding additional buses
to meet growing demands for this route will not be an issue in the future and buses will continue to move
up in the ranking with other buses throughout the state for replacement consideration under the Iowa DOT
policies.
Any public input received was incorporated into the priorities and strategies within the next sections as a viable
strategy. CyRide received substantial public input through its system redesign process and subsequent
implementation of CyRide 2.0 in 2018. Recent developments since the last Passenger Transportation Plan
have occurred and are noteworthy to report as they may impact/change the transportation needs for the
community and ability to fund future transportation projects.
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IV – PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES
The following are passenger transportation priorities and strategies for the next five years, as recommended by
the Story County Human Service Council at their January 24, 2019 meeting
.
These are projects that could secure
grant funding over the next five year period. Please note, that any Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and individuals
with Disabilities projects (Section 5310 funding) must be specifically included in the PTP. All other
strategies/projects funded by other means are encouraged to include in the PTP but are not technically required.
However, this process ensures a cooperative effort between human service agencies and transportation providers
to focus on transportation services to achieve the best possible transportation services for the community focusing
on the elderly and disabled populations.
The PTP committee, made up of transportation providers and human/health service agencies, provided
consensus to forward the following priorities and strategies forward and recommends this plan to the Ames
Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for formal approval. The AAMPO must review and approve the
projects and overall PTP plan as amended for submittal to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
1.
Dial-A-Ride Service (Section 5310):
This need was identified as a base need for the community for those
individuals that cannot ride the fixed-route system but can rather ride CyRide’s Dial-A-Ride door-to-door
service operated under subcontract currently to Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA). CyRide is
mandated by the federal government as part of the American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA), to provide this
complementary fixed-route service for person’s with a disability. This demand response service operates
the same hours and days as the CyRide’s fixed-route transit system. More demand will be warranted from
the community in future years. Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities funding
(Section 5310 funds) can be utilized by transit agencies to subcontract out their ADA service however; they
cannot provide the service themselves and receive the funding. Therefore, it is more economical for
CyRide to subcontract and coordinate with another provider. Additionally, the funding provided is more than
the demand for operating this service. CyRide’s full Section 5310 allocation each year is approximately
$332,500 total; $266,000 federal.
Approximate DAR annual budget = $187,500 total; $150,000 federal)
Dial-A-Ride (HIRTA)
Provides door-to-door ADA service within the Ames city limits.
Annual Numbers
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
# Revenue Hours
4,024
3,922
4,209
3,445
# Revenue Miles
39,862
39,876
41,323
34,934
# Days Provided/Yr.
359
359
359
359
# Riders (unlinked)
11,566
11,923
9,277
8,903
# Elderly Rides
# Disabled Rides
11,566
11,923
9,277
8,903
Operating Costs
$192,387
$152,908
$167,515
$163,504
Customer Service Portal (Section 5310):
In October 2017, HIRTA announced their plan within
Transportation Collaboration meetings and semiannual meetings with CyRide to implement a customer
service portal where customers will be able to book their own trips online, change their account status
(address, phone number, etc.), check on their trip status, pay for trips online, etc. This sort of technology
was specifically requested by Iowa State University’s Alliance for Disabilities Awareness group who met with
CyRide on several occasions in early 2017 to improve their rider experience on the Dial-A-Ride service.
HIRTA implemented these features under the last PTP, as amended, for passengers throughout their service
area including the Ames community. It was agreed by CyRide and HIRTA that 5310 funding could also be
utilized to support this project for a one-time capital cost of approximately 9% ($15,711) for Dial-A-Ride
passengers. While this capital project was just implemented, there could be future opportunities for
upgrades/expansion of this technology within the next five year period, yet to be developed, that may
improve this portal. If such a project were developed, the capital cost could be added as a miscellaneous
expense into CyRide’s contract with HIRTA to operate its Dial-A-Ride service. Therefore, this customer
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service portal project will remain as a recommended project to possibly upgrade/expand the portal if
requested by HIRTA if it benefits Dial-A-Ride passengers and if 5310 funding remains within the annual
budget to accommodate the purchase
2.
Shelters/Transit Amenities/Bus Stop Improvements (Section 5310):
Improving the accessibility of
CyRide’s bus stops as well as CyRide’s image is of importance to CyRide and their Board of Trustees.
Shelters have be prioritized within a bus stop plan for the community to be funded from this identified
funding in the next few years as long as funding is available to improve accessibility along corridors
including DOT highways. These improvements also include lighting, either solar or electric, within the bus
stop improvement to ensure passengers can read the published schedule within each shelter. The older
style shelters, for the majority, do not contain lighting.
In addition, real-time schedule information has been a request within the Ames community for many years.
This technology was implemented in February 2013 with LED digital signage at certain major transfer
points on Iowa State University campus. Additional LED signage for real-time bus information should be
incorporated into CyRide’s system making it easier for seniors and the disabled know when their Next bus
will be arriving especially as annunciator technology is implemented. CyRide intends to place these signs
at major transfer locations. CyRide’s full Section 5310 allocation each year is approximately $332,500
total; $266,000 federal.
Maximum annual funding = ($145,000 total; $116,000 federal)
3.
Small Light-Duty Bus Replacement/Expansion (Section 5310):
CyRide’s complementary Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) service called Dial-A-Ride, is a door-to-door service serving individuals with a
disability within the City of Ames. Passengers eligible for Paratransit service as defined by the (ADA) can
ride this service. This service requires the use of small light-duty accessible vehicles to operate door-to-
door within the City of Ames. The useful life of these vehicles is four years as recommended by the
Federal Transit Administration. CyRide currently leases one light-duty bus to its ADA contractor to help
operate this service. The remaining vehicles are provided by the contractor directly as they also operate
the regional public transit service for Story County. CyRide needs to systematically replace this vehicle
leased to its contractor at a minimum of four years (FTA’s defined useful life) and maximum of every eight
years (CyRide’s defined useful life benchmark) which is identified within CyRide’s Transit Asset
Management (TAM) Plan. CyRide’s current plan is to replace this vehicle every 5 years while there is
sufficient federal funding.
Additionally, this funding may be utilized to purchase expansion vehicles as needed for its ADA service as
ridership for Dial-A-Ride increases. Specifically, CyRide cannot deny a ride to Dial-A-Ride passengers due
to vehicle capacity issues. CyRide must ensure a ride to its passengers within a two hour window (one
hour before/after requested pickup/drop off) of the passengers’ request. As of FY2018, Dial-A-Ride
ridership has steadily declined by 23%. However, this may change as more and more disabled individuals
turn to Dial-A-Ride for that “guaranteed ride” if HIRTA’s service is at capacity. Section 5310 funds can be
utilized by transit agencies to purchase replacement and/or expansion buses to operate its ADA service.
Expansion vehicles may be necessary within this next five-year period if passenger demand increases over
the FY2015 levels and CyRide would need to immediately respond and provide additional vehicles if
deemed necessary.
CyRide estimates up to two light-duty buses
being purchased for either replacement/expansion between
FY2020 – FY2024 with the cost identified below.
Approximate funding per bus = ($100,000 total;
$80,000 federal)
OR
Approximate maximum funding = ($200,000 total; $160,000)
4.
Van Replacement/Expansion (Section 5310):
In January 2015, a
Demand Response Service Action
Plan
(
https://www.cityofames.org/home/showdocument?id=26012)
and Communication Plan were finalized
under the guidance of a task force to develop process improvements for the door-to-door public transit
service to the general public within Story County/Ames. While, the plan identified 23 specific actions to
improve demand response county-wide public transit service, many of these improvements can also benefit
CyRide’s ADA Paratransit service, called Dial-A-Ride, provided to eligible disabled individuals as both
transit services are operated by the same transit provider.
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Specifically under Action Item #23 in Appendix H, the
Demand Response Service Action Plan
identified
dedicating one “unscheduled” vehicle each day to address unforeseen operational issues to ensure smooth
operation of service. The need was to keep demand response public transit service on time alleviating
concerns from passengers. Again, this service improvement need was seen as something to improve the
timeliness of not only HIRTA’s service but CyRide’s Dial-A-Ride service as well. Therefore a possible
funding source for the purchase of the vehicle is 5310 (elderly and disabled funding) impacting the demand
response services within the Ames community. The vehicle would be operated to keep the service within
the City of Ames on-schedule as much as possible and/or assist where needed. Although the action plan
identified a bus to operate this service improvement, discussions between HIRTA and CyRide have
identified the unscheduled vehicle as an accessible van. CyRide needs to systematically replace this
vehicle leased to its contractor at a minimum of four years (FTA’s defined useful life) and maximum of
every eight years (CyRide’s defined useful life benchmark) which is identified within CyRide’s Transit Asset
Management (TAM) Plan. CyRide’s current plan is to replace this vehicle every 5 years while there is
sufficient federal funding..
CyRide estimates up to two accessible vans being purchased between FY2020 – FY2024 for either
replacement/expansion within this PTP with the estimated costs identified below. CyRide and/or HIRTA
would be required to fund the 20% local portion of the vehicle.
Approximate funding per van = ($60,000
total; $48,000 federal)
OR
Approximate maximum funding = ($120,000 total; $96,000)
5.
Automated Vehicle Annunciator (AVA) Technology (Section 5310):
To comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), CyRide’s drivers manually announce major transfer locations along transit routes as
well as any bus stops the public request to be announced. In 2017, CyRide began working with Iowa State
University’s Alliance for Disability Awareness group which has communicated their desire for drivers to
announce all bus stops throughout the Ames’ community without customers needing to verbally make a
request to the driver. Such a system would be over and beyond what is required for ADA. Automated
vehicle annunciators (AVA) synced with LED signage will help keep all passengers, disability or not, better
informed of where the bus is located along the route. This AVA will also make riding the bus more
convenient for and provide independence to hearing or visually disabled passengers. Automated
announcements will make the announcements more uniformly stated across the transit system by having
the stops announced in a similar method and at a consistent volume to be heard over loud noise inside and
outside the buses. An AVA system will also allow CyRide’s drivers to focus on operating the vehicle safety
instead of talking into the intercom system every few blocks. CyRide has existing 5310 funding available
which can be programmed over the next several years for this project to benefit the elderly and disabled
Ames' community. As a result, CyRide’s transit board made a commitment within their capital plan to
purchase an AVA system over a two period beginning in FY2019. CyRide would fund the local portion of
this project.
Approximate funding for entire AVA project= ($1,000,000 total; $800,000 federal);
($10,000/bus; $8,000 federal); Approximate annual funding maximum = ($500,000 total; $400,000
federal)
The remaining projects/strategies below and on the following pages are not required to be coordinated
through the PTP but have been expressed as needs within previous meetings over the years or throughout
the past year:
Previous or ongoing needs were shared with the Human Service Council as well as the UWSC’s
Transportation Collaboration meetings during the fall 2018. These groups were requested to provide
additional needs and possible strategies to incorporate into the PTP by the end of 2018.
Those strategies that
have been implemented or partially implemented in the past are identified in blue.
The overall needs and
strategies were accumulated from the public through public meetings, complaints/comments, transportation
collaboration meetings, human service council meetings and/or through direct communications with
transportation providers and human service agency representatives. Note that these possible strategies have
not all been recommended to be funded with Section 5310 funding but if federal/state/local funding became
available for the specific project specifically for the elderly or disabled population, it could be recommended
into the Section 5310 program rather easily as it’s already defined as a need.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Education/Marketing:
1. Need to reduce intimidation
and misconceptions to riding
public transit.
2. Awareness of available
programs regarding
transportation.
3. Need for insurance/
Maintenance awareness
for automobile owners
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Large Group Training of how to ride public transit
2. Train the Trainer Sessions for one-on-one training.
3. How to Ride CyRide digital formatted DVD video
4. Communication tools for non-English speaking individuals riding
CyRide ie. picture board?
5. Promote RSVP volunteer transportation program
6. Maintenance/insurance class for vehicle owners
7. Car Seat installation education program and/or resources
8. Market “Beyond Welfare” car donation program need for pass
through sponsorship by other non-profit agencies due to state
regulations limiting more than 6 non-profit car donations per non-
profit per year.
9. Implement Google Transit and/or Trip Planner so anyone could
Google how to get from point A to point B via bus in Ames.
10. Real-time scheduling software – NEXT bus technology was
implemented in 2012 and LED signage to campus bus stops.
11. Develop a “Transportation brochure” for Story County so individuals
can quickly determine which service provider could provide a ride to
their destination and for how much.
12. Developed At a Glance document for Story County agency
representatives to quickly assist their clients.
13. Marketed public transportation options to medical human service
providers to get them to ask the question, “Do you have
Transportation to your next appointment?” Communicated brochure
and At a Glance documents.
Strategies Yet to Implement
14. Improve CyRide’s How to Transfer written materials describing
what a transfer is; when a transfer is applicable as opposed to
utilizing two fares; and actual logistics of transferring.
15. Develop new Dial-A-Ride brochure identifying ADA policies and
with notable differences between DAR and county-wide public
transportation. Additionally update DAR policies as needed.
16. Market MyState App to utilize CyRide to obtain transit trip
information.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Affordability Needs
:
1. Need for affordable passenger
transportation services or
programs to make services
more affordable.
2. Need for transportation
assistance programs.
3. Increased demand for elderly
“free” transportation at
health/residential facility
homes –as seniors vacate
their automobiles & become
less independent.
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Continue Transportation Assistance for bus pass/tickets or gas
vouchers
a. City of Ames Planning & Housing: CDBG program
b. UWSC “emergency” program through Good Neighbor
Emergency Assistance
c. Story County (assistance to those leaving the state of Iowa)
2. Continue Car Seat Donation Program
Strategies Yet to Implement
3. Implement common data-base of all Ames transportation
assistance bus pass/ticket & gas voucher programs to avoid
duplication or send to one agency.
4. United Way’s TC investigate/discuss possible improvements?
a. Affordability of HIRTA transportation.
b. No resources available for non-Medicaid individuals issue.
5. Identify opportunities for human service organizations to share
vehicles and/or drivers (operating 15-18 hours/week on average).
Maintenance/Insurance
Needs:
1. Need for more cost efficient
methods to maintain and
replace human service
provider vehicles.
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Coordinate group of mechanics to repair human service
agency donated vehicles. Partnership now with Ames Ford
who accepts donated vehicles and provides safety inspection.
Strategies Yet to Implement
2. Coordination of replacement/maintenance of human service
provider vehicles.
3. Investigate “sharing” of vehicles for providers & implications to
insurance coverage.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Possib
Bus Storage/Maintenance
Facility & Connection :
1. CyRide Bus Storage
Expansion: CyRide currently
houses 100 vehicles and
inside storage is not
available for all vehicles.
CyRide cannot fit this fleet
inside at current location and
is in need of new location
and maintenance facility to
maintain/store vehicles into
the future.
2. CyRide Maintenance Shop:
Need to expand
maintenance shop area to
maintain buses, house
extra bays (1 bay per 10
buses – only 4 bays
currently, need
approximately 10).
Additionally, need the ability
to service at any time of the
day or night. Maintenance
bays need to move to
perimeter of building.
3. Facility Rehabilitation/
Improvements to maintain
State of Good Repair
4. Surface Parking Lot and
CyRide Turnaround
Rehabilitation to maintain
State of Good Repair
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Additional Bus Facility Storage –
identify second site location
and
build additional capacity for bus storage, maintenance and
operational needs over next 20-years either on-site at current
location
or through off-site location
for up to 125 vehicles
.
Design off-
site CyRide facility with appropriate functions.
Coordinate efforts with
HIRTA for this location.
2.
Modernize current CyRide storage facility including
upgrade
ventilation system, replace shop/barn air conditioning system,
replace shop/barn exhaust removal system, maintenance pit
drainage restoration,
make facility energy efficient in all mechanisms
possible, relocate parts office,
replace shop hoists, secure
building/buses, replace/repair exterior walls, shutoff system for
fuel/oil/hydraulic lines,
electric distribution rehabilitation,
fire sprinkler
upgrade, security systems added to facility,
install back-up power
supply, fuel pump improvements, concrete
rehabilitation/improvements (systematic replacement),
re-roof facility,
replace boilers,
rehabilitate wash bay/fuel area (add reverse osmosis
system, dryer/blower system, brushes to clean front of buses -
currently, just sides/rear and chassis/wheel wash.), paint booth
incorporating OSHA standards that accommodates articulated bus
fleet,
flood barrier enhancements, flood pumps replacements,
increase ceiling height of garage doors and interior building by
raising internal components to allow hybrid buses to pass through
entire facility.
3. Actively pursue state/federal funding opportunities and/or
nationally competitive grants.
4. ISU Intermodal Facility – Continue to study, discuss and
construct an Intermodal facility housing Intercity carriers near
proximity of campus to connect all transportation modes
within one location. The facility opened in August 2012.
Strategies Yet to Implement
5. Resurface Iowa State Center Parking lot where commuters
park to allow additional parkers to travel via #23 Orange into
ISU campus.
6. Rehabilitate CyRide turnarounds on #1 Red (Ames Middle
School) and #2 Green (Ontario/California) bus routes that are
crumbling and are in need of repair.
7. Identify second site for CyRide Maintenance/Storage facility
and pursue funding for land purchase, design and
construction.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Fleet Needs
1. Reduce transit providers
average fleet age to
national average
2. Maintain 100% accessible
fleet for transit providers
3. Maintain spare ratio
at 18-20% for fixed-route
transit providers.
4. Increase fleet size for
increases in service needs
(frequency and geographic
coverage)
5. Improve vehicle security
systems
6. Improve vehicle
technology to provide
improved
communications (radios)
and ridership
documentation
7. Replace administration
vehicles prior to their
useful life benchmark for
their asset class.
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1 . Federal/State Grants – Identify and apply for federal/state grants as
necessary to meet transportation providers’ fleet needs for replacement.
2. Bus Replacement – Strive to replace buses that are past their useful
life benchmark over the next 5 year period. Currently, X% (39 large
and 6 small) of CyRide’s bus fleet is past their useful life benchmark.
CyRide purchased a minibus to operate Dial-A-Ride services in
2017 and a 2014 MV1 with Section 5310 funding which is currently
leased to HIRTA. These vehicles will need systematically replaced
every 5 years.
3. Bus Expansion (New and/or Used) – Purchase accessible vehicles
to expand new transit services (fixed route and Dial-A-Ride services)
or add additional trips to safely operate/meet growing demand for
transit service.
4. Surveillance Systems – Add/replace cameras to all CyRide buses to
reduce liability and improve ability to assist local police.
5. Administrative Vehicles – Systematically replace administrative
vehicles that help transit agencies function over the next 5-year
period. CyRide administrative vehicles transport drivers to/from
their bus route will be replaced at the rate of one vehicle per
year. Maintenance trucks are replaced every 10 years.
Strategies Yet to Implement
6 . Automated Passenger counters are needed on CyRide buses to
perform required NTD counts of passengers and counts at each
bus stop throughout the system.
7. Explore and possibly conduct pilot project of battery electric
alternative fueled buses.
8. Attain additional articulated buses for high capacity routes.
9. Replace CyRide radios to upgrade/purchase technology in
coordination with other city departments.
Transportation Amenities
1. Need to improve
accessibility and lighting of
bus stops/shelters.
2. Need for bike racks on
buses to promote
sustainability of
community.
3. Automatic Vehicle
Annunciators
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Bus Stop/Shelter improvements (solar shelters, benches, i-stops, ADA
concrete pads, lighting) for major boarding locations. Improve bus
stops/shelters accessibility for all passengers.
2. Bike Racks on 100% of CyRide vehicles.
Strategies Yet to Implement
3. Automated Vehicle Annunciators to communicate what the next
bus stop is on the route for ADA passengers as well as
passengers that are not familiar with the Ames community at
bus stops via LED signage.
4. Identify/study passenger travel paths (sidewalk access) to/from bus
stops from health facilities. (CyRide buses must travel main arterials
via city policy.)
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Urban
1. Maintain existing transit
services and geographic
coverage.
2. Need for added
geographic service
coverage of transit in
Ames to serve gap
areas.
3. Need for increased
frequencies of service on
high-capacity corridors.
4. Need for additional hours of
transportation to specific
areas of Ames.
Specific need for third shift
transportation (12am - 6am)
5. Need for affordable
emergency transportation for
low-income K-12 (at- risk)
students and seniors.
6. Maintain existing transit
services and geographic
coverage.
7. Need to geographic
service coverage of
transit in Ames to serve
gap areas.
8. Need for increased
frequencies of service on
high-capacity corridors.
9. Need for additional
hours of transportation to
specific areas of Ames.
10. Specific need for third shift
transportation (12am -
7am)
11. Need for affordable
emergency transportation
for low-income K-12 (at-
risk) students and
seniors.
Urban Strategies/Projects
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
• RSVP Volunteer Transportation program
managed by RSVP. Research possibility
of providing background checks on
drivers.
• Continuation of mandated Paratransit ADA Service via contracting
opportunity with HIRTA.
• New Transit Route Services:
o
#2 Green & #6 Brown – added frequency
o
#3 Blue Alignment Expansion to Target/Wal-Mart
o
#3 Blue Sunday (between Friley & Duff)
o
#6 Brown – Evening Service to Wessex Apts/Research Park
o
#7 Purple
–provide mid-day service
(partially accommodated)
o
#9 Plum – service along S. 16
th
corridor
o
#12 Lilac – direct service from W. Ames to ISU campus
o
EASE (used to be #10 Pink) – extend route to Barilla on E.
Lincoln Way
o
EASE (used to be #10 Pink)– provide mid-day service
o
#14 Peach - Modify route to operate on Wheeler
o
Reduced CyRide fares to $1.00 per ride to make service more
accessible to low-income & elderly populations (equivalent fares
for passes prior to fare increase in January 2012.)
Strategies Yet to Implement
Recommended to Transit Board for FY2020 Budget Approval
• Summer 2019 Changes
o
#9 Plum – Deviate inbound trips only to campus through
Veterinary Medicine complex
o
#14 Peach – Shorten route to provide service between North
Grand Mall & campus in minibus at 30 minute service level.
o
#25 Gold – Add 40-minute service during summer between SUV
and campus only.
• Fall 2019 Changes
o
#6 Brown – Extend service hours from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
weekdays at 40-minute service level.
o
#11 Cherry – Add Evening Weekday Service from 6:30 – 8:30
p.m. with 40-minute frequency.
o
#12 Lilac – Add midday service from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with
service every 40 minutes.
o
#25 Gold – Add Evening Weekday Service between 10:00 p.m.
– 12:30 a.m. at 40-minute service frequency
o
#25 Gold – Add 40-minute service frequency during ISU breaks
o
#25 Gold – Reduce frequency from every 10 minutes (6
buses/hour) to every 12 minutes ( 5 buses/hour)
o
Add Morning trip(s) on 3-5 routes for 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m. work
start.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Urban continued….
Future CyRide (Fixed Route) Strategies/Projects:
•
Increased Frequencies
(#6 Brown, #9 Plum, #12 Lilac, #14 Peach,
EASE)
•
Earlier Service
(#1 Red, #2 Green, #6 Brown, #11 Cherry, #12
Lilac, EASE)
•
Later Evening Service
(#5 Yellow, #7 Purple, #9 Plum, #11 Cherry,
#12 Lilac, #14 Peach, #21 Cardinal (Friday evening))
•
Break Day
Service
(#11 Cherry, #12 Lilac)
•
Weekend
Service
(#9 Plum, #11 Cherry, #12 Lilac, #25 Gold,
EASE)
•
Summer
Service
(#11 Cherry, #12 Lilac, #25 Gold)
•
Summer Evening Service
Extend All Routes past 10pm (Friday –
Sunday).
•
Timing of Schedules
o
Improve timing of transfers between Red/Green at City Hall
o
Ensure scheduling so that passengers arrive on ISU campus
for work start times by 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00am and work
leave times of 4:00pm, 4:30pm and 5:00pm (All routes)
•
Pedestrian Signal Crossings
o
S. Dakota/Steinbeck - #1 Red, #11 Cherry, #12 Lilac
o
Stange/Blankenburg - #6 Brown, #14 Peach
•
Route Alignment/Change & New Service
o
Shorten route through campus or add additional bus all day
(route is consistently behind schedule); major detour in
2019-2020 so need adjustment in 2020-2021 (#3 Blue)
o
Service to Northridge/GW Carver area
•
Policy Change Requests
o
Guarantee campus transfers (CyRide 2.0 policy change)
o
Service Billy Sunday Road/Airport 7:30 am – 5:30pm (F = 40
min.) (Per City policy, CyRide cannot serve non-arterial
roads without city approval)
•
Affordability Strategies
o
Fare-free city-wide:
5 options (Large Scale, Weekends only,
Weekends/nights only,
Summer only (trial funded by Ames
City Council in Summer 2009),
K-12, middle/highschool
students only, “at-risk” K-12 students only)
Demand/On-Call Service Strategies/Projects:
• Senior transportation after 2 p.m. to/from health facilities
• Low-income students missing yellow school buses from school.
• Boys & Girls Club transportation from schools alternative - high
costs for special service, gasoline & vehicle insurance.
• AVL technologies - Improve route efficiencies by adding AVL
technology, kiosks to the public, trip planner
and automated
scheduling software.
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Needs
Possible Strategies/Project
Regional
1. Need for
additional/improved
transportation outside the
Ames community for
medical transportation and
other essential services.
2. Need for commuter
transportation to/from
outlying areas in Story
County into Ames as well
as I-35 corridor between
Ames & Des Moines.
Regional Strategies/Projects
Previous/Ongoing Strategies
1. Transit service between Ames & Iowa City for medical purposes.
Coordinate with other interested partners for service continuation
to also serve other central Iowa residents to Iowa City
and expand ability of Ames residents to receive medical care into Des
Moines.
2. Study I-35 corridor between Ames and Des Moines to account for daily
commute patterns and possible transit solutions from bus rapid transit,
regular bus service, to vanpool/carpool options.
3. Easier demand response re-scheduling of pickups/drop offs
(HIRTA NOW Implemented)
4. HIRTA Pay app implemented making it easier to pay for trips for
customers.
Strategies Yet to Implement
5. Study transportation commuter needs into Ames from Story County
communities. Possibly coordinate program with ISU transportation that
offers employee incentives to carpool/vanpool city-wide.
(Carpool/Vanpool database exists with Iowa RideShare and DART.)
6. Adult Day Service transportation for Story County residents
7. Additional hours of service for senior agency special events
8. Transportation service to/from Nevada 3 x’s a day
9. Rural meal-site transportation (meals/activities)
10. Out of service hours transportation for agency special events
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Mobility Is….
Ability to pay for
the service!
V – FUNDING
Financial support for the planning and delivery of public transit
services comes from many sources. The one federal funding
program that rely upon inclusion in this document for grant
approval from the federal government is Special Needs
Formula Program (Section 5310). However, the Iowa
Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is encouraging the
coordination of all other state and federal funding. Therefore,
the primary federal and state programs supporting transit and transit planning as documented by the Iowa
DOT with inclusions from Ames Area MPO are as follows:
Federal Transit Assistance Programs
• Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program (Section 5305d)
• Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning Program (Section 5305e)
• Urbanized Area Formula Grant Program (Section 5307)
• Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)
• Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (Section 5311)
• Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) (Section 5311(b)(3))
• Intercity Bus Assistance Program (Section 5311(f))
• Bus and Bus Facilities Programs (Section 5339)
• State of Good Repair Grants (Section 5337)
Federal Flexible Funds Available to Transit
• Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)
• Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Program / Iowa’s Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
• Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Career Link Program – Employment Transportation
State Programs
• STA Formula Program
• STA Special Projects
• STA Fellowship Program
• Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) Program
• Capital Match Loan Program (Amoco Loans)
• Volkswagon Settlement Grants (new from 2019-2021)
Local Funding
• Passenger Revenues
• Contract Revenue
• Municipal Transit Levy
o
Local Taxes
o
Regional Transit Levy
o
General Fund Levy
o
Trust and Agency Levy
• Student Fees
• Advertising Revenue
• Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET)
• United Way of Story County
• Story County Community Foundation
•
Each one of these programs is described in detail on the following pages.
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Federal Transit Assistance Programs
Federal transit funding are authorized through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which
went into effect December 4, 2015, authorizing programs, through September 30, 2020. Most federal transit
program are funded from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, based on transit’s share of the
federal motor vehicle fuel taxes. The funds are administered at the federal level by the Federal Transit
Administration. The transit funds are found in 49 United States Code Chapter 53 under the following sections
for each of the programs.
Metropolitan Planning Program (Section 5305d)
These funds support planning activities in metropolitan areas on an 80 percent federal, 20 percent non-
federal basis. In Iowa, these funds are administered by the Iowa DOT's Office of Systems Planning and are
distributed annually to each of the state’s nine metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) through the
following formula. One third is distributed equally among all MPOs; one-third is distributed based on each
MPO’s share of the total statewide urbanized area population from the most recent decennial census; and
one-third is distributed based on each MPO’s share of the total statewide urbanized area population from the
prior decennial census. The 5305d funds are administered jointly with Metropolitan Planning "PL" funds
available through the Federal Highway Administration as part of a Consolidated Planning Grant. The 5305d
and PL funds can support any MPO costs related to intermodal transportation planning activities for the
urbanized area.
A portion of these dollars is allocated for transportation planning each year, approximately $30-35,000,
within the Ames Transportation Planning Work Program to support transit planning conducted throughout
the year by CyRide staff. Periodically, CyRide requests additional planning funds to cover larger system-
wide transit studies or certain transit corridors. (i.e. FY2017 System Redesign Study - $100,000).
Statewide and Nonmetropoitan Planning Program (Section 5305e)
These funds are intended to support transit planning in addition to what is conducted by the individual
metropolitan planning organization (MPO). By law, the state is the direct recipient of the funding. Iowa uses
these funds, along with 5311 funds set aside specifically for planning, to support a system of regional
planning affiliations (RPAs). The RPAs are responsible for local intermodal transportation planning in areas of
the state not included in a MPO. Iowa DOT’s Office of Systems Planning serves as the direct recipient of
these funds. The combined 5305e and 5311 planning funds are distributed annually to each of the state’s 18
RPAs through the following formula. One-half is distributed equally among all RPAs; one-quarter is distributed
based on each RPA’s share of the total statewide non-urbanized population from the most recent decennial
census; and one-quarter is distributed based on the ratio of the number of counties in each RPA out of 99
total counties. The Office of Systems Planning also distributes Statewide Planning and Research (SPR) funds
from the Federal Highway Administration to the RPAs, for the same purpose and via the same formula. The
5305e and/or 5311 planning funds and SPR funds are administered jointly with any Surface Transportation
Program (STBG) funds programmed for planning support by the RPAs. These funds jointly support regional
intermodal planning on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis.
Since Ames is a designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), this funding is not available to the City
of Ames for planning purposes.
Urbanized Area Formula Grant Program (Section 5307)
These funds support urban transit systems serving communities with more than 50,000 in population for
transit related capital improvements (including preventive maintenance activities) or planning activities on an
80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. Purchase of vehicles equipped for access by persons with disabilities
can be funded at 85% federal, 15% nonfederal basis. Purchase and installation of special equipment or
features required by the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Clean Air Act Amendments, and certain
bicycle accommodation projects are eligible for 90% federal assistance. Transit systems may also use up to
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10 percent of their total 5307 funds to pay for some of their Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit costs
on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis.
• Urbanized Areas (200,000 – 1,000,000): For urbanized areas of this size, funding is apportioned
directly to each designated recipient to apply for and receive Federal funds. (i.e. Bettendorf, Council
Bluffs, Des Moines, and Davenport ) The formula is based on a combination of bus revenue vehicle
miles, bus passenger miles, fixed guideway revenue vehicle miles, and fixed guideway route miles as
well as population and population density. In urbanized areas with populations greater than 200,000, at
least 1 percent of these funds must be set aside for transit enhancement activities. Urbanized areas of
200,000 or more may not utilize this funding for operating assistance unless they are eligible under
FTA’s special rule of operating less than 100 buses in peak hour service..
• Urbanized Areas (50-000 – 200,000 in population): For urbanized areas of this size, the funds are
apportioned to the governor of each state for distribution. This 'Governor's Apportionment' includes a
base allocation calculated strictly on population and population density of the state’s communities in
that size range, plus a “growing states” allocation, based on projected population growth. Additionally,
“small transit intensive cities” (STIC) funding provides additional funds to any of these urbanized areas
if they exceed the average performance of larger urbanized areas (200,000-1,000,000 in population) in
one or more of six specified performance measures. The state is responsible for deciding how 5307
Governor’s Apportionment funds are distributed. Ames, University of Iowa's Cambus, Cedar Rapids,
Coralville, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City, and Waterloo all receive funding from the Iowa Governor's
Apportionment. (Sioux City also receives funding from the Nebraska and South Dakota Governor’s
Apportionments.) In addition to capital and planning uses, funding for these smaller urbanized areas
can also be used to support their operating budget. Funds for operating support must be matched by
non- federal funds (other than passenger revenues) on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
The 2019 Apportionments have not yet been released and over the past decade the apportionments are
delayed later and later each year. A decade ago, you could anticipate apportionments to be approved
between by December of the given federal fiscal year. Now apportionments are approved near the end of
the fiscal year.
As of 2007, CyRide began utilizing all 5307 funding to support their operating budget and allocates zero
dollars to support capital purchases. This makes the grant process administratively easier and local dollars
are utilized to support any capital needs. In FFY2018, CyRide received approximately $2,085,368
($1,075,373 in 5307/$1,010,013 in STIC) in 5307 funding which is approximately 4.2% more than
FFY2017. For 2019, CyRide anticipates another $200,000 being added to its apportionment as the
overall STIC funding will increase from 1.5% to 2.0%.
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)
This is a federal program for support of transit services to service the elderly and person with disabilities. The
programs may also serve beyond transitional public transit services and ADA complementary paratransit
service. These funds are allocated to Iowa on the basis of the number of older adults and individuals with
disabilities and allocated by area: Large Urbanized Area (60%), Small Urbanized Area (20%), and Rural
(20%). By law, the state is the direct recipient of the funding for areas with populations less than 200,000.
Urbanized areas with populations exceeding 200,000 receive a direct allocation. Public agencies responsible
for coordinating human service transportation are eligible, as are private not-for-profit agencies. Because
Iowa requires the designated public transit systems to coordinate all publicly- funded passenger
transportation services, Iowa distributes these funds to the public transit agencies. At least 55% of program
funds must be used on capital or ‘traditional’ 5310 projects (buses, vans, wheelchair lifts, ramps, etc.) and
45% is for non-traditional projects once eligible under the New Freedom program (projects that go ‘beyond
the ADA’, travel training, etc. Mobility management is eligible under either the traditional or non-traditional
funding. The cost of contracted operations, equipment and passenger or vehicle shelters are funded on an
80% federal, and 20% non-federal basis. Purchase of vehicles equipped for access by persons with
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disabilities can be funded at 85% federal participation. Facilities other than passenger or vehicle shelters are
not eligible. Operating assistance is funded at 50% federal share. Match can come from other Federal (non-
US DOT) funds.
Section 5310 funds administered by the OPT are distributed based on a formula of factors in ridership and
revenue miles. To simplify administration, the 5310 funds going to rural systems are only distributed to
transit systems that purchase contracted transportation services. All projects using 5310 funding must derive
from the
Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) prepared by the respective metropolitan or regional planning agency
through their joint public transit/human service transportation planning process. All services supported with
5310 funding must be operated open to the general public. Complementary ADA Paratransit meets this
requirement, so long as it operates the same days/hours as an urban transit system.
For CyRide, 5310 funding has traditionally been utilized to contract out their Paratransit services (Dial-A-
Ride or DAR) operated by Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA). This DAR service is the ADA
complementary service for the City of Ames for those individuals that cannot otherwise ride the fixed route
system due to their disability. Individuals must apply directly to CyRide to be eligible for this service. Any
funding remaining from 5310 after subsidizing Dial-A-Ride operations is utilized to purchase buses/vans
that are leased to HIRTA for Dial-A-Ride services, passenger shelters along the fixed routes or purchase
NEXT BUS signage. CyRide also has a project to implement automatic vehicle annunciators that will
announce the next bus stop to passengers as the bus approaches. CyRide is estimated to receive
approximately $284,086 in 5310 funding for FY2019.
Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (Section 5311)
This federal program supports transit activities in rural areas and communities with less than 50,000
population. These funds are allocated to Iowa based on the number of persons living outside urbanized
areas compared to other states. By law, the state is the direct recipient of the funding. Iowa DOT serves as
the direct recipient of the funds, through both the Office of Public Transit (OPT) and the Office of Systems
Planning. The OPT administers the bulk of the 5311 funding that is provided to small urban and regional
transit systems, as well as the 15% of the annual apportionment, that in conformance with federal law, is
utilized to support
intercity bus services. The Office of Systems Planning administers that portion of the 5311 funds that
are combined with the 5304 funding to support rural transit and intermodal planning activities.
The portion of the 5311 funds used for support of public transit services in Iowa is administered in
conjunction with the rural portion of the 5310 funding. The 5311 funds may be used to support operating
deficits (potentially on a 50% federal, 50% non-federal match), capital purchases (on an 80% federal, 20%
non-federal match or 85% federal, 15% non-federal for vehicles meeting ADA and Clean Air standards), or
planning activities (on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal match). State policy does not allow local transit
administration costs for public transit systems to be treated any differently than operating expenses.
The Iowa DOT formula allocating 5310 and 5311 funds uses the past year's performance statistics. The
amount of formula funds to be distributed to small urban systems versus regional systems is determined
by first splitting the allocations with 75% going to the regional systems and 25% going to the small urban
systems. The individual allocations to small urban systems are then determined on the basis of 50
percent of the percentage of total small urban ridership accomplished by that system and 50 percent of
the percentage of total small urban revenue miles provided by the individual system. Individual
allocations for regional systems are based on 40 percent of the system's percentage contribution to total
regional transit ridership and 60 percent on the system's percentage contribution to total regional
revenue miles.
The formula apportionment funds received by each system must be used to support services open to the
public. This would include eligible transit capital or operating expenses as defined by the federal
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government. The decision of how the formula funds are programmed is a part of the local transportation
planning and programming process conducted through the regional planning affiliation. Office of Public
Transit (OPT) provides a projection of the formula funding that will be available to each system for the
coming state fiscal year in early December, in order to facilitate integration of the 5311 programming
process with the annual preparation of the Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) and the regional
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The OPT decides which agencies will receive 5310 funds versus 5311 funds, based on how the transit
systems will use the monies. At present, most transit systems choose to use their formula funds for support
of transit service costs. The 5310 funds are targeted to systems that purchase services from sub-providers,
and 5311 funds are targeted first to systems that provide their services directly. To the extent that any system
proposes to use its 5310/5311 allocation for purchase of rolling stock to operate within an urbanized area,
5310 funds will be used (and the project will be included in that urbanized area's Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP).) If facility improvements are programmed with the formula funds, 5311 funding will be used.
Non-urbanized Formula Funding is only available for rural transit services and not available as viable funding
source for transportation within the City of Ames since Ames is 100% urban. Therefore this funding is not
referenced within the urban Ames PTP plan.
Rural Transit Assistance Program (Section 5311(b)(3) - RTAP)
This federal program provides a source of funding to assist in the design and implementation of training
and technical assistance programs and other support services tailored to meet the specific needs of transit
operators in non-urbanized areas (less than 50,000 in population). By law, the state is the direct recipient
of the funding and the Iowa DOT’s Office of Public Transit serves as the recipient of these funds.
Iowa’s RTAP funds are mainly used to provide local transit agencies training fellowships. The fellowships
pay 80 percent of the cost for Iowa's small urban and regional transit systems and their planners to attend
Iowa DOT sponsored seminars, as well as transit-related courses or conferences sponsored by other
groups. Transit systems may also be reimbursed for training held in-house. Additional RTAP projects
funded by OPT include: statewide training seminars, statewide annual driver roadeo, transit training
library, transit marketing video.
CyRide is not eligible for RTAP funding since the City of Ames is over 50,000 in population. Heart of Iowa
Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) would be eligible for this training funding. A parallel program funded
with state transit assistance (STA) funds pays for costs incurred by large urban systems and their
planners, currently at 70 percent reimbursement which CyRide is eligible.
Section 5311(f) Intercity Bus Assistance Program
A minimum of 15 percent of each year's non-urbanized
formula funds allocated to Iowa under the 5311
program is required to be set aside to support intercity bus transportation. Private-for-profit companies,
private non-profit corporations, or public entities may apply for this funding. Connections to Amtrak or
passenger air service terminals are desirable. Service strictly for commuter purposes is not eligible.
Projects may include operating assistance, capital assistance, planning, or administrative costs such as
marketing and insurance.
The Iowa Intercity Bus Assistance Program includes funding in four categories of projects:
• Category 1 is support for continuation of existing services. Funding is available for providers of
existing intercity bus service that apply and agree to reporting requirements. Category 1 projects pay
$0.10/revenue mile of scheduled route service that is justified based on preventive maintenance costs.
• Category 2 is support for new and expanded intercity bus service or feeders connecting to existing
intercity bus services. It is not intended to support duplication of existing services. Projects pay up to
$0.50/mile based on preventive maintenance, insurance and administrative costs, and operating
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support for a maximum of two years. After two years, the service may receive support under Category
1.
• Category 3 is support for marketing of existing and new services. Preference is for cooperative
projects with involvement by communities served. Projects may pay up to 80% of project
administration/marketing costs.
• Category 4 supports facility improvements or equipment purchases necessary for the support of
existing or new intercity bus services. Projects pay up to 80% of approved project amounts (83% for
purchase of accessible vehicles or 90% on accessibility retrofits of existing vehicles) based on actual
costs.
The Intercity Bus Assistance Program is included as a statewide total in the Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP). Annual intercity bus assistance applications must be received by Iowa
DOT’s Office of Public Transit by the first business day of October for projects to begin in January.
Project selections are finalized by December.
Bus and Bus Facilities Programs (Section 5339)
These funds can finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related
equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. Funding is dispersed annually via formula apportionments
and also by discretionary awards.
• Formula Apportionments: In Iowa, approximately $1,250,000 is received annually via formula to
be spent in small urban (less than 50,000 population) and regional transit systems and receives
individual allocations for each large urban transit system serving populations between 50,000 and
200,000. The large urban funds are pooled together since individual allocations by transit agency
would not allow for bus purchases on an annual basis. All funds are spent on vehicle
replacements rather than on expansion vehicles or bus-related facilities and are distributed
utilizing the vehicle rankings of the
Public Transit Management System
(PTMS).
Transit systems serving populations of more than 200,000 in population receive direct allocations
from the Federal Transit Administration and are not included in the statewide distribution through
PTMS. These transit systems can decide how to utilize these formula funds for their agency.
This federal program provides funding of transit capital improvements on an 80% federal, 20%
non- federal matching basis (85% federal, 15% non-federal for vehicles equipped to meet ADA
and Clean Air standards). Facility grants are not available through this process since the formula
funding is minimal and the Iowa DOT emphasizes replacing vehicles as the priority above any
facility project.
• Discretionary Awards: The Department of Transportation (DOT) typically releases a ‘notice of
funding opportunity’ for national infrastructure investments projects that make a positive impact
throughout the country and opens this opportunity to all transportation modes (highway, public
transportation, passenger/freight rail, port, intermodal). . All transit agencies over 50,000 in
population as well as States have an opportunity to apply for these grant funding opportunities. This
competitive discretionary program is now known as the “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development” or “BUILD Transportation ‘Discretionary Grants” program and funding is awarded for
projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. (This program was previously known as
TIGER under the Recovery Act.)
CyRide was extremely successful in attaining replacement buses and expansion buses for its fleet
within the transportation appropriations bill, prior to the FAST Act, MAP-21, under SAFETEA-LU.
CyRide averaged approximately $2,000,000 in capital funding on an annual basis through the
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process. However; once the MAP-21 reauthorization bill was
approved, CyRide was no longer eligible to apply for NOFA opportunities as only designated
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recipients serving populations over 200,000 were eligible. The FAST Act reauthorization bill revised
this and transit systems serving populations over 50,000 are now eligible to apply for this discretionary
funding. This change opens up the opportunity for CyRide to submit future applications for bus (for
replacement or expansion) and bus facility NOFA’s if these opportunities continue in the future.
CyRide has not applied directly for these opportunities under the FAST Act but the State of Iowa DOT
has applied on CyRide’s behalf along with other Iowa urbanized transit systems. The Iowa DOT has
not been successful in receiving discretionary funding for urbanized systems, like CyRide, but has
received discretionary funding for Iowa’s rural transit systems, like HIRTA.
State of Good Repair Grants (Section 5337)
This is a new formula-based program dedicated to repairing and upgrading the nation’s rail transit
systems along with high-intensity motor bus systems the use of high-occupancy vehicle lanes, including
bus rapid transit (BRT). At the present time, CyRide or HIRTA is not eligible for this type of funding as
they do not provide rail or BRT transit service at this time.
Federal Flexible Funds Available to Transit
Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG)
These funds come to the state based on a number of factors including vehicle miles of travel, highway
lane miles and the number and size of bridges. The funds can be used for roadway, transit capital
projects, pedestrian/bikeway projects, or intermodal planning projects on an 80% federal, 20% local basis.
In Iowa, a portion of these funds is programmed by local governments acting through metropolitan or
regional planning agencies.
Nearly all of Iowa Regional Planning Alliances (RPAs) and some Metropolitan Planning Organizations
(MPOs) fund a portion of their intermodal transportation planning activities from STBG funds. Most transit
systems have also been successful in receiving STBG funding from their local MPO or RPA. When
programmed for transit or transit planning projects, these funds are transferred from the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for administration, either through a
direct Section 5307 grant for large urban transit systems, through a statewide 5311 grant for small urban
or regional systems, or through the statewide consolidated planning grant for planning projects. The Iowa
DOT’s Office of Public Transit administers the statewide grant for individual small urban and regional
transit systems. The Office of Systems Planning administers the planning grant.
CyRide has utilized past allocated STBG dollars for planning purposes for the Ames Transit Feasibility Study
($100,000; 40% STBG) and CyRide Facilities Master Plan Update ($40,000; 25% STBG). Reimbursements
for these CyRide projects are requested directly from the City of Ames. In 2020, CyRide will begin to receive
STBG dollars for bus purchases for approximately $225,000 federal each year with the hopes to upgrade a
40-foot bus to an articulated bus. Thus far, CyRide has received approximately three years of STBG funding.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
This program is one of the five core funding programs of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that
can be flexed between highway, transit or bicycle/pedestrian uses. Nationally, the Congestion Mitigation/Air
Quality (CMAQ) program is intended to fund transportation projects to assist metropolitan areas in violation
of Clean Air Act standards. In those states with areas in violation, much or all of the CMAQ monies must be
spent in the affected areas for projects conforming to a state air quality implementation plan. Because Iowa
does not have any areas in violation of transportation-related federal clean air standards, the state receives
a minimum allocation of CMAQ funding that can be used anywhere in the state for any purpose for which
STBG funds can be used on the same 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The Iowa program is referred to
as Iowa's Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP).
In Iowa, funds are programmed for highway or transit projects through a statewide application process
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based on the project's anticipated air quality or congestion relief benefits. Applications are due the first
business day of October for projects to begin the following federal fiscal year. Project selections are
determined in February. When ICAAP funds are programmed for transit projects, funding is transferred
from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for
administration through the statewide grant under either the Section 5307 or 5311 programs depending on
whether the projects are in urbanized or non-urbanized areas. This funding could be utilized in the future
for service expansion (new routes or increased service frequency) for either buses or service within Ames.
Over the past five years, CyRide has been awarded over $2.8 million from ICAAP funding for expansion of
transit services and additional buses to operate these service expansions including:
ICAAP Projects
Approved
Federal
Cost
Green/Brown Weekday Service Frequency Expansion
Jan. 2015, 2016 & 2017
$399,396
Blue Sunday Frequency Expansion
Jan. 2015, 2016 & 2017
$23,283
Two HD 40-foot buses (Green /Brown service)
Jan. 2015
$702,400
Plum Route New Route
Jan. 2016, 2017 & 2018
$664,988
One HD 40-foot bus (Plum route service)
Jan. 2016
$364,000
West Ames Routes: New Route – Lilac;
Frequency Expansions - Red, Purple, Cherry
Jan. 2019*
$330,014
One HD 40-foot bus (Lilac new route service)
Jan. 2019*
$394,640
TOTAL ICAAP
$2,878,721
Finally, due to the lower apportionments in 5339 Bus & Bus Facilities discretionary funding for small urban
and rural transit agencies, the Iowa DOT was successful in securing $3 million of ICAAP funding to be
utilized towards the replacement of buses. This funding will be dispersed through the PTMS process with
the oldest and highest mileage buses throughout the state being replaced first.
Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program
The Iowa DOT administers the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) DERA grant program for the
state of Iowa. DERA comes out of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Annually, the counties eligible to apply
for funding are those determined by the EPA where all or part of the population is exposed to more than
2.0 μg/m3 of diesel particulate matter emissions in the 2011 National Scale Air Toxics Assessment.
Public transit agencies operating medium-and heavy-duty diesel vehicles in the targeted counties are
eligible to apply. In 2017, the amount of funding available was $233,504. Visit
https://iowadot.gov/dera/pdfs/DERA_Grant_Program_Info_Guide.pdf
for current application deadlines
and further information
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Career Link Program –Employment Transportation
This program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The Career Link
program can be used to address other employment barriers by providing funding for employment related
transportation services. Eligible activities include transportation services for individuals to job activities
and adult students to educational training/instructional opportunities. The majority of beneficiaries
(individuals utilizing transportation) must reside in non-entitlement communities [i.e. communities under
50,000 in population].
• Eligible applicants are non-entitlement cities (under 50,000) or counties. Funds will flow through
the local government to a non-profit transportation entity [i.e. public transit agency] providing the
transportation services.
• The majority of beneficiaries (individuals utilizing transportation) must reside in non-entitlement
communities.
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• Eligible activities will include transportation services for individuals to job activities and adult
students to educational training/instructional opportunities.
• Participating businesses may not include retail or service businesses. A service business is a
business providing services to a local consumer market which does not have a significant
proportion of its sales coming from outside the state.
• The maximum grant award for employment related transportation projects will be $150,000.
• IEDA will require a 1 for 1 cash match for projects. Matching funds can be a combination of funds
from participating businesses, local, state, and federal funds.
• Funds will be used for operational expenses only (not buses/equipment)
• For each project, the majority of beneficiaries (51%) must be low to moderate income individuals,
as defined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Grant recipients must document compliance by collecting income surveys from project
beneficiaries
CyRide is not eligible for this funding since Ames is a community of more than 50,000 in population.
State
Programs
The State of Iowa currently offers seven programs providing financial assistance to public transit systems.
STA Formula Program
All public transit systems are eligible for funding under the STA program, which began in 1976. Since 1984,
STA funding has been derived from a dedicated portion (currently1/20th) of the first four cents of the state
“use tax” imposed on the sale of motor vehicles and accessory equipment. STA funds are provided to
support public transit services and may be used for either operating or capital projects.
The majority of the state transit assistance funds received in a fiscal year are distributed to individual
transit systems on the basis of a formula using performance statistics from the most recent available
year. Each month, the dollars received in the fund during the prior month are allocated to the transit
agencies. These funds can be used by the public transit system for operating, capital or planning
expenses related to the provision of open-to-the-public passenger transportation.
The STA formula funds are first split between urban and regional systems on the basis of total revenue
miles of service provided by each group. The funds are then split among individual systems in each
category, 50 percent on the basis of locally determined income (LDI), 25 percent on the basis of rides per
dollar of expense, and 25 percent on the basis of revenue miles per dollar of expenditure. OPT calculates
LDI by subtracting FTA and STA formula funds from the system's operating expenses.
CyRide typically utilizes this funding for partial support of its operations of approximately $830,000 each
year. HIRTA would receive STA formula funds for regional transit services within Story County. This
funding is anticipated to decrease dramatically since vehicle sales have dropped over the past year.
Transit systems were warned from Iowa DOT to adjust their budgets accordingly.
STA Special Projects
Each year up to $300,000 of the total STA funds are set aside to fund “special projects.” These can include
grants to individual systems to support transit services which are developed in conjunction with human
service agencies, or statewide projects to improve public transit in Iowa through such means as technical
training for transit system or planning agency personnel, statewide marketing campaigns, etc.
Special Projects are considered an “immediate opportunity” program by the Iowa DOT, meaning that these
funds can be applied for at any time of the year as an opportunity arises, provided that funding is still
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available. Projects are intended to assist with start-up of new services that have been identified as needs by
health, employment or human service agencies participating in the Passenger Transportation Development
Planning process. Most projects are small in scope and typically will fall within the $5,000-$25,000 range.
Projects shall be for no more than one year for up to 50% of the project costs, but a second year of funding
can be applied for separately for up to 30%. Priority is given to projects which include a contribution from
human service agencies. In past years, HIRTA was awarded funding for the Ames – Iowa City transit
service and also funding to print the Story County Transportation brochure
(
www.ridehirta.com/sct.pdf
)
.
CyRide has only received this funding once in 2010 for partial funding of the new #10 Pink route of $15,006.
The statewide project funds can also be used on statewide transit marketing and projects exploring new
transit technologies. The administrative rules provide flexibility for use of the funding. If not needed for
special projects, the money set aside for that purpose may be moved back into the STA formula program for
distribution to all systems.
STA Fellowship Program
A major component of the state-wide Special Projects is a program of transit training fellowships that
parallels the federal RTAP fellowship program described previously. The STA fellowship program focuses
on training costs for Iowa’s large urban transit systems and metropolitan planning organizations that are
not eligible under RTAP. CyRide utilizes this fellowship program for its administrative, maintenance and
operational staff of approximately $15,000 each year for the following uses: FTA and Iowa DOT seminars,
transit related conferences, NTI Trainings, State Rodeo (funded at 100%), and trips to other University
transit communities. This program generally reimburses 70% of registration, travel, hotel expenses.
Public Transit Infrastructure Grants
In 2006, the Iowa Legislature established a new program to fund some of the vertical infrastructure needs
of Iowa’s transit systems. Applications are accepted as part of the annual Consolidated Transit Funding
Program. Projects can involve new construction, reconstruction or remodeling, but must include a vertical
component to qualify. They are evaluated based on the anticipated benefits to transit, as well as the ability
to have projects completed quickly. The infrastructure program participation in the cost of transit-related
elements of a facility project is limited to 80% and cannot, in combination with federal funding, exceed that
number. Also no single system can receive more than 40% of the available infrastructure funding in a
given year.
CyRide has been successful in receiving several awards for this infrastructure program to rehabilitate its
maintenance facility over the past years. CyRide received $320,000 to rehabilitate its roof on the oldest
section of the maintenance facility in 2016 that was completed in the fall 2017. Next, CyRide received
$405,009 in 2017 to construct three in-ground hoists in the maintenance garage that were completed in
summer 2018. CyRide has recently received an additional $517,042 in 2018 to replace its bus washer and
purchase a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the wash bay lane that will be
implemented in summer 2019.
Capital Match Revolving Loan Fund (AMOCO Loan)
The capital match revolving loan fund was created by the Iowa Legislature in the early 1980’s with funds
from Iowa's share of the federal government’s petroleum overcharge settlement against the American Oil
Company (Amoco.) The loan program is subject to an intergovernmental agreement between the Iowa DOT
and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). All public transit systems are eligible for loans under
this program. The intent of the program is to increase the inherent energy conservation benefits of public
transit by expediting the implementation of transit capital projects.
The program allows “no interest” loans to transit systems, which the transit system uses towards the required
local match on a federally-funded capital project, paying it back over a negotiated time period as local funds
become available. The loan can be used to temporarily fund the entire local match on capital equipment
projects or 50% of the required non-federal match on facility projects. Funding is available on a first come
first serve basis. A project, targeted at energy savings, is eligible if it is a transit capital project that is
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approved for federal funding
Volkswagon Settlement Grants (new from 2019-2021)
In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a complaint alleging Volkswagen (VW) violated
the federal Clean Air Act with the sale of motor vehicles between 2009 and 2016 equipped with "defeat
devices" designed to perform differently during normal vehicle operation than during emissions tests;
exceeding the EPA compliant levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) during normal use. VW agreed to settle some
of the allegations. With the creation of an Environmental Mitigation Trust (Trust) to fund a specific set of
mitigation actions that will reduce NOx emissions. Over the next several years, Iowa will receive
approximately $21 million in Trust funds for NOx mitigation projects. Iowa DOT has been designated the
lead state agency to administer the funds. These funds will be distributed within the following categories
according to Iowa DOT’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan over the next few years.
Mitigation Category
Funding Target
Category 1 -Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus
$9,450,000
Category 2-Freight Trucks and Port Drayage Trucks
$3,150,000
Category 3 – Non-Road Transport and Equipment
$9,100,000
Category 4 – Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Supply Equipment
$3,150,000
Category 5 – Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program
$3,150,000
TOTAL
$21,000,000
In January 2019, the Iowa DOT requested its first round of grant applications to award $4.9 million of VW
funding under the first three categories listed above. Awards will be released in April 2019. CyRide
submitted a VW application under this first round for $170,640 (12%) to provide partial local match within a
federal grant to replace three alternative fueled biodiesel buses for a total project cost of $1,437,600. If
awarded, this will provide CyRide with additional local match funding for future grant opportunities. For more
information on this grant progam, visit
https://iowadot.gov/vwsettlement/default.aspx
.
Local
Funding
The bulk of transit funding in Iowa comes from local sources, especially on the operating side. How
systems generate their local financial support varies, but some of the more common sources are as
follows:
Passenger Revenues
Fees paid by the passengers are one of the most common sources of local support. This can include
monies collected on-board the transit vehicle (usually called “farebox receipts”), as well as prepaid fares
from sale of passes or tickets, or fares billed to the passenger after the fact. FTA requires that all
passenger revenues be subtracted from the total cost of operating transit service to identify a net operating
cost, before eligibility for federal financial support of operations can be calculated.
Contract Revenue
Human service agencies, local communities, as well as private businesses are often willing to pay a part or
all of the cost for certain types of rides provided as part of the open to the public transit operation. Such
subsidies are classified as contract revenues and can count toward the required local match on federal
projects.
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Municipal Transit Levy
Local Taxes
Iowa law authorizes municipalities to levy up to 95 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation to support the cost of
a public transit system. Most of Iowa’s larger communities levy for support of their urban transit systems. A
number of smaller communities use this authority to generate funding used to support services contracted
from their designated regional transit system. CyRide has its own transit levy for the community of which
Ames is approximately 15% of its revenue stream. For Ames, this levy is approximately 62.811 cents per
$1,000 assessed valuation.
Regional Transit Levy
In 2005, the Iowa legislature authorized counties exceeding 175,000 in population are able to form regional
transit districts for support of area-wide public transit services. Once formed, adjacent counties can become
part of the district, or municipalities in non-participating adjacent counties can join. The district can levy up to
the 95 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation; but, unlike the provisions in the municipal levy, the regional
transit districts can set differing levy rates across their territory. While both Linn and Polk counties have the
population to form a regional transit district, as of March 2011 only Polk County has chosen to form a district,
including several municipalities from adjacent non-participating counties. This is not an option available to
Story County.
General Fund Levy
The cost of supporting transit services is an eligible use of general fund revenues for all Iowa governments
and is the primary source of funding to support transit for counties who don’t have the option of a transit levy,
as well as for cities which chose not to use the transit levy.
Trust and Agency Levy
The Trust and Agency Levy can be used by cities and counties to support employee benefit plans. As such,
it can be used to help support the cost of a city operated transit system.
Other Local
Student Fees
Mandatory student fees established by a college or university are similar to a tax levy in that all members of
the particular community contribute. Iowa State’s Student Government is CyRide’s largest fee levy equating
for approximately 40% of their annual operating budget.
Advertising Revenues
Sale of on-board advertising or advertising space in brochures, etc., can provide some additional revenues to
the transit program. Currently, CyRide contracts out their advertising program to place ads on our buses and
therefore splits the revenues received with the advertising agency.
Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET)
The Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET) process has existed in Story County since
1985. It brings together five major funders of human services programs in a collaborative, volunteer-led effort
to coordinate local planning, assess needs, evaluate the capabilities of agencies to provide programs, and
recommend funding for programs. ASSET
(
www.storycountyasset.org/
)
is supported by five funders
including the City of Ames, Iowa State University Student Government, Story County, Central Iowa
Community Services, and United Way of Story County. Each Funder has priorities that guide the process in
making recommendations for funding decisions and agencies must apply for funding through this process.
Approximately $4.6 million in funding was recommended for distribution to ASSET agencies’ programs in
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2018-2019. HIRTA requests approximately $187,000 of this funding for demand response transportation
within Ames, Story County and to Iowa City.
United Way of Story County
The United Way of Story County (UWSC) offers several grant opportunities to support unanticipated,
emerging or other distinct under-funded needs on an annual basis. These grant opportunities are in
addition to funding ASSET programs through the process listed above.
• Annual Grant Process - The UWSC typically offers agencies to submit letters of intent requesting
funding, over $7,500, for their programs in February of each year. They then are invited to submit a
full proposal in April if the letter of intent is of interest to UWSC and meets their priorities. The
project must typically have a significant impact on the community and people UWSC serves in the
areas of Education, Income and Health. Those agencies seeking grant funding must also be a non-
profit organization. In the past, the UWSC has funded security cameras of $24,580 for HIRTA for
two vans and five buses to help ensure the safety of passengers, employees and property. This
data will likely allow lower-insurance rates for HIRTA. UWSC also partially funded an unscheduled
van in the amount of $9,653 to help keep HIRTA’s services more on time. In 2018, HIRTA received
approximately $36,000 for enhanced scheduling features to offer online scheduling to Story County
clients as well as a pay application for passengers to pay for their trips online instead of at the time
of boarding.
•
Mini-Grant Process - In addition to the annual grant process, the UWSC also offers mini-grants
anytime throughout the year for up to $250 per agency for projects that benefit citizens of Story
County. The UWSC’s CEO may grant these mini-grants at their discretion without any formal board
approval for up to $1,500 total throughout the year.
•
Golf For Kids Grant Process – This final grant opportunity is called Golf Fore Kids which ties funding
from a golf event fundraiser to support programs that improve the quality of life for children and
families in Story County. Grant proposals are generally accepted by the first part of August each
year with the maximum award of $3,000 per program. Awards are made by the UWSC Board of
Directors in October of each year. This opportunity only funds programs for kids and will not fund
capital expenditures. Agencies do not have to be a partner agency of the UWSC to request funding.
Approximately $23,000 was dispersed in 2017 to agencies to improve the quality of life for Story
County kids. Past funding for transportation programs have included the Ames Public Library that
offers bus fare for childcare programs to visit the library.
Story County Community Foundation
The Story County Community Foundation (SCCF) is a nonprofit public charity created by generous local
citizens. It builds permanent charitable funds called endowments. Each endowment distributes a portion of
its earning annually in perpetuity--forever--to support a charitable purpose. Donations may be made to
funds which address community needs and reflect a donor's interests and personal philanthropic goals.
The SCCF acts as a broad umbrella, sheltering many separate funds.
Major Grants (up to $25,000), Community Grants (up to $6,000) and Capacity Building Grants (up to
$2,500) are available to non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, charitable projects of a
governmental agency or to a 501 (c)(3) fiscal sponsor. More information can be found at
www.storycountyfoundation.org
.
HIRTA has previously received a grant from the SCCF to initiate the Ames to Iowa City operating service
providing access to medical care in Iowa City.
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VI – CONCLUSION
The Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) coordination effort is an ongoing process throughout the year to
define funding and further refine recommended projects. Efforts will continue to coordinate transportation
services, identify needs and expand funding availability identified within the recommended projects. This
effort includes identifying and encouraging additional federal/state/local funding resources yet to be
approved or identified through future transit reauthorization bills. Involvement through Human Services
Council, United Way’s Transportation Collaboration Committee and Story County’s Quality of Life Alliance
groups has provided additional opportunities for increased communication between transportation
providers and human/health service agencies to ensure better mobility options to the community and
region. Coordination offers a great way to obtain positive results from limited resources while sharing
available transportation options by many transportation providers to agencies that communicate those
resources to the transit dependent, low-income, elderly and disabled populations.
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^
ITEM #
AAMPO 7
DATE:
03-26-19
AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AAMPO)
TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: DESIGNATION OF CIRTPA REPRESENTATIVES
BACKGROUND:
Each year the Transportation Policy Committee appoints representatives and alternate
representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliances’
(CIRTPA) two committees
– the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) and the
Transportation Technical Committee (TTC). Since the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization is an advisory member of CIRTPA, these are non-voting positions.
It is recommended
that the Ames Area MPO’s designated representatives for 2019 be
as follows:
TPC Representative: Tony Filippini, Transportation Planner
TPC Alternate Representative: Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer
TTC Representative: Tony Filippini, Transportation Planner
TTC Alternate Representative: Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Appoint the individuals named above to their respective roles representing the Ames
Area MPO on CIRTPA.
2. Designate other individuals to serve the Ames Area MPO in this capacity.
ADMINISTRATOR’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Administrator recommends that the Ames Area MPO Transportation Policy
Committee adopt Alternative No. 1, thereby appointing the individuals named above to
serve in their respective roles representing the Ames Area MPO on CIRTPA.
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^
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CONFERENCE BOARD AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairman John Haila
at 6:01 p.m. on February 26, 2019. Present from the Ames City Council were Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David Martin, and Chris Nelson. Story County
Board of Supervisors was represented by Linda Murken and Lauris Olson. Supervisor Lauris Olson
was brought into the meeting telephonically as it was impractical for her to attend in person. Ames
Community School Board, Nevada Community School Board, Gilbert Community School District,
and United Community School District were not represented.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2019:
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Murken, to approve the
Minutes of the January 22, 2019, meeting of the Ames Conference Board.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT OF GAIL JOHNSTON TO BOARD OF REVIEW:
Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Murken, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-058 appointing Gail Johnston to the
Board of Review.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED FY 2019/20 BUDGET FOR CITY ASSESSOR’S
OFFICE:
The public hearing was opened by Mayor Haila. After no one came forward to speak,
the Mayor closed the hearing.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Murken, to approve the FY 2019/20 Budget for the City
Assessor’s Office.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CONFERENCE BOARD COMMENTS:
No one had any comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Murken to adjourn the Ames Conference Board at 6:04 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:06 p.m.
on the 26th day of February 2019, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue.
Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David
Martin, and Chris Nelson, were present.
Ex officio
Member Allie Hoskins was also in attendance.
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PROCLAMATION FOR IOWA HONEY BEE DAY:
Mayor Haila proclaimed February 27,
2019, as Iowa Honey Bee Day. Accepting the Proclamation was Jamie Beyer, Legislative
Representative, Iowa Honey Producers Association.
Mr. Beyer introduced Lynn and Ann Wilbur, who are also local honey bee keepers. Mr. Beyer
mentioned that honey bees are a big part of the agricultural economy.
Mayor Haila announced that Council would be working off an Amended Agenda. Consent Item No.
8, Resolution approving 2019 Neighborhood Art acquisitions, had been taken off the Agenda by
staff. Item No. 14, a Resolution approving 4-6 temporary parking spaces in the Library parking lot
had been added.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Council Member Gartin requested to pull, for separate discussion, Item No.
11, Requests from Greek Week Committee for Greek Week activities.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the following items on the Consent
agenda.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 12, 2019
4. Motion approving new 8-month Class B Beer License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales
for Homewood Golf Course, 401 E 20
th
Street
5. Motion approving ownership change for Class C Beer Permit for Kwik Trip, Inc., 204 S Duff
6. RESOLUTION NO. 19-059 authorizing the City’s StoryComm representative to approve the
recommendation for a radio vendor and authorizing Iowa State University’s Purchasing
Department to issue a Letter of Intent
7. RESOLUTION NO. 19-060 approving Police Department’s application for and participation in
Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau Enforcement Grant program
9. RESOLUTION NO. 19-062esolution approving submission of Nutrient Reduction Feasibility
Study for the Water Pollution Control Facility to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
1
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. . Request from India Cultural Association of Central Iowa for Zero Hunger Run/Walk on May 18,
2019:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 19-063 approving closure of State Avenue between Mortensen Road
and Arbor Street from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
11. Requests from Greek Week Committee for Greek activities:
a. Polar Bear Plunge event on April 5, 2019:
i.
Motion approving Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii.
RESOLUTION NO. 19-064 closing a portion of Sunset Drive and the eastern portion
of Pearson Avenue along the Greek Triangle from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 19-065 suspending parking regulations from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m.
b. Greek Week activities on April 6, 2019:
i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii.
RESOLUTION NO. 19-066 approving closure of the following streets from 6:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. on April 6:
(1) Sunset Drive, Ash Avenue from Gable Lane to Knapp Street
(2) Gray Avenue, Gable Lane to Greeley Street
(3) Greeley Street
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(4) Pearson Avenue, Sunset to Greeley
(5) Lynn Avenue, Chamberlain to Knapp
12. RESOLUTION NO. 19-067 approving Change Order No. 1 with Pioneer Industrial Corp.,
Hastings, NE, for the Valve Maintenance Related Services and Supplies Contract in the not-to-
exceed amount of $16,000
13. RESOLUTION NO. 19-068 accepting completion of 2016/17 CyRide Route Pavement
Improvements (South 3rd/4th Street)
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
GREEK WEEK COMMITTEE FOR GREEK ACTIVITIES:
Council Member Gartin stated
that he pulled this item as representatives from the Greek Week Committee were present, and he
wanted to give them a chance to speak.
Ryan Hunwardsen, Greek Week Central 2019 Logistics Director, thanked the Council members for
their continued support of “Greek Week.” He noted that this is the 67
th
year for “Greek Week.”
Polar Bear Plunge Event on April 5, 2019:
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve the
Temporary Obstruction Permit.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-064 closing a portion of
Sunset Drive and the eastern portion of Pearson Avenue along the Greek Triangle from 10:00 a.m.
to 11:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-065 suspending parking
regulations on a portion of Sunset Drive and the eastern portion of Pearson Avenue along the Greek
Triange from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Greek Week activities on April 6, 2019:
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve a
blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-066 approving closure
of the following streets from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on April 6:
• Sunset Drive, Ash Avenue from Gable Lane to Knapp Street
• Gray Avenue, Gable Lane to Greeley Street
• Greeley Street
• Pearson Avenue, Sunset to Greeley
• Lynn Avenue, Chamberlain to Knapp
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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PUBLIC FORUM:
Mayor Haila opened Public Forum. No one came forward to speak, and Public
Forum was closed.
AMES PRIDEFEST:
Management Analyst Tashiek Kerr stated that the request for Ames Pridefest
is unique this year as the organization is requesting a waiver of parking meter fees for all of
Downtown. She noted that last year the request was confined to the event location. To staff’s
knowledge, the only times Council has granted free parking for all of Downtown was for area-wide
events sponsored by Ames Main Street. If the Council approves the waiver of all 613 meters
Downtown, it would result in a loss of $1,379.25 to the Parking Fund; however, the Council waived
the parking meters in the event area, it would be a loss of $168.75.
Tara Andrews, 108 Jewel Drive, Ames, explained that she is the Chair of Ames Pride and Co-Chair
of Ames Pridefest 2019. She gave a brief history regarding the prior two Pridefest events. Ms.
Andrews stated that this year they will be adding space for more vendors and space for attendees.
She noted that they are contracting with American Sign Language interpreters for the entire day, they
do not accept sponsorship from Alcohol and Tobacco companies, they include and collaborate with
faith-based community organizations, and a variety of food vendors options will be available for
dietary restrictions. Ms. Andrews stated that there are no admission fees or ticketing associated with
Ames Pridefest. She explained that economic accessibility is important and that is why they are
requesting a waiver of fees for all Downtown meters be approved.
Council Member Martin asked Ms. Andrews what the attendance was for the past two years. She
stated that the first year they had about 200-300 people and last year there were about 1400-1500
people. This year they are anticipating around 2,000 people.
Council Member Betcher stated that the request for the additional handicapped parking spots is due
to concerns that came up from last year’s event, as some of the accessible spots were closed and
there were a few library patrons who had mobility challenges who were unable to park anywhere
near the library. She noted that the Police Department do not have any temporary bagging system
to create temporary parking spaces. City Manager Steve Schainker asked City Attorney Mark
Lambert if the City was allowed to make temporary handicapped spaces. Mr. Lambert stated that
handicapped spaces could be created if needed by City staff.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated that she appreciates this event, but they just decreased the
parking meter rates Downtown, which alreadys show a deficit in the Parking Fund. Ms. Beatty-
Hansen stated she encourages everyone to use a bike or take the bus.
Council Member Martin stated that normally the City Council does say yes to a waiver of parking
meter fees and reminded the Council that they just approved a waiver of parking meter fees for three
days for a shopping event in Downtown Ames. He noted that this event is great for the community
as it reaches community members who are neglected.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to approve the requests for Ames Pridefest on Saturday,
September 7, as requested by Ames Pride, for all 613 meters Downtown and a waiver of fees for
vending and parking.
Ms. Betcher stated that they will already have Ames Main Street parking meters closed for the
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Farmer’s Market, and the amount of revenue lost to the Parking Fund for this event might be lower.
Ms. Kerr stated that staff had not yet received any Special Event requests from the Farmer’s Market
Committee.
Council Member Nelson stated that the difference with Ames Pridefest and the three-day shopping
event was with the intent to bring further business to the Downtown District.
Further discussion was had regarding how many parking meters should be waived.
Motion withdrawn
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the blanket Temporary Obstruction
Permit and blanket Vending License.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of
these Minutes..
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-069 approving the
closure of Douglas Avenue from Main Street to 6
th
Street and 5
th
Street between Kellogg and the
alley east of Adams Funeral Home from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of
these Minutes.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-070 approving
waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement in Downtown Ames for all 613 meters, as requested.
Roll Call Vote: 3-3. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Martin. Voting nay: Nelson, Corrieri,
Gartin. Motion failed.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-071 approving waiver of
the fee for blanket Vending License.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of
these Minutes.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-061 approving 4-6
handicapped temporary parking spaces in the Library parking lot, to be designated by City staff.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-070 approving the
waiver of 75 parking meter fees in the event location only on September 7, 2019.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of
these Minutes.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO ALLOW BEDROOMS IN PROGRESS TO COUNT TOWARD
RENTAL OCCUPANCY:
Building Official Sara Van Meeteren explained that in January 2019,
the Council directed staff to bring back options in regards to a letter that was received from Al
Warren.
Al Warren, 3121 Maplewood Road, Ames, stated that he respects the Council’s opinion for
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protecting the neighborhood, but feels there were a few people that got caught in the process. He
explained that the homeowners didn’t get to complete what they wanted to do as they put their
remodeling on hold to see what was going to happen to the occupancy rules, as they wanted to make
sure they followed those rules. Mr. Warren mentioned that the time frame from when the
moratorium went into effect and then the new Code, there was no gap to allow anyone to proceed
forward. He believed that anyone who was in process should be allowed to complete the job and he
had a letter from SCAN letting the Council know that they were not opposed to him finishing his
renovation.
Council Member Gartin asked Mr. Warren to explain how the Council would know that he was “in
process.” Mr. Warren answered that Council Member Betcher was in the area and she was shown
the area that he didn’t get finished. He also stated that he had spoken with Ms. Van Meeteren about
obtaining a building permit, but was unsure of how many bedrooms to list. He noted that the City
Assessor website and the City of Ames Inspections Division had two different numbers listed for
how many bedrooms his house had so one of the Rental Inspectors came out and did a bedroom
count.
Council Member Betcher explained that one of her concerns was that if someone was waiting on
word to see if the bedrooms would count, and in the meantime, the moratorium went into effect,
there was no time for a homeowner to make any changes. Mr. Gartin asked Ms. Van Meeteran if
Mr. Warren could have done anything differently. Ms. Van Meeteran stated that here was nothing
tangible that could have been done to prove that was his intent.
Further discussion was had among the Council members as to what they should do in regards to Mr.
Warren’s request and other homeowners.
Council Member Nelson stated that if the Council could come up with a way that homeowners
wouldn’t be able to put in an egress window, but if one already existed, it would allow a homeowner
to be able to comply along with not being able to add on to the structure with only a short period of
time to apply. Ms. Beatty-Hansen stated that would be a good metric and to open it for a month.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to prepare for a text amendment stating that
if a property already has an egress window, the homeowner would be able to complete the bedroom,
and the homeowner would have 30 days to apply for the extra bedroom.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to have staff prepare a text amendment that allows
properties with a Letter of Compliance to add bedrooms where an egress window exists and isn’t
already being counted toward a bedroom. The homeowner would have 30 days from the adoption
of the Text Amendment to apply and then six months to complete the work.
Vote on Motion: 5-1 Voting aye: Betcher, Gartin, Beatty-Hansen, Nelson, Corrieri. Voting nay:
Martin.
Motion declared carried.
The Council recessed at 7:02 p.m. and reconvened at 7:04 p.m.
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PROPERTY SALE HARDSHIP EXEMPTION REQUEST:
Mayor Haila stated that it was
impractical for the homeowner Emily Howell to be present in person; therefore, she was brought into
the meeting telephonically. City Attorney Mark Lambert pointed out that there are two standards
that the Council must determine that either one of the following is true, in order to approve the
request:
1. The advantages to the neighborhood and the City of allowing the property to be registered
as a rental property to facilitate its sale outweigh the disadvantages to the neighborhood and City of
exceeding the rental concentration cap.
2. The sale of the property would have been possible at a reasonable market value as a
single-family dwelling, but for the existence of the rental concentration cap.
Council Member Gartin inquired if the applicant would be able to appeal the decision in District
Court. Mr. Lambert stated that he believes they could, but it is not 100% clear. Mayor Haila asked
if the homeowner is able to reapply for the hardship exemption in six months if denied. Mr. Lambert
explained he is not sure at this time as that is not addressed in the Ordinance.
Ms. Betcher asked if it would change the homeowners’ Transitional Letter of Compliance if the
request was denied. Ms. Van Meeteren stated it wouldn’t change anything. The homeowners still
have one and a-half years left on their Transitional Letter of Compliance.
Emily Howell, 107 South Riverside Drive, Ames, stated that she is currently living in South
Carolina. She noted that they would like to be granted approval of the Property Sale Hardship
Exemption and have provided all the documentation that was required. Ms. Howell mentioned that
they listed their property for sale with no success due to the lack of a Letter of Compliance, and if
not approved, they may have to reduce the price or foreclosure on the property.
Council Member Gartin stated that the house was purchased for $250,000 and the assessed value was
$228,000. Mr. Gartin noted that an offer was made for $269,900, explained that this was evidence
that the market liked their house, and questioned where the hardship was. Ms. Howell mentioned
that offer was made right away, but the buyers pulled out; and no other offers have come in after that.
Council Member Betcher inquired if the house currently had a renter in it. Ms. Howell explained
that they do currently have a tenant who has a two-year lease.
Council Member Martin stated that the Assessor’s report shows seven bedrooms, the City’s shows
five bedrooms, and he wanted to know how many there were. Ms. Howell noted there are five
bedrooms. Mr. Martin mentioned that the house was listed for sale at $269,999 and there was a
suggestion from the realtor to drop the price on June 1 to $255,000, but didn’t see where this was
ever done. Ms. Howell stated she is not sure if that was done or not.
Ms. Betcher asked Mrs. Howell if there had been any issues from potential buyers about having a
renter already in the house until 2020. Ms. Howell explained they have not had any comments but
have not had many calls since getting a renter; the house was on the market for several months
before they went to the Transitional Letter of Compliance (LOC).
Further discussion was had regarding if the Howell’s met the criteria for a Property Sale Hardship
Exemption.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Martin, to deny the Property Sale Hardship Exception
application, prohibiting the property from being eligible for a LOC in order to sell the property.
It was clarified that the property could continue to be rented until the Transitional LOC currently in
place expires.
Roll Call Vote: 3-3. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Martin. Voting nay: Nelson, Corrieri,
Gartin. Motion failed.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Nelson, to approve the Property Sale Hardship Exception
application for 107 S. Riverside, allowing the property to become a rental in order to facilitate the
sale of the property.
It was clarified that, should this property become a rental, the LOC could be renewed by the person
purchasing the property. The property could then remain a rental as long as the LOC is maintained.
This LOC would be transferrable.
Roll Call Vote: 3-3. Voting aye: Nelson, Corrieri, Gartin. Voting nay: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher,
Martin. Mayor Haila voted aye to break the tie.
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE OF REVISED POST-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
ORDINANCE:
Municipal Engineer Tracy Warner stated staf used the direction from the last
meeting and have brought back the recommended corrections.
Mayor Haila asked if there was anyone wishing to speak. Hearing none, the hearing was closed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Nelson, to pass on first reading an ordinance pertaining to
Post-Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote 4-2. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Nelson, Corrieri, Gartin. Voting nay: Martin,
Betcher. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Martin, to suspend the rules necessary for the adoption of an
ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading the Post-Construction
Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote 4-2. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Nelson, Corrieri, Gartin. Voting nay: Martin,
Betcher. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt the
ORDINANCE NO. 4380 to Post-Construction Stormwater Management.
Roll Call Vote 4-2. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Nelson, Corrieri, Gartin. Voting nay: Martin,
Betcher. Ordinance declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of these Minutes.
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ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE EAST SIDE OF
NORTH RIVERSIDE DRIVE AND PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF HARRIS STREET:
Mayor Haila asked if anyone wished to speak on this item.
No one came forward and Public Forum was closed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Nelson, to pass on first reading an ordinance pertaining to
parking at all times on the east side of North Riverside Drive and prohibiting parking at all times on
the north side of Harris Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REGARDING “GAME DAY PARKING” REGULATIONS:
Moved by Nelson,
seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4379 pertaining to
Game Day Parking Regulations.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0: Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part of
these Minutes.
Council Member Betcher stated that she had been getting emails that the North Riverside area
wanted to be added and asked when should she make a motion to add it. Mr. Lambert recommended
making a motion during Council Comments.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 19-072 the
designating said areas on the Game Day Parking Area Map.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a part
of these Minutes.
UPDATE ON REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS:
Planning and Housing Director
Kelly Diekmann noted that the Council had seen this topic several times. The last time was in
November 2018, when the Council had directed staff to proceed with drafting standards that would
allow short-term rentals (STRs) within apartment dwellings and to proceed with a licensing system
of one and two-family homes.
Mr. Diekmann stated that the Ames
Municipal Code
section necessary to be addressed to allow
short-term rentals are extensive, as these would be a new type of principal and accessory use within
the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 29), and would establish a new category of licensure to be
incorporated into a new Chapter of the Ames
Municipal Code
(Chapter 35).
Director Diekmann stated that the new information to be presented tonight is the Planning & Zoning
Commission’s recommendation, The Commission recommended allowing short-term rentals with
the following limitations:
!
Home Shares in rental apartments would be allowed as an accessory use in all zoning
districts with no tenant or property owner license required. Oversight compliance would be
the responsibility of the landlord with no license required.
!
Vacation Rentals
" Prohibited within RL zoning districts for nonconforming apartment building uses.
" Allowed within all other zones by granting of one license to a property owner for the
entire parcel or common development of apartment units.
" Limit the number of units to the greater of one STR unit or up to 10% of the total number
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of units on a parcel or common development.
" An exemption from a Special Use Permit to establish a Vacation Rental would be allowed
in certain higher density zoning districts for rental apartments:
- Exempt: RM, RH, FS-RM, NC, CCR, DSC, CSG, DGC
- Non-exempt: A, RM / O-SFC, UCRM, RLP, F-VR, FS-RL, F-PRD, S-SMD
Council Member Gartin questioned how enforcement would be done. Mr. Diekmann explained that
there is a referral for them to look at different software vendors that would allow for proactive
enforcement. He noted that there are subscription services out there; alternatively they could follow
the same model as the rental division, which is complaint-based.
There was further discussion about short-term rentals and the length of time that is allowed for
someone to stay.
Mayor Haila asked for public input. No one wished to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Nelson, to direct staff to publish notice for a public hearing
and finalize the attached draft text amendments as recommended by the Planning and Zoning
Commission allowing short-term rentals as an accessory and principal use by dwelling type within
the
Ames Municipal Code
Chapter 29 (Zoning), corresponding references within
Municipal Code
Chapter 35 (Short Term Rentals), and to include definitions, administration, licensing, standards,
enforcement, and fees.
Council Member Martin stated he doesn’t agree with the motion due to safety concerns with Home
Shares. He recommended that staff come up with additional safety guidelines.
Council Member Betcher explained that she has the same concerns as Mr. Martin about vacation
rentals and she also doesn’t see how they can be a benefit to the neighborhoods.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting aye: Gartin, Nelson, Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri. Voting nay: Martin,
Betcher. Motion declared carried.
2019 URBAN REVITALIZATION TAX ABATEMENT:
Director Diekmann informed the
Council that this is an annual item. There are criteria that have to be met and verified for each area.
An application will be submitted that will show the identification of the property, what
improvements were made, and the increase in value. That application will be submitted to the City,
and through action by Council, will state that the area has met the criteria to be considered “Qualified
Real-Estate.” The resolution is then sent to the City Assessor and that would mean the area is
eligible for property tax abatement or exemption.
Mr. Diekmann noted that there are two applications this year. The first one is for the Union along
the 2700 block of Lincoln Way; this project has its own Urban Revitalization area. He noted that a
walkthrough was done, and the Union now meets the Urban Revitalization criteria. The second one
was at 205 S. Wilmoth Avenue, the Aspen Heights Apartment/mixed use project. Mr. Diekmann
noted that the Aspen Heights request was submitted last year and was denied as it was found that
they did not comply with the Urban Revitalization Area criteria due to not enrolling in the Crime-
Free Housing program. The Police Department has now verified enrollment in the program as of
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February 2019. Mr. Diekmann stated staff is recommending approval of both applications.
Council Member Martin inquired as to how many years the Aspen Heights Apartments is qualified
for, as normally it is a ten-year schedule. However, since the applicant was denied last year, he asked
if its schedule would only be for nine years. Mr. Diekmann noted that will be up to the City
Assessor’s office in regards to if the application is available for nine or ten years.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-073 approving the 2019
Urban Revitalization tax abatement requests for two properties, as recommended by staff.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT CONTRACT 2:
Water and Pollution Control Director
John Dunn stated that this item is a result of a lengthy negotiation process with the general
contractor. He noted that the punch list of items that needed to be done had been completed, and the
warranty list had been reduced substantially. Director Dunn explained that the City withheld
$1,349,083.20 and an Agreement was made to split the amount between the general contractor and
the City to $547,550. He mentioned that there was a discussion as to the start of the warranty period;
it was agreed to split the difference and December 31, 2019, would begin the warranty. A
maintenance bond is being held as an insurance policy to make sure any additional warranty issues
are addressed.
Council Member Betcher noted that, in the staff report it states that the City may be short in its
LEED points. She wanted to know if the settlement is going to bind Knutson Construction to keep
working if they don’t make the LEED points. Mr. Dunn stated there is language in the Settlement
Agreement that Knutson Construction will cooperate, and the LEED consultants believe that the City
will make the points.
Council Member Gartin asked if any liens had been placed on this project. Mr. Dunn stated that a
lien can’t be placed on public property, but the electrical subcontractor did file a notice indicating
that they have not been paid for a portion of their work. A condition of the Settlement Agreement
is that Knutson Construction provided a Discharge Bond in an amount that was twice the amount
of the claim of the electrical subcontractor.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-074 approving the
Settlement Agreement with Knutson Construction regarding the New Water Treatment Plant
Contract 2.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0: Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-075 approving the final
Change Order #26.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-076 accepting
completion and authorizing payment to Knutson Construction in accordance with the Settlement
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Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes..
2019 RESIDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY:
Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda noted that
each year, a small amount of space is reserved for current issue/policy questions to be added. The
previous version of the Survey was provided to the Council to make any recommendations.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired if a survey had been done to test the public’s knowledge
of what is going on in the City of Ames. Ms. Gwiasda stated that there were some similar questions
in the past to gauge where education was needed.
By concurrence, Council directed Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda to leave the survey the
same as last year.
HEARING ON ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS TO
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM FOR MUNN WOODS AND EMMA MCCARTHY LEE
PARK:
The public hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila since there was no one wishing
to speak.
Municipal Engineer Tracy Warner stated this is a required Public Hearing for this project and staff
had already been having public informational meetings. No action by the City Council was being
required.
HEARING ON MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDMENT FOR 3331 AND 3405
AURORA AVENUE:
Planning and Housing Director Diekmann stated this item is an Amendment
to an approved Plan that was approved in November 2017. He explained that it is a redesign of the
architectural look of the building, and staff is recommending approval. Mr. Diekmann stated that
the change is from the more modern metal siding to a more traditional gable roof and horizontal
siding.
The public hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-077 approving the
changes proposed by the applicant for the Major Site Development Plan for 3331 and 3405 Aurora
Avenue.
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:
Moved by Betcher, seconded by
Martin to place the letter from the SCAN district on a future agenda for discussion.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Betcher, Nelson, Martin, Gartin, Beatty-Hansen. Voting nay:
Corrieri. Motion declared carried.
Mayor Haila noted that the memo from Building Official Sara Van Meeteren providing the second
quarterly report on rentals outside of capped areas was for informational purposes only.
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Mayor Haila explained that the staff report regarding background on an affordable housing strategy
known as Inclusionary Zoning is for information purposes as well, and no action would be needed.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer to staff for a
memo on the illegal parking status during game days in the area that is north of Lincoln Way from
Riverside to Grand up to the railroad tracks.
Mayor Haila stated he believes Chief Cychosz already did an analysis and has this information and
doesn’t think this area is a problem at this time.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Several Council Members expressed their appreciation to the Public Works crews for their hard work
during all the recent bad weather with clearing the snow from roads and sidewalks along with
handling several water main breaks.
CLOSED SESSION:
Council Member Gartin asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a
legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing
Code of Iowa
Section 20.17(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session under Section 20.17(3),
Code of
Iowa
, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The Council went into Closed Session at 8:40 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at 8:51 p.m.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-078 ratifing the
contract with IUOE, Local 234C - Power Plant Unit.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Gartin to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
________________________________________
____________________________________
Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk
John A. Haila, Mayor
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 5, 2019
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00 p.m.
on March 5, 2019, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law.
Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, David Martin,
and Chris Nelson.
Council Member Amber Corrieri and
Ex officio
Allie Hoskins were absent.
Mayor Haila announced that Council would be working off an Amended Agenda. The wording for
Item No. 12 regarding General Obligation Bonds was changed to include the words “and authorizing
Debt Service Levy.” Item No. 18, Resolution approving Agreement with Iowa Department of
Transportation for the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway has been moved to Consent; therefore,
the “PUBLIC WORKS” category was deleted. Also, a Closed Session was added to discuss matters
presently in or threatened to be in litigation.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the following
items on the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving certification of Civil Service applicants
3. Motion approving Contract Change Orders for period February 15 - February 28, 2019
4. Motion approving a 5-day Class C Liquor License for Gateway Hotel (March 21) at Reiman
Gardens, 1407 University Blvd
5. Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a.
Class C Liquor with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Coldwater Golf Links, 1400 S.
Grand Avenue
b.
Class E Liquor with Class B Wine, Class C Beer, and Sunday Sales - Kum & Go #113,
2801 E 13
th
St
c.
Class E Liquor with Class B Wine, Class C Beer, and Sunday Sales - Kum & Go #227,
2108 Isaac Newton Dr
d.
Class A Liquor with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas
e.
Class B Liquor with Class B Wine and Sunday Sales - Ames Sleep Inn & Suites, 1310
Dickinson Avenue - PENDING DRAM SHOP
f.
Class E Liquor with Class B Wine, Class C Beer, and Sunday Sales - Casey’s General
Store #2905, 3612 Stange Road
g.
Special Class C Liquor with Outdoor Service - Filling Station, 2400 University Blvd -
Eatery Only - PENDING DRAM SHOP
h.
Class B Beer with Sunday Sales - Pizza Pit Extreme, 207 Welch Ave. Ste 201
i.
Class E Liquor with Class B Wine, Class C Beer, and Sunday Sales - Sam’s Club #6568,
305 Airport Rd
j.
Class C Beer with Class B Native Wine and Sunday Sales - Swift Stop #4, 1118 S Duff
k.
Class C Beer with Class B Wine and Sunday Sales - Swift Stop #5, 3218 Orion Street
l.
Special Class C Liquor - The Spice Thai Cuisine, 402 Main Street
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6. RESOLUTION NO. 19-079 approving appointments to various boards and commissions
7. RESOLUTION NO. 19-080 approving Agreement with United Way of Story County to
administer Human Services Capital Grant Program in the amount of $200,000 for FY 2019/20
8. Former Item No. 18 Moved to Consent: RESOLUTION NO. 19-081 approving Agreement with
Iowa Department of Transportation for the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
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RESOLUTION NO. 19-082 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2017/18 Shared
Use Path Maintenance Program - Daley Park; setting April 3, 2019, as bid due date and April 9,
2019, as date of public hearing
10. RESOLUTION NO. 19-083 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2017/18 Shared
Use Path Maintenance Program - Stange Road; setting April 3, 2019, as bid due date and April
9, 2019, as date of public hearing
11. RESOLUTION NO. 19-084 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 2017/18 Storm
Water Erosion Control (Kinyon Clark); setting April 3, 2019, as bid due date and April 9, 2019,
as date of public hearing
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Mary Richards, 720 Kellogg Avenue, #201, Ames, thanked the Council for
appropriating money to do a Green House Gas survey for the community. She noted that although
the City of Ames, with its municipality-owned utility, will not be directly affected by the net-
metering bill currently being proposed in the Iowa legislature, the City should be concerned about
those bills. Ms. Richards mentioned that Ames should be asking why their utilities’ association
(Iowa Municipal Utilities Association) is supporting this bill. She advised that the net-metering bill
was House Study Bill number 185.
HEARING ON 2019 GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE LOAN
AGREEMENT:
Finance Director Duane Pitcher gave an update on the process for General
Obligation Bonds and the associated loan agreements.
Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. He closed the hearing after there was no one wishing to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Nelson, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-085 approving entering
into a Loan Agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $11,880,000 and authorizing Debt
Service Levy.
Roll
Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2018/19 BUDGET:
The Mayor opened
the public hearing and closed it after there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-086 approving the
amended budget for current Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2019
.
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Roll
Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ADOPTION OF FY 2019/20 BUDGET:
The public hearing was opened by the
Mayor. He closed the hearing after no one asked to speak.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-087 approving the FY
2019/20 budget.
Roll
Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING OF 1114 SOUTH DAKOTA AVENUE FROM COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL(CCR) TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL
(CCR) WITH REVISED MASTER PLAN:
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
stated that 1114 South Dakota Avenue was zoned as Community Commercial/Residential (CCR)
with a Master Plan on August 22, 2017. The 2017 rezoning with Master Plan approval limited the
site to development of commercial trade and office uses with an option for mixed-use multiple-
family residential development limited to 48 units.
The purpose of the proposed amendment to the Master Plan is to amend the permitted uses to allow
Miscellaneous Use of Vehicle Service Facilities, including gas stations. Mr. Diekmann stated that
the Planning and Zoning Commission was deadlocked with a 3-3 vote to approve and a 3-3 vote to
deny the request due to the current vacancy on the Commission. Ultimately, the Commission voted
5-1 to send the request to City Council with no recommendation regarding the proposed change.
Director Diekmann stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a number of issues
about traffic circulation. The site would have some access controls depending on how the site is
proposed to be developed and would be addressed by the Traffic Engineer during the design phase.
Council Member Gartin noted that his concern about the trail along the south side, as it is heavily
utilized. He would like the safety of the trail users to be considered.
Council Member Gartin stated that staff received feedback from the property owners to the north and
inquired if there was any feedback from the Elementary School. Mr. Diekmann stated there was no
outreach done in that area. Therefore, staff was not expecting any feedback.
Luke Jensen, 2519 Chamberlain, Ames, stated that tonight’s Rezoning Amendment will unlock the
way for a substantial investment on the corner lot. He noted that it will provide certainty to the
stakeholders in the area. Mr. Jensen explained that they have been working with the neighborhood
and are committed to keeping the restrictions of 48 units made up of only one-and two-bedroom
units, no short-term lodging, and enhanced screening over the north boundary line.
Council Member Martin asked Mr. Jensen if the Vehicle Uses Station is just gas stations and car
washes. Director Diekmann stated the Vehicle Uses Station is restricted to car washes, vehicle
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mission test sites, gas stations, quick lubrication services, and auto repair and sales.
Council Member Gartin stated that he is concerned about curb cuts as there are a lot of ISU students,
citizens, and elementary school students using the area every day. Mr. Jensen stated that, with any
development, there are going to be some changes, and they will be working with staff to come up
with the best solution to make it as safe as possible.
Kacie Bonjour, Director of Real Estate at Hy-Vee, stated she wanted to give a little background on
what is being proposed for this site. She explained they are proposing a convenience store, which
is their new “Fast and Fresh” concept. The convenience store is larger, and it will provide more
grocery options and will offer take-home meal options. She noted that there is also a possibility of
having a coffee drive-thru. Ms. Bonjour stated that Hy-Vee wants to invest in the Ames community
and believes it will provide a positive economic impact. She mentioned that they will work with
City staff and the Traffic Engineer to review traffic and curb cuts.
Heather Simmons, 908 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, explained that she is on the board of the Home
Owners Association (HOA) for the condominiums at Willow Creek Estate. She noted that the HOA
supports what is being recommended, and they would love to see a coffee shop and the “Fast and
Fresh” in the area. Ms. Simmons mentioned that the HOA believes this will be good for the
neighborhood.
Mayor Haila pointed out to the Council that if they approve the request tonight and Hy-Vee backs
out, it opens this lot for other uses. Director Diekmann commented that is correct as staff’s
recommendation is not based on Hy-Vee being a presence on the property.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Nelson, to pass on first reading an ordinance to amend the CCR
Zoning District with Master Plan for the following use allowances and limitations subject to receipt
of an amended Zoning Agreement by the third reading of the Ordinance:
A. Vehicle Service Stations (e.g., gas station, a car wash, minor auto repair).
B. Stand-alone office and commercial trade.
C. Maximum of 48 household living apartments with office or commercial trade uses below, not
to exceed two bedrooms per unit.
D. Prohibit Short-Term Lodging.
Mr. Gartin stated that there was someone to speak on behalf of the HOA but there is no association
for the walkers and bicyclists. Mr. Diekmann stated that staff has spoken at great length with the
Traffic Engineer. The Traffic Engineer’s primary concern was the site distance to allow enough time
to see bicyclists.
Roll
Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
TRANSITIONAL LETTERS OF COMPLIANCE:
Mayor Haila mentioned that there is a lot of
activity at the State that may affect the Transitional Letter of Compliance (LOC) as the rental cap
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may go away depending on the Legislature.
Building Official Sara Van Meeteren explained that the Transitional LOC changes that were made
were not in relation to the rental cap and apply City-wide. She noted that it may not be directly
related, but as SCAN has presented to the Council, there are some areas that homeowners are able
to work around the
Code
and this topic may be a moot point if the rental cap goes away. She
explained that there have been a few cases where someone has bought a property with the intention
of getting a Transitional LOC, renting it out for a couple of years, and then do one year on and one
year off. Ms. Van Meeteren stated it is up to the Council if the Transitional LOC is important
enough to change the Ordinance now or wait until they see what Legislature does.
Mr. Gartin asked what the downside is to waiting until the proposed legislation has been decided.
Ms. Van Meeteren stated that they will just continue to get Transitional LOC requests. City Attorney
Mark Lambert stated that he is not sure if the House is going to take it up, but this bill is moving in
the Senate.
After further discussion of the bill, Mr. Lambert stated that the bill is very limited and recommended
that it would be better to wait until April 15, 2019, when the Legislature closes to see what will
happen.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to table the Transitional Letters of Compliance discussion
until they hear back about the proposed legislation.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REVISITING DISCUSSION OF PROPERTY SALE HARDSHIP EXEMPTION REQUEST
FROM ROBERT HOWELL FOR 107 S RIVERSIDE:
Mayor Haila asked if the Council had any
questions regarding the memo from City Attorney Mark Lambert.
Mr. Gartin asked if there was anything that the Council can do in the future that would prevent any
potential law suits. City Attorney Mark Lambert stated that in regards to the City’s liability or a
lawsuit, it would not make a difference as the vote that took place was a Resolution, even though he
misidentified it. Mr. Lambert stated that as long as they are publicly making a statement that the
Mayor’s vote didn’t count, as it was a Resolution and not a motion, that is sufficient.
Mayor Haila asked if there was any interest by the prevailing party to reconsider. Hearing none, the
Mayor moved on to the next agenda item.
HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE DESIGN:
Parks and Recreation Director Keith
Abraham stated that, regarding the Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse Design, the question before
the City Council was whether staff should pursue LEED certification or not. He noted that
throughout the design, they had looked at energy-efficient options and had highlighted a few of these
options in the staff report. The consultant did look at three different design options. The first design
option would be a Code-based building that would consume 75 tons of CO
2
/year, the second design
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would be the Currentlly Designed Building that would consume 62 tons of CO
2
/year, and the last
design would be a LEED-Certified Level Building that would consume 57 tons of CO
2
/year. Mr.
Abraham explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that staff not pursue
the LEED certification, but continue with the current design and include as many energy-efficient
options as possible while staying with the $1 million construction budget. He explained that, after
talking with the consultant, they believe they can stay within the budget.
City Manager Steve Schainker stated this design is going to be much more than a golf course. The
design will show a community room that will be available for meetings and will be open year-round.
Ms. Betcher stated she agreed with the Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation; the value
of LEED is the guidance that is provided for achieving certain standards, but the certification itself
costs a lot of money. She inquired if previous Councils had set a policy that future Councils should
pursue LEED certifications. Mr. Schainker stated there was not, but it is important to some Council
members. Overall, the best thing to do is to reduce the carbon footprint.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to continue with the current Homewood Golf
Course Clubhouse design and incorporate as many energy-efficient items as the budget allows.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
BICYCLE PARKING STANDARDS:
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann stated that
this item was referred by City Council as part of the Department Work Plan to receive information
about bicycle parking standards for uses in the Zoning Ordinance. He noted that if the Council
chooses to move forward, staff would need some direction as to the scope of the changes they would
like to make. Mr. Diekmann gave three options:
1. Long-term secured parking - most commonly used for residential and employee-related needs,
as this is often a bike locker or locker room for bikes.
2. Short-term unsecured parking spaces - commonly available for customers or visitors to a site.
3. Mandatory Incentivized Parking - an allowable substitute for vehicle parking or a combination
approach of both mandatory and allowing for substitutions.
Council Member Betcher asked if the incentive option would be a trade-off for automobile parking
versus bicycle parking. Mr. Diekmann stated that it would be as anyone can allow bicycle parking
now as it is not prohibited, but there is no encouragement to use it. Currently developers would still
need to meet the vehicle and landscape standards; where the incentivized version, staff would allow
the development to have less parking or replace parking with automobiles with bicycle parking.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen mentioned that the incentivized parking standards would be in
commercial and industrial uses only at this time. Director Diekmann stated that because of how
rental certificates are tied to parking, the incentivized option would not be available for residential
uses at this time.
Mr. Martin asked if there are any long-term storage bicycle facilities in the City. Ms. Beatty-Hansen
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stated that the Intermodal Facility has some racks under the roof. Mr. Diekmann stated that there
are a few in Campustown that have storage rooms for the bikes.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to draft a proposal regarding the
incentivized alternative for commercial and industrial uses.
Mr. Gartin commented that he has never been approached by anyone with a concern about bicycle
parking and wondered why they would want to waste staff time on something that has not been
identified as a problem. Ms. Betcher stated that if the City is going to be committed to Complete
Streets it needs to provide the infrastructure. Mr. Diekmann commented that if the City is going to
be a biking community, it would be reasonable for citizens to be able to arrive at a destination
knowing they have somewhere to park their bicycle.
Mr. Diekmann advised that if the Council wanted to move forward, staff would take the Council’s
direction to ask for the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation; it would then be
brought back to the Council as an Ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE ADJUSTING WATER RATES BY 7%, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2109:
Water and
Pollution Control Director John Dunn highlighted a few points from the FY 2019-20 Water and
Sewer Rate presentation. He noted that staff has been trying to alternate sewer and water rate
increases and explained that there were not any rate increases in FY 16/17 or FY 17/18. Mr. Dunn
reviewed the annual rate increases for water and sewer for Ames versus national trends. He noted
that Ames rates are lower than other companies within the state of Iowa. Director Dunn said that
staff is recommending passage of the first reading an Ordinance that adjusts water rates by 7%,
effective for bills mailed on or after July 1, 2019.
The public hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila since there was no one wishing to speak.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading the Ordinance adjusting water rates
by 7%, effective for bills mailed on or after July 1, 2019.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE EAST SIDE OF
NORTH RIVERSIDE DRIVE AND PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF HARRIS STREET:
Mayor Haila opened Public Forum. No one came forward
to speak, and Public Forum was closed.
Moved by Nelson, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second reading the Ordinance prohibiting parking
at all times on the east side of North Riverside Drive and prohibiting parking at all times on the north
side of Harris Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Mayor Haila mentioned that the first
item was a memo from Electric Services Director Don Kom regarding the initial utilization of the
Electric Vehicle charging stations. City Manager Steve Schainker advised that no action was
required for this item, it was informational only.
Mayor Haila stated the second item was a memo from Water and Pollution Control Director John
Dunn regarding 728 E. Lincoln Way. Mr. Schainker advised that no action was required by the
Council tonight. Mr. Dunn will be taking the lead on this item and will be bringing an easement
request back to the Council at a later date.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Ms. Betcher stated that she is looking forward to chairing the University
Communities Council Meeting. They may be working with the Iowa League of Cities to help
disseminate information on race equalities and how to plan more inclusive communities.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request a memo from staff regarding the
possibility of Council authorizing the Traffic Engineer to require traffic studies on his own initiative
during project review that staff would like the Council to consider.
Mayor Haila stated that, from a customer service aspect, this would help a customer know during
the review process what they might need to do.
Ms. Betcher asked for clarification on the motion, wanting to know if the motion was just for the
Traffic Engineer or for other areas as well. Mr. Martin stated that it was his intention that the motion
include all of Public Works staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila commended the community and NAACP for having a great event last weekend.
The Mayor also noted that there is a lot coming down from the Legislature, and next Thursday,
March 14, 2019, he and City Manager Steve Schainker will be going to the capitol for “Ames on the
Hill.”
CLOSED SESSION:
Council Member Martin asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a
legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing
Code of Iowa
Section 21.5(1)c,
Code of Iowa
, to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session under Section 21.5(1)c,
Code of
Iowa
, to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The Council went into Closed Session at 7:20 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at 7:32 p.m.
8
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Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 19-088 approving the
settlement with Haley Schepers in the amount of $125,000 contingent upon obtaining a satisfactory
signed release from Ms. Schepers.
Roll
Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Gartin to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Amy L. Colwell, Deputy City Clerk
John A. Haila, Mayor
9
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE
AMES CITY COUNCIL AND THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 27, 2019
The Ames City Council met at 6:00 p.m. on the 27th day of February, 2019, in the Campanile
Room of the Memorial Union, Iowa State University, pursuant to law. Mayor John Haila,
Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, David
Martin, and Chris Nelson and
ex officio
Council Member Allie Hoskins were present. City
Manager Steve Schainker was also in attendance.
Updates to previous discussions were given on the greenspaces in Campustown and enhancing
the plaza on Welch.
Possible programming under the “Town and Gown” topic was reviewed, specifically, the “I
Love Ames Day.” Junior Senator Sandeep Stanley commented that he would like the event to
include Main Street, North Grand Mall, and Campustown. He also suggested that a CyRide bus
shuttle incoming students and visitors to the three locations with a tour guide noting points of
interest along the way. No date for this event has been confirmed; however, September 6 or 7
has been suggested.
City Council
ex officio
member Allie Hoskins explained how students can be involved and
provide input regarding the Comprehensive Community Plan for 2040. The schedule for the
upcoming public meetings on the Plan was shared.
An update to the Campustown Safety Walk was given. Due to the recurring inclement weather,
the Walk will be scheduled for later in the spring.
Several student leaders voiced their concerns about safety on Campus; in particular, slippery
roads caused by the recent snowstorms. Student Senator Courtney Berringer said she believed
that the snow removal in Ames “as the worst she had ever seen.” City representatives replied that
the recent snow events had created a very heavy workload for street crews who are responsible
for plowing the streets. It was also noted that the City now has an app where anyone wanting to
voice a complaint could do so. By using that app, City staff members are able to note the areas
of particular concern and address those as soon as possible. City Manager Schainker said that the
City is always looking for ways to improve its services. He added that the plows are not built to
clear the snow down to the pavement; they are going to move as much snow as possible off the
streets to make them drive-able. The recent storms have caused road conditions to deteriorate
quickly and made worse by the mixture of rain and snow along with high winds. Mr. Schainker
added that the City uses very little salt on the roadways as it is not conducive to the environment;
however, the City does sometimes mix salt with sand so the sand doesn’t freeze. Junior Senator
Sarah Moody asked to know the plowing priority given to University Avenue. She commented
that many persons come into the City on that roadway. She would like University Avenue to be
given a higher priority, especially because visitors to Campus often use it. City Manager
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Schainker replied that University Avenue is one of the highest priority roadways in the snow
removal process.
There being no further topics to be discussed at this time, the meeting was adjourned.
__________________________________________
Diane Voss, City Clerk
2
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^
^
REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
Department
General Description
of Contract
Contract
Change
No.
Original Contract
Amount
Contractor/ Vendor
Total of Prior
Change Orders
Amount this
Change Order
Change
Approved By
Purchasing
Contact
(Buyer)
Water &
Pollution
Control
North River Valley Park Low
Head Dam Improvements
1
$776,534.88
RW Excavating Solutions
LC
$0.00
$3,900.00
C. Murphy
MA
Public Works
2017/18 Low Point
Drainage Improvements
(Ridgetop Road)
2
$77,429.38
Ames Trenching &
Excavating, Inc.
$0.00
$8,540.50
T. Warner
MA
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Period:
1
st
– 15
th
16
th
– End of Month
Month & Year: March 2019
For City Council Date: March 26, 2019
Item #4
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License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
Orchestrate Management
Associates V, LLC
Name of Business (DBA):
Gateway Market
Address of Premises:
ISU Alumni Center
City
:
Ames
Zip:
50011
State
:
IA
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(515) 331-1753
Mailing
Address:
130 E 3rd St., Ste 201
City
:
Des Moines
Zip:
50309
)
Contact Person
Name
:
Michelle Mathews
Phone:
(515) 331-1753
Email
Address:
mmathews@ohospitality.com
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Limited Liability Company
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Effective Date:
04/13/2019
Expiration Date:
01/01/1900
Classification
:
Special Class C Liquor License (BW) (Beer/Wine)
Term:
5 days
Privileges:
Ownership
Special Class C Liquor License (BW) (Beer/Wine)
Paul Rottenberg
First Name:
Paul
Last Name:
Rottenberg
City:
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50315
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
LADCO Development, Inc
First Name:
LADCO
Last Name:
Development, Inc
City:
West Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50266
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
REB Development, LLC
First Name:
REB
Last Name:
Development, LLC
City:
Clive
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50325
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Item #5
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^
Insurance Company Information
Policy Effective Date:
Policy Expiration
Date:
Dram Cancel Date:
Outdoor Service Effective
Date:
Outdoor Service Expiration
Date:
Temp Transfer Effective
Date:
Temp Transfer Expiration Date:
Bond Effective
Continuously:
Insurance Company:
Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
Michelle Mathews
First Name:
Michelle
Last Name:
Mathews
City:
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50309
Position:
Controller
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
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License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
Orchestrate Management
Associates V, LLC
Name of Business (DBA):
Gateway Market
Address of Premises:
ISU Alumni Center
City
:
Ames
Zip:
50011
State
:
IA
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(515) 331-1753
Mailing
Address:
130 E 3rd St., Ste 201
City
:
Des Moines
Zip:
50309
)
Contact Person
Name
:
Michelle Mathews
Phone:
(515) 331-1753
Email
Address:
mmathews@ohospitality.com
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Limited Liability Company
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Effective Date:
04/21/2019
Expiration Date:
01/01/1900
Classification
:
Class B Beer (BB) (Includes Wine Coolers)
Term:
5 days
Privileges:
Ownership
Class B Beer (BB) (Includes Wine Coolers)
Paul Rottenberg
First Name:
Paul
Last Name:
Rottenberg
City:
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50315
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
LADCO Development, Inc
First Name:
LADCO
Last Name:
Development, Inc
City:
West Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50266
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
REB Development, LLC
First Name:
REB
Last Name:
Development, LLC
City:
Clive
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50325
Position:
Partner
% of Ownership:
14.06%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Item #6
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^
License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
Christiani's Events LLC
Name of Business (DBA):
Christiani's Events
Address of Premises:
420 Beach Avenue
City
:
Ames
Zip:
50011
State
:
IA
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(515) 360-8069
Mailing
Address:
1511 E. Diehl
City
:
Des Moines
Zip:
50315
)
Contact Person
Name
:
Peter Worsham
Phone:
(515) 360-8069
Email
Address:
peter@christianicatering.com
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Limited Liability Company
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Insurance Company Information
Policy Effective Date:
04/27/2019
Policy Expiration
Date:
05/02/2019
Dram Cancel Date:
Outdoor Service Effective
Date:
Outdoor Service Expiration
Date:
Temp Transfer Effective
Date:
Temp Transfer Expiration Date:
Bond Effective
Continuously:
Insurance Company:
Illinois Union Insurance Company
Effective Date:
04/27/2019
Expiration Date:
01/01/1900
Classification
:
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial)
Term:
5 days
Privileges:
Ownership
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial)
Carol Christiani
First Name:
Carol
Last Name:
Christiani
City:
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50321
Position:
member
% of Ownership:
100.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Item #7
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License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
LOS ALTOS MEXICAN
RESTAURANT LLC
Name of Business (DBA):
LOS ALTOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT LLC
Address of Premises:
823 WHEELER, STE. 5
City
:
Ames
Zip:
50010
State
:
IA
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(641) 221-0920
Mailing
Address:
C/O LUIS HUERTA
City
:
STUART
Zip:
50250
)
Contact Person
Name
:
LUIS HUERTA
Phone:
(641) 221-0920
Email
Address:
LOSALTOSMEXICAN@HOTMAIL.COM
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Limited Liability Company
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Effective Date:
04/15/2019
Expiration Date:
01/01/1900
Classification
:
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial)
Term:
12 months
Privileges:
Ownership
Catering Privilege
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial)
Sunday Sales
FRANCISCO AYALA ANGEL
First Name:
FRANCISCO
Last Name:
AYALA ANGEL
City:
NEBRASKA CITY
State:
Nebraska
Zip:
68410
Position:
member
% of Ownership:
20.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
IGNACIO GUTIERREZ LEMUS
First Name:
IGNACIO
Last Name:
GUTIERREZ LEMUS
City:
GREENFIELD
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50849
Position:
MEMBER
% of Ownership:
20.00%
U.S. Citizen: No
LUIS HUERTA
First Name:
LUIS
Last Name:
HUERTA
City:
STUART
State:
Iowa
Zip:
50250
Item #8
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^
Insurance Company Information
Policy Effective Date:
04/15/2019
Policy Expiration
Date:
04/15/2020
Dram Cancel Date:
Outdoor Service Effective
Date:
Outdoor Service Expiration
Date:
Temp Transfer Effective
Date:
Temp Transfer Expiration Date:
Bond Effective
Continuously:
Insurance Company:
Auto Owners Insurance Company
Position:
MANAGER
% of Ownership:
60.00%
U.S. Citizen: No
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License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
Sam's West Inc
Name of Business (DBA):
Sams Club #6568
Address of Premises:
305 Airport Rd
City
:
Ames
Zip:
5001000
00
State
:
AR
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(515) 233-9750
Mailing
Address:
508 SW 8th St
City
:
Bentonville
Zip:
727160500
)
Contact Person
Name
:
Cynthia Montero
Phone:
(479) 277-4656
Email
Address:
cynthia.montero@walmart.com
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Publicly Traded Corporation
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Effective Date:
04/01/2020
Expiration Date:
Classification
:
Class E Liquor License (LE)
Term:
12 months
Privileges:
Ownership
Class E Liquor License (LE)
Andrea Lazenby
First Name:
Andrea
Last Name:
Lazenby
City:
Bentonville
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72712
Position:
Asst Secretary
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
John Furner
First Name:
John
Last Name:
Furner
City:
Rogers
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72758
Position:
President & CEO
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Cynthia Moehring
First Name:
Cynthia
Last Name:
Moehring
City:
Bentonville
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72712
Position:
Sr. VP & Chief Compliance
Officer
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
LE0000829
Item #9
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Insurance Company Information
Policy Effective Date:
04/01/2019
Policy Expiration
Date:
01/01/1900
Dram Cancel Date:
Outdoor Service Effective
Date:
Outdoor Service Expiration
Date:
Temp Transfer Effective
Date:
Temp Transfer Expiration Date:
Bond Effective
Continuously:
2
Insurance Company:
American Casualty Company of Reading, PA
Matthew Allen
First Name:
Matthew
Last Name:
Allen
City:
Rogers
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72758
Position:
Assistant Treasurer
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
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License Application (
Applicant
Name of Applicant:
Walmart Inc.
Name of Business (DBA):
Wal-Mart Store #749
Address of Premises:
3105 Grand Ave
City
:
Ames
Zip:
50010
State
:
AR
County:
Story
Business
Phone:
(515) 233-1345
Mailing
Address:
508 SW 8th Street
City
:
Bentonville
Zip:
727160500
)
Contact Person
Name
:
Cynthia Montero
Phone:
(479) 277-4656
Email
Address:
cynthia.montero@walmart.com
Status of Business
BusinessType:
Publicly Traded Corporation
Corporate ID Number:
XXXXXXXXX
Federal Employer ID
#:
XXXXXXXXX
Effective Date:
04/15/2020
Expiration Date:
Classification
:
Class E Liquor License (LE)
Term:
12 months
Privileges:
Ownership
Class E Liquor License (LE)
Doug McMillon
First Name:
Doug
Last Name:
McMillon
City:
Bentonville
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72712
Position:
President & CEO
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Andrea Marie Lazenby
First Name:
Andrea Marie
Last Name:
Lazenby
City:
Bentonville
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72712
Position:
Assistant Secretary
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
Cynthia Moehring
First Name:
Cynthia
Last Name:
Moehring
City:
Bentonville
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72712
Position:
Sr. VP & Chief Compliance
Officer
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
^
LE0001441
Item #10
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^
Insurance Company Information
Policy Effective Date:
04/15/2019
Policy Expiration
Date:
01/01/1900
Dram Cancel Date:
Outdoor Service Effective
Date:
Outdoor Service Expiration
Date:
Temp Transfer Effective
Date:
Temp Transfer Expiration Date:
Bond Effective
Continuously:
2
Insurance Company:
Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland
Matthew Allen
First Name:
Matthew
Last Name:
Allen
City:
Rogers
State:
Arkansas
Zip:
72758
Position:
Assistant Treasurer
% of Ownership:
0.00%
U.S. Citizen: Yes
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Smart Choice
515.239.5133
non-emergency
515.239.5130
Administration
515.239.5429
fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Police Department
MEMO
To:
Mayor John Haila and Ames City Council Members
From:
Lieutenant Tom Shelton, Ames Police Department
Date:
March 10, 2019
Subject:
Beer Permits & Liquor License Renewal Reference City Council Agenda
The Council agenda for March 26, 2019 includes beer permits and liquor license
renewals for:
Special Class C Liquor License (BW) (Beer/Wine), Class B Wine and Sunday
Sales - BW0094715 - Southgate Expresse, 110 Airport Rd
Class E Liquor License (LE), Class B Wine, Class C Beer and Sunday Sales -
LE0001441 - Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Ave
Special Class C Liquor License (BW) (Beer/Wine), Sunday Sales - BW0095788 -
Mongolian Buffet, 1620 S Kellogg Ave #103
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial), Sunday Sales - LC0044460 - Safari
Cuisine, 217 S Duff Ave
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial), Sunday Sales - LC0033819 -
Dangerous Curves, 111 5th St.
Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial), Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales -
LC0039218 - Sips and Paddy's Irish Pub, 126 Welch Ave. Suites 101 & 201
A routine check of police records for the past 12 months found no liquor law violations
for Southgate Expresse, Wal-Mart #749, Mongolian Buffet, Sari Cuisine, or Dangerous
Curves. The Police Department recommends renewal of those licenses.
Item #11
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A routine check at Sips and Paddy’s Irish Pub indicated 21 cases involving liquor law
violations. Of the 21 calls for service officers issued 24 citations for being in the bar
under the legal age of 21 (On premises is a municipal infraction). People cited for those
violations indicated they just walked in, were let in with their regular ID’s but most
people used fake or Manufactured ID’s. Other calls for service at Sips and Paddy’s
indicated general assaults, fights in progress, disorderly conduct and public intoxication
calls.
A meeting with Sip’s and Paddy’s ownership was held in September and additionally ID
training was provided to bar employees. Records indicate 22 employees attended the
training (9 from Sip’s and 12 from Paddy’s). The ID training appears to have been
successful because only 1 citation for On Premises has been issued since September.
The Police Department will continue to monitor the above locations by conducting
regular foot patrols, bar checks and by educating the bar staff through trainings and
meetings.
After meeting with management and by sending employees through our ID training the
license holder has reduced the number of citations written. We would recommend
license renewal with monitoring to keep them from slipping back into a pattern of
violations.
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1
^
ITEM # __12____
DATE: _3-26-19_
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
REJECTION OF BIDS FOR RDF STORAGE BIN REPAIR PROJECT
BACKGROUND:
The RDF
Storage Bin receives fuel from the City’s Resource Recovery Plant after it
converts municipal solid waste (MSW) into refuse derived fuel (RDF). The RDF Storage
Bin provides short-term storage for the RDF and provides the source of air to transport
the RDF
to the Power Plant’s boilers.
The existing RDF Storage Bin has been in service since 1996. The bin was primarily
constructed of COR-TEN steel, weathering steel designed to initially rust and build up
an oxide layer that then prevents further rusting of the steel. The use of COR-TEN steel
to construct the RDF Storage Bin has proven to be problematic where the COR-TEN
steel is in regular contact with the RDF. The RDF removes the oxide layer meant to
protect the steel underneath, causing the exposed steel to rust anew. This cycle
repeated over and over eventually removing enough steel that it has deteriorated the
walls of the bin.
On August 28, 2018, the City Council approved plans and specifications for the repair of
the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Storage Bin
.
Bid documents were issued to fifty-one
firms and three plan rooms. The bid was advertised on the Current Bid Opportunities
section of the
City’s Purchasing webpage and a Legal Notice was published on the
websites of a contractor plan room service with statewide circulation and the Iowa
League of Cities.
On December 5, 2018, three bids were received as shown on the attached report.
After the bids were received, City staff met with the low bidder plus had numerous
phone calls with them to discuss and gain understanding of the features of their bid.
The meeting and phone calls revealed that the low bidder had overlooked and did not
understand substantial portions of the scope of work in the invitation to bid. During that
same time period, City staff and
the owner’s engineer for the project continued to work
on ways to improve the design of the structural repairs.
The low bidder, taking into account the parts of the initial scope of work they had
overlooked, plus the design modifications and improvements to repair the bin, came
back to the City with a price increase that may be realistic for the scope of work, but
was deemed by City staff to be too costly. The other two bids received were not
considered because both were still substantially higher than the low bid (inclusive of the
low bidder’s price adder). Therefore, City staff recommends that the bids received from
the initial bidding process be rejected and the RDF Storage Bin Repair Project be rebid.
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2
Staff will return to the City Council at a future date for approval of revised plans and
specifications, including
a revised engineer’s cost estimate.
Funding for this project in an amount of $2,800
,000 is included in the Council’s
approved Capital Improvements Plan for FY 2017/18.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Reject the bids received for the RDF Storage Bin Repair.
2. Select the bidder on the basis of the lowest total price, which will include the price
of the low bid plus a change order for the scope of work missed and the revisions
made since the original bids were due.
3. Select a different bidder.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project is needed for the RDF Storage Bin to operate safely and function like new.
Rejecting bids at this time will allow staff the ability to incorporate changes to the bid
document that will produce clearer, more complete bids once the project is re-
introduced to the market.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1 as stated above.
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BIDDER:
ICON Industrial Services Cedar
Rapids, IA
TEI Construction Services, Inc.
Duncan, SC
The Boldt Company
Appleton, WI
BASE BID:
Supply all materials, and provide all labor and
equipment necessary to perform the project as
specified in the Base Bid.
$2,292,950.00
$3,337,050.00
$4,937,023.00
Sales and/or Use taxes included in LS Cost
$62,463.73
$112,783.00
$196,653.00
Price Adjustment (+/-) for warranty of two (2)
years in lieu of one (1) year:
$15,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
OPTION BID No. 1:
Supply all materials, and provide all labor and
equipment necessary to perform the project as
specified in OPTION BID No. 1.
$1,960,795.00
$2,844,745.00
$4,518,336.00
Sales and/or Use taxes included in LS Cost
$44,797.34
$85,987.00
$168,136.00
Price Adjustment (+/-) for warranty of two (2)
years in lieu of one (1) year:
$15,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
ALTERNATIVE BID No. 1:
Overlay the existing concrete floor of the RDF
Storage Bin with stainless steel floor plate as
specified in ALTERNATE BID No. 1.
$220,977.00
$399,382.00
$219,296.00
Sales and/or Use taxes included in LS Cost
$6,678.00
$11,000.00
$10,196.00
Price Adjustment (+/-) for warranty of two (2)
years in lieu of one (1) year:
$2,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
ITB 2019-005 RDF STORAGE BIN REPAIR PROJECT BID SUMMARY
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Item # 13
Date: _03-26-19
RESOLUTION NO. _______
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING
SUPPLEMENT NO. 2019-2 TO THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that in accordance
with the provisions of Section 380.8 Code of Iowa, a compilation of ordinances and amendments
enacted subsequent to the adoption of the Ames Municipal Code shall be and the same is hereby
approved and adopted, under date of April 1, 2019, as Supplement No. 2019-2 to the Ames
Municipal Code.
Adopted this day of , 201_.
___________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
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Caring People
Quality Programs
Exceptional Service
515.239.5105
main
515.239.5142
fax
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Mayor’s Office
MEMO
Item #14
TO:
Members of the City Council
FROM:
John A. Haila, Mayor
DATE:
March 26, 2019
SUBJECT:
Appointment to Fill Vacancy on Building Board of Appeals
Brad Heemstra, member of the Building Board of Appeals, term of office will
expire on April 1, 2019 and is not able to be reappointed. Since Brad’s term of
office is expiring, an appointment needs to be made to fill this vacancy.
Therefore, I request that the City Council approve the appointment of Oren
Geisinger to fill the vacant term of office on the Building Board of Appeals.
JAH/alc
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^
ITEM # __15___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO STORYCOMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BACKGROUND:
In January 2019 City
Council approved the City’s participation in StoryComm, an
independent entity that will own and manage the new countywide radio system and provide
radio communication services to City departments. At the same time Council appointed
Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred as the City’s initial representative to the StoryComm
Board of Directors. With Bob
’s upcoming retirement, the City will need a new
representative. City Manager Steve Schainker is equipped to assume this role.
ALTERNATIVES:
1.
Designate
City Manager Steve Schainker as the City’s representative to StoryComm’s
Board of Directors effective April 2, 2019.
2.
Do not designate City Manager Steve Schainker as the Ci
ty’s representative and
direct staff to determine an alternate for this appointment.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purchase and implementation of the new county-wide radio communications system is
critical to City operations. The activities and expenditures of StoryComm are significant
enough that they require the involvement of the City Manager’s Office on a regular basis.
The appointment of the City Manager is a logical and efficient choice.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby designating
Steve Schainker as the City’s representative to the
StoryComm Board of Directors effective April 2, 2019.
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^
ITEM # 16
DATE: 3-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: UPDATE TO LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PERSONS
BACKGROUND:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law which protects individuals from
discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal
financial assistance. In certain situations, failure to ensure that persons who have limited
English proficiency can effectively participate in, or benefit from, federally assisted programs
may violate Title VI’s prohibition against national origin discrimination.
Persons who do not speak English as their primary language as a result of national origin
and who have limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English may be entitled to
language assistance under Title VI in order to receive a particular service, benefit, or
encounter.
The City of Ames is strongly committed to making City services and information about those
services available to everyone,
regardless
of language barriers. This commitment stems
from overall City values of being customer driven and providing exceptional customer
service. As residents or visitors who live, work and recreate in our community, people with
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are entitled to fair and equal access to City services.
The City of Ames and its departments are required by federal law to plan and provide
meaningful access to services for those with limited English proficiency. Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 and related federal regulations, state law and municipal ordinances apply
to all City departments that receive federal financial assistance.
As more City Departments have become recipients of federal dollars, the need to determine
if the City should create an organization wide Language Assistance Policy (LAP) became
apparent. Therefore in 2014 the City adopted its first LAP. For the purposes of this LAP
determination, LEP persons are those living in households who are eligible to participate in
and/or benefit from the various federally funded programs administered by the federally
funded City Departments. These include Planning & Housing (CDBG/HOME Funds); Public
Works (DOT Funds); Police (Homeland Security funds); Fleet and Facilities (Department of
Energy funds) Water and Pollution Control (Environmental Protection Agency) and other
departments that may receive funds in the future. Cy-Ride (Transit funds) are not covered
under this LAP, since Cy-Ride is required to conduct its own specific LAP in accordance with
Federal Transit Administration funding.
The LEP regulations require that entities must conduct a Four-Factor Analysis (FFA) which
serves as the guide for determining which language assistance measures may need to be
undertaken to guarantee meaningful access to their various federally funded programs and
services. Providing "meaningful access" will generally involve some combination of services
for oral interpretation and written translation of vital documents.
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HUD has established a “safe harbor” regarding the responsibility to provide translation of
Vital Documents for LEP populations. This safe harbor is based upon the number and
percentages of the service area-eligible population or current beneficiaries and applicants
that are LEP. According to the safe harbor rule, HUD expects translation of Vital Documents
to be provided when the eligible LEP population in the service area or Beneficiaries exceeds
1,000 persons or if it exceeds 5% of the eligible population or Beneficiaries along with more
than 50 people. In cases where more than 5% of the eligible population speaks a specific
language, but fewer than 50 persons are affected, there should be a translated written notice
of the person’s right to an oral interpretation.
The City has conducted an updated Four Factor Analysis (FFA) based on the most current
data available, which is from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimate,
“Age By Language Spoken At Home By Ability To Speak English for the Population 5 Years
and Over” (December 2018).
The ACS data revealed that the
1.53
percent of the population in the City of Ames
do not
speak English as their primary language and have a
limited
ability to read, write, speak or
understand English. This percentage
does not
meet the threshold that would require the
City to develop a Language Assistance Policy (LAP).
However
, the City is continuing to be
a proactive and responsive government by updating its Language Communication
guidelines for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to access services and programs
provided by the City.
Language Communication Guidelines city-wide will continue to support consistency
and will include Departments regardless of their receipt of federal dollars.
The Policy
gives specific direction to staff about how to make City services accessible to those who
speak limited English.
Attached is a copy of the updated 2019
Language Communication Guidelines
(including
the Four Factor Analysis) for City Council review and adoption.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the adoption of the updated 2019 City of Ames Language
Communication Guidelines for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons as presented.
2. The City Council can deny approval of the updated 2019 City of Ames Language
Communication Guidelines for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons.
3. The City Council can direct staff to make changes to the updated 2019 City of Ames
Language Communication Guidelines for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
These guidelines will be a working document for the City to utilize as appropriate in meeting
the needs of federal program requirements and the needs of our citizens. The guidelines will
require periodic updating and monitoring of our LEP populations within the City.
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Once the updated Policy is approved staff will conduct refresher training classes for
representatives of each City Department and will work with departments receiving federal
funds to insure that specific guidelines have been established.
At the time that the City of Ames exceeds the population percentage threshold a fully
developed
Language Assistance
Plan
will need to be created.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1, thereby adopting the updated 2019 City of Ames
Language Communication
Guidelines
for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to gain access to services,
programs and other activities provided by the City of Ames.
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LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
1-A. POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the City of Ames to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to
its programs and activities for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The City of
Ames’s policy is to ensure that staff will communicate effectively with LEP individuals, and
LEP individuals will have access to important programs and information. The City of Ames
is committed to complying with federal requirements Titl in providing free meaningful access
to its programs and activities for LEP persons.
The City of Ames in receiving federal funds from various federal agencies will take
affirmative steps to communicate with people who need services or information in a
language other than English. For the purposes of this Policy, LEP persons are citizen’s
households who are eligible to participate and/or benefit from the various federally funded
programs administer by the various City Departments (e.g. Planning & Housing (CDBG
Funds
);
Public Works (DOT Funds); Police (Homeland Security funds); Fleet and Facilities
(Department of Energy funds) Water and Pollution Control (Environmental Protection
Agency) and others that may receive funds in the future. Cy-Ride (Transportation funds) are
not cover under this LAP, Cy-Ride is required to conduct their own specific LAP, in
accordance with their funding federal agency.
1-B. DEFINITIONS
Beneficiary: The ultimate consumer of HUD programs and receives benefits from a HUD
Recipient or Sub-recipient.
Limited English Proficient Person (LEP): Individuals who do not speak English as their
primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English
because of national origin.
Language Assistance Plan (LAP): A written implementation plan that addresses identified
needs of the LEP persons served.
Recipient: Any political subdivision of the State of Nebraska, or an eligible nonprofit
organization, to whom Federal financial assistance is extended for any program or
activity, or who otherwise participates in carrying out such program or activity, including
any successor, assign or transferee thereof, but such term does not include any
Beneficiary under any such
program.
Sub-recipient: Any public or private agency, institution, organization, or other entity to whom
Federal financial assistance is extended, through another Recipient, for any program or
activity, or who otherwise participates in carrying out such program or activity but such
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term does not include any Beneficiary under any such program.
Vital Document: Any document that is critical for ensuring meaningful access to the
Recipient’s major activities and programs by Beneficiaries generally and LEP persons
specifically.
2-B. ASSESSING NEED FOR PROGRAM ACCESS:
The City has conducted an updated Four Factor Analysis (FFA) based on the most current
data available, which is from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimate,
“Age By Language Spoken At Home By Ability To Speak English for the Population 5 Years
and Over” (December 2018).
This Four Factor Analysis is the first step in providing meaningful access to federally funded
programs for LEP persons. The Four Factor Analysis completed by the City of Ames
addresses
the following:
1. The number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be serviced or likely
to be encountered by the City of Ames;
2. The frequency with which LEP persons using a particular language come
in contact with the City of Ames;
3. The nature and importance of the City of Ames program or activity
provided to the individual’s life; and
4. The resources available to the City of Ames, and costs associated with
providing LEP services.
Each City Department that receives federal funding will review the Four Factor Analysis
(FAA) to determine the need for program access for persons of LEP based on the program
and/or project being administered as outlined above.
The data used in the FFA is from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS)
Estimate. The ACS data revealed that the
1.53
percent
of people in the City of Ames
do
not
speak English as their primary language and who have a
limited
ability to read, write,
speak or understand English. This percentage
does not
meet the threshold that would
require the City to develop a specific Language Assistance Policy (LAP). However, the City
being a proactive and a responsive government is creating
Language Communication
Guidelines
for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to access services and programs
provided by the City of Ames.
3-C.
The City of Ames’ LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES (LCG)
The City of Ames has established the following
Language Communication Guidelines
for
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to ensure compliance with the various Federal
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agencies regulations and Executive Order 13166 issued by President Clinton in 2000 along
with subsequent guidance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under these
requirement and guides, the City of Ames must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful
access to their programs and activities by persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
4-D. SAFE HARBORS
In accordance with the safe harbors for LEP persons, the cities must translate written
documents for groups that are at least 5% of the eligible population, or 1,000 persons,
whichever is less.
If there are fewer than 50 persons in a language group that reaches the 5% trigger above,
cities are not required to translate the vital written materials, but should provide written notice
in the primary language of the LEP group of the right to receive competent oral interpretation
of those written materials, free of cost.
DOCUMENT TRANSLATION
a. The City of Ames seeks to have available all translated documents that have been
made available by the various federal agencies providing funding to the City.
b. As necessary, per the results of the above analysis, the City of Ames may continue
to offer documents in other languages as the analysis above reveals is necessary
and/or upon a reasonable request from the Agency’s customers or service providers
serving our mutual customers.
c. The City of Ames will evaluate the need for posting announcements in the most
common languages encountered.
CURRENT RESOURCES OFFERED:
The City of Ames currently offers the following resources to ensure access to LEP persons:
1. Oral Interpretation Service
–
The City of Ames offers the Language Line Interpretation Service. If there is a non-English
speaking individual that comes into a city department, staff can show them the brochure for
the Language Line Interpretation Service and have them select the language that they
understand (the languages are written in both the native language and in English). Staff
members can call the Language Interpretation Service and asks for the appropriate
interpreter as pointed out by the customer. Staff members can utilize a speaker phone so
both the staff member and the customer can be on the line at the same time. Flyers offering
the Language Line Interpretation Service will be posted in the Administrative Offices.
Additionally, where best appropriate, staff employees will also utilize Google Translator
Interpretation Service from their computers and/or as application on their cell phones.
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2. Iowa Bureau Refugee Services
– the City of Ames as needed, will work with the
Bureau of Refugee Services ( https://dhs.iowa.gov/refugee-services).
3. The City of Ames has developed a list of all City employees that speak, write, or read
a language other than English fluently. The City of Ames may contact employees on
this list for interpretation services as their schedule permits. A current list will be
maintained in the in the Human Resources internal website.
4. The City of Ames will also allow LEP persons to use an interpreter of their own
choosing (whether a professional interpreter, family member, or friend) in place of or
as a supplement to the Language Line interpretation services offered by the City of
Ames.
5.
The City’s web page has the ability to allow its information to be translated into
different languages by selecting the language of choice.
STEPS TO ENSURE ACCESS TO LEP PERSONS/PROVIDING ONGOING NOTICE TO
LEP PERSONS
1. The City will on an ongoing basis will provide to its employees a copy of Thebigword
(over the phone interpreting service) display posters and/or a table stand offering the
Language Line Interpretation Service in their Administrative Offices.
2. The City will include the availability of the Language Line Interpretation Service in
their announcements, informational packets and other media material when
administering a project and/or program.
3. Additionally, where best appropriate, staff employees will also utilize Google
Translator Interpretation Service from their computers and/or as application on their
cell phones.
4. The City as needed will make outreach efforts for assistance with the Iowa Bureau of
Refugee Services, Iowa State University and other organizations to provide
assistance with LEP needs within our jurisdiction.
STAFF TRAINING
The City of Ames will conduct staff training periodically, either in a group setting or by written
communication with staff. The following are the subjects will be reviewed during each
training session:
1.
Types of language translator services available;
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2.
How staff can obtain those services;
3.
How to respond to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) callers;
4.
How to respond to written communications from LEP persons; and
5.
How to respond to LEP persons who have in-person contact with staff
MONITORING AND UPDATING THE LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
The City of Ames will monitor the effectiveness of its’ Language Communication Guidelines
Proficiency (LEP) Policy by reviewing information in the following areas on a three annual
basis:
1.
Reviewing the current available American Community Survey data to determine
the LEP populations in the City of Ames jurisdiction and if threshold numbers have
changed.
2.
Have Departments monitor the frequency of encounters with LEP language
groups that may come in contact through the administration of their projects and/or
programs.
3.
Continuing to conduct outreach to service providers to ensure awareness and
access to the City of Ames’ programs and services are known;
4.
Reviewing and identifying available resources, including technological advances
and associated costs imposed translation software the City of Ames is made
aware of via e-mail notification, newsletters, web sites, etc.;
5.
Reviewing whether existing services are meeting the needs of the LEP persons,
by reviewing the annual use of the language line and any requests for translated
materials made by customers and/or service providers;
6.
Conducting annual staff training; and
7.
Updating resources in the community that have been identified as sources for
assistance to determine if they are still in operation and providing the same
services to the community.
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FOUR-FACTOR ANALYSIS
and
LANGUAGE ACCESS POLICY
FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PERSONS
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
Purpose
: In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1064 and Executive Order
13166, entitled “Improving Access to Service by Persons with Limited English Proficiency”
Ames has developed the following Language Access Policy (LAP) for Limited English
Proficiency (LEP) persons.
History
: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law which protects individuals
from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that
receive federal financial assistance. In certain situations, failures to ensure that persons who
have limited English proficiency can effectively participate in, or benefit from, federally
assisted programs may violate Title VI’s prohibition against national origin discrimination.
Persons who, as a result of national origin, do not speak English as their primary language
and who have limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English may be entitled to
language assistance under Title VI in order to receive a particular service, benefit, or
encounter.
City of Ames Four-Factor Analysis
: The following Four-Factor Analysis will serve as the
guide for determining which language assistance measures the City of Ames will undertake
to provide LEP customer access to the services provided by the various Departments in the
City of Ames.
1. Number or proportion of LEP persons served or encountered in the eligible service
population (served or encountered includes those persons who would be served by the
recipient if the person received education and outreach and the recipient provided sufficient
language services).
The City of Ames utilized the data from The American Community Survey Data for 2013-
2017-
“Age by Language Spoken at Home By Ability to Speak English for Populations 5
Years and Over
” (see table) to determine the populations that may need assistance with
language skills to access and/or benefit from the various programs administered throughout
the City using federal funding. However, all citizen participation activities are open to the
general public.
Source: 2013-2017 American Community Survey
– Story County, Iowa
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General Characteristics of persons 5 years and older:
Total Population of persons 5 and older = 62,619
Population of persons 5 to 17 years = 5,304
Population of persons 18 to 64 years =51,114
Population of persons 64 years and older = 6,201
Number and percent of Spanish-speaking Population = 1,163 or 1.86%
Number and percent of persons speaking other Indo-European languages = 1,761 or
7.71%
Number and percent of persons speaking Asian and Pacific Islander languages = 4,828 or
7.71%
Number and percent of persons speaking other languages = 779 or 1.25%
Characteristics of Persons 5 and Older Who Speak a Language other than English at
Home:
Spanish-speakers: Speak English
“very well” and “well” = 986; speak English “not well” or
“not at all” = 45 persons or .08%
Speakers of other Indo-
European languages: Speak English “very well” and “well” = 1,693;
speak English “not well” or “not at all” = 68 persons or 0.11%
Speakers of
Asian and Pacific Island languages: Speak English “very well” and “well” =
4,115; speak English “not well” or “not at all” = 713 persons or 1.14%
Speakers of other languages: Speak English “very well” and “well” = 779; speak English
“not well” or “not at all” = 0 persons or 0.00%
Total persons who speak English “not well” or “not at all” = 957 persons or 1.53% of total
population
*Age by language spoken at home by ability to speak English for population 5 years and
over. American Community Survey 2013-2017, City of Ames, Story County, Iowa
Other languages = Based on the above languages do not have sufficient information to
determine the number of persons that speak a certain type of language. For example, other
Indo European languages could include languages such as Indian, Hindu, and several other
languages. Data is not available for each specific language; therefore, the City of Ames is
unable to determine the percentage or number of persons.
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2. The frequency with which the LEP persons come into contact with the program.
The City of Ames administers various projects that utilizing federal dollars, each Department
receiving these funds will identify in their individuals programs the nature of the projects that
residents are likely to have considerable direct contact with the project or program and its
staff
.
3. The nature and importance of programs, activities, or services provided by the
Department. Some of the projects administered with federal funding do provide direct
assistance to beneficiaries related to housing, utilities, transit, infrastructure, emergency
services and protection, etc.; therefore, the nature of the activity or service is of significant
importance to all eligible residents. Other services administered with federal funding do not
provide direct assistance to individuals (e.g. public infrastructure, construction and
maintenance, and similar type projects). As a result, LEP persons rarely come into contact
with these City programs. However, all citizen participation activities are open to the general
public.
4. The resources available and costs to the recipient. Currently, the City of Ames web site
can be utilized to translate information into various languages posted on this site.
Additionally, the City offers the following services:
a. Oral Interpretation Service
– The City of Ames has contracted a Language Line
Interpretation Service. If there is a non-English speaking individual that comes into
the office, staff members can show them the brochure for the Language Line
Interpretation Service and have them select the language that they understand (the
languages are written in both the native language, and in English). The staff member
can call the Language Interpretation Service and asks for the appropriate interpreter
as pointed out by the customer. Staff can utilize a two line (head set) system or
speaker phone so both the staff member and the customer can be on the line at the
same time. A flyer indicating that the Language Line Interpretation Service will be
provided to all City employees at their workstations. The flyer is also posted at
customer contact areas in each Department.
b. In order to ensure that any limited English or non-English speaking resident receives
equal access to services, the City of Ames will display in those Departments with
service desk the "I Speak" posters to provide assistance.
c. The City of Ames has developed a list of all City employees that speak, write, or read
a language other than English fluently. The City of Ames may contact employees on
this list for interpretation services as their schedule permits. See Attachment 1.
d. The City of Ames permits LEP persons to use an interpreter of their own choosing
(whether a professional interpreter, family member, or friend) in place of or as a
supplement to the Language Line Interpretation Service offered by the City of Ames.
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Additionally, many of the common forms used in the implementation of a City programs are
available in multiple languages on the HUD, DOL, and other federal websites. Therefore,
limited Language Access Policy (LAP) measures are reasonable given the resources
available to City of Ames.
In conclusion, based on the data collected from
The American Community Survey Data for
2013-2017- Age by Language Spoken at Home By Ability to Speak English for Populations
5 Years and Over
, the populations in the City of Ames currently
do not meet
the 1,000 or
5% LEP persons threshold for any languages or language(s) identified, therefore the City is
not required to a Language Access Plan (LAP) for its jurisdiction. However, the City of Ames
will adopt a Language Communication Guidelines. The Four-Factor Analysis (FFA) will be
kept in the City’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Plan and a copy of the FFA will also
be provided to the City’s Affirmative Action Officer.
Certification:
Based on the above Four-Factor Analysis, the City of Ames is
not
required
to develop a Language Access Plan (LAP).
However, the City of Ames will implement
Language Communication Guidelines
to
provide reasonable attempts to accommodate
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to
gain access to services, programs and other activities provided by the City of Ames.
Chief Elected Official
__________________________
_______________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
Date
_________________________
_________________________
Attest: Diane Voss, City Clerk
Date
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Age by Language Spoken at Home by Ability to Speak English
for Population 5 Years and Over
City of Ames, Story County, Iowa
(2013-2017 American Community Survey Estimate)
5 to 17
18-64
65 &
Over
Total
Population
5 and over
Percent of
Total
Population
est.
population
Total Population
5,304
51,304
6,201
62,619
Speak Spanish
79
1,015
69
1,163
Speak English “very well” and “well”
55
887
45
986
Speak English "not well"
15
7
0
22
Speak English "not at all"
9
8
4
21
Sub-total speakers that speak English
"not well" or "not at all"
24
15
4
45
0.08
Speak other Indo-European language
248
1,452
61
1,761
Speak English “very well” and “well”
238
1,401
54
1,693
Speak English "not well"
10
51
7
68
Speak English "not at all"
0
0
0
0
Sub-total speakers that speak English
"not well" or "not at all"
10
51
7
68
0.11
Speak Asian/Pacific Island language
449
4,117
262
4,828
Speak English “very well” and “well”
384
3,649
262
3,029
Speak English "not well"
65
334
149
548
Speak English "not at all"
0
134
31
165
Sub-total speakers that speak English
"not well" or "not at all"
65
468
180
713
1.14
Speak other languages
14
741
24
779
Speak English “very well” and “well”
14
741
24
779
Speak English "not well"
0
0
0
0
Speak English "not at all"
0
0
0
0
Sub-total speakers that speak English
"not well" or "not at all"
0
4
0
4
0.00
Grand Total of people 5 and over who
speak English "not well" or "not at all"
99
647
211
957
1.53
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Attachment 1
Interpreters for the City of Ames willing to assist with non-English speakers or
speech/hearing impaired, effective: August 22, 2018:
Language
Dept.
Contact info.
Spanish
Amber Christian
Police
X 5133
Blake Marshall
Police
X 5133
Nicki Hayes
Utility Customer Service
X5226
Rachel Knutsen
CMO
X5101
French
Dominic Roberge
PW
X 5278
Mandarin Chinese
Su Xia
Finance-Accounting
X5212
Tamil
Rosie Francis
Library
X5641
Hindi
Rosie Francis
Library
X5641
Thai
Dilok Phanchantraurai
Police
x5133
Sign Language
Rachel Knutsen
CMO
X5101
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^
ITEM #
17
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
VACATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL EASEMENT AT 101 HYLAND AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
The 2018/19 Traffic Signal Program will be replacing the traffic signal at Lincoln Way and
Hyland Avenue. The existing signal at the northwest corner of the intersection sits on 101
Hyland Avenue property within an existing easement. This existing easement is limited to
the City of Ames traffic signal use. The easement plat is included as Attachment A.
The new traffic signal will partially sit outside of the existing easement, so staff has prepared
a new Traffic Signal Easement that better fits the signal equipment. The new Traffic Signal
Easement Plat is included as Attachment B.
The new traffic signal easement will be recorded following the vacation of the existing
easement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Set the date of public hearing as April 9, 2019, to approve the vacation of the
easement above at 101 Hyland Avenue.
2. Reconsider the vacation of the easement above at 101 Hyland Avenue.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This traffic signal easement can be vacated since the new easement has been signed and
is ready to be recorded.
Therefore, the City Manager recommends that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as
described above.
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ITEM#:
18
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR IOWA STATE
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE IV IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
DESIGN SERVICES
BACKGROUND:
In the summer 2018 work began for a John Deere development in the Iowa State
University Research Park located at 3525 South Riverside Drive. This Phase IV of the
Research Park
’s improvements includes this lot and development of the surrounding
area. The associated public improvements include paving of approximately 1,570 feet of
South Riverside Drive (with shared use path on the west side), the paving of 1,860 feet
of Collaboration Place (with on-street bike lanes), the extension of sanitary sewer and
water main, and the installation of electric service improvements and street lighting.
The funding for these improvements will be provided in part through a federal Economic
Development Administration (EDA) grant that was awarded in September 2018. In
addition, a
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant was also awarded from the
Iowa DOT in January 2019.
Because the EDA grant is federally funded, staff followed the federal-aid process for
consultant selection. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in June 2018 for two
separate projects: Utility improvements and street improvements. A summary of their
scores is shown below (out of 100 possible points):
Consultant
Score
Shive-Hattery
88.8
WHKS
87.5
HR Green
86.3
Bolton & Menk
83.8
Snyder & Associates
81.8
Shive-Hattery Inc. was scored by the RFQ evaluation team to be the most qualified firm
to develop the plans for this improvement project. The federal-aid process prohibits
asking for proposed costs with the RFQ solicitation. Therefore, staff worked with Shive-
Hattery to draft a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) and negotiate a contract amount
(Attachment 1). This contract agreement has been modified to include additional federal
requirements and has been reviewed and approved by the
City’s Legal Department and
the EDA. (Iowa DOT did not require review.) The total cost of the PSA is not to exceed
$291,920. Construction inspection services are not included in this PSA, so another RFQ
will be created and issued for those services.
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As previously stated, this project will primarily be funded with an EDA grant and a state
RISE grant. These grants will provide approximately 90% of the estimated project costs.
The remaining funding will be provided with tax increment financing (TIF) abated GO
bonds and City of Ames Electric funds as shown below.
Funding Source
Available Funding Estimated Expense
Iowa DOT (RISE)
$1,812,905
Department of Commerce (EDA)
$1,743,558
G.O. Bonds (TIF Abated)
$ 314,204
City of Ames Electric
$ 135,000
Engineering/Admin
$ 493,939
Construction
$2,993,178
TOTAL
$4,005,667
$3,487,116
Of the $493,939 available for engineering and administration, $291,920 will be allocated
for these design services with Shive-Hattery. The remaining $202,019 is available for a
future PSA for construction inspection services with a yet to be determined design firm
through an RFQ evaluation process following federal-aid processes.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Professional Service Agreement with Shive-Hattery Inc. for the design
of the ISU Research Park Phase IV Improvements Project in an amount not to
exceed $291,920.
2. Reject the agreement.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The ISU Research Park continues to be an important economic development area for the
region. Approval of this agreement will allow the design of the next phase of infrastructure
improvements within this development area to begin.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
Iowa State University Research Park Phase IV Road and Utility Improvements Project
THIS AGREEMENT
is made and entered into as of ________________________________,
by and between the City of Ames, an Iowa Municipal Corporation, with offices located at Ames City
Hall, Post Office Box 811, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010, hereinafter called "CITY", and
Shive Hattery, hereinafter called "CONSULTANT".
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS
, the City desires to retain professional services for the IOWA STATE
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE IV ROAD & UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT,
and
WHEREAS
, the Consultant represents that it is qualified to perform the services under this
contract.
NOW, THEREFORE
, and in consideration of mutual covenants hereinafter contained, it is
mutually agreed between the parties as follows:
1.
SCOPE OF WORK: The services to be performed by the Consultant include
preparation of documents or consultation on the items described in Exhibits "1-3",
attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof.
2.
AMENDMENTS TO THE SCOPE OF WORK: There shall be no increase in the
amount of payment, Scope of Work or Time of Performance as stated in this Agreement
except by written amendment approved by the City.
3.
CONSULTANT'S COMPENSATION AND METHOD OF PAYMENT: For the
services listed below and described in Exhibit “1”, the Consultant shall be paid a fixed
price of $291,920.00 based on a Professional Services Fee Breakdown attached as
Exhibit “3”.
4.
TIME OF PERFORMANCE: The Consultant agrees that it will diligently and
responsibly pursue the performance of the services required of it by this Agreement for
completion on, or before, the schedule of milestone tasks set out in the Project Schedule
attached as Exhibit “2”.
5.
COOPERATION BY THE CITY: All public information, data, reports, records, and
maps as are existing, available to the City as public records, and which are necessary
for carrying out the work as outlined in the Scope of Work, shall be furnished to the
Consultant without charge by the City. The City shall cooperate with the Consultant
in every way possible to facilitate, without undue delay, the work to be performed
under this Agreement, including turnaround of reviews and approvals.
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6.
DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES: The following individuals are hereby
designated as representatives of the City and the Consultant respectively to act as
liaison between parties:
CITY
CONSULTANT
Nathan Willey, P.E. Nathan Hardisty, P.E.
Civil Engineer II Project Manager
Mr. Nathan Hardisty, P.E. shall be the Project Manager in charge of monitoring
performance by the Consultant and shall be responsible for the review of all work
products prepared by the Consultant. Any change in designated representatives shall
be promptly reported to the other party in order to insure proper coordination.
7.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE: The Consultant shall comply with all
applicable laws, ordinances, and codes of the Federal, State, and local governments
while performing the services described herein in a good, skillful, and professional
manner.
8.
OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS: All reports, files, drawings, and other material
prepared under this Agreement shall become the property of the City. In the event the
City uses the Instruments of Service without the permission of the authors of the
Instruments of Service, the City releases the Consultant from all claims and causes of
action arising out of such uses. The City, to the extent permitted by law, further agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Consultant from all costs and expenses, including
the cost of defense, related claims and causes asserted by any third person or entity to
the extent such costs and expenses arise from the City’s use of the Instruments of
Service.
9.
PERSONNEL AND ASSIGNMENT: The Consultant represents that it has all
personnel required to perform the services under this agreement. The Consultant's
personnel shall not be employed by, nor have any direct contractual relationship with,
the City. All services required hereunder shall be performed by the Consultant, its
employees, or personnel under direct contract with the Consultant. The Consultant
shall not assign the performance of the Agreement, nor any part thereof, without the
prior written consent of the City.
10.
AUTHORITY OF THE CONSULTANT: The Consultant shall be an independent
contractor and shall not incur, or have the power to incur, any debt obligation or
liability whatever against the City, or bind the City in any manner. The Consultant
shall not disseminate any information or reports without the prior approval of the City
in writing.
11.
CONSULTANT’S ACCOUNTING RECORDS: Records of the Consultant's direct
personnel, sub-consultants, and reimbursable and other expenses pertaining to the work
and records of accounts between the City and consultants shall be kept on a generally
recognized standard accounting basis and shall be available to the City or its authorized
representatives at mutually convenient times.
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12.
TERMINATION: Either party may terminate this Agreement, with cause, upon thirty
(30) days written notice to the other. In the event of such termination, the Consultant
shall be compensated for all services rendered to the date of termination. Such
compensation shall be paid within thirty (30) days of termination. In no event shall the
amount due exceed the amount set forth in Exhibit “3”. In the event of disagreement
as to a portion of an amount claimed to be owed to the Consultant, the amount not in
dispute shall be remitted promptly and the parties shall attempt to resolve their
differences with respect to any remaining amounts.
13.
NOTICE: Whenever it shall be necessary for either party to serve notice on the other
respecting this Agreement, such notice shall be served by mail addressed to the City
at: Ames City Hall, P.O. Box 811, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, or to the
Consultant at: 4125 Westown Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266, unless
or until a different address may be furnished in writing by either party to the other, and
such notice shall be deemed to have been served within seventy-two (72) hours after
the same has been deposited in the United States Post Office, postage paid. This shall
be valid and sufficient notice for all purposes.
14.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The Consultant represents and agrees that the Consultant
has not employed any person to solicit or procure this Agreement, and has not made,
and will not make, any payment, or any agreement for payment of any commission,
percentage, brokerage, contingent fees, or other compensation in connection with the
procurement of this Agreement.
15.
INDEMNIFICATION: Neither party hereto shall be liable for any damages
proximately resulting from the negligent or wrongful actions or omissions of the other
party, employees, agents, or contractors performing under this Agreement.
16.
WORKER'S COMPENSATION: The Consultant agrees to provide the necessary
Worker's Compensation insurance at the Consultant's own cost and expense for itself
and any employees employed by the Consultant. The Consultant, and consulting agent
and employees in the performance of this Agreement, shall act in an independent
capacity and not as officers, employees, or agents of the City.
17.
NON-DISCRIMINATION: During the performance of the Agreement, the Consultant
shall not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment
because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, disability, or age. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the
following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; recruitment or recruitment
advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and
selection for training, including apprenticeship.
18.
FEDERAL REGULATIONS: The Consultant agrees to adhere to all federal contract
provisions listed in Appendix II to Part 200 – “Contract Provisions for Non-Federal
Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards” found in Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR).
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19.
EXCLUDED PARTIES LIST: The City has checked the website www.SAM.gov and
verified that the Consultant does not appear on the Excluded Parties List.
20.
EDA REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION REGARDNG LOBBYING: The
Consultant agrees to meet all Economic Development Administration (EDA) contract
requirements and has submitted an executed copy of the Certification Regarding
Lobbying as required by Section 1352, Title 31, of the US Code.
21.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement
between the parties. This Agreement supersedes any and all prior negotiations,
representation, or agreements, either written or oral. Any amendments to, or
clarification necessary to, this Agreement shall be in writing and acknowledged by all
parties to the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
effective the day and year first set forth above.
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
CONSULTANT
By: ___
By: _____________________________________
John Haila, Mayor
Attest by: _____________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
Agreement for Consulting Services
Nathan Hardisty, Project Manager
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EXHIBIT 1
– SCOPE OF SERVICES
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is to reconstruct South Riverside Drive from the end of existing pavement to the southern
property line of the proposed Deere and Company facility and to construct Collaboration Place from the
current terminus near the Economic Development Core facility to South Riverside Drive. The South
Riverside Drive improvements are approximately 1,570 feet and Collaboration Place improvements are
approximately 1,860 feet. The project includes on-street bike lanes on Collaboration Place and an off-
street shared use path along the west side of South Riverside Drive. The path is to extend north of the
project terminus approximately 800 feet along the existing South Riverside Drive. It will not be connected
to the existing trail constructed in Phase II of the Research Park. Approximately 800 feet of 12 inch
diameter water main will be extended along South Riverside Drive to the southern terminus of the project.
Sanitary sewer extensions of approximately 700 total feet for future expansions will be included along the
Deere and Company west property line and to the east of the Deere and Company property under South
Riverside Drive.
The project will be completed with a single bid package.
Coordination with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Iowa Department of
Transportation (IDOT) will be required due to funding of the project by both the EDA and an IDOT
Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) Grant. It is anticipated the project will be let through a City of
Ames local letting.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
We will provide the following services for the project:
Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Unmanned Aerial Surveying, Traffic Engineering and Transportation
Engineering, Wetland Delineation and Subsurface Exploration.
These services will consist of the following tasks:
I. Basic Services of the Consultant
1.
Project Management and Coordination
A.
Project Meetings
1)
Kick-off Meeting - The Consultant shall coordinate and lead a project kick-off
meeting with appropriate City of Ames and ISU Research Park staff.
2)
Progress Meetings - The Consultant shall lead monthly, in-person project meetings
with City of Ames Staff during the design stage. A maximum of 6 meetings are
assumed (April 2019 to September 2019).
3)
Prepare meeting minutes and documentation of items discussed at project meetings.
B.
Bi-Weekly Progress Reporting - The Consultant shall provide progress reporting with
action items on a bi-weekly basis throughout the design process.
C.
Quality Control - The Consultant will provide on-going quality control throughout the
design process.
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D. Coordination
1)
The Consultant will coordinate with Deere and Company site development during the
preparation of plans and incorporate design information from the development into the
project.
2)
Coordination with Adjacent Property Owners - The Consultant shall provide
notification and coordinate with adjacent properties owners as required. It is
anticipated a maximum of 1 meeting with each of the property owners listed below
will be required.
a)
Gary and Katherine May
b)
Story County Conservation
3)
Coordination with the EDA and the IDOT (RISE) for approval of plans and
specifications as required.
2.
Surveys and Mapping
A.
The Consultant shall perform field and office tasks required to collect topographic data and
right-of-way information deemed necessary to complete the project.
B.
The Consultant will conduct field surveys to obtain topographic data, ground elevations, and
cross sections required for the development of the Project and to supplement the existing
mapping available from the City.
C.
The Consultant will contact the various utility companies and collect available information
on underground utility locations and incorporate such available utility information into the
base mapping of the project. Utilities to be researched include sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
electric, gas, water, telephone, cable vision, and fiber optic lines.
D. The Consultant will research City, County, and State Records to establish locations of
property lines, right-of-way lines, and property ownership for the properties affected by the
project and incorporate this data into the base mapping of the project.
E. The Consultant shall provide staking for soil boring locations.
F.
The Consultant shall complete platting of the right-of-way for Collaboration Place. The
platting shall include:
1)
Right-of-way of Collaboration Place.
2)
Six permanent easements for storm sewer outlets and inlets.
3)
It is assumed the South Riverside Drive construction can be completed without
easements being required from adjacent property owners.
3.
Conceptual Plan Development
A.
The Consultant will develop conceptual plans for South Riverside Drive and Collaboration
Place. Plan development will be limited to one scenario based upon the South Riverside
Drive and Collaboration Place Extension Preliminary Engineering Report. The conceptual
plans will include project extents, pedestrian accommodations, roadway geometry, and
property owner impacts.
B.
Deliverables: the Consultant shall develop a roll plot of the concept for review and a memo
documenting the design criteria.
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4.
Preliminary Design and Plans
A.
The Consultant will perform preliminary design services in the preparation of design plans
and specifications depicting the proposed grading, drainage, paving, signing, water main,
and utilities located within the proposed right-of-way and other features of the project. The
preliminary plans for the project will be approximately 50% complete upon completion of
the Preliminary Design. Preliminary Design plans will include the following:
1)
Title and General Information (A Sheets)
2)
Preliminary Typical Cross Sections (B Sheets)
3)
Preliminary Plans and Profiles ( D and E Sheets)
4)
Reference Ties and Bench Marks (G Sheets)
5)
Preliminary Staging (J Sheets)
6)
Preliminary Stormwater Drainage Design (M Sheets)
7)
Preliminary Pavement Marking and Signage (N Sheets)
8)
Water Main (O Sheets)
9)
Preliminary Street Lighting Design (P Sheets - by the City of Ames)
10) Preliminary Sanitary Sewer (U Sheets)
11) Preliminary Cross Sections (W, X Sheets)
B.
An Opinion of Probable Construction Cost will be completed with Preliminary Design.
C.
Deliverables: Preliminary Plans, Preliminary Opinion of Probable Cost.
5.
Subsurface Exploration - Soil Borings (by sub-consultant Allender Butzke Engineers, Inc.)
A.
Geotechnical Exploration - mobilization with drilling equipment, traffic control, boring
locations, utility locations (Iowa One Call), drill 14 borings 10 to 25 feet deep (9 roadway
borings, 2 trail borings, 1 culvert boring, 2 sewer/stormwater management borings),
laboratory testing (including two each proctor, grain size, and Atterberg limits tests for
subgrade soils), engineering analysis, pavement thickness design, and written report.
6.
Utility Coordination
A.
Utility Coordination to be led by City of Ames staff, the Consultant shall support the City
by providing plans to be distributed to utility companies in the corridor to discuss impacts
to their facilities by the proposed roadway improvements. The anticipated utilities located
within the corridor are listed below:
1)
CenturyLink
2)
Mediacom Communications Corp.
3)
Alliant Energy
4)
Iowa State University
5)
City of Ames - Utility Maintenance (water, sewer, storm)
6)
City of Ames - Electric Services
7)
Aureon Network Services
8)
Xenia Rural Water District
B.
Meetings with individual utility companies and review of relocations plans are not included
but could be provided by an amendment to this agreement.
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7.
Final Plans and Specifications
A.
Based upon approved preliminary design, the Consultant shall subsequently proceed with
final design, construction drawings, specifications, and an opinion of probable construction
cost for the award of a single contract for the construction of the proposed improvements.
Final Plans and Specifications to include the following:
1)
Title and General Information (A Sheets)
2)
Typical Cross Sections (B Sheets)
3)
Estimate of Quantities, Estimate Reference Information, Tabulations (C Sheets)
4)
Plans and Profiles (D and E Sheets)
5)
Erosion Control (EC Sheets)
6)
Reference Ties and Bench Marks (G Sheets)
7)
Traffic Control and Staging (J Sheets)
8)
Intersection Geometrics and Jointing Plans (L Sheets)
9)
Stormwater Drainage Design (M Sheets)
10) Pavement Marking and Signage (N Sheets)
11) Water Main (it in anticipated all the existing hydrants on South Riverside Drive will
need to be adjusted to new elevations in addition to the new water main extension, the
existing hydrants on Collaboration Place will be checked to verify their elevations are
appropriate) - (O Sheets)
12) Street Lighting Design and Electrical - (P Sheets - By the City of Ames)
13) Curb Ramp, Sidewalk, and Shared Use Path Plans and Tabulations (S Sheets)
14) Construction Details, Special Grading Areas, Bike Lane Exit Treatments, and Sanitary
Sewer (U Sheets)
15) Detailed Cross Sections (W, X, Y Sheets)
B.
Opinion of Probable Cost
C.
Deliverables: Final Plans and Specifications, Final Opinion of Probable Cost
8.
Permitting
A.
The Consultant will provide a Wetland and Waters of the United States (WUS) delineation
for the project area that was not included in the November 2014 Wetland Delineation and
the corresponding Approved Jurisdictional Determination dated March 16
th
, 2015 (South
Riverside Drive south of Collaboration Place was not previously included). If wetlands or
WUS are present, the upper boundaries within the project area will be identified and
mapped.
B.
It is anticipated a Nationwide Section 404 permit can be obtained should wetlands be
impacted by the project. The Consultant will coordinate with the United States Army Corps
of Engineers to obtain clearance under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit. In the event
additional studies are required for a regional or individual permit, those shall be considered
additional services.
C. The consultant shall coordinate with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for
the following permits:
1)
IDNR Wastewater Construction Permit
2)
IDNR Public Water Supply Construction Permit
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9.
Bidding
A.
The Consultant will coordinate and manage the letting process for the project including
printing of plans and specifications, preparing the formal Notice of Hearing and Letting, and
plan clarification and addenda. The Consultant is to attend the bid opening, prepare the bid
tabulation, make a recommendation of award of the contract, and secure the necessary
contractual documents.
II. Construction Services
1.
Construction Administration
A.
Construction administration services shall consist of office based services to assist the City
in implementing the construction contract for this project. The work tasks to be performed
by the Consultant shall include the following:
1)
Attend a Pre-Construction meeting after the award of the construction contract for the
Contractor, Sub-contractors, Utility Companies and other interested parties.
2)
Review Shop drawings, samples, and other pre construction data which the Contractor
is required to submit, a maximum of 40 hours of engineering time has been included.
3)
Issue necessary interpretations and clarifications of the plans, and in connection
therewith, prepare change orders and conduct site visits as required. For budgeting
purposes, a maximum of 15 hours of engineering time has been included.
B.
Construction observation (inspection) services are not included.
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ADDITIONAL SERVICES
The following are additional services you may require for your project. We can provide these services but
they are not part of this proposal at this time.
1. Construction observation (inspection)
2. Preparation of environmental documentation CE/EA/EIS, other than coordination with SHPO and
USACE
3. Cultural resources surveys
4. Archaeological investigation beyond the Intensive Phase I Investigation
5. Contaminated soils investigations
6. Subsurface utility investigations
7. Construction survey
8. Intersection improvements design at Collaboration Place and South Riverside Drive other than a
standard “T” intersection
9. Roundabout design
10. Traffic signal design
11. Aesthetics
12. Public information meetings and/or exhibit preparation
13. Shared use path connection to the north along South Riverside Drive including a crossing at the
creek that travels under South Riverside Drive
14. Reinforced box culvert design.
15. Shared use path connections to existing path
16. Right-of-way acquisition services
17. Electrical Engineering and/or street lighting design including photometric calculation. All electrical
improvements are to be designed, quantified, and appropriate bid items and bidding info provided
to Shive-Hattery to include with the plans for letting.
18. Meetings other than specifically included within the scope of services
19. Review of shop drawings, product data, and submittals during the construction phase.
20. NPDES Permitting
21. Redesign due to project budget overruns during design, bidding, or construction phases.
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Schedule
EXHIBIT 2
– PROJECT SCHEDULE
Notice to Proceed
March 27
th
, 2019
Surveys and Mapping
April 2019
Conceptual Design
May 2019
USACE Coordination
July
– September 2019
Wetland Delineation
May 2019
Preliminary Design
June-July 2019
Utility Coordination
July - August 2019
Final Design
August - September 2019
Permitting
July - September 2019
Letting
October 2019
Construction Administration
Fall 2019
– Fall 2020
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Task
Description
Total Hours
Subconsultants
Total Fee
1
Surveys and Mapping (11%)
215
32,693
$
2
Conceptual Plan Development (7%)
175
20,045
$
3
Preliminary Design and Plans (40%)
918
$16,225
116,263
$
4
Final Plans and Specifications (37%)
1062
110,018
$
5
Bidding (2%)
40
4,328
$
6
Construction Administration (3%)
70
8,573
$
Total Fee
291,920
$
Exhibit 3 - Professional Services Fee Breakdown
City of Ames - ISU Research Park Phase IV Road & Utility Improvements Project
Based on Exhibit 1 - Scope of Services
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ITEM#:
19
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR 2019 DOWNTOWN
PARKING STUDY
BACKGROUND:
On November 13, 2018, City Council directed staff to begin a study of parking in
Downtown Ames. The study was to include stakeholder meetings, a parking utilization
supply/demand analysis, alternatives analysis for both existing and future parking. There
will also be a final report with recommendations on infrastructure and operational changes
that support Downtown businesses, with the goal of having parking be a self-sustaining
system that pays for all capital and operational costs.
Staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) and received submittals from four firms: 1)
Desman Design Management, 2) Nelson/Nygaard 3) Walker Consultants, and 4) Walter
P Moore. A scoring team made up of staff from Public Works, Planning, and Police scored
the proposals. Scoring criteria includes project understanding & approach, previous
experience, team structure & key personnel, responsiveness & ability to perform work,
proposed project schedule, references, estimated contract cost. A summary of the scores
is shown in the table below:
Consultant
Score
Walker
82
WPM
76
Desman
70
Nelson-Nygaard
57
Walker Consultants was found to be the most qualified firm for this project. Staff reached
out to Walker and began developing a contract scope and fee, which is attached to this
document. The project will be broken down into four main tasks:
Project Task
Cost
Task I- Parking Supply/Demand Study
$30,640
Task II- Parking Alternatives Analysis
$3,840
Task III- Review of Parking Policies and Practices $10,560
Task IV- Financial Plan and Final Report
$24,960
Total
$70,000
There is also an option to add additional parking occupancy and turnover counts if the
City feels that the base amount of data collection is not adequate. This is shown on page
5 of the agreement. The contract is set at a total not to exceed amount of $70,000 unless
a written amendment to the agreement is agreed to by both Walker and the City. The
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budget for this study is $45,731 from the General Fund and $24,269 from the unobligated
Road Use Tax Fund for a total of $70,000.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 2019 Downtown Parking Study professional services agreement with
Walker Consultants in a not to exceed amount of $70,000.
2. Reject the proposal from Walker Consultants and direct staff to make modifications
to the scope and fee.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This study will provide an effective parking plan for Downtown Ames. The data collected
will provide a clear understanding of current and future parking conditions and make
achievable recommendations for improving current parking conditions and meeting future
parking demand efficiently and cost-effectively. These recommendations will support the
Council’s goal of having a financially sustainable parking system that supports the long-
term vitality of Downtown Ames.
Therefore, the City Manager recommends that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1
as described above.
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City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Traffic Engineer/ Airport Manager
City of Ames
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Re:
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
Ames, Iowa
Dear Mr. Pregitzer:
Walker Consultants is pleased to submit for your review the following services agreement for the 2019 Downtown
Parking Study.
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
Downtown Ames is a vibrant commercial and cultural district featuring numerous retail stores, restaurants, bars,
art galleries and government and professional offices. Over the last fifteen years, the downtown has undergone a
transformation from a once underutilized district into a premier, fully-activated destination.
As the Downtown continues its course of redevelopment, civic leaders are looking to engage a professional
consultant firm to help evaluate current and future parking needs providing management and policy guidance for
the existing downtown parking system. In July 2018, Ames City Council adopted parking meter rate increases for
the downtown district; an action which has elicited considerable downtown merchant and visitor feedback.
Business owners are concerned that the recently adopted rate increase is negatively affecting retail traffic and the
downtown experience for their customer base.
Additionally, parking for downtown employees is being cited as an increasing issue of concern. Numerous business
owners and employees have requested more long-term employee parking areas be made available, reconsidering
hours of enforcement across public lots. The City of Ames is requesting a parking study for the downtown district
to evaluate these unique user challenges recommending solutions that take into account the needs of both visitors
and employees, balancing the publics parking needs with the City’s capital investment and operational budgetary
goals to maintain a self-sustaining public parking system.
STUDY AREA
Walker understands the project Study Area boundaries to be fixed at 6
th
Street to the north, Lincoln Way to the
south, Duff Avenue to the east, and Grand Avenue to the west. Appendix A: Study Area Map displays the pre-
6602 E. 75
th
Street, Suite 210
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317.842.6890
walkerconsultants.com
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City of Ames- Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Page 2
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
determined project Study Area boundaries. Hereto, all task items enumerated as follows will occur within “Study
Area” boundaries.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Walker has reviewed the City of Ames proposed scope of work and agrees to perform all tasks stated within the
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study RFP (dated December 10, 2018). Additionally, we agree to perform the
following detailed task items as our scope of services:
TASK I- PARKING SUPPLY/DEMAND STUDY
OBJECTIVE: Before an effective parking plan can be formulated, a clear understanding of current and future
parking conditions in the City Study Area is required. The Supply/Demand Analysis constitutes a needs assessment
of current and anticipated parking conditions.
1. Conference call with City representatives to finalize project parameters, review project background and
obtain previous reports, area maps, and other background information.
2. Schedule two (2)- two-hour stakeholder meetings with Project Team for purposes of issue identification
and stakeholder input regarding downtown parking. Walker will coordinate two (2)- two-hour stakeholder
meetings held onsite with the project team at a time and location as determined by City representatives
(morning, afternoon, and/or evening).
3. Obtain and review land use data within the study area, provided in terms of square footage by land-use
type (i.e., retail, restaurant, hotel, office, etc.).
4. Conduct field parking inventories of on- and off-street parking within the Study Area. Inventories will
include space counts, rates (if applicable), and restrictions for all on street spaces and off-street facilities
greater than five spaces. Display parking inventory by the block-level in tabular and graphical format.
5. Conduct three (3) parking occupancy field counts for all parking inventoried within the Study Area for a
weekday design day, as agreed to by City Staff. Perform a morning (between 9 am to 11 am), mid-day
(between 1 pm to 3 pm), and evening count (between 6 pm to 8 pm). The Walker team will record the
number of parking spaces occupied for all corresponding spaces inventoried. Organize parking
occupancy data by the block-level in tabular and graphical format. Data collection will occur in the April
22, 2019 to May 10, 2019 timeframe.
6. Perform a field turnover and duration survey across the Study Area for one (1) weekday for block faces
driven within a one-hour route, performed on the hour, for on-street and off-street facilities as agreed to
by City Staff during enforcement hours of the day to determine the percentage of vehicles adhering to
the posted hours of enforcement. License plates will be surveyed on an hourly observational basis to
gauge the length of stay and turnover activity occurring in select on-street and off-street facilities.
7. Create a parking demand model using Walker’s shared parking model to project typical parking demand
throughout a weekday.
8. Determine the surplus or shortfall within the area under current conditions, and create tabular and
graphical illustrations of the parking system adequacy.
9. Obtain build-out plans from the City representatives and adjust the demand model to show future
parking demand generated by approved and/or proposed developments in the area.
10. Prepare a brief Task I update draft memorandum summarizing field findings and observable data.
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City of Ames- Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Page 3
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
TASK II - PARKING ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE: With the understanding gained from the completion of Task I above, Walker will develop solid,
achievable recommendations for improving current parking conditions and meeting future parking demand
efficiently and cost effectively.
1. Review inventory, utilization and turnover data collected in Task I.
2. If data suggests imbalances of usage, recommend management and policy changes that could reduce
congestion in affected areas.
3. Review existing vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation patterns for their relationship to existing
and proposed parking facilities/lots.
4. Determine whether the number of spaces could be increased through restriping and efficiency
improvements in existing publicly-owned facilities/lots.
5. Determine whether existing city-owned facilities/lots can be expanded to meet area parking needs.
6. Identify potential locations for new parking facilities (surface and/or structured). External variables that
will be considered are desirable density, phasing of construction, and incorporation of other uses (such as
retail) in any proposed facility.
7. Illustrate up to three (3) sites for potential future parking facilities on a site plan.
8. Conceptualize footprint for each site, height, and capacity.
9. Provide order-of-magnitude cost opinions to construct a future parking facility(s).
10. Prepare a brief Task II update memorandum summarizing findings and concepts for City review.
TASK III- REVIEW OF PARKING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this task is to provide a professional’s outside perspective with the aim to help
the City make its parking system the best it can be. To succeed at meeting this objective, we consider stakeholder
input, historical policies and practices, the character of the city, and the City’s organizational structure and
capacity and develop a parking management plan that suggests opportunities for improvement.
1. Obtain and review city parking policies, practices, and ordinances relating to parking. Review the City’s
staffing needs associated with its parking assets. Recommend changes. Comment upon best practices for
staffing needs compared to other similar-sized cities.
2. Review and comment on parking rates, time restrictions or lack thereof, and enforcement hours.
3. Review existing parking equipment and recommend upgrades where necessary.
4. Draft a policy statement regarding the relationship between on- and off-street parking.
5. Review and comment on existing parking signage and identify opportunities for improvement.
6. Identify, for the City’s consideration, other customer-service enhancements that do not exist in Ames
7. Provide a brief Task III update memorandum for City review.
TASK IV - FINANCIAL PLAN
OBJECTIVE: A financial plan anticipates the market demand, operating revenues, operating expenses, and debt
service for a proposed parking project and/or parking system and proposed improvements to the existing parking
system. It is tailored to help guide the decisions that must be made to promote a financially sustainable parking
system.
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City of Ames- Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Page 4
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
1. Using Walker’s past experience, project capital and operating costs for any improvements recommended
to the existing parking system.
2. Obtain parking financial historical data from the City for the most recent five-year period.
3. Review operating revenues and expenditures and comment upon capacity for any recommended
improvements.
4. Research comparable market parking rates and recommend a rate structure for all City-owned parking
that could be used to create a self-sustaining parking auxiliary fund for capital and maintenance
expenses.
5. Provide a brief Task IV update memorandum summarizing findings for City review.
6. Prepare and email a draft report and plan incorporating all Task I-IV findings and recommendations with
one (1) iteration of draft changes made after receiving all City draft comments.
7. Issue a final report and plan to the City.
8. Deliver (1) final presentation to City Council at a date coordinated with City representatives upon
completion of the final report.
SCHEDULE
Walker anticipates allowing 60-90 days after formal work authorization is received for the completion of the
required tasks listed above.
PROFESSIONAL FEE
Walker proposes to perform the scope of work described within this proposal and bill at the completion of each
of the enumerated task/phase deliverable items for each the amount displayed in the table below:
Task I- Parking Supply/Demand Study
$30,640
Task II- Parking Alternatives Analysis
$3,840
Task III- Review of Parking Policies and Practices
$10,560
Task IV- Financial Plan and Final Report
$24,960
Walker understands that the total payment under this agreement shall not exceed seventy thousand dollars
($70,000) unless a written amendment to this agreement is executed by the parties.
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City of Ames- Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Page 5
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
For additional services, performed as authorized in writing by the City, Walker proposes the following amount in
addition to Task I-IV proposed cost items:
1 Additional Day of Field Occupancy Counts
( 3 counts per day)
$3,840
1 Additional Day of LPR Turnover and Duration
Surveying ( across posted hours of enforcement)
$3,000
*Prices assume days will be added to existing field data collection travel dates as scheduled. Dates incurring new
travel trips will reflect added travel expenses to per-day costs as quoted above.
Sincerely,
WALKER CONSULTANTS
John Dorsett, AICP, CPP
David Garza
Senior Vice President
Analyst
Enclosures
General Conditions of Agreement for Consulting Services
AUTHORIZATION
Trusting that this meets with your approval, we ask that you sign in the space below to acknowledge your acceptance of the
terms contained herein, and to confirm your authorization for us to proceed. Please return one signed original of this
agreement for our records.
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
Accepted by (Signature)
Printed Name
Title
Date
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GENERAL CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT
FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
PAGE 6
SERVICES
Walker Consultants (“Walker”) will provide the CLIENT professional services that are limited to the work described
in the attached letter (“the services”). Any additional services requested will be provided at our standard hourly
rates or for mutually agreed to task deliverable fees. The services are provided solely in accordance with written
information and documents supplied by the CLIENT, and are limited to and furnished solely for the specific use
disclosed to us in writing by the CLIENT. No third-party beneficiary is contemplated. All documents prepared or
provided by WALKER are its instruments of service, and any use for modifications or extensions of this work, for
new projects, or for completion of this project by others without Walker’s specific written consent will be at
CLIENT’s sole risk.
PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
Walker will submit monthly invoices based on work completed in the enumerated task deliverables above..
Payment is due upon receipt of invoice. If for any reason the CLIENT does not deliver payment to WALKER within
thirty (30) days of date of invoice, Walker may, at its option, suspend or withhold services. The CLIENT agrees to
pay Walker a monthly late charge of one and one half percent (1½%) per month of any unpaid balance of the
invoice.
STANDARD OF CARE
Walker will perform the services in accordance with generally accepted standards of the profession using
applicable building codes in effect at time of execution of this Agreement. Walker’s liability caused by its acts,
errors or omissions shall be limited to the fee or $10,000, whichever is greater.
Any estimates or projections provided by Walker will be premised in part upon assumptions provided by the
CLIENT. Walker will not independently investigate the accuracy of the assumptions. Because of the inherent
uncertainty and probable variation of the assumptions, actual results will vary from estimated or projected results
and such variations may be material. As such, Walker makes no warranty or representation, express or implied,
as to the accuracy of the estimates or projections.
PERIOD OF SERVICE
Services shall be complete the earlier of (1) the date when final documents are accepted by the CLIENT or (2) thirty
(30) days after final documents are delivered to the CLIENT.
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City of Ames- Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE
Revised March 15, 2019
February 8, 2019
Page 7
City of Ames Downtown Parking Study Services Agreement
APPENDIX A: DOWNTOWN AMES STUDY AREA
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ITEM #
20
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2018/19 SHARED USE PATH SYSTEM EXPANSION
– TRAIL
CONNECTION SOUTH OF LINCOLN WAY (BEEDLE DRIVE TO
INTERMODAL FACILITY)
BACKGROUND:
This program provides for construction of shared use paths on street rights-of-way,
adjacent to streets and through greenbelts in accordance with the Long Range
Transportation Plan (LRTP).
This project will be south of Lincoln Way and create a
connection between the Beedle Drive area and the Intermodal Facility.
It is identified
as
“OFF 5” in the LRTP.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was created to solicit consulting design services.
Elements include at least one public informational meeting, one bicycle stakeholder
meeting, and design of the shared use path. Services will include a base survey,
evaluation of construction technique, area drainage analysis, preparation of plans and
specifications, notification and coordination with right of way users, and attendance at a
pre-construction meeting. Also included will be plan development and all required
submittals to meet Iowa DOT letting requirements (due to utilizing State funding), with an
anticipated 2019/20 winter letting for construction in 2020.
Proposals for this work were received from eight engineering firms and were evaluated
according to the following criteria: Project Understanding, Design Team, Key Personnel,
Previous Experience, Project Approach, Responsiveness, Ability to Perform Work,
Proposed Project Design/Letting Schedule, and Estimated Contract Cost. Listed below
is the ranking information based on this evaluation:
Engineering Firm
Overall Estimated
Rank
Fee
WHKS & Co.
1
$57,138
JEO
2
$93,410
Shive-Hattery, Inc.
3
$84,250
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
4
$74,300
Clapsaddle-Garber Associates, Inc.
5
$64,200
Civil Design Advantage
6
$74,790
SEH, Inc.
7
$90,500
MSA Professional Services, Inc.
8
$68,365
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Given the above rankings, staff has negotiated a contract with the highest ranked firm,
WHKS & Co. of Ames, Iowa.
The planning, land acquisition, and engineering for this project is shown in the 2017-18
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) with funding in the amount of $180,000 from Local
Option Sales Tax. The construction of this project is shown in the 2018-19 CIP with
funding in the amount of $241,000 from Local Option Sales Tax and $159,000 from
MPO/STP funds. This brings the total project budget for administration, engineering and
construction to $580,000.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the engineering services agreement for the 2018/19 Shared Use Path
System Expansion
– Trail Connection South of Lincoln Way (Beedle Drive to
Intermodal Facility) project with WHKS & Co., of Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to
exceed $57,138.
2. Direct staff to negotiate an engineering agreement with another consulting firm.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Based on
staff’s evaluation using the above criteria, WHKS & Co. will provide the best
value to the City in designing this project. WHKS has also provided exceptional service
in the past.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as noted above.
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1 inch = 833 feet
Date: 3/29/2018
Trail Connection south of Lincoln Way
(Beedle Drive to Intermodal Facility)
Off-Street Trail
On-Street Facility
Ames
Intermodal
Facility
Attachment B
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ITEM #
21a
DATE:
03/26/19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PUBLIC ART COMMISSION REQUEST TO CARRY OVER AND
REALLOCATE FY 2017/18 FUNDS INTO FY 2018/19
BACKGROUND:
The Public Art Commission (PAC) administers the acquisition and maintenance of art
installations and recommends funding allocations for public art. In past years, PAC has
requested to carry over unspent
funds from its previous year’s budget to supplement
current year’s activities. For FY 2018/19, PAC is requesting to carry over $27,669 in
unspent FY 2017/18 funds.
Of this carryover, $20,000 is
for the Commission’s Art in the Parks program. That
carryover is needed to fund the Birdhouse Project that is currently underway. Council
was made aware of the need to carry over this funding when PAC made its annual
budget request in February.
In addition, $7,669 of the carryover will be used for this year’s Neighborhood Sculpture
program to allow for the purchase of three sculptures. Traditionally, PAC has tried to
purchase three sculptures annually from its Annual Sculpture Exhibition. By reallocating
a portion of this carryover balance, PAC will be able to purchase the desired pieces.
Since its inception in 2004, the Neighborhood Sculpture program has placed 37
sculptures valued over $100,000 in the Ames community.
ALTERNATIVES:
1.
Approve the
Public Art Commission’s request to carry over $27,669 from PAC’s FY
2017/18 ending balance into FY 2018/19.
2.
Do not approve the
PAC’s request.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorizing the carryover of unspent FY 2017/18 funding will allow the PAC to complete
this year’s Art in the Park and Neighborhood Art projects.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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Staff Report
NEIGHBORHOOD ART ACQUISITIONS
March 26, 2019
Included in the Public Art Commission’s 2018/19 updated budget allocation is
$20,500
for the
acquisition of sculptures under the Neighborhood Art program. This program provides for
sculptures from the previous year’s Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE) to be
purchased and placed in neighborhoods around the City. The Commission is now recommending
that Council authorize the purchase of three sculptures for the Neighborhood Art Program.
During the 2018/2019 exhibition year,
Blue Heron with Sunfish
by
Judd Nelson was displayed at the northwest corner of Tom Evans
Park, near Bar La Tosca. The sunfish was damaged and removed
from this sculpture, so before placing it within a neighborhood the
artist has agreed to replace it at no additional charge. It is proposed
that this sculpture be purchased for
$7,200
and that it be placed on
the grass circle on Parkridge Circle in the Westbend neighborhood.
The application for this placement came from Liz Jeffrey.
The second sculpture recommended for purchase is
Parent and Child
by
Albert Rhea. This sculpture has been on display at the northeast corner of
Tom Evans Park, near Main Street Magic, Miniatures, and More. The new
location will be at Moore Memorial Park. The cost for this sculpture is
$8,100
. The application for this placement was submitted by Bill LaGrange.
City Council had previously approved Moore Memorial Park for child loss
memorials, and Bill thinks this sculpture would be a great piece with which
to start.
The third sculpture that the Public Art Commission would like to
purchase is
Stairway to Nowhere
by Zach Bowman. This sculpture
has been on display on the northeast corner of 5
th
and Clark across
from City Hall. The cost for this sculpture is
$1,750
. Once purchased,
this sculpture will be placed near one of the trails around the pond
in the Ringgenberg Park Neighborhood.
This year the Neighborhood Sculpture Committee received eight
applications. Decisions on where to place the sculptures were
influenced by whether art had been placed in the requested neighborhood or a nearby one, and
if the art would be located in an area accessible for viewing by all the residents of Ames. Safety
was the most important consideration, while price and workmanship were also considered.
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ITEM #__21c__
AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
March 19, 2019
The City’s Public Art Commission, established in 1990, is committed to the creation of a visual and
aesthetic environment that integrates art into the lives of Ames Citizens. The
Ames Annual Outdoor
Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE)
, the longest running program for the Public Arts Commission, will continue
with its 23
nd
annual downtown exhibition in 2019. A related program is the
Neighborhood Sculpture
Program
, which permanently selects and places sculptures from the Annual Outdoor Sculpture
Exhibition in and around Ames at no cost to applying neighborhoods.
The 2019-20 Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE)
This year’s entries were evaluated by a jury of Ames residents, who previewed entry materials, met, and
then made their recommendation. The jurors selected nine sculptures to be displayed in the Main Street
Cultural District over the upcoming year. Their recommendations were then reviewed by the City’s Risk
Manager to ensure these sculptures can be safely displayed.
Attached are photographs and descriptions of the sculptures recommended for the 2019-20 Ames Annual
Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition.
Installation of the exhibit will take place during early May after consultation
with businesses and organizations near the likely sites and further risk analysis by City staff. Each artist
will be paid a $1,000 honorarium, and a Best-in-Show award will be made to a winner determined by
the public at a fall, city-wide arts event.
Funding for the coming year’s AAOSE exhibition was included in the City Council’s 2018/19 Budget for
the Public Art Commission.
=================================================================================
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Text Pods by V. Skip Willits
Polychrome Steel
95” x 40” x 35”
200 lbs.
2017
$9,000
The Catch
by Anna Modeland
Steel
96” x 168” x 96”
500 lbs
2011
$7,200
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3
Loop
by Mike Sneller
Stainless Steel
10’ x 3’ x 3’
90 lbs
2018
$8,000
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4
Dance #nowaste
by Gail Chavenelle
Powder Coated Steel
8’ x 36” x
24”
350 lbs.
2014
$6,000
Birds of a Feather
by Judd
Nelson
Hand Hammered Steel
14’ x 6’ x 3’
325 lbs.
2016
$7,700
Spikey Smooth
by Mike Snellar
Stainless/Painted Steel
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5
10’ x 2’ x 2’
80 lbs.
2018
$6,000
When Love & Hate Collide
by Zach Bowman
Stainless/Mild Steel, Gun Bluing
6’ x 5’ x 4’
375 lbs
2012
$3,200
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6
Slices of Heaven
by Craig Berube-Gray
Stucco, Steel
9’ x 4’diam
750 lbs
2017
$15,000
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Monolith by Timothy Jorgenson
Stainless Steel
7.5’ x 3’ x 3’
100 lbs
2016
$4,000
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ITEM #
22
DATE:
3-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: RELEASE OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO EASTGATE SUBDIVISION
COVENANT FOR ASSESSMENT OF COSTS AND IMPROVEMENTS
FOR LOTS 10, 11, 17, 22, AND 23
BACKGROUND:
Lots 10, 11, 17, 22, and 23 in Eastgate Subdivision were recently sold for development.
In 1998, the original Eastgate developer signed a Development Agreement promising
payment for improvements to roads and utilities in the Subdivision. The development
was then the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding; and in 2001, the City entered into a
Covenant that modified the owner’s public infrastructure obligations. The property was
ultimately acquired by First National Bank through the bankruptcy proceeding.
The Covenant requires payment to the City for the estimated costs of widening Dayton
Avenue for a turn lane and for connections to water and sewer service. This payment is
to be made upon the sale or transfer of each lot. The Covenant prorates the amount
owed for each lot on the basis
of the lot’s land area. In 2005, First National Bank paid
the outstanding utility tapping fees owed on the lots, leaving only the road widening
assessment outstanding. Per the schedule of fees owed to the City, a total of $33,180
was owed for Lots 10, 11, 17, 22, and 23. That amount has now been paid to the City
and a Release is necessary so that the purchaser of the lots can close on the
properties.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept payment as above-noted and authorize the Release of Rights Pursuant to
Eastgate Subdivision Covenant for Assessment of Costs and Improvements for Lots
10, 11, 17, 22, and 23.
2. Do not accept payment and do not authorize the Releases.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Developer’s Agreement and Covenant regarding Eastgate Subdivision requires
payment for road widening costs upon the sale or transfer of lots. The buyer of Lots 10,
11, 17, 22, and 23 in Eastgate Subdivision has now remitted payment to the City in the
required total amount.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # __23___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REQUESTS FOR AMES
MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET
BACKGROUND:
The Ames Chamber of Commerce is planning to host the annual Ames Main Street
Farmers’ Market this summer, which will take place on the 300 and 400 blocks of Main
Street and on Burnett Avenue from Main Street to the U.S. Bank drive-through. The
Market will operate on 24 Saturdays from May 4
th
to October 12
th
from 8:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. To facilitate set-up and teardown, streets and parking spaces need to be
closed from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day.
To facilitate the event, organizers request a blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and
blanket Vending License for the entire Central Business District from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. each day of the Market, which will allow downtown businesses who file an
insurance certificate with the City to display items for sale on the sidewalks. The
Chamber has requested that the $50 Vending License fee be waived.
Organizers have also requested the use of Tom Evans Plaza between the hours of 5:00
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for vendor booths and entertainment. As in previous years, this
space would be used for entertainment and educational activities for children and
families. However, to prevent damaging the turf in the plaza, vendors will not be
permitted to use the turf areas for their activities.
The use of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza, along Main Street and on Burnett Avenue
has also been requested. Organizers have requested a waiver of the $5 per day fee for
use of electricity.
To facilitate the Market, organizers have also requested that the two- and four-hour
limits on parking in CBD Lots X and Y be waived during Market hours. Additionally, 75
metered parking spaces will be closed for 4.5 metered hours each day the Market
operates.
City staff estimates that this will result in a loss of $2,025 to the Parking
Fund.
Market organizers have requested that the meter fees be waived because the Market is
a non-profit organization, and in return the City would be included as a sponsor on all
Market advertising materials.
In past years, the City Council has waived all meter
fees for this event.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requested street and parking space closures from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. on Saturdays from May 4 to October 12, use of Tom Evans Plaza for
entertainers, use of City electrical outlets, a blanket Temporary Obstruction
Permit, a blanket Vending License, suspension of parking enforcement in CBD
Lots X and Y from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each of the affected days, and waiver of
the fees for the Vending License, electricity use and lost parking meter revenue.
2.
Approve the requests as stated in Alternative No. 1, but require Farmers’ Market
to reimburse the City for the Vending License, electricity use, and parking meter
revenue.
3.
Direct staff to work with Farmer’s Market organizers to find an alternative location
for the event.
4. Do not approve the requests.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Main Street Farmers’ Market has successfully attracted visitors to the Downtown for
the last several years. It has become a signature event in Ames, enhancing the local
economy and providing a family-friendly activity that showcases the Ames community.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # ___24__
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FARM
ERS’ MARKET FOR
FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER
BACKGROUND:
The Ames Main Street Farmers
’ Market is proposing to host its second annual Farm-to-
Table Dinner in the 500 block of Main Street from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday,
August 4. Cornbred Barbecue will prepare the meal with meats and produce supplied by
the Ames
Main Street Farmers’ Market. The organizers have also proposed serving
wine and beer at the event. An estimated 200 guests are anticipated to attend. Guests
will purchase tickets in advance.
To facilitate this event,
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market has requested the following
Council approvals for Sunday, August 4:
Closure of the 500 block of Main Street from 12:00 p.m. on August 4 to 12:00
a.m. on August 5 (No parking meter revenue will be lost due to the event
occurring on a Sunday)
A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
Access to City-owned electric outlets and waiver of fees for electricity use
(approximately $5 loss of revenue)
Approval of a 5-Day Special Class C Liquor License & Outdoor Service Privilege
Ames Main Street is in support of the event. Organizers plan to notify affected
businesses by going door to door and by placing signs in the affected area prior
to the event.
Staff has discussed security considerations in detail with the event organizer. Staff has
been provided with a security plan that includes perimeter fencing and barriers,
entrance and exit management, an emergency plan, and the hiring of a private security
firm to monitor the event area. Additionally, alcohol service for this event will be limited
to ticketed guests 21 years of age and above, who will be wristbanded to ensure no
alcohol is provided to individuals who should not obtain it.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for the Farm-to-Table Dinner on Sunday, August 4, as
outlined above, including the waiver of fees for electricity use.
2. Approve the requests as indicated above, but require reimbursement for
electricity use.
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3. Do not approve the requests.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Ames Main Street Farm
ers’ Market Farm-to-Table Dinner celebrates locally
sourced meats and produce. This type of event also encourages consumers to shop
locally, and the organizers have taken steps to ensure the safety of their event.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby approving the requests for the Farm-to-Table Supper on
Sunday, August 4 as outlined above.
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ITEM #
25
DATE:
03/26/19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REQUESTS FOR HOPE RUN
BACKGROUND:
Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) is sponsoring the 19
th
Annual Hope Run for
Community Health and Wellness on Saturday, June 15, 2019, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The event includes a 5K timed race and a 1-mile fun run/walk, in addition to a Hope Run
Jr. event. Approximately 900 participants are anticipated to attend.
In order to facilitate the movement of participants, temporary street closures are needed
from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 9:00 a.m. on the following streets:
Mortensen Road between Dotson Drive and State Avenue
State Avenue between Lettie Street and Mortensen Road
Runners will use the shared-use path on the north side of Mortensen between State
Avenue and Hayward Avenue. Additionally, runners will use coned-off portions of the
following streets, which will remain open to traffic during the event:
Hayward Avenue from Mortensen Road to Knapp Street
Knapp Street from Hayward Avenue to Sheldon Avenue
Sheldon Avenue from Knapp Street to Arbor Street
Arbor Street from Sheldon Avenue to State Street
The streets will reopen as
runner’s finish passing through each area. The route is
configured to allow traffic through the south and east legs of the State/Mortensen
intersection, which will reduce the length of detouring required compared to a full
intersection closure.
Public Works Traffic Division will provide barricades and traffic cones to facilitate the
road closures, and volunteers recruited by Mary Greeley will staff them. Public Works
staff will place electronic message board signs along the major routes a day prior to the
race and on race day. Additionally, event organizers will place signs containing route
information and the race date and time along the route. Event organizers have indicated
that they plan to communicate with the South Campus Area Neighborhood Association
to notify them of the proposed routes.
A waiver of the Road Race fee of $25 has also been requested by the event organizers.
Mary Greeley Medical Center operates as a non-profit entity.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Hope Run road closures and waiver of Road Race fee as requested
by Mary Greeley Medical Center.
2. Approve the road closures as requested, but require payment of the Road Race
fee.
3. Deny the requests from Mary Greeley Medical Center and direct staff to work
with organizers to find an alternate route for the event.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Hope Run for Community Health and Wellness is a well-
organized fundraising event for the Ames community. The race route minimizes the
number of residents affected by the race. City Council approval is necessary for this
event to occur as planned.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # __26___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR IFC EXPERIENCE
WEEKEND LUNCH
BACKGROUND:
Iowa State’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) is proposing to host the IFC Experience
Weekend (formerly Greek Visit Weekend) Lunch on Ash Avenue from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. on Saturday, April 13. IFC Experience is a spring recruitment event that provides
high school students with an opportunity to explore and learn about Iowa
State’s sorority
and fraternity community. This year, IFC would like to hold an inclusive lunch among all
attendees instead of having the respective chapters hold separate lunches. An estimated
200 students are anticipated to attend. To facilitate setup and tear down of the event, the
Interfraternity Council (IFC) has requested the closure of Ash Avenue from Gable Lane
to Sunset Drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on April 13 and a blanket Temporary
Obstruction Permit.
Event organizers have informed staff that they will communicate with neighboring
residents about their event. Staff has also discussed safety considerations in detail with
the event organizers.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for the IFC Experience Weekend Lunch on Saturday, April
13, as outlined above.
2.
Direct staff to work with IFC’s organizers to find an alternative location for the
event.
3. Do not approve the requests.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This will be the third year the Interfraternity Council will be holding the IFC Experience
Weekend. Staff has not received any complaints in past years. City Council approval is
necessary for this event to occur as planned.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby approving the requests for the IFC Experience Weekend Lunch
on Saturday, April 13, as outlined above.
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ITEM # __27 _
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: FIRE STATION #1 PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION
BACKGROUND:
When Fire Station #1 was constructed in 1979, underground fuel tanks were installed
underneath the rear drive. The fuel tanks were removed, and the void was filled, but
settling of the pavement has occurred, causing accelerated damage. Public Works
engineers evaluated the concrete and agreed the lot needed to be replaced. The
impervious area of this redevelopment is under one acre, thus post-construction
stormwater requirements will not be triggered.
Public Works staff has completed plans and specification for this contract with a total
estimated construction cost of $112,629 for the base bid. Engineering and construction
administration costs are estimated at $16,900, bringing the
total estimated costs for the
base bid to $129,529.
This project is shown in the 2018/19 Capital Improvements Plan programs with funding
in the amount of $137,000 in G.O. Bonds.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Fire Station #1
– Parking Lot
Reconstruction project and establish April 17
th
, 2019, as the date of letting and April
23
rd
, 2019, as the date for report of bids.
2. Direct staff to revise the project.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Replacing this parking lot will provide a more stable pavement at Fire Station #1, thereby
ensuring that no lot-related damage will occur to fire apparatus and reducing maintenance
costs.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM#:
28
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2014/15 STORM WATER FACILITY REHABILITATION PROGRAM
(SOMERSET SUBDIVISION)
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with the requirements at the time that Somerset Subdivision was built,
new developments within the community were required to provide management for
storm water quantity control. However, it was standard practice in the
developers’
agreements that the City of Ames would be responsible for the long-term maintenance
of many of these facilities in residential areas. As these facilities age, sediment
accumulates, volunteer vegetation becomes more prevalent, erosion occurs, and
structures need to be improved. This annual program addresses those concerns.
The City of Ames contracted with CGA Inc. of Ames Iowa to perform a hydraulic study,
to analyze this facility, and to provide a recommendation on needed improvements.
CGA Inc. has completed plans and specifications to increase storage capacity and
establish bank stabilization with a total estimated construction cost of $265,495 for the
base bid. Engineering and construction administration costs are estimated at $39,825,
bringing the
total estimated costs for the base bid to $305,320.
This project is shown in the previous Capital Improvements Plan programs with funding
being carried over in the amount of
$100,000
in Storm Sewer Utility funds from the
2014/15 Storm Water Facility Rehabilitation program. Additional funding for the project
includes
$100,000
in Storm Water Utility funds from the 2018/19 Storm Water Quality
Improvements program and
$106,000
in Storm Water Utility funds from the 2018/19
Storm Water Improvement program.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2014/15 Storm Water Facility
Rehabilitation program and establish April 17, 2019, as the date of letting and April
23, 2019, as the date for report of bids.
2. Direct staff to revise the project.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will provide more storage capacity in the stormwater facility and will help
retain drainage during flash flooding.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as noted above.
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ITEM#:
29
DATE:
03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: 2018/19
COLLECTOR
STREET
PAVEMENT
IMPROVEMENTS
(HICKORY DRIVE
– WESTBROOK DRIVE TO WOODLAND STREET)
BACKGROUND:
This is the annual program for reconstruction or rehabilitation of collector streets.
Locations are chosen in accordance with the most current street condition inventory.
This project along Hickory Drive from Westbrook Drive to Woodland Street will include
pavement improvements, repair/replacement of select storm sewer and sanitary sewer,
and watermain replacement and transfers.
During the design phase the plans were prepared following the Complete Streets Plan.
When design was completed, the impact of the complete street plan implementation
(infill of sidewalk along the west side of the street) exceeded the 22% cost increase
threshold. Therefore, it has not been implemented with this project. There were also
significant topographical concerns that would have included cutting down several trees.
Staff held a public meeting to obtain input on staging, construction timing, and special
access needs. Comments were received and incorporated into the project design.
City staff has completed plans and specifications for this project with a base bid and
then alternatives for the type of pavement used on the project. Alternative A will be for
using concrete and Alternative B for using asphalt. A table of total estimated costs for
each alternative is shown below:
Base + Alt A (concrete)
Base + Alt B (asphalt)
Base Bid
$ 975,650
$ 975,650
Paving Alternative
$ 355,225
$ 298,300
Construction Subtotal
$1,330,875
$1,273,950
Engineering
$ 360,000
$ 344,000
Total Project Costs
$1,690,875
$1,617,950
The Collector Street Pavement Improvements are shown in the 2018/19 Capital
Improvements Plan with
$1,750,000.00 in G.O. bond funding.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2018/19 Collector Street Pavement
Improvements
– Hickory Drive (Westbrook Drive to Woodland Street) project and
establish April 17
th
, 2019, as the date of letting and April 23
rd
, 2019, as the date for
report of bids.
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2. Direct staff to revise the project.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approving these plans and specifications will result in substantially lower street
maintenance costs along Hickory Drive in the future.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as noted above.
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ITEM # __30 _
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TEAGARDEN AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
BACKGROUND:
In preparing the Teagarden Area Drainage Improvements, a Request for Proposal was
issued for design service. On August 26, 2016 the City Council approved an agreement
with Bolton & Menk Inc. for the design of these improvements in an amount not to exceed
$69,500. Bolton & Menk Inc. has been working on this design phase since 2016. City staff
had been working with the owners of the two properties involved in the project where the
improvements are planned. Bolton and Menk submitted check plans (60% of the design
completion) for the City staff to review in 2018. At the time of that plan submittal, it was
found that one of the properties was sold and the new owner disagreed with the chosen
design solution.
Due to the additional design effort needed in working with the property owners, on
November 27, 2018, the City Council approved additional professional services in an
amount not to exceed $21,500. New design solutions were developed and reviewed with
the owners and were agreed upon. City staff is still negotiating permanent and temporary
construction easements with the property owners, but they are anticipated to be signed
shortly. Bids can be received but a recommendation for project award will not be brought
to City Council before the easements are signed.
Bolton & Menk Inc. has completed plans and specification for this contract with a total
estimated construction cost of $245,230. Engineering and construction administration
costs are estimated at $115,500, bringing the
total estimated costs to $360,730.
This project is shown in the previous Capital Improvements Plan programs with funding
being carried over in the amount of $430,692 in Storm Sewer Utility funds and $503,063
in G.O. Bonds for
total funding of $933,755
. Remaining funding will be utilized on
additional priority projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Teagarden Area Drainage Improvements
project and establish April 17
th
, 2019, as the date of letting and April 23
rd
, 2019, as the
date for report of bids.
2. Direct staff to revise the project.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Moving forward with this project will provide more permanent control of the erosion and
will reduce recurring maintenance costs in these areas. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as
described above.
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ITEM # __31___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
AWARD OF POWER PLANT UNIT #7 BOILER REPAIR PROJECT
BACKGROUND:
On October 23, 2018, the City Council approved plans and specifications for the Unit 7
Boiler Repair Project.
This project, which has been planned for several years, is to
repair the boiler through the following actions:
Replacing the boiler tubes in the lower waterwall section of the boiler
Replacing all the pendant tubes in the superheat section
Reinsulating the steam and mud drums
Replacing the insulation and lagging (the aluminum skin) that covers the boiler
Unit 7 is one of two primary boilers at the City’s Power Plant, and is now 50 years old.
Due to a combination of age, firing coal, firing natural gas since 2016, and co-firing
refuse derived fuel (RDF), the boiler is in critical need of tube repairs.
As a result of boiler tube failures, Unit 7 has been off-line since April of last year. With
Unit 8 also experiencing frequent boiler tube issues, it is critical that this Unit 7 project
proceed as quickly as possible so that the Power Plant can be available to reliably burn
RDF and meet the power requirements of the utility.
After switching from coal to natural gas two years ago, staff found that the boiler tubes,
especially the superheater tubes, were deteriorating at an accelerated rate. The water
vapor created during the combustion of natural gas combines with the chlorides and
acid gases from combusting RDF, causing the tube surfaces to corrode very quickly,
especially in the high temperature zones of the superheater.
For many years the power boiler and waste to energy (WTE) industries have relied on
coating or cladding boiler tubes with nickel based alloys to form a barrier to the
corrosive attack of the boiler gases upon the tubes. For this project, the outer surfaces
of the new replacement tubes for the waterwall and superheater sections of Unit 7 boiler
will be clad with a nickel based alloy to prevent or largely mitigate the corrosive attack
upon the tubes.
Bid documents were issued to thirty-one firms and five plan rooms. The bid was
advertised on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing webpage and a
Legal Notice was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with
statewide circulation and the Iowa League of Cities.
On January 16, 2019, four bids were received as shown on the attached summary.
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Staff went to great effort to ascertain the capabilities of the low bidder, Helfrich Brothers
Boiler Works Inc. of Lawrence, MA, and of the subcontractor they choose to apply the
alloy overlay onto the boiler tubes. First, staff thoroughly researched the Internet to
acquire technical research papers, plus reports of the performance of alloy clad tubes in
similar installations to ours. Staff also spent a significant amount of time networking and
talking to the recognized experts in the United States who weld or laser apply alloy
overlay and bend tubes for power plant and waste-to-energy boiler applications. Staff
learned a great deal about the alloys best suited for our boiler situation, and the best
weld and laser processes used to apply alloy onto boiler tubes. Finally, staff traveled to
Massachusetts to thoroughly investigate
the low bidder’s capability, and on the same
trip went to Connecticut to check out the subcontractor who the low bidder chose to
apply the laser cladding. In addition, staff made separate trips to Alabama and South
Carolina to visit arguably the industry leaders in applying alloy cladding to boiler tubes
by laser and by welding.
Based upon staff’s investigation of the subcontractor chosen by the low bidder to
perform the laser application of the alloy onto the boiler tubes, staff had sufficient
concerns about the subcontractor’s laser application processes to invoke Section 7.3 of
Category III of the Invitation to Bid (ITB), which allows the City to reject a proposed
subcontractor. Section 7.3 of Category III reads as follows:
“
The City may reject a proposed subcontractor or supplier after due investigation.
If a proposed subcontractor or supplier is rejected, the contractor shall submit an
acceptable replacement for the rejected subcontractor or suppler and the
contract price will be adjusted by the difference in the actual subcontract cost and
an appropriate change order will be issued.
”
City staff communicated its concerns about the proposed subcontractor to the low
bidder, requesting that they find a replacement subcontractor or subcontractors to apply
the alloy overlay or cladding to the boiler tubes, which they willingly did. There is a price
adjustment increase of $233,260 associated with the replacement subcontractors.
Staff also called and checked three references of the low bidder, each of whom stated
that they were extremely satisfied with the performance of the low bidder.
Therefore, it is staff’s recommendation that the Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project (ITB
2019-025) be awarded to Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works Inc. of Lawrence,
Massachusetts in the bid amount of $6,376,685 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax). This
is the base bid option with domestic sourced boiler tubes and laser applied alloy,
and includes the following scope of work:
Removal and replacement of the lower waterwall tubes
Removal and replacement of the primary and secondary superheater
tubes
Removal and replacement of the insulation and lagging on the boiler
Replacement of the insulation and lagging on the steam and mud drums
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In addition to the bid amount of $6,376,685, there will need to be a Change Order
approved in the amount of $233,260 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) to account for
the additional pricing associated with the replacement subcontractor requested
by the City when it invoked Section 7.3 of Category III of the ITB.
The total
evaluated price including the bid proposal plus the Change Order necessary to
accomplish the scope of work is $6,609,945. All of this is in accordance with Iowa Code
Chapter 26.9
which states in part “
The contract for the public improvement must be
awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. However, contracts relating to
public utilities or extensions or improvements thereof, as described in sections 384.80
through 384.94, may be awarded by the city as it deems to be in the best interests of
the city
” (emphasis added).
With the
engineer’s estimate of $8,400,000 for this project, the low bid plus the change
order is $1,790,055 less than the engineer’s estimate.
It is important to note that this
amount is still $384,899 less than the next highest bid.
The FY 2019/20 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) includes the following funding for the
Unit No. 7 Boiler Repair Project:
2015/16 Engineering $5,150
2016/17 Engineering $125,796
2017/18 Engineering $50,000
2019/20 Materials/labor superheat and $8,400,000
waterwalls __________
TOTAL
$8,580,946
Three potential deduct options were included in the bid documents. Due to the favorable
bids received, however, none of those options are recommended for approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works, Inc, of Lawrence, MA, for the
Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project in the amount of $6,376,685. (A Change Order in the
amount of $233,260 is necessary to be processed and approved at a later date.)
2. Award a contract to one of the other bidders.
3. Reject all bids and delay this project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will allow the City to make great strides
to address Unit 7’s boiler tube
failure problems. The recommended bid was determined in accordance with state law
and with the provisions of the RFP. It is crucial that the project proceed as soon as
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possible in order to minimize downtime for this boiler and to
increase the Power Plant’s
availability and reliability.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$6,376,685
$6,161,247
$6,139,725
$3,892,667
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$417,166.33
$403,072.25
$401,664.27
$254,660.42
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,376,685
$6,161,247
$6,139,725
$3,892,667
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$6,376,685
$6,161,247
$6,139,725
$3,892,667
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$417,166.33
$403,072.25
$401,664.27
$254,660.42
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,376,685
$6,161,247
$6,139,725
$3,892,667
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$6,301,973
$6,086,535
$6,065,013
$3,775,806
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$412,278.58
$398,184.50
$396,776.52
$247,015.37
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,301,973
$6,086,535
$6,065,013
$3,775,806
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$6,301,973
$6,086,535
$6,065,013
$3,775,806
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$412,278.58
$398,184.50
$396,776.52
$247,015.37
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,301,973
$6,086,535
$6,065,013
$3,775,806
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$6,994,844
$6,640,768
$6,620,359
$4,571,080
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$49,928
$39,302
$38,689
$36,643
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,994,844
$6,601,466
$6,581,670
$4,534,437
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$6,880,441
$6,516,417
$6,495,434
$4,568,869
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$49,928
$39,302
$38,689
$36,643
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$6,830,513
$6,477,115
$6,456,745
$4,532,226
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$7,497,018
$7,455,146
$7,428,700
$5,114,005
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$28,316
$28,316
$28,316
$23,472
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$7,468,702
$7,426,830
$7,400,384
$5,090,533
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$8,388,313
$8,346,441
$8,319,995
$5,642,380
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$28,316
$28,316
$28,316
$23,472
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$8,359,997
$8,318,125
$8,291,679
$5,618,908
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
$7,330,468
$7,288,596
$7,262,150
$5,044,970
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$28,316
$28,316
$28,316
$23,472
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$7,302,152
$7,260,280
$7,233,834
$5,021,498
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$8,222,068
$8,180,196
$8,153,750
$5,573,495
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$28,316
$28,316
$28,316
$23,472
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$8,193,752
$8,151,880
$8,125,434
$5,550,023
PRICING -- With Foreign Sourced Tubes
BIDDER: THOMPSON CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., SUMTER, SC
PRICING -- With Domestic (U.S.A.) Sourced Tubes
PRICING -- With Foreign Sourced Tubes
BIDDER: THE JAMAR COMPANY, DULUTH, MN
PRICING -- With Domestic (U.S.A.) Sourced Tubes
ITB 2019-025 UNIT 7 BOILER REPAIR BID SUMMARY
BIDDER: HELFRICH BROTHERS BOILER WORKS INC, LAWRENCE, MA
PRICING -- With Domestic (U.S.A.) Sourced Tubes
PRICING -- With Foreign Sourced Tubes
BIDDER: TEI CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC., DUNCAN, SC
PRICING -- With Domestic (U.S.A.) Sourced Tubes
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Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$10,761,661
$10,533,968
$10,521,680
$7,892,660
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$634,040
$620,547
$619,818
$455,544
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$10,127,621
$9,913,421
$9,901,862
$7,437,116
Base Bid
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
PRICE (WELD APPLIED)
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
PRICE (LASER APPLIED)
$10,481,613
$10,253,920
$10,241,632
$7,747,450
Sales Taxes Included in above amount
$614,437
$600,944
$600,215
$445,379
EVALUATED AMOUNT:
$9,867,176
$9,652,976
$9,641,417
$7,302,071
PRICING -- With Foreign Sourced Tubes
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ITEM # ___32__
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION LINE CLEARANCE PROGRAM
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
BACKGROUND:
On May 22, 2018, City Council approved renewal of the contract with Wright Tree
Services, Des Moines, Iowa, for the Electric Distribution Line Clearance Program for the
period of July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Actual payments are calculated on unit
prices bid and actual work performed. The contract was in an amount not to exceed
$317,900 for FY 2018/2019. There have been no change orders to the contract during
the current year.
Due to fall weather delays and additional work on the 69kV transmission line, Electric
Services was behind schedule on line clearance work going into the winter. The
contractor was authorized to work overtime to try to get caught up to insure cleared
lines in anticipation of bad weather during the winter. The plan was successful and the
crew has now returned to working normal hours. However, the contract amount needs
to be increased in order to complete line clearance work required for the remainder of
this fiscal year, including tree work to eliminate risks to a three-phase primary line in
north Ames. Electric Services anticipates an additional $60,000 will provide sufficient
funds to complete necessary work through June 30, the end of the current contract.
Funding to cover this change order is available in the electric line maintenance budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 1 adding $60,000 to the contract with Wright Tree
Services, Des Moines, Iowa, for the Electric Distribution Line Clearance Program
for the period of July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.
2. Do not approve Change Order No. 1 and discontinue line clearance in the current
fiscal year when the original contract amount has been used.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This change order is needed in order to complete line clearance work required for the
remainder of this fiscal year.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # __33___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CHANGE ORDER TO ASSESS MULTIPLE ASH SITE ALTERNATIVES
NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH
U.S. EPA’S COAL COMBUSTION
RESIDUALS (CCR) STANDARD
BACKGROUND
:
On April 17, 2015, the Final Rule
entitled “Hazardous and Solid Waste Management
System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities” was published
in the
Federal Register
, which regulated the disposal of ash in surface impoundments
and landfills from the burning of coal in electric utility boilers. Subsequent to that action,
there have been two significant amendments to the final rule. In the first case EPA
corrected a key compliance date, and in the second case EPA extended the original
compliance deadlines for certain CCR Standard requirements by 547 days.
As of October 19, 2015, the City took action to prevent coal combustion residuals (CCR)
or coal ash from being disposed of in the City of Ames Steam Electric Pla
nt’s surface
impoundment
so that it qualified as an “inactive CCR surface impoundment.” (Between
October 19, 2015, and April 23, 2016, coal ash was captured and disposed of at the
Boone County landfill.) As of April 23, 2016, the power plant no longer burned coal so
CCR was not produced and the inactive status of the surface impoundment was
maintained.
On December 19, 2017, SCS Engineers of Clive, Iowa, was awarded a purchase order
to complete eight studies and reports necessary to meet a CCR compliance deadline of
April 17, 2018. Additionally, they were to complete an analysis of the need for an
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the site by October 16, 2018. For this scope of work
the City had issued a request for proposals (RFP) that resulted in the City receiving nine
proposals ranging in price from $30,710 to $124,350, with an average price of $76,555.
SCS Engineers had the low priced proposal of $30,710, and performed the scope of
work on time and very well.
PRIOR TRANSACTIONS:
Change Order No. 1
in the amount of $4,415 was to satisfy the CCR Standard’s
requirement for a qualified professional engineer to perform an annual inspection (with a
report) of the ash site.
Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $122,780 was to satisfy the requirements of the
CCR Standard to install a groundwater well system around the ash site and to
subsequently monitor the site by sampling and analyzing water from the wells in
accordance with the CCR Standard.
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Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $10,280 was: 1) to update the Fugitive Dust
Control Plan, 2) to conduct a site visit and investigation and prepare the Annual CCR
Fugitive Dust Control Report, 3) to conduct a site visit and investigation to prepare the
Annual Inspection Report by a qualified professional engineer, and 4) to prepare the
Annual Inspection Report by a qualified professional engineer.
This change order, Change Order No. 4 in the not-to-exceed amount of $39,880, is
to
provide the City with feasible alternatives on how to transition the ash site in its
current arrangement into a site that is useful for the future and in compliance with the
U.S. E
PA’s CCR Standard.
The ash impoundment’s bottom elevation which contains CCR
material (coal ash) is, according to the CCR Standard, currently too close to the groundwater
elevation requiring the site to either be closed or to be redesigned and reconstructed to come
into compliance with the CCR Standard.
With this Change Order, SCS Engineers will perform the following tasks:
1) Perform an initial screening analysis of the current eight alternatives to eliminate the
ones that are fatally flawed.
2) Of the alternatives remaining, perform a preliminary cost estimate on each alternative,
choosing up to three alternatives on which to move forward.
3) Develop a preliminary conceptual design (including drawings) and update and refine the
cost estimates of each alternative based upon the design. Determine If there are
regulatory issues or questions that need to be discussed with the appropriate regulatory
agencies.
4) If there are regulatory issues or questions that need to be discussed with the various
regulatory agencies, set up and conduct the necessary meetings.
5) Summarize the information, data and findings, and develop conclusions in a Feasibility
Study Report.
This Change Order is based upon SCS Engineer’s proposal dated March 19, 2019. The study
is anticipated to be completed by May 31, 2019.
In the Council’s approved CIP for FY 2019-2024, there remains $99,036 in the current year’s
budget to cover this Change Order. The anticipated expenditures for the overall project are
shown below:
FY 2017/18 Engineering - Actual
68,598
FY 2018/19 Engineering
231,402
FY 2019/20 Engineering
200,000
FY 2019/20 Excavation & Re-lining
2,000,000
Total $ 2,500,000
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Issue a Change Order to SCS Engineers of Clive, Iowa, in the amount of $39,880
to
provide the City of Ames with feasible alternatives for how to transition the ash site in
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3
its current arrangement into a site that is useful for the future and is in compliance with
the U.S. E
PA’s CCR Standard.
2. Reject the proposal and solicit equivalent engineering services from another
engineering firm.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION
:
This scope of work is necessary for the City
’s Electric Plant to continue to functionally
operate in compliance
with U.S. EPA’s CCR Standard.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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Smart Choice
Public Works Department
515.239.5160
main
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Engineering
515.239.5404
fax
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Public Works Department
515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010
Phone 515-239-5160
Fax 515-239-5404
Item #34
March 26, 2019
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
City of Ames
Ames, Iowa 50010
RE: Sunset Ridge 8
th
Addition Financial Security Reduction #1
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I hereby certify that the asphalt street pavement base, curb and gutter, and street lights
required as a condition for approval of the final plat of
Sunset Ridge 8
th
Addition
have been
completed in an acceptable manner by
Manatt’s Inc. of Ames, Iowa, and the Ames Electric
Department.
The above-mentioned improvements have been inspected by the Engineering
Division of the Public Works Department of the City of Ames, Iowa, and found to meet City
specifications and standards, and the Ames Electric Department has been paid for the street
light work.
As a result of this certification, it is recommended that the financial security for public
improvements on file with the City for this subdivision be reduced to
$115,096.33
. The
remaining work covered by this financial security includes installation of the asphalt street
surface pavement, public sidewalk, pedestrian ramps, street trees, and COSESCO (erosion
control/seeding).
Sincerely,
John C. Joiner, P.E.
Director
JJ/nw
cc:
Finance, Planning & Housing, Subdivision file
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Sunset Ridge 8
th
Addition
March 26, 2019
Page 2
Description
Unit
Quantity
Pavement, HMA Surface, 2”
SY
4,085
Utility Adjustments
LS
1
PCC Sidewalk, 4”
SY
1,247
PCC Sidewalk, 6”
SY
51
Detectable Warning Panels
SF
120
COSESCO (erosion control)
AC
8.2
Street Trees
EA
42
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ITEM # __35___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: POWER PLANT FUEL CONVERSION
– DISTRIBUTED CONTROL
SYSTEM (DCS) CONTRACT COMPLETION
BACKGROUND
In November 2013 the City Council voted to convert the City’s Power Plant from coal to
natural gas. As a part of this conversion, on March 10, 2015 Council awarded a contract
to Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, for
the Distributed Control System (DCS) in the amount of $1,595,000.
There were four change orders to this contract.
Change Order No. 1
for $39,377 was for Emerson to provide engineering, hardware,
software, and on-site technical direction associated with adding the new Well #3 RTU
I/O, the Bottom Ash Operator Workstation, and the RFD Operator Workstation.
Change Order No. 2
for $12,611 was for Emerson to supply, install, and configure five
pulse accumulator modules.
Change Order No. 3
for $0 was for clarifying that the equipment purchased under this
contract is considered personal tangible property and is therefore exempt from Iowa
sales tax.
Change Order No. 4
for $326,067.31 was pay for the extra Technical Direction time
required to bridge the gap between the DCS system and the eight systems which were
converted. Also, a greater amount of Boiler Tuning time was needed due to the
complexities of burning RDF with the natural gas.
The total contract amount including these four change orders is $1,973,055.31.
The approved Capital Improvements Plan included $18,112,011 for the Unit 7 and Unit
8 fuel conversion project, in addition to Council approved funding transfers of $361,000.
As a result, the total dollar amount available for the overall project was $18,473,011.
The project budget to date is shown on page 3.
All of the requirements of the contract have been met by Emerson Process
Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc. and the Engineer has provided a certificate
of completion.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1) Accept completion of the contract with Emerson Process Management Power &
Water Solutions, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, for the Distributed Control System at a total
cost of $1,973,055.31, and authorize final payment to the contractor.
2) Delay acceptance of this contract.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The contractor for the Distributed Control System has supplied all of the equipment
specified under the contract. The Engineer has issued a certificate of completion on the
work, and the City is legally required to make final payment to the contractor.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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PROJECT BUDGET
The overall project budget and commitments to date are summarized below. To date,
the project budget has the following items expended or encumbered:
$18,473,011
Current Project Budget
Sargent & Lundy, LLC
$1,995,000
Encumbered not-to-exceed amount for Engineering Services
$2,395,000
Engineering Services Contract Change Order No. 1
$174,000
Engineering Services Contract Change Order No. 2
$154,000
Engineering Services Contract Change Order No. 3
GE Power Inc.
$3,355,300
Contract cost for Natural Gas Conversion Equipment
$29,869
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 1
(-$321,600)
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 2
(-$51,000)
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 3
$1,620
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 4
$0
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 5
$19,857
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 6
$62,310
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 7
$121,360
Equipment Contract Change Order No. 8
Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc.
$1,595,000
Contract cost for DCS equipment
$39,377
DCS Contract Change Order No. 1
$12,611
DCS Contract Change Order No. 2
$0
DCS Contract Change Order No. 3
$326,067.31
DCS Contract Change Order No. 4
GE Energy Control Solutions, Inc.
$814,920
Contract cost for TCS equipment Bid 1
$244,731
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 1
$34,000
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 2
$0
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 3
$16,854
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 4
$41,760
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 5
$7,441.96
TCS Bid 1 Contract Change Order No. 6
General Electric International, Inc.
$186,320
Contract Cost for Turbine Steam Seal System - TCS Bid 2
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$24,536
TCS Bid 2 Contract Change Order No. 1
$150,000
TCS Bid 2 Contract Change Order No. 2
$0
TCS Bid 2 Contract Change Order No. 3
$9,208.42
TCS Bid 2 Contract Change Order No. 4
Henkel Construction Co.
$898,800
Contract cost for Control Room Installation General Work
Contract
$66,782
Control Room Contract Change Order No. 1
$17,683.54
Control Room Contract Change Order No. 2
TEI Construction Services, Inc.
$1,572,019
Contract cost for Mechanical Installation General Work
Contract
$8,750
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 1
$156,131
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 2
$187,984
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 3
$9,785.37
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 4
$3,032.17
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 5
$7,725.98
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 6
$3,032.16
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 7
$21,673.58
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 8
$175,496.89
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 9
$48,486.22
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 10
$12,539.88
Mechanical Contract Change Order No. 11
FPD Power Development, LLC
$3,145,149
Contract cost for Electrical Installation General Work Contract
$12,044.24
Electrical Contract Change Order No. 1
$41,265.65
Electrical Contract Change Order No. 2
$123,893.90
Electrical Contract Change Order No. 3
$64,743.87
Electrical Contract Change Order No. 4
Graybar Electric
$98,560
Contract cost for UPS System
(-$1,010)
UPS System Contract Change Order No. 1
Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation
$166,835.50
Contract cost for Portable Electric Space Heaters
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5
$18,279,946.64
Costs committed to date for conversion
$193,064.36
Remaining Project Balance
to cover miscellaneous
equipment and modifications to the power plant needed for the
fuel conversion
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ITEM # __36____
DATE: _03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: POWER PLANT WINDOW REPLACEMENT - CONTRACT COMPLETION
BACKGROUND
This project was for materials, equipment, and labor necessary to replace the windows
at the Municipal Power Plant. The windows replaced were original to the building and
date back to the 1940’s.
On April 10, 2018, City Council awarded a contract to The Wilson Group, Inc.,
Greenwood, MO, for the Power Plant Window Replacement Project in the amount of
$181,180.00 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax).
The Architect’s estimate of the cost of this project was $280,000. The approved
FY2017/18 Power Plant CIP project for Power Plant Building Modifications included
$350,000 for this project.
All of the requirements of the contract have been met by The Wilson Group, Inc., and
the Architect has provided a certificate of completion.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) Accept completion of the contract with The Wilson Group, Inc., Greenwood, MO, for
the Power Plant Window Replacement Project at a total cost of $181,180.00, and
authorize final payment to the contractor.
2) Delay acceptance of completion of this contract.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The contractor for the Power Plant Window Replacement Project has completed all of
the work specified in the contract. The Architect has issued a certificate of completion of
the work.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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ITEM # __37____
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: COMPLETION OF YEAR TWO OF WATER PLANT WELL
REHABILITATION CONTRACT
BACKGROUND:
On May 8, 2018, City Council awarded a contract to Northway Well and Pump Company
of Waukee, Iowa,
in the amount of $79,400 to rehabilitate four of the City’s 22 drinking
water wells. This is the second year of a contract that can be renewed annually for up to
a total of five years.
The FY 2018/19 operating budget includes $80,000 for the rehabilitation of these wells
and an additional $20,000 for repairs. The four wells rehabilitated in this year’s contract
did require additional repairs in a total amount of $2,830.25. The final contract amount is
$82,830.25, which includes the change order for the repair work.
All work for this year’s contract has been successfully completed as of January 18, 2019.
An Engineer’s Statement of Completion is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept final completion of Year Two of the five-year Water Plant well rehabilitation
contract in the final amount of $82,830.25.
2. Do not accept completion of Year Two of the Water Plant well rehabilitation contract
at this time.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Year Two of the Water Plant well rehabilitation contract has been successfully completed
in accordance with the
City’s plans and specifications and an Engineer’s Certificate of
Completion has been received.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # __38___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
PLAT OF SURVEY FOR 100 & 108 6
th
STREET AND 515 DUFF AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
The City’s subdivision regulations found in Chapter 23 of the Ames Municipal Code
include the process for creating or modifying property boundaries and for determining if
any improvements are required in conjunction with the platting of property. The
regulations also describe the process for combining existing platted lots or conveyance
parcels in order to create a parcel for development purposes. A plat of survey is allowed
by Section 23.309 for the consolidation of conveyance parcels and for boundary line
adjustments.
This proposed plat of survey is for a boundary line adjustment of existing parcels
addressed as 100 & 108 6
TH
Street and 515 Duff Avenue to create one parcel.
The
proposed change results in one new parcel, labeled as Parcel H.
The use for the proposed
parcel is planned to be commercial.
The site was reviewed to ensure that proposed lot dimensions complied with
requirements found in the zone development standards of the Downtown Service Center
Zone (DSC). The consolidation to create Parcel H is being done in conjunction with a
proposed expansion of an office building located at the corner 100 6
th
Street and Duff.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment has approved an Exception to the minimum height and
required floor area ratio (FAR) at this location for the office building expansion. The parcel
consolidation would otherwise not be able to be approved without meeting the minimum
1.0 FAR requirement of DSC. The proposed office building expansion on the proposed
Parcel H meets the .50 FAR standard of the approved exception. A Minor Site
Development Plan is under review by staff for the proposed office building expansion in
relation to the approved exception and this plat of survey.
There is currently a vacant apartment building located at 515 Duff Avenue. Typically, two
buildings of different uses are no allowed on single lot as a zoning standard. However,
the apartment building is planned to be demolished and is current uninhabitable with
disconnected utilities. Due to the condition of the building, it is not usable as a residential
building and does not conflict with the zoning standard relating to different uses on the
same lot.
Approval of this plat of survey (Attachment B) will allow the applicant to prepare the official
plat of survey and submit it to the Planning and Housing Director for review. The Director
will sign the plat of survey confirming that it fully conforms to all conditions of approval.
The prepared plat of survey may then be signed by the surveyor, who will submit it for
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recording in the office of the County Recorder.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can adopt the resolution approving the proposed plat of survey.
2. The City Council can deny the proposed plat of survey if the City Council finds that the
requirements for plats of survey as described in Section 23.309 have not been
satisfied.
3. The City Council can refer this back to staff and/or the owner for additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff has determined that the proposed plat of survey satisfies all Subdivision Code
requirements for a boundary line adjustment of existing parcels and has made a
preliminary decision of approval. The resulting parcel is designed to be conforming to
underlying design standards and building setbacks of DSC zoning. The boundary line
adjustment does not trigger infrastructure requirements unless there is a gap in
completion of existing infrastructure. Sidewalks are currently in place along all street
frontages of the proposed new parcel. No other infrastructure is required at this location.
Approval and recording of the Plat of Survey will also preclude the use of the property
with a residential use and a commercial use, use of the site will be restricted to a
commercial use by current zoning standards.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
accept Alternative #1, thereby adopting the resolution approving the proposed plat
of survey
.
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ADDENDUM
PLAT OF SURVEY FOR 100 & 108 6
th
STREET & 515 SOUTH DUFF
Application for a proposed plat of survey has been submitted for:
Conveyance parcel (per Section 23.307)
Boundary line adjustment (per Section 23.309)
Re-plat to correct error (per Section 23.310)
Auditor’s plat (per Code of Iowa Section 354.15)
The site is located at:
Owner:
R. Friedrich & Sons
Existing Street Address:
100 6
th
Street, 108 6
th
Street, 515 Duff Avenue.
Assessor’s Parcel #:
0902377020, 0902377010, and 0902377030
Legal Description: Parcel H
Lots 1 and 2 in Block 7 of the Original Town of Ames, Story County, Iowa, being more
particularly describes as follows: Beginning at the Northeast Corner of said Lot 1; thence
S01°11’54”E, 120.74 feet to the Southeast Corner of said Lot 2; thence S89°04’49”W,
180.67 feet to the Southwest Corner thereof:
thence N01°10’13”W, 120.34 feet to the
Northwest Corner of said Lot 1; thence N88°57’17”E, 180.61 feet to the point beginning
containing 0.50 acres.
Public Improvements:
The preliminary decision of the Planning Director finds that approval requires all public
improvements associated with and required for the proposed plat of survey be:
Installed prior to creation and recordation of the official plat of survey and
prior to issuance of zoning or building permits.
Delayed, subject to an improvement guarantee as described in Section
23.409.
Not Applicable. (no additional improvements required)
Note: The official plat of survey is not recognized as a binding plat of survey for permitting
purposes until a copy of the signed and recorded plat of survey is filed with the Ames City
Clerk’s office and a digital image in Adobe PDF format has been submitted to the Planning
& Housing Department.
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Attachment A- Existing Conditions
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Attachment B- Proposed Plat of Survey- Parcel H
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ITEM # __39___
Date: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REPORT OF BID AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 2019 PAVEMENT
IMPROVEMENTS CYRIDE BUS TURNAROUNDS PROJECT
BACKGROUND:
The 2019 Pavement Improvements CyRide Bus Turnarounds Project was sent out to
bid on February 13, 2019. Bid plans and specifications called for the reconstruction of
the bus turnarounds at the Ames Middle School and at Ontario Street and California
Avenue.
Bids were due on March 14, 2019.
While researching previous construction documents after bid release, staff became
aware that the City of Ames may not have legal title to the turnaround at the Ames
Middle School. Records indicate a quit claim deed may not have been filed in 2004
releasing the land to the City. Therefore, staff is recommending that bids for this portion
of the project be rejected and the matter be reviewed by the City of Ames Legal
Department. The reconstruction of the Ames Middle School turnaround can be bid again
at a later date.
Four bids for the project were received from area companies. Jensen Builders, Ltd. of
Des Moines, IA submitted the low base bid of $47,700 for the turnaround at Ontario
Street and California Avenue. The total project budget for both turn-arounds is $135,000
as planned for in the 2018-2023 and 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plans. The Ames
Transit Agency Board of Trustees approved award of the contract to Jensen Builders,
Ltd. on March 15, 2019.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a) Approve the final plans and specifications for 2019 Pavement Improvements
CyRide Bus Turnarounds Project.
b) Award the construction contract for the bus turnaround at the intersection of
Ontario Street and California Avenue to Jensen Builders, Ltd. of Des Moines, IA
for the base bid amount of $47,700.
c) Reject all bids for the Ames Middle School turnaround due to unforeseen legal
issues.
2. Reject Alternative #1 and direct staff to modify the project to reflect City Council
priorities.
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CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approving this contract will allow CyRide to move forward with a needed pavement
improvement project.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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ITEM # _40____
Date: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REPORT OF BID AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CYRIDE BUS
WASH RENOVATION PROJECT
BACKGROUND:
The CyRide Bus Wash Renovation 2019 Project was sent out for bids on February 13,
2019. Bid plans and specifications called for the replacement of
CyRide’s current bus
wash and reconstruction of the surrounding area. The wash is more than 15 years old,
which is past its 10-year expected useful life. The wash equipment is in poor condition
and the infrastructure supporting the equipment is corroding due to the wet nature of the
operating environment.
Bids were due on March 14, 2019.
Three bids for the project were received from area companies. HPC, L.L.C. of Ames, IA
submitted the low base bid of $500,000. The project budget is $646,303. With the
favorable base bid, CyRide will be able to accept the six add alternates to the project
which include replacement of additional worn concrete and additional wash features,
such as an air dryer and spot free rinse. Additional information is provided in the table
below.
Item
Description
Amount
Lump Sum
CyRide Bus Wash Renovation Base Bid
$ 500,000
Add Alternate 1
Remove and replace entirety of slab in wash bay
$ 18,000
Add Alternate 2
Vehicle dryer/blower system.
$ 54,500
Add Alternate 3
Spot free rinse system
$ 12,700
Add Alternate 4
Chassis and wheel wash w/ salt neutralizer
$ 8,000
Add Alternate 5
RFID vehicle size adjust system
$ 19,500
Add Alternate 6
Provide stainless steel doors
$ 4,600
Total $ 617,300
In early 2018 CyRide staff applied for an Iowa Department of Transportation Public
Transportation Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) for bus wash improvements. In July of 2018,
it was announced that CyRide would be a recipient of $517,042 in requested grant
money.
To accomplish the bus wash renovation project, CyRide has accumulated the local
match and has the following dollars available:
Funds Available
Dollars
State PTIG Funds (STA-IG-015-FY19)
$ 517,042
Local Match
$ 129,261
Total Available
$ 646,303
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The Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees approved award of this contract and Add
Alternates 1 through 6 to HPC, L.L.C. on March 15, 2019. Award of contract is subject
to concurrence by the Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Public Transit.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a) Approve the final plans and specifications for the CyRide Bus Wash
Renovation Project.
b) Award the construction contract to HPC, L.L.C. of Ames, IA for the base bid
amount of $500,000 and Add Alternates Nos. 1-6 for $117,300, for a total award
amount of $617,300.
Award of this contract is subject to approval by the Iowa Department of
Transportation Office of Public Transit.
2. Reject Alternative #1 and direct staff to modify the project to reflect City Council
priorities.
CITY
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Awarding this contract with the six Add Alternates will allow CyRide to move forward
with a much needed facility improvement project.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above, subject to approval by the Iowa Department of
Transportation Office of Public Transit.
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ITEM # ___41__
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: POWER PLANT UNIT 7 STEAM TURBINE PARTS
BACKGROUND:
On February 12, 2019, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for
purchase of Unit 7 Steam Turbine Parts. This project is for the procurement of critical
and miscellaneous parts for the Power Plant’s Unit 7 Turbine-Generator Overhaul
project. This unit is scheduled to be disassembled, inspected, and repaired at the same
time as the Unit 7 Boiler Repair Project being performed this year.
This work is required to replace worn parts found during the inspection of the turbine
and generator. Repairs and replacement of worn parts will be completed as the
inspection progresses. Experience has shown that certain parts require replacement
every major overhaul and some parts become unusable during the disassembly
process. This overhaul and parts replacement is required and recommended by boiler
and machinery insurance carriers and follows accepted industry standards.
This portion of the project is for the purchase and delivery of turbine parts required to
replenish inventory items and parts expected to be used during the overhaul.
Bid documents were issued to fourteen firms and three plan rooms. The bid was
advertised on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing webpage and a
Legal Notice was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with
statewide circulation and the Iowa League of Cities.
On March 13, 2019, three bids were received as shown below:
BIDDER
BID PRICE
ARGO Turboserve Corporation,
Fitchburg, MA
Non-Responsive
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC
Latham, NY
Non-Responsive
Energy Parts Solutions, Inc.,
Schaumberg, IL
Non-Responsive
The bid submitted by ARGO Turboserve Corporation was determined to be non-
responsive because it was not signed. The bids submitted by Mechanical Dynamics &
Analysis, LLC and Energy Parts Solutions, Inc. were non-responsive because neither
company submitted the required bid security with its bid. All of these were likely due to
oversights on the bidders’ parts.
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The engineer’s estimate for anticipated parts was $515,000 based on preliminary
quotes received from General Electric, the turbine-generator original equipment
manufacturer (OEM).
The approved FY 2018/19 Capital Improvements Plan includes the following funding for
the Unit 7 Turbine Generator Overhaul.
2017/18 Engineering/Parts $750,000
2018/19 Labor $1,500,000
2018/19 GE Tech Support $300,000
TOTAL $2,550,000
ALTERNATIVES:
1.
All three of the bids received for these turbine parts were determined to be non-
responsive due to bidder errors. The parts are needed for schedule maintenance
work.
a. Reject all bids.
b. Approve preliminary plans and specifications for rebidding Unit 7 Steam
Turbine Parts, establishing April 16, 2019, as the bid due date and April
23, 2019, as the date of hearing and award of contract.
2. Reject all bids and delay purchase of steam turbine parts.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
These parts will most likely be needed for the overhaul and can also be placed in
inventory. Rebidding now will allow all three vendors to correct their bidding errors and
should give the City valid bids.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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ITEM # __42___
DATE: 03-26-19
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: PROPOSED BEDROOM ADDITION AMENDMENT TO RENTAL CODE
BACKGROUND:
On January 2, 2019, the Council received a letter from Mr. Al Warren requesting that he
be able to finish constructing two bedrooms in the basement at the property he owns at
2334 Storm Street and to allow those bedrooms to count toward occupancy.
At the Fe b r u a r y 2 6 t h , 2019 Council meeting, the Council d is cu s se d p o t e n t ia l
R e n ta l C
ode language that would allow Mr. W arren’s request to be made
p o s si b l e . Co u n c il u l t im a te l y directed staff to bring back text amendment
language in the following motion:
Move for staff to prepare a text amendment that allows properties with a Letter of
Compliance to add bedrooms where an existing egress window exists and isn’t
already being counted towards a bedroom. They would have 30 days from the
adoption of the text amendment to apply and six months after that to complete the
work.
Staff has drafted the following language to satisfy this motion:
Any room that has a legally conforming egress window may be converted to a
code-compliant bedroom and have that bedroom count toward the allowed number
of occupants in areas where the number of occupants were frozen on January 1,
2018. Owners intending to convert such rooms must notify the Building Official of
their intent to do so within 30 days of the effective date of this ordinance. The
bedroom must be a legal bedroom, verified by the Inspection Division, within 6
months of the effective date of this ordinance.
A draft of the ordinance with this language included is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1.) Approve on first reading the attached text amendment that would allow
properties to increase their number of occupants by completing the code
requirements to make a room with a legally existing egress window a code-
compliant bedroom.
2.) Approve the text amendment with modifications.
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3.) Deny the text amendment keeping the existing occupancy language as is.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
This text amendment will achieve the direction given by Council on February 26.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council support
Alternative #1 and thereby approve the bedroom addition text amendment on first
reading.
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
OF AMES, IOWA, BY ENACTING A NEW SECTION 13.503(4)(e)(iv)
AND RENUMBERING THE CURRENT SECTION 13.503(4)(e)(iv) TO
13.503(4)(e)(v) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING THE
OPTION FOR PROPERTIES TO INCREASE OCCUPANT COUNT BY
ADDING BEDROOMS WHEN THERE IS AN EXISTING EGRESS
WINDOW; REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED
, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by enacting a new Section 13.503(4)(e)(iv) as follows:
“
Sec.
13.503.
OCCUPANCY
LIMITATIONS.
. . .
(4)
Limits based on Zoning District - Maximum Occupancy
. . .
(e)
. . .
(iv)
Any room that has a legally conforming egress window may be
converted to a code-compliant bedroom and have that bedroom count toward the allowed number of
occupants in areas where the number of occupants were frozen on January 1, 2018. Owners intending to
convert such rooms must notify the Building Official of their intent to do so within 30 days of the effective
date of this ordinance. The bedroom must be a legal bedroom, verified by the Inspection Division, within 6
months of the effective date of this ordinance.
(v)
For rental dwellings located within the Near Campus Neighborhoods
for which a registration is being sought after January 1, 2018, the number of bedrooms for determining
maximum occupancy shall be determined by an inspection by the Inspection Division.
(Ord. No. 4332, 1-9-18; Ord. No. 4343, 4-24-18)
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , .
______________________________________
_______________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
John A. Haila, Mayor
