Ames, City of

This Transportation Planning Work Program outlines the regional work plan for the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for Fiscal Year 2027, spanning July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The plan focuses on implementing regional and federal goals by prioritizing a safe transportation system, preserving and maintaining infrastructure, enhancing multimodal accessibility and connectivity, improving system reliability and operational efficiency, supporting economic vitality, and strengthening data-driven and performance-based planning. Key activities include creating a regional Safe Routes to School Plan, completing the Duff Avenue corridor study, conducting studies for the Lincoln Way and S Dayton Avenue corridors, and developing the FFY 2028-2031 Transportation Improvement Program.

This document proposes a substantial amendment to the City of Ames' 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. The amendment primarily introduces a Public Improvements Water Main Replacement Project within the HUD-designated Low and Moderate Income Census Tract 10. Key objectives of this project include replacing aging water infrastructure to improve water quality, mitigate lead services, and enhance firefighting capabilities. The plan also details adjustments to the CDBG Program Budget and incorporates updates to rollover funds, emphasizing alignment with the city's broader consolidated plan goals for neighborhood strengthening. The document outlines the required public comment period and hearing process for this amendment.

The primary topic involved a detailed presentation by John Dunn regarding a significant water main break that occurred the previous night. The presentation included security camera footage showing how the 18-inch diameter pipe, operating under approximately 110 psi pressure, ruptured due to contractor activity near the existing water plant site. This event caused immediate pressure loss in parts of the east side distribution system, necessitating the highest priority on protecting public health. Public works crews isolated the main, an effort that took over an hour. Following isolation, efforts focused on determining the affected areas to assess the need for a boil water advisory, which was complicated by inconsistent reports from residents regarding water pressure versus total water loss. A team determined the extent of the advisory area, taking care to exclude critical facilities like the hospital and clinics from the advisory if possible. The boil water advisory was officially posted after sampling and testing confirmed water safety; the 18-hour testing process concluded successfully, allowing the advisory to be lifted. The presenter emphasized the extensive public notification efforts, including press releases, social media posts across multiple platforms, activating the Story County Iowa Alert system, and door-to-door notifications by fire department crews. The discussion concluded with a strong recommendation for customers to sign up for the emergency alert system via the city's webpage.

The meeting addressed changes to the agenda, including the withdrawal of an application for a property on Yuma and a request for continuance from the property on Coolage. The Board's purpose as a quasi-judicial body for the City of Ames was outlined, covering decisions on variances, special use permits, and appeals of zoning enforcement officer decisions. The minutes from the July 23rd meeting were approved. A public hearing for a variance at 216 North Hazel regarding side setbacks was continued to the next available meeting, September 10th, due to a board member conflict of interest, as only two members could legally vote. A second variance request for properties at 1420 and 1422 Coolage Drive was also continued to September 10th at the applicant's request to allow for greater board attendance. The importance of securing quorum for the next meeting, which is expected to address at least four pending items, was emphasized, with accommodations like virtual attendance being encouraged.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the May 13, 2024 meeting. Key discussions centered on the 2024 Preserve Iowa Summit, where members shared insights on sessions regarding design guidelines, historic color analysis, and presentations by Kevin Mason (Notes on Iowa) and Steve Hero regarding building history and preservation. There was also discussion on inviting these speakers to present to the Commission. The second major topic involved educational opportunities, considering presentations from staff on commercial historic projects, and the possibility of inviting Dan Clark to speak on Alexander Clark, a historical figure from Muscatine, and speakers from SHPO and the National Park Service regarding the Underground Railroad sites. Staff provided an update on the ongoing National Register nomination for the Squawkatuck Park and Ridgewood additions, noting a required neighborhood meeting scheduled for August 22nd. The meeting concluded with introductions for new commission members, as the commission was reportedly at full strength (seven members) for the first time in at least two years.