The Ames City Council heard updates on the annexation of multiple properties between George W. Carver Avenue and Hyde Avenue on Tuesday.

According to city staff, this has been an ongoing discussion since 2014, when the Ames Golf and Country Club approached the city with interest in pursuing a residential development as part of their property. The city of Ames waived jurisdiction because, at the time, the area did not directly touch the city. 

So far, the city has not received enough applications for agreement from residents to move forward with voluntary annexation for North Ames. 

According to Ward 2 Rep. Tim Gartin, this annexation would cause Ames sanitation issues, as the city has specific ordinances for homeowners. Gartin “dwells” on the idea of how much time the homeowners would have before needing to be in compliance with the City of Ames Sanitation. However, according to city staff, the council has discretion over when the homeowners must comply with the sanitary sewer system.

A member of one of the 17 households within the annexation zone presented a petition from 16 members who are against the annexation and believe the council should proceed immediately with the annexation of Borgemeyer, the adjacent neighborhood, and hold off on the annexation of Irons Court and Irons Way. 

One major concern for homeowners is that they would have to fund the expenses of this annexation in relation to water changes and sanitation systems.  

Council members are waiting for input from their attorney and fire chief before making a decision. 

Next, the developer of the West University overlay at Oakland St. and Hyland Ave. is asking for a higher density zoning that would need to be approved via a zoning ordinance. The council could approve changes for only the property in question or the longer process of creating a broader zoning type. 

This zoning change would be for a three-story development above a parking unit, to be installed in 2026.

Emily Boland, a junior at Iowa State University and the Iowa State Student Government Ex-Officio to the Ames City Council, shared why the change in parking spaces could impact students who live in the area, as “there already is a bunch of overflow parking on Campus Ave.” Boland spoke from the perspective of someone affected by this change. 

ADMINISTRATION

Ames Main Street is requesting that alcohol be allowed throughout the 515 festival on May 15 and 16, and not in a specific designated area. Council member Anita Rollins motioned to approve all items related to the City of Ames 515 days, which was unanimously approved. 

Micromobility ordinances were also up for discussion tonight. Micromobility is defined by Ames City staff as a “mobility device under 150 pounds and less than 20 miles per hour.” Currently, the micromobility ordinance does not cover things like e-scooters, hoverboards, and other personal transportation devices.

Many members of the public came to comment on personal transportation, especially within the Ames community.

ELECTRIC

The council approved $7,668,293.89 for updated Metering Infrastructure Systems through Aclara Technologies Inc.