Premeeting comments on Ames City Council agenda April 28th, 2009

 
The council meeting this Tuesday starts at 7:00 pm.  The agenda includes:

• Item 22 -- Presentation of Industrial Park concept .  The proposed Ames City industrial park is east of the regional commercial area on 13th street. Staff is presenting 4 options:
  • The City pays for the cost of the infrastructure, while a developer purchases the land and sells it to a company at some pre-determined price.
  • The City pays for the cost of the infrastructure, while a group of interested developers purchase the necessary land and sell it to a company based on a determined price.
  • The City pays for the cost of infrastructure, while the company pays for the cost of the land directly to the existing property owners.
  • The City pays for the purchase of necessary land and for the infrastructure cost associated with the development of the park.

  There is a proposed 3 phase build out for a total of 355 acres. The total project cost estimat is 14 million dollars. Please review the report and let me know what you think. Should the city go forward? How much should the city pay for? Should the city pay for Infrastructure (water, sewer, etc)? Should the city pay for Infrastructure and land?

• Item 27 -- Alternative Energy (27a, 27b).  The group of small utilities (IAMWind) is having a hard time finding financing for the wind energy project in this economic environment. The city of Ames is a member of this group. The city staff is asking the council to distribute RFP (request for proposal) for renewable energy to other groups.
• Item 29 --  Review of Urban Revitalization commercial criteria. A property tax abatement criteria for commercial areas was established in 1999.  This particular abatement program has never been used. The city staff is recommending an updating of the criteria. Should the city have tax abatement programs for commercial development?

Good news! The City will receive $544,000 in stimulus funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. It sounds like the city will have some flexibility in spending these funds. Should the city spend the money on smart grid? Air conditioner efficiency upgrades? What is the best way to use these funds?
 
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Jim Popken
City Council At Large
Disclaimer: My intent of this communication is to give you a heads up on items coming to the city council. I may state some of my impressions and leanings here. I will, however, try to avoid staking out a position on issues before the council meeting occurs. I feel that I should avoid committing to any positions until I have heard and considered all the public input at the council meeting before a vote.
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