Premeeting comments on Ames City Council agenda May 26th, 2009

I just returned from a week at Destination ImagiNation Global Finals in Knoxville TN. The Meeker Elementary DI team competed at the finals competition last week, placing 21st out of 49. The team did well and a good time was had by all. I went along as a team manager.

Free Summer CyRide is here! Please take advantage.

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

• Item 20 -- 13th Street & Grand Avenue Property Acquisition. At the council retreat (May 16th) councilman Mahayni moved to reconsider a motion regarding 13th and Grand (to purchase the northeast corner lot).  I did not support the purchase of this lot because we do not currently have need of it. The city has no plans to use the lot. The city is currently moving ahead with the improved computerized signaling at the location (see Oct 14th 2008 comments). I have an additional concern that the proposed funding for the purchase of the lot is from Community Development Block Grand (CDBG) funds. The intent of the CDBG funds is to benefit the low and moderate income. If the intent is to purchase this property for future road improvements then the funds should come from designated road funds or the general fund.
  
• Item 22 -- Resolution approving/motion denying engineering services related to bridge repairs at Squaw Creek Shared-Use Path (photos). The bridge for the shared use path on Squaw Creek has been closed as of Feb 12th, 2009 because of ice damage. The bridge is in the current Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) to be replaced 2011/12 when Grand Ave is extended. The federal funding for this project has not been secured at this time. The current estimate to repair is $60,000. To get a firmer estimate, $10,000 of engineering time will need to be expended. This bridge is part of the city's transportation system and needs to be repaired.
  
• Item 24 -- Grand Aspen Subdivision, 3rd Addition (A and B-C). Due to changes in the timing of development the developers agreement for this location needs to be modified. My leanings on this item will be effected by the timing of the completion of the missing 4 lane section on Southwest 16th St and the completion of the missing bike path segment.
  

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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