The first Ames City Council meeting of 2014 covered upcoming projects for the new year. 

The council approved a plan to improve four CyRide routes as well as introduced new members at Tuesday’s meeting.

The plan to improve CyRide involves Jewel Drive from Kate Mitchell School to Garnet Drive, Emerald Drive from Ken Maril Road to Jewel Drive, Ken Maril Road from South Duff Avenue to the end of the road and Duluth Street.

This is the first of a two-part project to improve CyRide route pavements.

A future second part of this plan would include Garnet Drive to Jewel Drive, Garden Road and Viola Mae Avenue.

City Council introduced new council members and their positions at the meeting. 

“We have several new council members tonight,” said Mayor Ann Campbell. “They have been working really hard in orientation.”

Chris Nelson was appointed to fill former council member Tom Wacha’s position on the Ames Economic Development Commission Board of Directors.

“It has been an honor being here for the first council meeting of the year along with the other new members of council,” said City Council member Gloria Betcher.

Amber Corrieri and Tim Gartin were appointed to take Jeremy Davis and Victoria Szopinski’s positions on the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

Peter Orazem was appointed to the Mini Board of the Conference Board.

“It’s been a ride to get to this point,” said Nelson. “I appreciate everything the city staff has done in preparing us.”

Council member Matthew Goodman was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Pro Tem, in the absence of Mayor Ann Campbell, would take the position as mayor for the meeting.

“I really appreciate the public asking questions about our transition,” Gartin said.

Other agenda items included City Council agreeing to a contract granting $8,000 to the Veishea Pancake Feed for 2014 as long as the meal price is $2 or less.

Beer permits and liquor licenses were renewed for Oddfellows at 823 Wheeler St., Cafe Beaudelaire at 2504 Lincoln Way, Vesuvius Wood-Fired Pizza at 1620 S. Kellogg Ave. and Chipotle Mexican Grill at 435 South Duff Ave.

The permanent transfer of Charlie Yoke’s liquor license at 2518 Lincoln Way was approved.

The preliminary plans for a new underground feeder south to the Research Park were started.

An expansion of the Vet Med Substation was completed in 2011 to allow growth. Feeder extensions are now needed to use the entire added substation.

The public hearing for the Vet Med Feeder Extension will be Feb. 11.