City council to vote on new chapter, Guest Lodging Code

Ames+City+Council+meets+Jan.+15+in+City+Hall+to+discuss+the+2019-2024+Capital+Improvements+Plan.+Staff+members+gave+a+presentation+on+their+recommendations+for+the+next+five+years.

Kennedy DeRaedt/Iowa State Daily

Ames City Council meets Jan. 15 in City Hall to discuss the 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Plan. Staff members gave a presentation on their recommendations for the next five years.

Kara Gravert

The City Council is set to vote for the creation of a new chapter in Ames municipal code on Tuesday night.

Known as Chapter 35, the Guest Lodging Code has been a recurring discussion since last fall. The new code would require a $50 annual license for those renting out their dwelling for 31 consecutive days or less. The license to operate guest lodging may be revoked if the guest lodging deviates from licensing standards.

According to city documents, the new code aims to protect the “character” of the city’s neighborhoods by limiting the operations, number, and concentration of guest lodging in residential zones.

The council will also be voting for or rejecting the recent bids made for the construction of a new well field. The new water wells are proposed to be constructed north of East 13th Street and east of the Skunk River. The wells would produce an additional 2.6 million gallons per day for the city’s water treatment plant. The proposed project’s estimated cost of construction is over $8 million, while the authorized budget sits at $5.6 million.

In 2015, construction of an all-inclusive playground was explored and assessed. The all-inclusive playground features accessible equipment on a rubberized surface and a field made of rubberized turf, accessible by wheelchair and other assistive devices.

A group of volunteers leading the project have been fundraising outside of property tax financing since 2016. Construction for the Miracle Playground and Field was originally set to begin this summer. However, the costs of construction have not been met in their entirety. The City Council must vote whether to allow construction to begin prior to the complete collection of funds.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers located at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.