The City of Ames will apply for buy-out funds through the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division to assist property owners who experienced flood damage this past summer.

In their meeting Tuesday night, the Ames City Council decided upon the least expensive option of the total estimate that will be given to the state in the grant application. Because the funding is limited and competitive, the city will have a better chance of being granted the funds if a lower amount is submitted.

The option will list only the properties located in the flood plain to receive the funds, with the exception of those who meet a certain criteria, such as buildings with only minor damage, sites that are currently planning redevelopment and buildings that are not essential to the continuation of business.

The total estimated assessed value is approximately $14 million, with the addition of the money needed for demolition costs.

In the meeting, the council also passed a motion that will allow businesses in the Ames downtown service center to place temporary sandwich board signs on the sidewalks.

Sidewalk signs were initially prohibited to protect the general public from injury, as well as protect property values.

Ames has recently seen an increase in these sidewalk signs, which prompted the City Manager to address the issue and consider the proposal to allow temporary signs.

The signs will only be allowed if the business owner applies for a permit and general liability insurance, pays a fee of $35, and follows the set policies that include the time in which the sign is allowed on the sidewalk and the placement and dimensions of the sign.