In its weekly meeting Tuesday night, the Ames City Council discussed the Ames 2040 Comprehensive Plan, in addition to the Healthy Life Center.

Representatives of RDG Planning & Design Planning & Design returned to the Ames City Council in order to present the different directions in which the comprehensive plan could take. The Ames Plan was created in 2018 by the Ames City Council, who said it was necessary to construct in due to large changes in the Ames’ population.

Corey Scott, community and regional planner of RDG Planning & Design, ensured the council they were not required to make a firm decision Tuesday. The point of the consultation was to touch base with the council on what they would like to see at the end of the plan.

RDG Planning & Design used urban cities similar to Ames as examples of how their different plans have succeeded.

The floor was opened to the public, in which citizens voiced concerns of environmental impacts and agricultural rich land impacts. Mayor John Haila ensured members of the community who spoke that the city council would consider their concerns.

Following discussion of the plan, the council further discussed the Healthy Life Center.

Steven Schainker, city manager, presented the costs of the project and announced a few adjustments in the operating costs that have occurred since the last meeting. Schainker said all financial pledges needed to be submitted by May 14.

Also presented was the idea of a new radio system as a suggestion to form a large partnership with emergency services throughout Story County. The new radio would be a tool used to increase public safety throughout Ames. The city departments, Ames Police Department and Ames Fire Department would all share the radio station to create faster and more efficient responses.

Motion to pursue the new radio plan was approved.

The council also touched on the rental cap issue, but no conclusion was reached due to the length of the meeting. Council member Amber Corrieri was very adamant on discussing the issue further and coming to a fair and sound conclusion. The council decided to discuss it more in-depth in another meeting.

Mayor John Haila made proclamations for “Arbor Day,” “Economic Development Week,” “Bike Month and Bike-to-Work Week 2019” and “Historic Preservation Month.” The special dates take place in the remainder of April and during May.