City council to discuss Ames Comprehensive Plan and Healthy Life Center

%28left+to+right%29+Mayor+John+Haila+and+Chris+Nelson%2C+representative+of+the+4th+Ward%2C+listen+to+staff+presentations+at+the+Ames+City+Council+meeting.+Ames+City+Council+held+a+meeting+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

(left to right) Mayor John Haila and Chris Nelson, representative of the 4th Ward, listen to staff presentations at the Ames City Council meeting. Ames City Council held a meeting 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.

Katie Ingle

Ames City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday, and starting the meeting is a joint meeting with the Ames Human Relations Commission. During this joint meeting, the Commission will present an annual report and have a discussion about the progress the Commission will be pursuing within the next year.

After the joint meeting, “Arbor Day,” “Economic Development Week,” “Bike Month and Bike-to-Work Week 2019” and “Historic Preservation Month” dates will be proclaimed by Mayor John Haila.

The council will be introducing and discussing the plan for a new radio system, predicted to be a multi-million dollar project. The new radio will be a tool used to increase public safety throughout Ames. The City Departments, Ames Police Department and Fire Department will all be sharing the radio station to create a faster and more efficient response.

Additionally, the council will be reviewing and further discussing the Ames Plan 2040, following up from the workshop that took place the other week. In relation to the Ames Plan, the council will be discussing the review of scenarios, public input and will be given direction to staff regarding possible scenarios.

Along with further discussion on the Ames Plan 2040, the council will be continuing discussion concerning the Healthy Life Center. An update will be given on the progress and process of the project. The council then will be asking city staff to create a bond referendum statement for August 2019.

The Healthy Life Center, to be owned by Iowa State, is in the process of being built with intentions of it becoming a service to the community of Ames. The Center will be accessible to students and members of the Ames community. It will be equipped with a full gym and pool, including water slides. The Center will be located north of Ontario Street, along the CyRide route. There is not yet a set date of when the Healthy Life Center will be completed.

Spring is a very popular time for businesses to make improvements and alterations to their properties. After the harsh weather Ames experienced as well as forecast of warm weather, the council will be discussing the reconstruction and mending of numerous parking lots and properties.