Campustown and a possible landlord-tenant liaison position were discussed at length at the Government of the Student Body’s weekly meeting.

Ames City Council visited the GSB on Wednesday night.

Mayor Ann Campbell was present at the meeting and expressed gratitude for GSB’s involvement with City Council.

Campbell described the relationship between the university and city government as “unique” and noted how the voice of GSB is heard within the council.

Senators took time to discuss project ideas with the Ames City Council members. One endeavor discussed at length was the improvement of the Campustown area. Campustown Senator Chandra Peterson, sophomore in political science, expressed concerns about littering on the sidewalks of Welch Avenue and Lincoln Way, specifically with the presence of cigarette butts on the ground since the recent implementation of the smoking ban.

City Council members said a street sweeper was recently purchased, however, the council suggested student involvement in community service would be the most direct way to fix the problem of littering in Campustown.

Finance Director Tom Danielson, senior in civil engineering, said the Campustown Student Association is interested in improving the area, however, it lacks sufficient funds to complete the projects without aid. City Manager Steve Schainker was supportive as he noted there were opportunities in the near future for organizations to come to City Council and request funds.

“There’s funds available,” Schainker said in support of the project.

He asked GSB to fill out a request asking for the prospective amount of money needed.

Speaker of the Senate, Jonathan Turk, junior in political science and member of the greek community, said he believed there would be a “variety” of student organizations — including students in the greek system — who would be willing to participate in cleaning the Campustown area.

The implementation of the landlord-tenant liaison position was also discussed between GSB and Ames City Council. Campbell said city council requested more “background information” about the project, but expressed support and interest. Campbell said she believed there could be benefits for both students living off campus as well as new members of the Ames community who may not be aware of city policies.

GSB President Daniel Fischer, senior in agricultural business, relayed how important this project is for the 12,000 students living off campus. He said the landlord-tenant liaison position would help settle disputes between landlords and tenants as well as act as a “clearing house” for properties.

In addition to discussions with Ames City Council, funds were allocated for a handicap lift in the Memorial Union. The Senate agreed this would be a beneficial investment for future visitors of the Memorial Union who need aid.