After months of debate, the ordinance establishing commercial design guidelines and standards in the Northeast Gateway Overlay District became law, with only Councilman Matthew Goodman abstaining from the vote.

“I’m so tired of this issue I can’t even explain it,” Goodman said.

The ordinance will affect the proposed mall and power center — a series of large and small retail stores — expected to be built near the intersection of Interstate 35 and 13th Street. Only one step, the rezoning ordinance, remains until Wolford Development Inc. can legally build the mall.

The public also sounded off regarding another site development plan. The motion called for approval to change property around Stange Road, Northridge Parkway and Aspen Road from a residential to a commercial zone.

The area is located across from land owned by the Ames School District where an elementary school may eventually be built.

Gail Johnston, president of the Ames School Board, voiced concerns that the commercial land would foster bars and liquor stores that would expose children to potentially drunken customers.

The Cafe, 2616 Northridge Parkway, and Brewer’s, 2704 Stange Road, are two businesses that serve alcohol in the area. Council members did not think it was reasonable to restrict the establishments when plans for a school have not yet been drafted.

“We could be sitting here in 2020 and have placed restrictions on commercial sites unfairly,” Councilman Russ Cross said.

In other business, seats on four commissions will now be more accessible to ISU students. A motion was passed directing the city attorney to amend the term lengths for members of the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission. Planning and Zoning will offer a seat with a two-year term, while the other commissions will offer a one-year seat.

“This is a direct result of the task force on Veishea and the community relations committee to include long and short-term residents,” said Mayor Ted Tedesco.

The council also approved the first passage of an ordinance renewing the city’s agreement with Mediacom cable television. Cross opposed the agreement, saying the council was moving too quickly on the issue.

“I’m thinking of Ames residents who had little to no notice that tonight is the first reading and the only public opportunity for them to provide input into the continuation of a franchise agreement with a cable television operator,” Cross said.