The Ames City Council is expected to put into law Tuesday an ordinance establishing the Northeast Gateway Overlay District near Interstate 35 and 13th Street.

The ordinance sets guidelines for commercial developments such as a proposed mall.

Councilman Russ Cross said rules regarding the environment, lighting and storm-water runoff, among others, are fairly restrictive in response to resident concerns. The ordinance would require the Council to approve any master plan for construction, which is not typical.

The ordinance would also affect the construction of the mall and power center, which is a series of small retail stores interspersed with larger ones in the area.

Councilman Matthew Goodman, who has voted against the ordinance every time, said it is irresponsible to spend taxpayers’ money on new developments when there are retail districts within the city that could encourage growth.

“It’s not the best use of the city’s infrastructure,” Goodman said. “We should use the resources that are already paid for first, and then start sprawling.”

Goodman said he realizes there may not be space for a mall in current retail zones but thinks divisions on South Duff Avenue, South 16th Street and Airport Road can support a power center.

The council will also hear a motion directing the city attorney to make amendments concerning office terms for the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreations Commission, Public Art Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission.

The proposed amendment would shorten terms so that ISU students would be more willing to serve.

Cross thinks the proposal is a good idea, but further discussion is needed regarding the terms of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

“The other commissions tend to address short-term action, and they are easier to understand quickly,” he said.

“Participants in the Planning and Zoning Commission need a long-term view of where the community wants to grow.”

The amendment would reduce the Planning and Zoning Commission term from five to two years, while the other commissions would reduce their terms from three-year to one-year commitments.

A discussion to set a date for a special election to increase the city’s hotel/motel tax from 5 to 7 percent will also take place at Tuesday’s meeting.

Julie Weeks, executive director of the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the increase would go toward marketing Ames to educational, recreational and national events and conventions.

City Manager Steve Schainker will also address a proposed increase in utility rates. Schainker said the increase would support operating costs and capital improvement projects.

He said there is no projected increase estimated yet.

However, the council should decide Tuesday if the increase would happen at once, or if the three rate increases — sanitary sewer, electric and storm sewer funds — will be spread out.

The council will meet at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.