A procedure for public input on the Land Use Policy Plan will be decided Tuesday at the Ames City Council meeting.

The council will decide how it will conduct its meeting Jan. 27, when it is scheduled to vote on whether to change the location of commercial development. The current location is by the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and Interstate 35. The proposed site is near 13th Street and U.S. Highway 30.

Previously, Mayor Ted Tedesco recommended giving the public two hours for comments — one for those supporting the mall and one for those against.

Councilman Russ Cross said the public has given more input on this issue than any other since he has been on the council.

He said he thought the council might eliminate the hour restriction and instead give each person a time limit to voice opinions.

The suggestion to give two hours to public debate drew criticism from the community, including a letter from Jim Popken, chairman of Ames Smart Growth.

Popken said he was approached by several people and decided to ask the mayor to return to the format of letting people speak without being categorized.

“Please do not sacrifice free speech in the name of expediency,” Popken wrote.

Councilman Matt Goodman said the division would not allow for people in the middle to bring ideas to the table.

The council will hear Tuesday from the Department of Planning and Housing and a proposal from Tennessee developer Bucky Wolford. The meeting will not be open for public input.

Council members received e-mails, phone calls and letters in favor of and against changing the Land Use Policy Plan.

Councilwoman Sharon Wirth said most of the comments she received were against the mall.

“We’re really getting a broad spectrum,” she said.

Councilman Riad Mahayni said he wasn’t sure how he felt.

“Regardless of how I lean, I have to listen to the people,” Mahayni said.

Goodman said he’s not sure he supports changing the plan, but feels there might be better uses for the land.

“Using that space next to the railroad tracks to sell sweaters might not be the best use of that land,” he said.

Goodman said he thought it would be better to use open land within the city.

Cross said the proposed expansion of North Grand Mall would draw concern from neighbors.

“I personally do not believe a significant expansion is appropriate for the middle of a neighborhood,” he said.

Tuesday’s meeting will include discussion with the Electric Utility Operations Review and Advisory Board on options for future electricity use. Other items include:

* A resolution approving closure of Stanton Avenue between Lincoln Way and Chamberlain from Jan. 14 to March 31.

* The first passage of an ordinance establishing a speed limit on Mortensen Road from South Dakota Avenue to its west end.

* The first passage of an ordinance governing the usage of Ada Hayden Heritage Park.