The Ames City Council approved $6,500 in funding for an information campaign about a bond election to fund a new aquatics and recreation complex Tuesday.

The council also set Dec. 9 as the date for the bond election.

Members of the group supporting the new complex spoke to the council at the meeting, explaining why they believed it was important the project proceed.

“It is important that we move ahead to coincide with the Ames Middle School timetable,” said Karen Strehlow, 212 N. Russell Ave.

At a City Council meeting July 8, it was reported by a consultant that an additional cost of $200,000 to $350,000 would be incurred if the city built the aquatics and recreation facility at a different time than the school.

Scott Strehlow, Karen’s son and a competitive swimmer in the seventh grade, explained to the council the only outdoor pool available is Carr Pool, which has depth concerns.

“The water is freezing at 6 a.m., which is the only time we can use it,” he said.

Perry Rathe, 2521 Country Club Blvd., said he is amazed an “affluent community” such as Ames has not made a commitment to the health of its citizens.

Rathe, a physician, raised concerns about child obesity and children being “more sedentary.”

“Ames has not made a commitment to exercise and fitness as other surrounding communities have done,” he said.

Mayor Ted Tedesco, who encouraged the council to unanimously approve the date of the election, said City Council members are prohibited by law from campaigning for the bond election.

“The responsibility of selling this project is going to rest on you,” Tedesco said during the meeting to the members of the group supporting the new complex.

The City Council also approved rezoning of property located at 4807 Mortensen Road from residential medium density to residential low density. Housing on the property will be subject to overoccupancy restrictions, which means no more than three unrelated people will be allowed to live in a residence. The property is owned by Erben Hunziker and Margaret Hunziker Apartments, L.C.C.

A motion to approve a liquor license for new business 212 Main Pub and Grill, 212 Main St., was pulled from the council’s agenda.