The Ames City Council approved an initial step in building an indoor aquatic center to buy partially contaminated land from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

In a 5-1 vote, the approval of the $2.9 million offer to buy the property follows the Iowa DOT’s refusal to attain another land appraisal or to decontaminate the soil after the city discovered it.

The appraisal of the land asserts the land does not have soil or groundwater contamination, according to city documents. However, Impact7G, contracted by the city, conducted an environmental analysis of the property and determined that soil contamination in the northeast corner of the property may require mitigation.

Ward 2 Rep. Tim Gartin voted against the resolution citing safety concerns and frustration with the Iowa DOT.

“That joy of cleaning it up is being forced upon the taxpayers of Ames,” Gartin said. “This council member is very disappointed that another branch of government thinks it’s appropriate to conduct itself in this manner. No individual would get away with this, and yet our state does, it’s a very sad day.”

City staff told the council that a climate consultant will work to ensure the property is safe for people who will use the future aquatic center.

This resolution is the first step toward building the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, including awarding management and architectural contracts which amount to $3 million. The nearly three acres of land at 122 North Oak Ave. has an office building and conference center that Ames would be responsible for demolishing.

Ames City Budget

Ames City Assessor Shari Plagge told the council to be conservative in their budget, with tax reform looming in the next legislative session. Mayor John Haila said in his five years in office, he has never seen as much traction with reform at the state level.

“The speculation is, that this is going to happen very fast and very early in the legislative session,” Haila said. “Everything is all on the table… it’s no secret they’re loaded for bear and they’re in full hunting season”.

The rest of the council reflected Haila’s concerns about property tax and sales option tax revenue. If significant changes happen for the fiscal year 2024, the city must create a new budget before the state deadline in March 2023.

“We’re the ones who have to provide services to our community, and [how] do we pay for them,” Gartin said.

City staff reported to the council it is precedent is for the state to keep the tax code the same so close to the new fiscal year. However, Haila said precedent has not prevented the state legislature from taking action in the past.

The council was split on an 8% increase and ultimately voted to increase the city’s Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET) funds by 6%, the same amount as last year. The council justified its decision by citing inflation and the addition of a new agency to the ASSET process.

Gartin abstained due to a conflict of interest and did not give further explanation.

The council approved a 6% increase for funding requests from outside organizations. At-Large Rep. Amber Corrieri abstained from the vote.

The new agency is The Community Academy (TCA), which is a nonprofit established in 2018 and located in the ISU research park. TCA provides summer and out-of-school programming through nature-based and community projects for youth aged 4 to 18.

Climate Action Plan

The council approved several rebate additions beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. The electric vehicle charger rebate will double from $250 to $500. The city is adding several new rebates on Energy Star freezers, induction stoves and electric lawnmowers.

City staff is still working on updates to the retail solar rebate program and will present them to the council in early 2023. Ames currently offers $300 per kilowatt during peak hours and is exploring options to possibly double or triple that amount.

Other Measures

The council unanimously approved altering an ordinance regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging. Previously, the city charged six cents EV charging cost from a flat rate of six cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).

With the approval Tuesday evening, EVs will cost 12 cents per kWh from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and four cents per kWh at all other hours. City Manager Steve Schainker said the action will assist CyRide in transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles and save consumers money.

Additionally, the council’s meeting on Dec. 27 will be canceled because of the holiday closure of city offices.