Updates to the Fireworks Ordinance

Ames has had an ordinance since 1987 prohibiting the use of fireworks within city limits. The ordinance was discussed at last week’s workshop, when the Council decided to wait until fireworks had been legal a year in Iowa to consider making them legal within city limits.

Brownwyn Beatty-Hansen’s weekly preview said the changes update the definition of fireworks in the ordinance, clarify that permits are for professional (not consumer) fireworks, and establishes some rules for vendors of consumer fireworks.

“Selling, purchasing, and possessing fireworks will be legal in the city…just not setting them off,” she clarifies.

Ames Healthy Life Center all-ages complex

Under the goal to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles the City Council formed a team with representatives from Mary Greeley Medical Center, Iowa State University and Heartland Senior Services to create an inter-generational Healthy Life Center (HLC) complex.

The Center would make the life-long goal of healthy living accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages and socio-economic status. 

The team is still looking for the land to designate for the center, although 10 acres owned by Iowa State University along Ontario, west of Scholl Road, is the likely spot, barring approval from the Board of Regents.

At this week’s meeting the Council will offer guidance on next-steps in the proposal process for the project.

Amending the 2016-17 budget to reflect spending

Beatty-Hansen said in her weekly preview: “Several times annually, the budget is amended to reflect actual city spending. The bad news? Revenues are down by $98k. The good news? Expenditures are down by $849k.”

Electric utility rates rising 4%

All customers, beginning July 1, 2017, would have a 4% raise in electric costs. The revenue resulting from this rate increase is needed to fund plant maintenance, capital improvement projects, and operating costs while maintaining an adequate fund balance for the utility, according to the council action form.