The council meeting starts at 7:00.

Items of interest on this agenda include:

• Item 15 --  Richmond Center Resolution approving/motion denying emergency service.  The Richmond Center has been in financial difficulties. The Richmond Center is a local nonprofit that supplies needed mental health services in our community. Story County has approved $48,000, and United Way approved $44,500. $45,000 has been requested of the city. The Richmond Center is suppling needed mental health services to our community. These moneys will allow for a continuation of services for their clients. That is, with funding, mental health services will continue until Community and Family Resources (CRF) is able to take over that function. After reading the staff's report this special funding request appears to be justified. Ames needs these services. However the longterm delivery of these services is in jeopardy without increased federal and state support.
• Item 18 -- Hearing on amendment to Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan. The city council was asked and has directed city staff to change the boundaries and qualifications for the Downtown Facade Grant Program and the Urban Revitalization (tax abatement) boundaries. In particular, this would make it possible for tax abatement support for the expansion of Wheatsfield on the west end of Main Street.
• Item 27 -- City Council budget guidelines. The council will give city staff general direction on spending for the coming 2009/10 budget year. The city's financial status is good. Quoting from the city staff report:

  "Though there has been a significant slowdown in the national economy, so far the impact on the central Iowa region and the City of Ames has been more moderate. There has been a reduction in new construction and property valuation increases. The cost of fuel has decreased recently, but we are still expecting fuel costs to have a negative impact both on the current year and the FY 2009/10 budget.

  "Short-term interest rates increased in the past couple of years, but have recently fallen. The Federal Reserve has lowered rates after problems in credit markets; we expect that investment earnings will be reduced in FY 2009/10.

  "Though the City’s overall financial situation remains strong, increases in costs coupled with reduced revenue growth related to an overall economic slowdown are expected to have a negative impact on the City’s budget."
  Please note that the report forecasts the need to raise Electric and Water rates for the 2009/10 budget year.

  The council will also be giving direction to city staff on the level of funding for ASSET Human Services Funding and COTA (City arts funding). These organizations are paid for from a fund for "Human services agencies, the arts and community betterment" (as quoted from sales tax referendum language that created the fund) and are not funded from property tax (the general fund). For history on the local option sales tax in Ames (how and why it was passed) see these documents.

Jim Popken
City Council At Large
Disclaimer: My intent of this communication is to give you a heads up on items coming to the city council. I may state some of my impressions and leanings here. I will, however, try to avoid staking out a position on issues before the council meeting occurs. I feel that I should avoid committing to any positions until I have heard and considered all the public input at the council meeting before a vote.
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