July 30, 2010 - I have been thinking about the noise ordinance and potential implications on the commuity if it becomes too restrictive. My concern is that if we reduce the volume too much it might render a park useless for venues that require amplified sound. For example, outdoor concerns, movies, festivals, etc. could be at risk.
As I think about what our community desires, I often refer to the bi-annual citizen survey as a point of insight. In this case, I reviewed the cultural section of the survey. When asked to rate the cultural and educational opportunities in Ankeny, it was rated very poorly. As a matter of fact, this was the lowest rating topic on the entire survey. Based on this report, it is clear that our community does not believe we are doing enough to create cultural activities.
My concern is, if we reduce the level of volume to a point that it becomes impractical to conduct a cultural event, essentially eliminated this type of venue, are we perpetuating/accelerating something already viewed as poor? Please send me your thoughts.
July 21, 2010 - I have received a handful of calls and emails related to the noise ordinance, what this means to citizens, and the basis for my recommendation on how loud events can be. Here's a brief summary: Prior to the ordinance being drafted, there was essentially no consistent limit or guidelines on how loud an event at a park could be. It was managed by someone’s perception of "too loud". This was deemed unacceptable and guidelines for limits on noise in our city parks were drafted.
The ordinance came forward with a proposal that sound in our parks could not exceed 50db during the day and 45db after 9PM. For a perspective on this, 50db is about the noise level in your living room. I felt this was overly restrictive and incongruent with the typical use of a park. Therefore, I proposed a more reasonable level of 70db during the day and 65db after 9PM. While this is certainly not going to make every park neighbor happy, I believe it is a reasonable compromise that allows our citizens to use the parks in their intended manner without overly infringing on the neighborhood.
Please note that this is not a “band shell” ordinance. While the current discussion seems to gravitate to the band shell area, the ordinance is designed to cover the entire city and allows our parks, such as Prairie Ridge and Cascade Falls, to be used in their intended manner.
Additionally, I had strong concerns about the message this lower noise level sends to the community. Do we want to be viewed as a city that rolls up its streets at 9PM? I really don’t think that is the direction we want to head. I’d prefer to have more entertainment options in our city but these will be few and far between if the noise levels must be kept at the level of my living room. If you have thoughts, feel free to share them with me.
July 20, 2010 – I had a chance this past week to spend the afternoon with my family at the new aquatic center, Cascade Falls. Wow, what a facility. I took in all the tube slides, diving boards, and lazy river as well as the “toilet bowl” ride. Each were a great experience. As my wife and I sat back and watched the buzz of activity, we discussed how much it felt like a resort facility, and couldn’t believe it was right here in Ankeny. A proud moment indeed.
A couple people have asked me about seating, which is limited, and parking. On the seating, I must say that I was surprised there was not more chairs provided. Since the grass area was not open yet, we sat on the concrete, which was less than comfortable. Very soon, the grassy areas will be open and people will have more seating choices but I think there simply needs to be more chairs.
On parking, the plan is to share a parking space with the planned elementary school adjacent to the aquatic center. Once built, the pool can use the schools parking lot in the Summer when school is our and the rest of the year, the school can use the pool parking lot when it is closed. This is a great partnership with the school district and saves us money. So, in the meantime, on overly crowded days customers may have to walk a block or so to get to the pool. Personally, I think this is a small price to pay compared to million dollars to double the size of the parking lot for a pool open three months a year.
Nonetheless, we have a great facility in Ankeny and I hope you all get there soon.
April 19, 2010 - A highly charged topic was presented to council last week by our police chief. At issue is whether to utilize cameras to photo and ticket people who run blantantly red lights. This wouldn't be targeted at those who dash through yellows but rather those who chose to enter an intersection after the light has turned red. There are a number of issues surrounding this and are certain to cause strong opinions to come out. Proponents say it will enhance safety by reducing accidents at high traffic intersections through fear of a ticket. They also claim it is a more cost effective manner to provide public safety than hiring additional officers. Opponents will claim that it causes more rear end accidents, is a violation of privacy and is nothing more than a government money grab. Communities are wrestling with this currently as Des Moines is considering it, Clive may be expanding theirs and recently, Urbandale council said they had no interest in this. What do you think? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
March 30, 2010 - Several residents have asked about the pending DART route reductions in Ankeny, what led to them and how we intend to respond as a member community. In response to what led to the reductions, I'd refer you to a great article in today's Business Record that summarizes the events that led to the budget shortfall, which precipitated the reduction in service. I encourage you to check it out as it really provides a nice summary of the events over the past couple years. Basically, when the bottom fell out of the economy, it stymied the growth in property valuations. When this happens, less taxable property is on the rolls, and therefore, less taxes were available to DART for their operating budget. Additionally, DART had several high profile pedestrian accidents over the past couple years that have cost it millions in judgements. These bills have come due and DART does not have a multi-million dollar reserve for these accidents.
So, the choice was either to raise taxes to offset the reduced tax revenues and pay for the settlements, or trim the budget as much as possible, which included route reductions. While I don't like a reduction in route services, I believe this was the preferable alternative.
Going forward, DART is going to address the Ankeny City Council in May with its plans. Personally, I think regional mass transit is important to the long term sustainability of a region and its communities. It reduces traffic, pollution, congestion, road wear and is better for the environment than thousand of additional cars on the roads. The challenge may be to set the fares appropriately so it can be more self-sustaining by those who use it and benefit from it, primarily workers and their employers. Have a thought? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
March 5, 2010 - I've been asked about my recent vote on the city's intent concerning wind turbines within the city limit. Here's the deal. The City has been working with other metro area municipalities to develop a model ordinance concerning wind turbines within city limits. This work is continuing and we expect a recommendation in the coming weeks. In the meantime, DMACC has been awarded a $100,000+ grant to put up a wind turbine on their Ankeny campus. The kicker is they must have a tower built very quickly to qualify for the funds.
February 1, 2010 - If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a noise? If the City holds a budget information meeting and no one shows up, should citizens be concerned? I can't speak to the first question but the answer to the second question is a resounding YES! When so few people show up to a public information meeting, there is a general presumption of agreement, which is dangerous. The mere absence of resistance is an implied acceptance and should have you concerned. As elected officials, we NEED to hear your opinions on things affecting your city. Even if we personally agree, other councilors may NOT agree and might benefit from hearing your concerns.
Here's the deal:
January 24, 2010 - Ever wonder why the city does certain things a certain way and thought to yourself, "If I was in charge, here's what I'd do it to save money." Well, now's your chance. If you have a cost-saving idea that will hold the line or reduce property taxes in Ankeny, feel free to advance them for review and consideration. Some of the best ideas seem incremental on the surface but can turn into much greater savings when fully evaluated. Cost saving ideas are always welcome, especially now as we enter our annual budget cycle. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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