Council directs staff to finalize lease, pursue zoning changes for digital billboard on Highway 30

The Ames City Council on Feb. 11 directed staff to finalize lease terms and to pursue zoning-text amendments needed to allow a digital billboard on city property along the Highway 30 corridor, west of the Hunsicker Youth Sports Complex.

Staff said Lamar Advertising offered to remove two existing Lincoln Way billboards early if allowed to install a single digital billboard on city property north of the dog park. The proposed commercial ground lease staff described would be a 20-year initial term with two 10-year renewal options. Rent would start at $25,000 per year with five-year escalators (15% or CPI, whichever is greater). Staff said Lamar has agreed to restrictions on certain categories of advertising and is open to reserving public-service messaging for the city (staff indicated a minimum allocation of four two-week periods per year, with potential for more if inventory is unused).

Staff advised that locating the sign would require compliance with Iowa DOT sight-distance and spacing rules and that some volunteer trees along a fence line may need removal for visibility; the city forester will evaluate tree significance. Councilmembers asked about electricity, nearby uses and whether the lease would require Lamar to remove the Lincoln Way signs; staff said removal would be a required condition and that the lease would include an acceptable executed agreement with the Lincoln Way property owner.

Council approved moving forward with negotiations on the lease and directed staff to draft the zoning text amendment necessary to allow the sign at the proposed location. Staff will return with proposed lease exhibits, a site survey and formal zoning changes for the council’s consideration.

Ending: Staff will prepare lease exhibits, a site survey, and draft zoning amendments and return to council for formal approvals and for any required public hearings.