Council agrees to seek DOT/DNR grant for Ironwood Estates screening and plantings

Staff from Ames Electric and Parks & Recreation updated council on the recent right-of-way clearing connected to a multi-year 69kV transmission line rebuild that runs along DOT right-of-way by Ironwood Estates. Don (Ames Electric) said the work cleared scrub and brush to allow safe rebuilding of the line and that the contractor will return for final cleanup; staff presented options ranging from no further action to a grant-funded planting program that would install screening vegetation and require the city to maintain plantings under grant terms.

Parks staff explained options 3 and 4 would rely on a DOT/DNR grant (up to $100,000), which could cover plants and installation and would require the city to handle longer-term maintenance; the city forester recommended columnar junipers for screening because they are bred to a controlled height (10–15 feet) and would minimize interference with transmission-line maintenance. Council members sought clarification on land ownership and easement status; staff confirmed the electric lines are on DOT right-of-way and the city has use rights to place lines there, and that planting within DOT right-of-way would require DOT permission.

Several residents spoke in support of grant-funded planting, describing the site as highly visible from Highway 30 and urging restoration of screening. One resident said the cleared area "looks pretty devastated" and encouraged council to "come out and take a look." Council approved Option 4 to pursue grant funding and to proceed with plantings if grant and permits are secured.