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Commission finds 80/20 annexation of Ames Golf & Country Club area consistent with Ames 2040 plan
Summary
The commission recommended City Council approve an 80/20 annexation of the Ames Golf and Country Club and adjacent Iron Subdivision, citing comp-plan consistency; a nearby resident opposed the annexation and warned sewer conversion could cost over $30,000 per household, which staff said would be decided by City Council.
The Ames City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend City Council approve an 80/20 annexation that would bring the Ames Golf and Country Club and adjoining Iron Subdivision residential lots into the city boundaries as consistent with the Ames 2040 comprehensive plan.
City staff explained the affected properties were originally approved as a rural subdivision under the Ames Urban Fringe plan, that utilities were designed to city standards and that many of the lots remain on septic systems. Staff said some parcels had recorded covenants requiring voluntary annexation at the direction of City Council and that, under state law, the city may use an 80/20 annexation method to include nonconsenting parcels (up to 20% of the territory) rather than pursue court action to compel 100% compliance. Staff recommended the commission find the annexation consistent with the comp plan.
Resident Daryle Vegge, who lives on Irons Way, urged the commission not to recommend annexation for Irons Way and Irons Court, saying the application was not voluntary and expressing concern about sewer costs, estimating the expense at "north of $30,000 per household." Vegge said many residents preferred existing county and Xenia services. Staff responded that connection requirements and timing are for City Council to set and that property owners are responsible for extension and connection costs if Council so directs.
Commissioners pressed staff on covenant language and the 80/20 process; staff said the covenants were recorded against property title and that using the 80/20 method avoids litigation to compel compliance under the covenant. A commissioner moved to recommend City Council approve the 80/20 annexation and concurrent rezoning of residential properties to FSR; the motion passed by voice vote. City Council will hold a public hearing on July 28th.
Next steps: The item advances to a City Council public hearing, where decisions about sanitary sewer extension timing and owner obligations will be made.
