Commission recommends 80/20 annexation of two parcels near Iowa State Research Park; Washington Township objected to nonconsenting parcel

The Ames City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve an annexation application for two parcels south of the Iowa State Research Park near 4140 South 500 Thirtieth Avenue under the 80/20 nonconsenting annexation process.

City staff said the annexation area includes property owned by the Iowa State Research Park and an adjacent, nonconsenting parcel (the Hatch property) that council added at initiation to create more uniform boundaries. Staff stated the nonconsenting parcel comprises about 9% of the annexation area, below the 20% threshold allowed under state annexation code, and that the parcel is surrounded on three sides by Research Park property.

Staff told the commission that water and sewer infrastructure exists to the north, extended previously by the Research Park, and that infrastructure extension, traffic improvements and stormwater management will be addressed through a forthcoming master plan and rezoning if the annexation proceeds. The staff presentation noted a master agreement exists with Xenia Rural Water for buyout of service territory and that the Research Park would need to receive payment to buy out Xenia’s service in the annexed area.

Washington Township trustees submitted a letter opposing inclusion of the nonconsenting property; staff reported that as the only external comment received. Commissioners asked whether utilities, emergency services and road maintenance would change; staff said the City of Ames will provide emergency services upon annexation but that connection to city utilities would require property-level actions and payment for extensions. Staff emphasized that annexation alone does not guarantee immediate utility service and that utilities are extended as development occurs.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of Alternative 1, finding the annexation consistent with the Ames City Plan 2040 comprehensive plan and that the annexation creates more uniform boundaries. The motion was seconded; commissioners voted by voice in favor and the motion passed.

The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for a final decision. Staff said the Research Park owns adjacent parcels that may be annexed and developed in the future and that the nonconsenting parcel could be annexed later if its owner petitions voluntarily.