HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - October 22, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1.Motion approving payment of claims
2.Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on October 8, 2024
3.Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period October 1-15, 2024
4.Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Radisson Hotel Ames, 2609 University
Boulevard, Pending Favorable DIA Inspection
5.Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Southgate Ames Iowa, (110 Airport
Road), Pending Favorable DCI Background Checks and Favorable Inspections
6.Motion approving new 5-Day (November 2 - November 6, 2024) Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License - Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, 1800 Christensen Drive, (Pending Dramshop
Review)
7.Motion approving new 5-Day (October 28 - November 1, 2024) License - Apres Bar Co., 2120
Lincoln Way
8.Motion approving the renewal of London Underground, (212 Main Street), Class C Retail Alcohol
License
9.Motion approving Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
10.Requests from Ames Main Street for Snow Magic on December 5, 2024:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving Blanket Vending License
c. Resolution approving waiver of Vending License fee
d. Resolution approving usage of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and waiver of fees for
electricity
11.Resolution approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending September 30, 2024
12.Resolution approving plans and specifications for the Carr Park Agility Course and set November
27, 2024 as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award
13.Resolution approving agreement with Jordan Brooks to paint murals on brick pier located at
Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Streets
14.Resolution approving Professional Service Agreement with Bolton & Menk for the 2024/25
Airport Entryway Improvements
15.Resolution awarding contract to HDR Engineering, Inc., of Omaha, NE, for Boiler Heating
System Feasibility Study for Electric Services, in an amount not to exceed $54,800
16.Resolution awarding contract to Poindexter Flooring Inc., of Indianola, IA, for Carpet
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
OCTOBER 22, 2024
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from
the public during discussion. The Standards of Decorum, posted at the door and
available on the City website, define respectful conduct for public participation. If you
wish to speak, please fill out the form on the tablet outside the door to the Council
Chambers or scan the QR Code to the right to fill out the same form on a personal
device. When your name is called, please step to the microphone, state your name for
the record, and keep your comments brief so that others may have the opportunity to speak.
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA : All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time the
Council members vote on the motion.
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Replacement at the Ames Public Library, in the amount of $304,341
17.Resolution awarding contract to Gillig LLC of Livermore, California, for two 40' heavy-duty
diesel buses for a total cost not to exceed amount of $1,256,996
18.Resolution approving Amendment No. 5 to Professional Services Agreement with HDR for the
North River Valley Wellfield Project
19.2021/22 Stormwater Erosion Control (Bloomington Waterway)
a. Resolution accepting Change Order No.2, the balancing change order, reducing the contract
amount by ($44,866.00)
b. Resolution accepting the project as completed by Con-Struct Inc., of Ames, Iowa in the
amount of $176,305.20
20.Resolution approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Airport Improvement Program (Wildlife
Fence Project) with Minturn, Inc., of Brooklyn, Iowa
21.Resolution approving contract and bond for the Ames City Auditorium HVAC Improvements
Project with Mechanical Comfort, Inc. of Ames, Iowa
22.Presentation of the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey Results
23.Resolution authorizing and approving a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and providing for
issuance and securing the payment of Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2024
24.Final Minor Plat for Prairie View Industrial First Addition
a. Resolution approving Final Plat with waiver of sidewalk/path installation contingent upon
approval of deferral agreement
25.Request to Defer Annexation Covenants by Owners of 2114 & 2126 State Avenue
26.Resolution approving plans and specifications for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Radiant Heat
Replacement Project and set November 20, 2024 as the bid due date and November 26, 2024, as
date of public hearing and award
27.Hearing on 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Extension (S 500th Avenue County Line
Road):
a. Motion accepting report of bids
b. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Rognes Corp
of Ankeny, Iowa for the base bid amount of $551,057.70
28.Hearing on 2024/25 Traffic Signal Program:
a. Motion accepting report of bids
b. Resolution approving final plans and specification and awarding a contract to Van Maanen
Electric, Inc. of Newton, Iowa in the amount of $142,043.15
29.Voluntary Annexation of 142.95 Acres located in West Ames along Ontario Street, North 500th
Avenue and Lincoln Way
PUBLIC FORUM : This is a time set aside for comments from the public on topics of City business
other than those listed on this agenda. Please understand that the Council will not take any action on
your comments at this meeting due to requirements of the Open Meetings Law, but may do so at a
future meeting.
ADMINISTRATION:
FINANCE:
PLANNING AND HOUSING:
PARKS & RECREATION:
HEARINGS:
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a. Resolution approving Annexation of property
30.Hearing on Integrated Site Plan Subdivision, Major Site Development Plan, and Preliminary Plat
for 1726 Collaboration Place
a. Resolution approving Major Site Development Plan for 1726 Collaboration Place
b. Resolution approving Preliminary Plat for the Iowa State University Research Park Phase III
Subdivision, Seventh Addition
31.Resolution vacating the existing ten foot (10') Public Utility Easement located at 3300 University
Boulevard, Iowa State University Research Park Phase III, First Addition
32.Participation with agencies, boards, and commissions:
a. Discover Ames (ACVB)
b. Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)
c. Story County Emergency Management Agency (SCEMA)
d. Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees
33.Motion to hold Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss
collective bargaining strategy
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL:
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY:
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
CLOSED SESSION:
ADJOURNMENT:
Please note that this agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as provided
by Section 21.4(2), Code of Iowa.
3
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 18, 2024
Subject:Approval of Minutes
Item No. 2
MEMO
Attached are the minutes for the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council on October 8,
2024.
/cmw
ATTACHMENT(S):
C24-1008 Summary.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
4
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 8, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00
p.m. on the 8th day of October, 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Tim Gartin,
Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Council Member Gloria Betcher joined the meeting
electronically. Ex officio Emily Boland was absent.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK," OCTOBER 6-12,
2024: Mayor Haila proclaimed October 6-12, 2024, as National Fire Prevention Week and Fire
Chief Richard Higgins accepted the proclamation alongside members of the Ames Fire
Department.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH,"
OCTOBER 2024: Mayor Haila proclaimed October 2024 as National Community Planning
Month and Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann accepted the proclamation.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WATERSHED AWARENESS MONTH," OCTOBER 2024:
Mayor Haila proclaimed October 2024 as Watershed Awareness Month and Municipal Engineer
Mindy Bryngelson accepted the proclamation with Stormwater Resource Analyst Liz Calhoun.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent
agenda.
4. Motion approving payment of claims
5. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on September
24, 2024, and Special City Council Meeting on October 2, 2024
6. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period September 16-30, 2024
7. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
8. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Cyclone
Liquors, Class E Retail Alcohol License
9. Motion approving 5-Day (October 31 - November 4, 2024) Class C Retail Alcohol
License - Christiani's Events, 2321 North Loop Drive
10. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Hampton Inn & Suites Ames, (2100 SE 16th Street), Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
b. Wasabi Ames, (926 S. 16th Avenue), Class C Retail Alcohol License
c. Dollar General Store #22303, (3407 Lincoln Way), Class B Retail Alcohol
License
11. Motion approving Memorandum of Understanding with Story County to apply for grant
funding under the 2024 Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of
Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and
authorize application for that grant
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12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-531 appointing Dustin Albrecht, Environmental Specialist, to the
Headwaters of the South Skunk River Watershed Management Authority
13. RESOLUTION NO. 24-532 amending Resolution No. 24-516, approved on September
24, 2024, to correct the Vendor name for the Valve Repair and Replacement at the Power
Plant to Midwest Valve Services, of Schaumburg, Illinois
14. Requests from ISU Homecoming Central Committee for ISU Homecoming Events on
Friday, November 1, 2024:
ExCYtement in the Streets
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-533 approving closure of portions of Sunset Drive, Ash
Avenue, Gray Avenue, and Pearson Avenue from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on
Friday, November 1, 2024
c. RESOLUTION NO. 24-534 approving suspension of parking regulations for
closed areas from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday November 1, 2024
Central Campus Events
a. Motion approving Fireworks Permit for Saturday, November 2 beginning at 12:00
a.m. for Central Campus Mass Campaniling (pending ISU approval)
15. RESOLUTION NO. 24-535 setting date of public hearing for October 22, 2024, to
consider vacation of the existing ten foot (10') Public Utility Easement located at 3300
University Boulevard, Iowa State University Research Park Phase III, First Addition
16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-536 waiving enforcement of prohibition of motorized vehicles in
Ada Hayden Heritage Park for the Ames Triathlon on June 22, 2025
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-537 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the Ames
City Hall - Interior Updates; setting October 30, 2024 as bid due date and November 12,
2024 as date of public hearing
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-538 awarding a five-year contract to Milsoft Utility Solutions,
Abilene, TX, for Outage Management System and Communications Support for Electric
Services in the amount of $252,686.39
19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-539 approving and awarding contract in the amount of $57,026
to Dewey Ford of Ankeny, IA for one truck chassis to be delivered in February 2025 for
Public Works Utility Maintenance division
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-540 awarding a contract to SystemsWorks, LLC, West Des
Moines, Iowa for Systems Commissioning Services for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic
Center Project in the not-to-exceed amount of $49,480
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-541 approving Amendment #1 to An Intergovernmental 28E
Agreement for Combined Law Enforcement Operations
22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-542 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Shared Use
Path Maintenance (Contract 2) with TK Concrete of Pella, Iowa
23. RESOLUTION NO. 24-543 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Water System
Improvements Program - N Russell Avenue (Lincoln Way - N 2nd Street) with Iowa
Water & Waste Systems of Ames, Iowa
24. RESOLUTION NO. 24-544 approving Change Order No. 2 with JB Holland
Construction Inc. for the Ash Pond Closure and RDF Ash Pond Reconstruction project in
the amount of $108,907
25. RESOLUTION NO. 24-545 approving Change Order No. 2 with All Star Concrete, LLC
of Johnston, Iowa for the 2023/24 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements (Airport Rd. -
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University Blvd. to S. Riverside Dr.) in the amount not to exceed $68,250
26. RESOLUTION NO. 24-546 approving partial completion of public improvements and
reducing financial security on file for Domani Subdivision 1st Addition to $7,200
27. RESOLUTION NO. 24-547 approving partial completion of public improvements and
reducing financial security on file for Domani Subdivision 2nd Addition to $49,556
28. RESOLUTION NO. 24-548 approving partial completion of Stormwater Management
Maintenance requirements and reducing financial security on file for Domani Subdivision
2nd Addition to $13,067.28
29. RESOLUTION NO. 24-549 approving completion of public improvements and releasing
financial security in full for Crane Farm 6th Addition
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Richard Deyo stated his support for public officials to take an oath of office, including
presidential candidates.
Maddy Nasuti discussed the safety of patrons and staff at the Ames Public Library, encouraging
the City Council to have police officers on site, limit operating hours of the facility, and create a
plan to support the homeless population in Ames.
Taylor Burkhead shared his observation of the number of those in attendance and noted that he
hoped to see as many people engaged at the next meeting.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO ALLOW SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE
SINGLE-FAMILY CONSERVATION OVERLAY (O-SFC) ZONING DISTRICT:
Director Diekmann presented the Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) and reviewed the alternatives
identified by staff. Mayor Haila proposed extending the Neighborhood Commercial Zone to
include 702 Clark Avenue and 703 Burnett Avenue as a compromise to Alternative 2 in the staff
report.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
David Thielen, Robert and Laura Martin, Liam Ehrecke, and Dwayne Schrunk spoke in favor of
the ZTA.
Peter Hallock, Denise Denton, David Carter, Debbie Carter, Julie Kruse, Kathy Mou, Shellie
Orngard, Anne Kinzel, Kate Gregory, Keith Kutz, Ethan Marty, and Barbara Budd spoke against
the ZTA.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council Meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:02 p.m.
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Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to extend the Neighborhood Commercial zoning
designation one lot north on Burnett Avenue and extend it west to Clark Avenue so that it
includes 702 Clark Avenue and 703 Burnett Avenue.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Gartin to approve Alternative 2: Approve on first reading the request to allow for
Social Service Providers by approval of Special Use Permit within O-SFC for lots that abut a
commercially zoned lot.
Motion failed due to lack of second.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to table this item with the idea of gathering additional
input from the community, clarified to be the affected neighborhood, and bring back the proposal
of the Mayor with the plusses and deltas of that alternative.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to amend the motion to include information on the
Mayor’s proposal compared to the alternatives presented, as well as conditions for the Special
Use Permit process and data from peer communities on separation and concentration for Social
Services providers as a point of comparison.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A SEWER REVENUE LOAN AND
DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT: Finance Director Corey Goodenow presented the loan
agreement and interest rate.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-550 taking additional
action on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON FY 2022/23 STORY COUNTY EDGE OF FIELD PROJECT: The Public
Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Maddy Nasuti shared his support of green farming practices to support water quality over
management practices downstream.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-551 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Hands On Excavating, LLC of
Radcliffe, Iowa, in the amount of $221,609.07.
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE CHANGES AND STORMWATER
MODELING: Director Diekmann, Planner Amelia Schoeneman, Municipal Engineer
Bryngelson, and RDG Planning and Design Consultant Greg Pierce presented the stormwater
modeling and discussed changes to the ordinance.
Council Member Amber Corrieri left the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Justin Dodge of Hunziker Companies thanked the Mayor, City Council, and staff for their work
on this topic, noting the goal of the developers to find a compromise in the Conservation Overlay
that protects stormwater and still makes housing development projects viable.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to table the item for further consideration at a future
meeting.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
EAST LINCOLN WAY CORRIDOR STUDY (DUFF AVE TO S SKUNK RIVER): Traffic
Engineer Damion Pregitzer and Transportation Planner Kyle Thompson reviewed the scope of
the Professional Services Agreement.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-552 approving
Professional Services Agreement with Strand Associates, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, for East
Lincoln Way Corridor Study (Duff Ave to S Skunk River) in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
CIVIL SERVICE HIRING PRACTICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Human
Resources Director Bethany Ballou and Chief of Police Geoff Huff presented the request for
suspension.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Anne Kinzel highlighted potential issues with interrupting the Civil Service process.
Richard Deyo shared his experiences with officers employed by the Police Department.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to temporarily suspending certain Civil Service
hiring practices for the Police Department.
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Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4541 RELATING TO
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
OVERLAY STANDARDS: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on third
reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4541 relating to Zoning Text Amendment to Planned Unit
Development (PUD) Overlay Standards.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were five items to consider. The first item was from Thomas Lenz regarding bicycle
infrastructure.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request staff respond to the individual and
include a link to the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried.
A request from Lee Kilmer to remove the “No Parking” signs on Coolidge Drive was the second
item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to refer the request to the Traffic Engineer.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried.
The third item was from Betty Gordon providing input on the Mini Pitch. Mayor Haila noted that
this item would be taken under advisement.
A request from Jennifer Pohl regarding single-use plastic bags was the fourth item. Council
Member Beatty-Hansen and Council Member Junck noted that they had already responded to the
individual, highlighting that State Code prohibits the City Council from restricting the use of
single-use plastic bags.
The final item was from Brian Heenan following-up to his previous inquiry regarding ride-share
electric scooters.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to defer this item to the next Regular City
Council meeting.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Mayor and City Council Members noted there were
no meetings to report.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various events
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
11
To:Mayor & City Council
From:City of Ames Purchasing Division
Date:October 18, 2024
Subject:Report of Contract Change Orders
Item No. 3
MEMO
The Report of Change Orders for period October 1-15 2024, is attached for your review
and consideration.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Change Order Report - October 1-15, 2024.docx
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
12
REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
Department
General Description
of Contract
Contract
Change
No.
Original Contract
Amount Contractor/ Vendor
Total of Prior
Change Orders
Amount this
Change Order
Change
Approved By
Purchasing
Contact
(Buyer)
Electric
Services
Repair of Storm Damage to
the 161kV Transmission
Line
3 $100,000.00 Hooper Corporation $297,382.03 $2,547.01 L.Cook JB
$$$
$$$
$$$
$$$
$$$
Period:1st – 15th
16th – End of Month
Month & Year:October 2024
For City Council Date:October 22, 2024
13
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:New Class C Retail Alcohol License - Radisson Hotel Ames, 2609 University
Boulevard
Item No. 4
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving new Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Radisson Hotel Ames, 2609 University Boulevard, Pending Favorable
DIA Inspection.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Radisson - New Alcohol License.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
14
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
KINSETH HOSPITALITY
COMPANY, INC.
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Radisson Hotel Ames
BUSINESS
(319) 499-5128
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
2609 University Boulevard
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
801 East 2nd AvenueIowa River
Landing
CITY
Coralville
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
52241
Contact Person
NAME
Michelle Schultz
PHONE
(319) 499-5128
EMAIL
mschultz@kinseth.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Class C Retail Alcohol License
TERM
12 Month
STATUS
Submitted
to Local
Authority
EFFECTIVE DATE EXPIRATION DATE LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Class C Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES
15
Page 2 of 2
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Corporation
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF OWNERSHIP U.S. CITIZEN
Les Kinseth Clear Lake Iowa 50428 President 25.00 Yes
Bruce Kinseth Coralville Iowa 52241 Vice President 25.00 Yes
Gary Kinseth Mason City Iowa 50401 Secretary 25.00 Yes
Linda Skinner Council Bluffs Iowa 51503 Treasurer 25.00 Yes
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY
Endurance Assurance Corporation
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE
May 17, 2024
POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
May 17, 2025
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
16
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:New Class E Retail Alcohol License - Southgate Ames Iowa, 110 Airport
Road
Item No. 5
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving new Class E Retail
Alcohol License - Southgate Ames Iowa, (110 Airport Road) Pending Favorable DCI
Background Checks and Favorable Inspections.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Southgate Ames Iowa - New Application.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
17
Page 1 of 3
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
JAY GAYATRI LLC
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
SOUTHGATE AMES IOWA
BUSINESS
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
110 AIRPORT RD
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
AMES
COUNTY
STORY
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
1570 S 100TH ST
CITY
WEST DES MOINES
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
502665965
Contact Person
NAME
DIVYESH PATEL
PHONE
2039280725
EMAIL
expresssouthgate@gmail.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Class E Retail Alcohol License
TERM
12 Month
STATUS
Submitted
to Local
Authority
EFFECTIVE DATE EXPIRATION DATE LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Class E Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES
Status of Business
18
Page 2 of 3
BUSINESS TYPE
Limited Liability Company
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF
OWNERSHIP
U.S.
CITIZEN
Krupa Patel WEST DES
MOINES
Iowa 502665965 owner 33.33 Yes
DIPAL PATEL WEST DES
MOINES
Iowa 502665021 owner 33.33 No
Sangitaben
Patel
WEST DES
MOINES
Iowa 502665965 owner 33.34 No
Companies
COMPANY NAME FEDERAL ID CITY STATE ZIP % OF OWNERSHIP
JAY GAYATRI LLC 995060749 WEST DES MOINES Iowa 502665965 0.00
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE 19
Page 3 of 3
20
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:New 5-Day (November 2 - November 6, 2024) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, 1800 Christensen
Drive
Item No. 6
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving new 5-Day (November 2 -
November 6, 2024) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License - Gateway Hotel &
Conference Center, 1800 Christensen Drive, (Pending Dramshop Review).
ATTACHMENT(S):
Gateway - 5-Day License 11.02.2024.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
21
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
FRIENDS OF ISU HOTEL
HOLDINGS, LLC
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Gateway Hotel & Conference
Center
BUSINESS
(515) 268-2209
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
1800 Christensen Drive
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50011
MAILING ADDRESS
2100 Green Hills Drive
CITY
Ames
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
50014
Contact Person
NAME
Beau Wisecup
PHONE
(515) 268-2209
EMAIL
beauw@gatewayames.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
TERM
5 Day
STATUS
Pending
Dramshop
Review
TENTATIVE EFFECTIVE DATE
Nov 2, 2024
TENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE
Nov 6, 2024
LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES
22
Page 2 of 2
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Limited Liability Company
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF OWNERSHIP U.S. CITIZEN
Douglas Drees Waukee Iowa 50263 Owner 1.00 Yes
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY
Westfield Insurance
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
23
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:New 5 - Day (October 28 - November 1, 2024) License - Apres Bar Co.,
2120 Lincoln Way
Item No. 7
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving new 5 - Day (October 28 -
November 1, 2024) License - Apres Bar Co., 2120 Lincoln Way.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Apres Bar Co. - Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
24
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
APRES BAR CO LLC
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Apres Bar Co
BUSINESS
(515) 789-0044
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
2120 Lincoln Way
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50014
MAILING ADDRESS
3610 Holcomb AvenueBeaverdale
CITY
Des Moines
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
50310
Contact Person
NAME
Jillian Harrington
PHONE
(515) 789-0044
EMAIL
admin@apresbarco.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
TERM
5 Day
STATUS
Pending
Dramshop
Review
TENTATIVE EFFECTIVE DATE
Oct 28, 2024
TENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE
Nov 1, 2024
LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
25
Page 2 of 2
PRIVILEGES
Outdoor Service
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Limited Liability Company
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF OWNERSHIP U.S. CITIZEN
Jillian Harrington Des Moines Iowa 50310 Owner 100.00 Yes
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY
Illinois Casualty Co
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
26
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Lieutenant Mike Arkovich, Ames Police Department
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:Liquor License Renewal
Item No. 8
MEMO
A review of police records for the past 12 months found no liquor law violations for
London Underground, (212 Main Street), Class C Retail Alcohol License. Therefore, the
Police Department recommends renewal of this license.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
27
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
Item No. 9
MEMO
To keep City Council informed of the construction status of the Fitch Family Indoor
Aquatic Center, staff will be providing a written update at Council's second meeting of
each month. Additionally, staff, along with representatives from Story Construction and
RDG, will provide an in-person update once per quarter. If anything occurs during the
project that requires Council action, staff will present this in a timely manner.
PROJECT UPDATE:
Story Construction has provided a Project Status Report (attached). It is important to note
that the pump pit and backwash basin that was installed without the vapor barrier has
been removed and reconstructed with the vapor barrier included. Terracon, the City's
testing contractor on this project, inspected the installation of the vapor barrier for
conformance with the contract documents.
Staff is finalizing the Scope of Work for Building Envelope Evaluation and Inspection
Services and will be soliciting quotes from Terracon and SystemsWorks since both firms
are under contract with the City for this project. Terracon is currently performing testing
services and SystemsWorks is contracted for Commissioning services. Both are capable
of performing the building envelope work.
Looking ahead, the precast concrete panels for the natatorium are scheduled to start
arriving on-site in mid-November and will then be installed. One lane of Lincoln Way
will need to be shut down while some panels are being installed and the CyRide bus stop
will need to be relocated for a short time. It will be exciting to see the building being
erected!
CHANGE ORDER SUMMARY:
There have been multiple change orders approved thus far for the project totaling
$224,314 or 1.2% of the construction budget. Also, 30% of the total cost of change
orders thus far are attributed to buried and unknown conditions during site demolition
and utility tie-ins. The contingency for this project is $2.1 million. There is also $1
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
28
million set aside for mitigation of contamination issues which has not been used at this
time. A summary of the change orders and contingency balance are shown below:
Contractor Change
Order #Description Amount Balance
Beginning
Contingency
Balance
$2,100,000
All Star Concrete 1 Precast Enbeds Install Change
Contracts $ 10,010 $2,089,990
Core
Construction 1
IDPH Permit Review, Precast
Panel Joint Mods, Mechanical
Louver Mods, Steel Lintel,
Precast Enbeds Install Change
Contracts
$ 22,065 $2,067,925
Core
Construction 2 Misc. Structural Revisions &
South Elevation Glazing Revised $ 3,979 $2,063,946
Lansink
Construction 1 Wet Room Door Change,
Multipurpose Room Cubbies $ 42,129 $2,021,817
Lansink
Construction 2 Door 115A Change to FRP $ 2,858 $2,018,959
Central States
Roofing 1 IDPH Permit Review, Mechanical
Louver Mods $ 1,647 $2,017,312
Orning Glass
Company 1
MP & Stretching Room Cubby &
Hooks Add $ 0 $2,017,312
Hilsabek Schacht 1 Wet Room Door Change $ 0 $2,017,312
Hilsabek Schacht 2 Door 115A Change to FRP $ 0 $2,017,312
Sande
Construction 1 IDPH Permit Review Updates $ 1,370 $2,015,942
Brockway
Mechanical 1 Hydronic Pumps Flow Update ($ 2,320)$2,018,262
Brockway
Mechanical 2
IDPH Permit Review Updates, 6"
Storm Drain Relocation,
Mechanical Louver Mods, Glycol
Feed Dual Pump
$ 38,702 $1,979,560
Van Maanen
Electric 1 IDPH Permit Review Updates $ 21,953 $1,957,607
Van Maanen
Electric 2 Transformer Relocate $ 14,237 $1,943,370
Con-Struct 1 Water Service Disconnect $ 7,747 $1,935,623
Con-Struct 2 Building Rubble Removal $ 45,419 $1,890,204
Iowa Pipe &
Grading 1
Storm & Existing Water Utility
Conflict & Sanitary Tie in at N.
2nd Ave
$ 14,518 $1,875,686
Totals / Current
Balance $224,314 $1,875,686
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
29
Please note that Story Construction, RDG, and, in some cases, prime contractors will
reject change order requests prior to City staff being involved to make a decision. There
has been one change order thus far that has been rejected by staff.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Story Construction Monthly Project Status Report 2024-10.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
30
Page 1 of 3
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Monthly Project Status Report
October 2024
PROGRESS THIS PAST MONTH:
Concrete rework was completed for the pool pump pit and the pool backwash pit, including the
specified vapor barrier.
A portion of deep buried piping for the three main pool drains was installed in the Natatorium.
Submittals and Requests for Information continued to be processed between the Bid Package
Contractors, Story Construction, and RDG Planning & Design. The submittal process is 80%
complete.
Planning for temporarily enclosing and heating the Natatorium through winter took place.
Story held an Expectations Meeting with the City, RDG and several Bid Package Contractors. This
was a formal introduction to each team member’s roles and responsibilities for interacting with the
Construction Production 2.0 scheduling system housed in the project trailer.
WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT MONTH:
Complete last of concrete foundation work where the foundations tie into the pool surge pit and the
pool backwash pit.
Form and place the concrete pad for the main transformer.
Precast concrete and structural steel erection is scheduled to begin mid-November.
SCHEDULE SUMMARY:
Construction Substantial Completion Date: November 15, 2025
Story Construction spent significant time this month planning and discussing the schedule with
key Bid Package Contractors. We feel that we are on target to meet the project’s substantial
completion date of November 15, 2025.
31
Page 2 of 3
PROJECT PHOTOS:
32
Page 3 of 3
10/7/2024 Repaired Pump Pit Foundation With Vapor Barrier (above)
10/15/2024 Steel Joists and Steel Roof Decking deliveries (above)
33
ITEM #:10
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR SNOW MAGIC
CELEBRATION ON DECEMBER 5, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 24, 2024
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) plans to host its annual Snow Magic Celebration December 5 through
December 24. The event will kick off on December 5 and continue throughout the month with
promotions in Downtown businesses for the rest of the month.
To facilitate this event, AMS has made the following requests for December 5:
A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and a blanket Vending License for the Downtown from
December 1 through December 24 to allow stores to display and sell merchandise and waiver of
Vending License fee ($50 loss to City Clerk’s Office).
Use of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and waiver of fees for electricity (Loss of $10 to the
Electric Fund).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests made by Ames Main Street as indicated above, including the requested
waiver of a Vending License and electricity user fees.
2. Approve the requests as indicated above but require reimbursement for the blanket Vending
Permit ($50) and electricity use ($10).
3. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Snow Magic provides an opportunity to draw residents and visitors to the Downtown and
supports local businesses during the holiday shopping season. It is, therefore, the recommendation
of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2024 Snow Magic Event Application & Letter of Support.pdf
34
Travis Toliver, IOM
Executive Director
travis@amesalliance.com
304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 | 515.233.3472 | DowntownAmes.org
Ames Main Street advances and promotes Downtown Ames as the heart of the Ames community.
October 4, 2024
Mayor and City Councill
City of Ames
515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Mayor Haila and Members of the Ames City Council,
Ames Main Street is planning to hold the annual Snow Magic event from December 1 through
December 31, 2024.
Specific information about the event can be found on the included Special Event Application. We
request a waiver of fees for the Blanket Vendor Permit, use of electricity in Tom Evans Park
during the kick-off event on Thursday, December 5.
By bringing residents to Downtown Ames for attractions such as this, Ames Main Street is able to
fulfill its mission as a Main Street Iowa community and create an economically vibrant downtown
with unique living, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and continued support of Ames Main Street. We
look forward to seeing you shopping in Downtown Ames!
Sincerely,
Travis Toliver
Executive Director
Ames Main Street
35
1
For Office Use Only
Documents Received
Date: ____________________
___ Completed Application
___ Fireworks Application
($25 fee)
___ Insurance Certificate
___ Public Safety & Event
Management Plan
___ Site Plan/Route Map
($25 fee) (Road Race)
___ Vendor List
($50 fee/each)
___ Parking fees
Special Events Meeting
Date ____________________
Time ____________________
Room ___________________
Documents Sent:
___ Alcohol License
ABD ________________
___ Fireworks Permit
___ Road Race Permit
___ TOP
___ Vending Permit
___ Other ________________
Departments Included
___ City Manager: Brian
Phillips and Tasheik Kerr
___ CyRide: Jenny Bethurem
or Rob Holm
___ Electric: Mark Imhoff
___ Fire: Jason Ziph or Rich
Higgins
___ Parks & Rec: Craig
Kaufman or Joshua
Thompson
___ Public Works: Brad Becker
or Dave Cole
___ Police: Tom Shelton or
Mike Arkovich
___ Water: Heidi Petersen
___ Risk Management: Bill
Walton
CAA: Sarah Dvorsky
AMS: Sarah Dvorsky
ISU: Events
Authorization Committee
City Council Meeting
Date _____________________
___ Added to Agenda with CAF
Approved Y N
Reminder Date ____________
SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION
Applications received less than thirty (30) days before the event may not be processed by
the City in time for the event and will automatically be denied. Each application is viewed
as a new event regardless of previous occasions.
Event Name
Location/Address
Region (Select one or more)
Ames Main Street (Downtown)
Campustown District
Iowa State University Property
City Parks
Other (please explain)
Please note that events occurring in the Downtown, Campustown, in City parks, or on ISU property
require prior approvals. A letter of support will be required from CAA if the event occurs in
Campustown or from Ames Main Street if the event occurs in Downtown. Please contact the
appropriate office well in advance:
Downtown - Ames Main Street: (515) 232-2310
Campustown Action Association: (515) 232-2310
ISU - Events Authorization Committee: (515) 294-1437
director@amesdowntown.org
sarahd@ameschamber.com
eventauthorization@iastate.edu
TIMELINE
Detailed Description of Event Activities (written overview of event and what’s going to happen)
Event Ends Date Time M T W R F Sa Su
Teardown
Complete Date Time M T W R F Sa Su
Event Category
Concert/Performance
Farmer/Outdoor Market
Other (please explain)
Athletic/Recreation
Exhibits/Misc.
Festival/Celebration
Parade/Procession/March
Rain Date Rain Location
Yes No
Is this an annual event? If yes, how many years?
Setup
Event Starts
or Kevin Gries
36
2
CONTACTS
State Zip Code
Cell Phone
Cell Phone
Sponsor/Applicant Name
Address
City
Daytime Phone
E-mail
Alternate Contact Name
Daytime Phone
E-mail
ATTENDANCE
Anticipated Daily Attendance
Yes No
Is this event open to the public?
Is your event being held in conjunction with another event (e.g. Farmers' Market, 4th of July, etc.)? If yes, please list:
ORGANIZATION STATUS/PROCEEDS
For-Profit
Bona Fide Tax Exempt
Nonprofit
Yes No
Are patron admission, entry, or participant fees required? If yes, please describe and provide
amounts:
Are vendor or other fees required? If yes, please provide amounts:
Percentage of net proceeds going towards fundraising %
Percentage of net proceeds going towards for-profit entity %
SECURITY
Ames Police Department 24 hour non-emergency phone number: 515-239-5133
Please complete the course at https://www.crowdmanagers.com/training for crowd management training.
Yes No
Have you hired a professional security company to develop and manage your event’s security plan?
If yes, please fill out the following information:
Security Organization
State Zip Phone
Address
City
Email
37
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
Item No. 11
MEMO
Please see that attached memo and report provided by the City Treasurer for your review
and approval.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Quarterly Investment Reprt September 2024.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
38
Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service
515.239.5119 main
515.239-5320 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
City Treasurer
MEMO
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Roger Wisecup, CPA
City Treasurer
Date: October 9, 2024
Subject: Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to present a report summarizing the performance of
the City of Ames investment portfolio for the quarter ending September 30, 2024.
Discussion
This report covers the period ending September 30, 2024, and presents a summary of
the investments on hand at the end of September 2024. The investments are valued at
amortized cost; this reflects the same basis that the assets are carried on the financial
records of the City. All investments are in compliance with the current Investment Policy.
Comments
The Federal Reserve lowered the federal fund rate at From 5.25-5.50 percent to 4.75-
5.00 percent in the last quarter. The yield curve is currently inverted, making shorter
maturities pay higher interest rates than longer maturities. Future investments will be
made at current interest rates and future interest income will decrease. We will continue
to evaluate our current investment strategy, remaining flexible to future investments while
the Federal Reserve evaluates the target rate.
39
BOOK MARKET UN-REALIZED
DESCRIPTION VALUE VALUE GAIN/(LOSS)
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT 0
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNTS 1,979,140 1,978,892 (248)
FEDERAL AGENCY SECURITIES 119,985,290 120,030,151 44,861
COMMERCIAL PAPER 21,856,367 21,788,326 (68,042)
MISC COUPON SECURITIES 0
PASS THRU SECURITIES PAC/CMO 4,862,241 5,092,926 230,685
MONEY FUND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS 305,215 305,215 0
PASSBOOK/CHECKING ACCOUNTS 0
US TREASURY DISCOUNTS 10,867,523 10,869,798 2,275
US TREASURY SECURITIES 68,513,770 68,147,140 (366,631)
INVESTMENTS 228,369,546 228,212,446 (157,100)
CASH ACCOUNTS 33,561,421 33,561,421
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE 261,930,967 261,773,867 (157,100)
ACCRUAL BASIS INVESTMENT EARNINGS YR-TO-DATE
GROSS EARNINGS ON INVESTMENTS:2,111,043
INTEREST EARNED ON CASH:465,625
TOTAL INTEREST EARNED:2,576,668
AND THE ACCUMULATED YEAR-TO-DATE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
CASH AND INVESTMENTS SUMMARY
AND SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT EARNINGS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
40
41
YTM
365
Page 1
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Money Market
0.300First Interstate Bank4531558874 305,214.80 305,214.80 0.300305,214.80 0.296SYS4531558874B 1
305,214.80 0.296305,214.80305,214.80305,031.25Subtotal and Average 0.300 1
Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing
5.460AlingHi Funding1163-24 2,000,000.00 1,994,003.33 10/22/20245.14003/05/2024 1,933,980.00 5.38501626FKN7 21
5.517Credit Agricole1169-24 3,000,000.00 2,993,921.67 10/15/20245.21004/12/2024 2,993,910.00 5.44222533TKF2 14
4.267Credit Agricole1207-24A 2,700,000.00 2,619,202.50 06/24/20254.05009/30/2024 2,612,088.00 4.20922533TTQ9 266
4.267Credit Agricole1207-24B 2,000,000.00 1,940,150.00 06/24/20254.05009/30/2024 1,934,880.00 4.20922533TTQ9 266
5.129GTA Financial1187-24 1,500,000.00 1,479,375.00 01/09/20254.95008/05/2024 1,480,215.00 5.05940060WN99 100
5.563KOOKNY1170-24 1,500,000.00 1,494,093.75 10/28/20245.25004/15/2024 1,494,330.00 5.48750050EKU6 27
5.201Misubishi Union Financial of J1155-24A 1,500,000.00 1,494,487.50 10/28/20244.90002/02/2024 1,494,376.50 5.13062479LKU8 27
5.201Misubishi Union Financial of J1155-24B 1,000,000.00 996,325.00 10/28/20244.90002/02/2024 996,251.00 5.13062479LKU8 27
4.540Misubishi Union Financial of J1202-24 3,000,000.00 2,936,490.00 03/24/20254.38009/25/2024 2,936,490.00 4.47862479LQQ1 174
5.142Natixis1188-24A 1,000,000.00 981,043.33 02/19/20254.84008/05/2024 982,440.00 5.07263873JPK0 141
5.142Natixis1188-24B 1,500,000.00 1,471,565.00 02/19/20254.84008/05/2024 1,473,660.00 5.07263873JPK0 141
4.333Toyota1201-24 1,500,000.00 1,455,710.00 06/16/20254.12009/25/2024 1,455,705.00 4.27389232LTG1 258
21,856,367.08 4.87221,788,325.5022,200,000.0017,204,898.14Subtotal and Average 4.940 127
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
0.600Farmer Mac0962-20 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11/20/20250.60011/20/2020 959,176.60 0.59231422B3F5 415
5.094Farmer Mac1118-23A 1,500,000.00 1,496,995.46 08/14/20254.85008/23/2023 1,507,203.30 5.02531422X5Y4 317
5.094Farmer Mac1118-23B 1,000,000.00 997,996.98 08/14/20254.85008/23/2023 1,004,802.20 5.02531422X5Y4 317
4.701Farmer Mac1160-24A 1,500,000.00 1,422,799.88 01/15/20260.48002/20/2024 1,433,667.75 4.63631422B6K1 471
4.701Farmer Mac1160-24B 1,000,000.00 948,533.26 01/15/20260.48002/20/2024 955,778.50 4.63631422B6K1 471
0.341Federal Farm Credit0977-21A 1,000,000.00 999,953.76 11/12/20240.30003/02/2021 994,758.90 0.3363133EMQQ8 42
0.341Federal Farm Credit0977-21B 1,500,000.00 1,499,930.64 11/12/20240.30003/02/2021 1,492,138.35 0.3363133EMQQ8 42
3.232Federal Farm Credit1045-22A 1,500,000.00 1,493,000.00 11/25/20252.80006/13/2022 1,480,632.45 3.1883133ENXQ8 420
3.232Federal Farm Credit1045-22B 1,000,000.00 995,333.33 11/25/20252.80006/13/2022 987,088.30 3.1883133ENXQ8 420
4.710Federal Farm Credit1069-22 2,500,000.00 2,347,512.28 05/27/20260.66010/14/2022 2,372,317.75 4.6463133EMHH8 603
5.401Federal Farm Credit1135-23 3,091,000.00 3,091,460.88 11/25/20245.50010/13/2023 3,093,890.39 5.3273133EPWP6 55
4.675Federal Farm Credit1179-24 1,000,000.00 853,784.00 06/01/20291.12505/31/2024 887,009.90 4.6113133EMHZ8 1,704
4.540Federal Farm Credit1184-24A 1,500,000.00 1,429,948.73 03/15/20272.50007/10/2024 1,423,530.00 4.4783133ENRK8 895
4.540Federal Farm Credit1184-24B 1,000,000.00 953,299.15 03/15/20272.50007/10/2024 949,020.00 4.4783133ENRK8 895
3.606Federal Farm Credit1199-24A 1,500,000.00 1,547,064.94 07/30/20265.00009/20/2024 1,543,551.22 3.5563133EPZY4 667
3.606Federal Farm Credit1199-24B 1,000,000.00 1,031,376.62 07/30/20265.00009/20/2024 1,029,034.14 3.5563133EPZY4 667
3.431Federal Farm Credit1212-24 1,000,000.00 1,022,117.28 04/13/20263.75009/30/2024 1,022,117.28 3.3843133EPFT7 559
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.11
Report Ver. 7.3.11 42
YTM
365
Page 2
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
0.581Federal Home Loan Bank0975-21 1,000,000.00 999,032.87 02/17/20260.65002/22/2021 954,671.70 0.5733130AL4V3 504
0.841Federal Home Loan Bank0978-21 1,000,000.00 996,531.71 02/11/20260.58003/15/2021 954,196.80 0.8293130AKXB7 498
1.116Federal Home Loan Bank0980-21 2,650,000.00 2,649,104.45 04/14/20261.50004/14/2021 2,552,499.61 1.1013130ALVT8 560
0.600Federal Home Loan Bank0994-21 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 05/28/20250.60009/03/2021 1,950,608.60 0.5923130ANKM1 239
3.210Federal Home Loan Bank1056-22 1,810,000.00 1,803,037.59 11/27/20240.62508/05/2022 1,798,289.12 3.1663130AMNR9 57
3.210Federal Home Loan Bank1057-22A 1,500,000.00 1,491,438.62 01/13/20251.10008/05/2022 1,484,629.35 3.1663130AQGT4 104
3.210Federal Home Loan Bank1057-22B 1,000,000.00 994,292.41 01/13/20251.10008/05/2022 989,752.90 3.1663130AQGT4 104
3.746Federal Home Loan Bank1060-22 1,500,000.00 1,495,218.39 06/06/20253.25009/13/2022 1,488,052.05 3.6943130AS6N4 248
4.148Federal Home Loan Bank1061-22 1,500,000.00 1,499,769.72 08/28/20254.13009/13/2022 1,496,188.35 4.0913130ASZD4 331
4.000Federal Home Loan Bank1062-22 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 09/29/20254.00009/29/2022 1,497,383.70 3.9453130AT7A9 363
3.660Federal Home Loan Bank1064-22 1,500,000.00 1,497,397.72 12/13/20242.75009/14/2022 1,494,172.80 3.6103130A3GE8 73
4.600Federal Home Loan Bank1085-22 1,000,000.00 996,505.10 12/13/20242.75011/30/2022 996,115.20 4.5373130A3GE8 73
5.063Federal Home Loan Bank1093-23A 1,500,000.00 1,500,678.05 07/28/20255.12503/27/2023 1,500,255.15 4.9943130AUNY6 300
5.063Federal Home Loan Bank1093-23B 1,000,000.00 1,000,452.03 07/28/20255.12503/27/2023 1,000,170.10 4.9943130AUNY6 300
2.997Federal Home Loan Bank1107-23 1,000,000.00 1,000,834.06 03/14/20254.62504/20/2023 1,000,480.40 2.9563130AUZC1 164
5.070Federal Home Loan Bank1119-23 1,000,000.00 999,724.26 02/28/20255.00009/06/2023 1,001,761.10 5.0013130AV7L0 150
5.050Federal Home Loan Bank1120-23A 1,500,000.00 1,465,265.03 04/14/20250.50009/08/2023 1,469,080.50 4.9813130AJHU6 195
5.050Federal Home Loan Bank1120-23B 1,000,000.00 976,843.35 04/14/20250.50009/08/2023 979,387.00 4.9813130AJHU6 195
5.029Federal Home Loan Bank1121-23A 1,000,000.00 992,343.11 07/14/20254.00009/15/2023 997,280.80 4.9603130ASGW3 286
5.029Federal Home Loan Bank1121-23B 1,000,000.00 992,343.11 07/14/20254.00009/15/2023 997,280.80 4.9603130ASGW3 286
5.194Federal Home Loan Bank1143-23 2,000,000.00 1,944,179.09 06/30/20251.25011/09/2023 1,954,404.80 5.1233130AQ5S8 272
5.111Federal Home Loan Bank1154-24 1,000,000.00 999,945.45 02/21/20255.10001/26/2024 1,000,210.80 5.0413130AUTM6 143
4.532Federal Home Loan Bank1156-24 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 09/08/20254.53002/05/2024 2,008,234.00 4.4703130AYTS5 342
4.591Federal Home Loan Bank1157-24 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 08/01/20254.59002/08/2024 2,006,751.20 4.5283130AYVK9 304
5.060Federal Home Loan Bank1159-24 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 02/13/20265.06002/16/2024 1,501,352.40 4.9913130AYZV1 500
4.770Federal Home Loan Bank1161-24 1,250,000.00 1,199,428.33 12/30/20250.75002/26/2024 1,212,883.13 4.7053130AKLS3 455
4.770Federal Home Loan Bank1162-24 900,000.00 866,838.24 12/30/20251.50002/26/2024 874,943.91 4.7053130AQFB4 455
5.040Federal Home Loan Bank1166-24A 1,500,000.00 1,499,571.71 03/13/20265.02003/20/2024 1,502,313.00 4.9713130B0GG8 528
5.040Federal Home Loan Bank1166-24B 1,000,000.00 999,714.47 03/13/20265.02003/20/2024 1,001,542.00 4.9713130B0GG8 528
4.891Federal Home Loan Bank1175-24 4,000,000.00 3,913,104.37 05/26/20274.00004/15/2024 3,987,814.80 4.8243130ARYA3 967
5.394Federal Home Loan Bank1176-24 4,000,000.00 3,992,338.15 04/10/20285.31004/15/2024 4,016,874.40 5.3203130B0PY9 1,287
2.496Federal Home Loan Bank1178-24 600,000.00 570,859.93 05/26/20262.00004/19/2024 581,872.38 2.4613130AMFN7 602
4.750Federal Home Loan Bank1181-24 1,500,000.00 1,402,568.70 08/13/20261.05006/21/2024 1,425,614.70 4.6853130ANGM6 681
4.741Federal Home Loan Bank1182-24 1,000,000.00 964,565.10 03/30/20262.25007/10/2024 974,752.00 4.6763130ARCU3 545
4.550Federal Home Loan Bank1183-24A 1,500,000.00 1,380,660.17 02/26/20271.00007/10/2024 1,404,816.90 4.4883130ALDA9 878
4.550Federal Home Loan Bank1183-24B 1,000,000.00 920,440.12 02/26/20271.00007/10/2024 936,544.60 4.4883130ALDA9 878
Portfolio 2025
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Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.11
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YTM
365
Page 3
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
4.510Federal Home Loan Bank1185-24A 1,410,000.00 1,294,882.13 03/30/20271.00007/10/2024 1,317,710.00 4.4493130ANZB9 910
4.510Federal Home Loan Bank1185-24B 1,000,000.00 918,356.12 03/30/20271.00007/10/2024 934,546.10 4.4493130ANZB9 910
4.560Federal Home Loan Bank1186-24A 1,500,000.00 1,422,352.17 02/24/20260.68007/31/2024 1,431,846.00 4.4983130ALCB8 511
4.560Federal Home Loan Bank1186-24B 1,000,000.00 948,234.78 02/24/20260.68007/31/2024 954,564.00 4.4983130ALCB8 511
3.670Federal Home Loan Bank1190-24A 1,500,000.00 1,437,297.22 10/28/20261.31009/13/2024 1,434,657.00 3.6203130APL29 757
3.670Federal Home Loan Bank1190-24B 1,000,000.00 958,198.15 10/28/20261.31009/13/2024 956,438.00 3.6203130APL29 757
3.690Federal Home Loan Bank1191-24 500,000.00 479,729.74 11/27/20261.50009/13/2024 479,208.33 3.6393130APXV2 787
3.530Federal Home Loan Bank1195-24 1,335,000.00 1,284,147.91 01/27/20271.70009/17/2024 1,276,585.62 3.4823130AQM26 848
3.530Federal Home Loan Bank1196-24 1,250,000.00 1,207,897.26 02/25/20272.00009/17/2024 1,201,919.78 3.4823130AQRQ8 877
4.376Federal Home Loan Bank1204-24 4,000,000.00 4,000,000.00 09/12/20254.55009/25/2024 4,000,000.00 4.3163130B2W43 346
4.597Federal Home Loan Bank1205-24 2,830,000.00 2,833,236.08 06/13/20254.62509/25/2024 2,833,252.53 4.5343130B2RY3 255
3.701Federal Home Loan Bank1211-24 1,000,000.00 1,022,728.59 12/12/20254.50009/30/2024 1,019,844.50 3.6503130ATUC9 437
3.360Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1050-22 1,500,000.00 1,498,829.64 12/23/20243.00006/23/2022 1,493,672.25 3.3143134GXVF8 83
5.000Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1083-22 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11/27/20245.00011/30/2022 1,000,100.00 4.9323134GY5C2 57
4.429Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1100-23 1,500,000.00 1,496,865.84 01/27/20253.75004/13/2023 1,494,873.75 4.3683134GXH98 118
4.927Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1106-23A 1,500,000.00 1,501,148.64 02/14/20255.15004/14/2023 1,501,891.95 4.8593134GYJ29 136
4.927Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1106-23B 1,000,000.00 1,000,765.76 02/14/20255.15004/14/2023 1,001,261.30 4.8593134GYJ29 136
5.305Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1165-24 1,423,000.00 1,422,849.25 01/27/20265.30003/13/2024 1,423,310.50 5.2323134GYEA6 483
3.675Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1200-24A 3,000,000.00 2,992,268.16 12/15/20263.55009/24/2024 2,982,336.90 3.6243134HANA7 805
3.675Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1200-24B 2,000,000.00 1,994,845.44 12/15/20263.55009/24/2024 1,988,224.60 3.6243134HANA7 805
3.715Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1063-22 1,500,000.00 1,498,845.06 10/15/20241.62509/14/2022 1,498,187.10 3.6643135G0W66 14
4.723Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1074-22 1,000,000.00 998,868.33 10/15/20241.62511/09/2022 998,791.40 4.6583135G0W66 14
4.938Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1174-24 3,850,000.00 3,596,025.79 05/28/20260.70004/15/2024 3,643,328.15 4.8713135GA4Q1 604
4.200Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1197-24 4,700,000.00 4,585,461.08 06/17/20250.50009/19/2024 4,583,056.85 4.1433135G04Z3 259
4.117Tennessee Valley Authority1198-24A 1,500,000.00 1,473,194.42 05/15/20250.75009/20/2024 1,470,987.55 4.061880591EW8 226
4.117Tennessee Valley Authority1198-24B 1,000,000.00 982,129.62 05/15/20250.75009/20/2024 980,658.37 4.061880591EW8 226
119,985,289.78 4.053120,030,150.61122,099,000.00116,598,813.14Subtotal and Average 4.109 460
Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing
4.644Federal Home Loan Bank1208-24 2,000,000.00 1,979,140.00 12/24/20244.47009/30/2024 1,978,891.67 4.580313384U56 84
1,979,140.00 4.5801,978,891.672,000,000.001,796,247.26Subtotal and Average 4.644 84
Treasury Coupon Securities
0.663U.S. Treasury0983-21 6,000,000.00 5,983,816.15 05/31/20250.25004/15/2021 5,845,781.40 0.654912828ZT0 242
0.515U.S. Treasury0988-21 4,000,000.00 3,993,057.10 05/31/20250.25006/11/2021 3,897,187.60 0.508912828ZT0 242
0.785U.S. Treasury1011-21 4,000,000.00 3,986,034.51 05/31/20250.25010/15/2021 3,897,187.60 0.775912828ZT0 242
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.11
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YTM
365
Page 4
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Treasury Coupon Securities
1.005U.S. Treasury1012-21 3,500,000.00 3,485,554.44 05/31/20260.75010/15/2021 3,334,132.90 0.99191282CCF6 607
2.641U.S. Treasury1032-22 9,000,000.00 8,733,676.49 05/31/20260.75004/14/2022 8,573,484.60 2.60591282CCF6 607
2.756U.S. Treasury1037-22 4,500,000.00 4,249,515.95 05/31/20270.50004/18/2022 4,149,703.35 2.719912828ZS2 972
4.320U.S. Treasury1070-22 5,000,000.00 4,771,118.95 05/15/20272.37510/14/2022 4,847,773.50 4.260912828X88 956
4.301U.S. Treasury1071-22 1,000,000.00 909,126.63 05/31/20270.50010/14/2022 922,156.30 4.242912828ZS2 972
5.251U.S. Treasury1122-23 1,000,000.00 987,693.37 01/31/20251.37509/27/2023 989,453.10 5.179912828Z52 122
5.091U.S. Treasury1123-23 1,000,000.00 958,373.35 08/31/20250.25009/27/2023 966,171.90 5.02191282CAJ0 334
5.150U.S. Treasury1124-23A 1,500,000.00 1,481,266.47 04/30/20252.87509/28/2023 1,487,660.10 5.0809128284M9 211
5.150U.S. Treasury1124-23B 1,000,000.00 987,510.98 04/30/20252.87509/28/2023 991,773.40 5.0809128284M9 211
5.080U.S. Treasury1125-23 500,000.00 492,271.56 07/15/20253.00009/28/2023 496,054.70 5.01191282CEY3 287
5.160U.S. Treasury1128-23 1,000,000.00 984,778.97 06/15/20252.87510/04/2023 991,046.90 5.09091282CEU1 257
5.060U.S. Treasury1129-23 1,500,000.00 1,488,154.97 10/15/20254.25010/04/2023 1,504,136.70 4.99191282CFP1 379
5.050U.S. Treasury1130-23 1,500,000.00 1,427,008.38 10/31/20250.25010/04/2023 1,442,003.85 4.98191282CAT8 395
5.020U.S. Treasury1131-23A 1,500,000.00 1,491,754.86 11/15/20254.50010/05/2023 1,509,527.40 4.95291282CFW6 410
5.020U.S. Treasury1131-23B 1,000,000.00 994,503.24 11/15/20254.50010/05/2023 1,006,351.60 4.95291282CFW6 410
4.725U.S. Treasury1158-24A 1,500,000.00 1,493,886.32 03/31/20253.87502/12/2024 1,496,132.85 4.66091282CGU9 181
4.725U.S. Treasury1158-24B 1,000,000.00 995,924.21 03/31/20253.87502/12/2024 997,421.90 4.66091282CGU9 181
4.645U.S. Treasury1164-24A 1,500,000.00 1,492,931.31 12/31/20254.25003/13/2024 1,506,796.95 4.58191282CJS1 456
4.645U.S. Treasury1164-24B 1,000,000.00 995,287.54 12/31/20254.25003/13/2024 1,004,531.30 4.58191282CJS1 456
5.106U.S. Treasury1172-24 4,000,000.00 3,978,103.71 05/31/20254.25004/15/2024 4,000,750.00 5.03691282CHD6 242
4.988U.S. Treasury1173-24 1,500,000.00 1,483,024.17 12/15/20254.00004/15/2024 1,502,425.80 4.91991282CGA3 440
4.609U.S. Treasury1177-24 4,000,000.00 3,556,349.12 05/31/20281.25004/15/2024 3,681,656.40 4.54691282CCE9 1,338
3.686U.S. Treasury1192-24A 1,500,000.00 1,554,689.11 04/30/20264.87509/16/2024 1,553,284.68 3.63691282CKK6 576
3.686U.S. Treasury1192-24B 1,000,000.00 1,036,459.41 04/30/20264.87509/16/2024 1,035,523.12 3.63691282CKK6 576
3.779U.S. Treasury1193-24 1,000,000.00 956,709.87 01/31/20260.37509/16/2024 956,025.84 3.72891282CBH3 487
3.708U.S. Treasury1194-24 1,500,000.00 1,517,108.13 03/31/20264.50009/16/2024 1,515,773.40 3.65791282CKH3 546
3.782U.S. Treasury1203-24 2,000,000.00 2,048,080.81 11/15/20254.50009/25/2024 2,045,230.37 3.73091282CFW6 410
68,513,770.08 3.21768,147,139.5170,000,000.0066,995,874.36Subtotal and Average 3.262 518
Treasury Discounts -Amortizing
5.181U.S. Treasury1171-24A 1,500,000.00 1,482,441.67 12/26/20244.90004/15/2024 1,483,846.80 5.110912796ZV4 86
5.181U.S. Treasury1171-24B 1,000,000.00 988,294.45 12/26/20244.90004/15/2024 989,231.20 5.110912796ZV4 86
4.931U.S. Treasury1189-24 3,000,000.00 2,971,590.00 12/12/20244.73509/05/2024 2,973,119.70 4.863912797LP0 72
4.589U.S. Treasury1206-24 3,000,000.00 2,966,550.46 12/31/20244.41109/25/2024 2,965,786.50 4.526912797MR5 91
4.601U.S. Treasury1209-24 1,000,000.00 989,422.00 12/26/20244.42809/30/2024 989,231.20 4.538912796ZV4 86
4.380U.S. Treasury1210-24 1,500,000.00 1,469,224.13 03/27/20254.17309/30/2024 1,468,582.20 4.320912797MU8 177
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.11
45
YTM
365
Page 5
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
10,867,522.71 4.72410,869,797.6011,000,000.005,711,986.60Subtotal and Average 4.790 96
Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO
6.003Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1137-23A 1,493,218.78 1,434,983.25 07/25/20284.50010/31/2023 1,516,988.43 5.9203136BQCS6 1,393
6.003Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1137-23B 995,479.19 956,655.50 07/25/20284.50010/31/2023 1,011,325.63 5.9203136BQCS6 1,393
4.323Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1180-24 2,574,196.05 2,470,602.30 04/01/20293.00005/31/2024 2,564,612.06 4.2633140XP6F1 1,643
4,862,241.05 5.0785,092,926.125,062,894.024,948,881.74Subtotal and Average 5.149 1,520
3.934213,561,732.49 232,667,108.82 3.989 447228,212,445.81 228,369,545.50Total and Average
Portfolio 2025
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YTM
365
Page 6
Par Value Book Value
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2024
Portfolio Details - Cash
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2024-2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
0.00
3.934213,561,732.49 232,667,108.82 3.989 447
0Average Balance
228,212,445.81 228,369,545.50Total Cash and Investments
Portfolio 2025
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Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.11
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Page 1
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2024
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2024-2025
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Money Market
FIB4531558874 305,214.80 305,214.800.300SYS4531558874B 03/01 - Monthly 305,214.800.3000.296
305,214.80Money Market Totals 305,214.800.000.296305,214.80 0.300
Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing
ALIFDG1163-24 2,000,000.00 1,994,003.335.140 10/22/202401626FKN7 10/22 - At Maturity03/05/2024 1,934,036.675.4605.385
CACPNY1169-24 3,000,000.00 2,993,921.675.210 10/15/202422533TKF2 10/15 - At Maturity04/12/2024 2,919,245.015.5175.442
CACPNY1207-24A 2,700,000.00 2,619,202.504.050 06/24/202522533TTQ9 06/24 - At Maturity09/30/2024 2,618,898.754.2674.209
CACPNY1207-24B 2,000,000.00 1,940,150.004.050 06/24/202522533TTQ9 06/24 - At Maturity09/30/2024 1,939,925.004.2674.209
GTAFDG1187-24 1,500,000.00 1,479,375.004.950 01/09/202540060WN99 01/09 - At Maturity08/05/2024 1,467,618.755.1295.059
KOOKNY1170-24 1,500,000.00 1,494,093.755.250 10/28/202450050EKU6 10/28 - At Maturity04/15/2024 1,457,125.005.5635.487
MUFGBK1155-24A 1,500,000.00 1,494,487.504.900 10/28/202462479LKU8 10/28 - At Maturity02/02/2024 1,445,079.175.2015.130
MUFGBK1155-24B 1,000,000.00 996,325.004.900 10/28/202462479LKU8 10/28 - At Maturity02/02/2024 963,386.115.2015.130
MUFGBK1202-24 3,000,000.00 2,936,490.004.380 03/24/202562479LQQ1 03/24 - At Maturity09/25/2024 2,934,300.004.5404.478
NATX1188-24A 1,000,000.00 981,043.334.840 02/19/202563873JPK0 02/19 - At Maturity08/05/2024 973,380.005.1425.072
NATX1188-24B 1,500,000.00 1,471,565.004.840 02/19/202563873JPK0 02/19 - At Maturity08/05/2024 1,460,070.005.1425.072
TOYOTA1201-24 1,500,000.00 1,455,710.004.120 06/16/202589232LTG1 06/16 - At Maturity09/25/2024 1,454,680.004.3334.273
21,856,367.08Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing Totals 21,567,744.460.004.87222,200,000.00 4.940
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FAMCA0962-20 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.000.600 11/20/202531422B3F5 05/20 - 11/2011/20/2020 1,000,000.000.6000.592
FAMCA1118-23A 1,500,000.00 1,496,995.464.850 08/14/202531422X5Y4 02/14 - 08/14 Received08/23/2023 1,493,175.005.0945.025
FAMCA1118-23B 1,000,000.00 997,996.984.850 08/14/202531422X5Y4 02/14 - 08/14 Received08/23/2023 995,450.005.0945.025
FAMCA1160-24A 1,500,000.00 1,422,799.880.480 01/15/202631422B6K1 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/20/2024 1,386,030.004.7014.636
FAMCA1160-24B 1,000,000.00 948,533.260.480 01/15/202631422B6K1 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/20/2024 924,020.004.7014.636
FFCB0977-21A 1,000,000.00 999,953.760.300 11/12/20243133EMQQ8 05/12 - 11/12 Received03/02/2021 998,500.000.3410.336
FFCB0977-21B 1,500,000.00 1,499,930.640.300 11/12/20243133EMQQ8 05/12 - 11/12 Received03/02/2021 1,497,750.000.3410.336
FFCB1045-22A 1,500,000.00 1,493,000.002.800 11/25/20253133ENXQ8 11/25 - 05/25 Received06/13/2022 1,479,000.003.2323.188
FFCB1045-22B 1,000,000.00 995,333.332.800 11/25/20253133ENXQ8 11/25 - 05/25 Received06/13/2022 986,000.003.2323.188
FFCB1069-22 2,500,000.00 2,347,512.280.660 05/27/20263133EMHH8 11/27 - 05/27 Received10/14/2022 2,166,625.004.7104.646
FFCB1135-23 3,091,000.00 3,091,460.885.500 11/25/20243133EPWP6 11/25 - 05/25 Received10/13/2023 3,094,431.015.4015.327
FFCB1179-24 1,000,000.00 853,784.001.125 06/01/20293133EMHZ8 06/01 - 12/01 Received05/31/2024 843,340.004.6754.611
FFCB1184-24A 1,500,000.00 1,429,948.732.500 03/15/20273133ENRK8 09/15 - 03/15 Received07/10/2024 1,423,530.004.5404.478
FFCB1184-24B 1,000,000.00 953,299.152.500 03/15/20273133ENRK8 09/15 - 03/15 Received07/10/2024 949,020.004.5404.478
FFCB1199-24A 1,500,000.00 1,547,064.945.000 07/30/20263133EPZY4 01/30 - 07/30 10,416.6709/20/2024 1,537,260.003.6063.556
FFCB1199-24B 1,000,000.00 1,031,376.625.000 07/30/20263133EPZY4 01/30 - 07/30 6,944.4409/20/2024 1,024,840.003.6063.556
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.11
Report Ver. 7.3.11 48
Page 2
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2024
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2024-2025
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FFCB1212-24 1,000,000.00 1,022,117.283.750 04/13/20263133EPFT7 10/13 - 04/13 17,395.8309/30/2024 1,004,730.003.4313.384
FHLB0975-21 1,000,000.00 999,032.870.650 02/17/20263130AL4V3 08/17 - 02/17 Received02/22/2021 996,500.000.5810.573
FHLB0978-21 1,000,000.00 996,531.710.580 02/11/20263130AKXB7 08/11 - 02/11 Received03/15/2021 987,500.000.8410.829
FHLB0980-21 2,650,000.00 2,649,104.451.500 04/14/20263130ALVT8 10/14 - 04/1404/14/2021 2,647,085.001.1161.101
FHLB0994-21 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.000.600 05/28/20253130ANKM1 02/28 - 08/28 Received09/03/2021 2,000,000.000.6000.592
FHLB1056-22 1,810,000.00 1,803,037.590.625 11/27/20243130AMNR9 11/28 - 05/28 Received08/05/2022 1,706,558.503.2103.166
FHLB1057-22A 1,500,000.00 1,491,438.621.100 01/13/20253130AQGT4 01/13 - 07/13 Received08/05/2022 1,426,305.013.2103.166
FHLB1057-22B 1,000,000.00 994,292.411.100 01/13/20253130AQGT4 01/13 - 07/13 Received08/05/2022 950,870.003.2103.166
FHLB1060-22 1,500,000.00 1,495,218.393.250 06/06/20253130AS6N4 12/06 - 06/06 Received09/13/2022 1,480,815.003.7463.694
FHLB1061-22 1,500,000.00 1,499,769.724.130 08/28/20253130ASZD4 02/28 - 08/28 Received09/13/2022 1,499,250.004.1484.091
FHLB1062-22 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.004.000 09/29/20253130AT7A9 03/29 - 09/2909/29/2022 1,500,000.004.0003.945
FHLB1064-22 1,500,000.00 1,497,397.722.750 12/13/20243130A3GE8 12/13 - 06/13 Received09/14/2022 1,470,760.503.6603.610
FHLB1085-22 1,000,000.00 996,505.102.750 12/13/20243130A3GE8 12/13 - 06/13 Received11/30/2022 964,420.004.6004.537
FHLB1093-23A 1,500,000.00 1,500,678.055.125 07/28/20253130AUNY6 07/28 - 01/28 Received03/27/2023 1,501,920.005.0634.994
FHLB1093-23B 1,000,000.00 1,000,452.035.125 07/28/20253130AUNY6 07/28 - 01/28 Received03/27/2023 1,001,280.005.0634.994
FHLB1107-23 1,000,000.00 1,000,834.064.625 03/14/20253130AUZC1 09/14 - 03/14 Received04/20/2023 1,003,500.002.9972.956
FHLB1119-23 1,000,000.00 999,724.265.000 02/28/20253130AV7L0 02/28 - 08/28 Received09/06/2023 999,002.095.0705.001
FHLB1120-23A 1,500,000.00 1,465,265.030.500 04/14/20253130AJHU6 10/14 - 04/14 Received09/08/2023 1,396,335.005.0504.981
FHLB1120-23B 1,000,000.00 976,843.350.500 04/14/20253130AJHU6 10/14 - 04/14 Received09/08/2023 930,890.005.0504.981
FHLB1121-23A 1,000,000.00 992,343.114.000 07/14/20253130ASGW3 01/14 - 07/14 Received09/15/2023 982,170.005.0294.960
FHLB1121-23B 1,000,000.00 992,343.114.000 07/14/20253130ASGW3 01/14 - 07/14 Received09/15/2023 982,170.005.0294.960
FHLB1143-23 2,000,000.00 1,944,179.091.250 06/30/20253130AQ5S8 12/30 - 06/30 Received11/09/2023 1,877,360.005.1945.123
FHLB1154-24 1,000,000.00 999,945.455.100 02/21/20253130AUTM6 02/21 - 08/21 Received01/26/2024 999,850.005.1115.041
FHLB1156-24 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.004.530 09/08/20253130AYTS5 03/08 - 09/0802/05/2024 2,000,000.004.5324.470
FHLB1157-24 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.004.590 08/01/20253130AYVK9 08/01 - 02/0102/08/2024 2,000,000.004.5914.528
FHLB1159-24 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.005.060 02/13/20263130AYZV1 08/13 - 02/1302/16/2024 1,500,000.005.0604.991
FHLB1161-24 1,250,000.00 1,199,428.330.750 12/30/20253130AKLS3 06/30 - 12/30 Received02/26/2024 1,175,212.504.7704.705
FHLB1162-24 900,000.00 866,838.241.500 12/30/20253130AQFB4 06/30 - 12/30 Received02/26/2024 850,959.004.7704.705
FHLB1166-24A 1,500,000.00 1,499,571.715.020 03/13/20263130B0GG8 09/13 - 03/13 Received03/20/2024 1,499,415.005.0404.971
FHLB1166-24B 1,000,000.00 999,714.475.020 03/13/20263130B0GG8 09/13 - 03/13 Received03/20/2024 999,610.005.0404.971
FHLB1175-24 4,000,000.00 3,913,104.374.000 05/26/20273130ARYA3 05/26 - 11/26 Received04/15/2024 3,898,000.004.8914.824
FHLB1176-24 4,000,000.00 3,992,338.155.310 04/10/20283130B0PY9 10/10 - 04/10 2,950.0004/15/2024 3,988,000.005.3945.320
FHLB1178-24 600,000.00 570,859.932.000 05/26/20263130AMFN7 05/26 - 11/26 Received04/19/2024 562,926.002.4962.461
FHLB1181-24 1,500,000.00 1,402,568.701.050 08/13/20263130ANGM6 08/13 - 02/13 Received06/21/2024 1,388,070.004.7504.685
FHLB1182-24 1,000,000.00 964,565.102.250 03/30/20263130ARCU3 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 959,240.004.7414.676
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.11
49
Page 3
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2024
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2024-2025
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FHLB1183-24A 1,500,000.00 1,380,660.171.000 02/26/20273130ALDA9 08/26 - 02/26 Received07/10/2024 1,369,485.004.5504.488
FHLB1183-24B 1,000,000.00 920,440.121.000 02/26/20273130ALDA9 08/26 - 02/26 Received07/10/2024 912,990.004.5504.488
FHLB1185-24A 1,410,000.00 1,294,882.131.000 03/30/20273130ANZB9 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 1,284,510.004.5104.449
FHLB1185-24B 1,000,000.00 918,356.121.000 03/30/20273130ANZB9 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 911,000.004.5104.449
FHLB1186-24A 1,500,000.00 1,422,352.170.680 02/24/20263130ALCB8 08/24 - 02/24 Received07/31/2024 1,413,090.004.5604.498
FHLB1186-24B 1,000,000.00 948,234.780.680 02/24/20263130ALCB8 08/24 - 02/24 Received07/31/2024 942,060.004.5604.498
FHLB1190-24A 1,500,000.00 1,437,297.221.310 10/28/20263130APL29 10/28 - 04/28 7,368.7509/13/2024 1,428,240.003.6703.620
FHLB1190-24B 1,000,000.00 958,198.151.310 10/28/20263130APL29 10/28 - 04/28 4,912.5009/13/2024 952,160.003.6703.620
FHLB1191-24 500,000.00 479,729.741.500 11/27/20263130APXV2 11/27 - 05/27 2,208.3309/13/2024 477,000.003.6903.639
FHLB1195-24 1,335,000.00 1,284,147.911.700 01/27/20273130AQM26 01/27 - 07/27 3,152.0809/17/2024 1,280,091.453.5303.482
FHLB1196-24 1,250,000.00 1,207,897.262.000 02/25/20273130AQRQ8 02/25 - 08/25 1,527.7809/17/2024 1,205,662.503.5303.482
FHLB1204-24 4,000,000.00 4,000,000.004.550 09/12/20253130B2W43 03/12 - 09/1209/25/2024 4,000,000.004.3764.316
FHLB1205-24 2,830,000.00 2,833,236.084.625 06/13/20253130B2RY3 03/18 - 06/13 2,545.0309/25/2024 2,830,707.504.5974.534
FHLB1211-24 1,000,000.00 1,022,728.594.500 12/12/20253130ATUC9 12/12 - 06/12 13,500.0009/30/2024 1,009,250.003.7013.650
FHLMC1050-22 1,500,000.00 1,498,829.643.000 12/23/20243134GXVF8 12/23 - 06/2306/23/2022 1,487,154.603.3603.314
FHLMC1083-22 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.005.000 11/27/20243134GY5C2 05/27 - 11/2711/30/2022 1,000,000.005.0004.932
FHLMC1100-23 1,500,000.00 1,496,865.843.750 01/27/20253134GXH98 07/27 - 01/27 Received04/13/2023 1,482,600.004.4294.368
FHLMC1106-23A 1,500,000.00 1,501,148.645.150 02/14/20253134GYJ29 08/14 - 02/14 Received04/14/2023 1,505,700.004.9274.859
FHLMC1106-23B 1,000,000.00 1,000,765.765.150 02/14/20253134GYJ29 08/14 - 02/14 Received04/14/2023 1,003,800.004.9274.859
FHLMC1165-24 1,423,000.00 1,422,849.255.300 01/27/20263134GYEA6 07/27 - 01/27 Received03/13/2024 1,422,786.555.3055.232
FHLMC1200-24A 3,000,000.00 2,992,268.163.550 12/15/20263134HANA7 12/15 - 06/1509/24/2024 2,992,200.003.6753.624
FHLMC1200-24B 2,000,000.00 1,994,845.443.550 12/15/20263134HANA7 12/15 - 06/1509/24/2024 1,994,800.003.6753.624
FNMA1063-22 1,500,000.00 1,498,845.061.625 10/15/20243135G0W66 10/15 - 04/15 Received09/14/2022 1,438,045.863.7153.664
FNMA1074-22 1,000,000.00 998,868.331.625 10/15/20243135G0W66 04/15 - 10/15 Received11/09/2022 943,740.004.7234.658
FNMA1174-24 3,850,000.00 3,596,025.790.700 05/28/20263135GA4Q1 05/28 - 11/28 Received04/15/2024 3,525,406.504.9384.871
FNMA1197-24 4,700,000.00 4,585,461.080.500 06/17/20253135G04Z3 12/17 - 06/17 6,005.5609/19/2024 4,573,805.004.2004.143
TVA1198-24A 1,500,000.00 1,473,194.420.750 05/15/2025880591EW8 11/15 - 05/15 3,906.2509/20/2024 1,467,780.004.1174.061
TVA1198-24B 1,000,000.00 982,129.620.750 05/15/2025880591EW8 11/15 - 05/15 2,604.1709/20/2024 978,520.004.1174.061
119,985,289.78Federal Agency Coupon Securities Totals 118,762,259.5785,437.394.053122,099,000.00 4.109
Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing
FHLB1208-24 2,000,000.00 1,979,140.004.470 12/24/2024313384U56 12/24 - At Maturity09/30/2024 1,978,891.674.6444.580
1,979,140.00Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing Totals 1,978,891.670.004.5802,000,000.00 4.644
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.11
50
Page 4
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2024
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2024-2025
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Treasury Coupon Securities
US TRE0983-21 6,000,000.00 5,983,816.150.250 05/31/2025912828ZT0 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/15/2021 5,899,218.750.6630.654
US TRE0988-21 4,000,000.00 3,993,057.100.250 05/31/2025912828ZT0 11/30 - 05/31 Received06/11/2021 3,958,400.000.5150.508
US TRE1011-21 4,000,000.00 3,986,034.510.250 05/31/2025912828ZT0 11/30 - 05/31 Received10/15/2021 3,923,593.750.7850.775
US TRE1012-21 3,500,000.00 3,485,554.440.750 05/31/202691282CCF6 11/30 - 05/31 Received10/15/2021 3,459,804.691.0050.991
US TRE1032-22 9,000,000.00 8,733,676.490.750 05/31/202691282CCF6 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/14/2022 8,338,359.382.6412.605
US TRE1037-22 4,500,000.00 4,249,515.950.500 05/31/2027912828ZS2 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/18/2022 4,018,359.382.7562.719
US TRE1070-22 5,000,000.00 4,771,118.952.375 05/15/2027912828X88 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/14/2022 4,599,218.754.3204.260
US TRE1071-22 1,000,000.00 909,126.630.500 05/31/2027912828ZS2 11/30 - 05/31 Received10/14/2022 842,000.004.3014.242
US TRE1122-23 1,000,000.00 987,693.371.375 01/31/2025912828Z52 01/31 - 07/31 Received09/27/2023 950,370.005.2515.179
US TRE1123-23 1,000,000.00 958,373.350.250 08/31/202591282CAJ0 02/29 - 08/31 Received09/27/2023 912,260.005.0915.021
US TRE1124-23A 1,500,000.00 1,481,266.472.875 04/30/20259128284M9 10/31 - 04/30 Received09/28/2023 1,448,505.005.1505.080
US TRE1124-23B 1,000,000.00 987,510.982.875 04/30/20259128284M9 10/31 - 04/30 Received09/28/2023 965,670.005.1505.080
US TRE1125-23 500,000.00 492,271.563.000 07/15/202591282CEY3 01/15 - 07/15 Received09/28/2023 482,335.005.0805.011
US TRE1128-23 1,000,000.00 984,778.972.875 06/15/202591282CEU1 12/15 - 06/15 Received10/04/2023 963,280.005.1605.090
US TRE1129-23 1,500,000.00 1,488,154.974.250 10/15/202591282CFP1 10/15 - 04/15 Received10/04/2023 1,476,810.005.0604.991
US TRE1130-23 1,500,000.00 1,427,008.380.250 10/31/202591282CAT8 10/31 - 04/30 Received10/04/2023 1,359,930.005.0504.981
US TRE1131-23A 1,500,000.00 1,491,754.864.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/05/2023 1,484,475.005.0204.952
US TRE1131-23B 1,000,000.00 994,503.244.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/05/2023 989,650.005.0204.952
US TRE1158-24A 1,500,000.00 1,493,886.323.875 03/31/202591282CGU9 03/31 - 09/30 Received02/12/2024 1,486,050.004.7254.660
US TRE1158-24B 1,000,000.00 995,924.213.875 03/31/202591282CGU9 03/31 - 09/30 Received02/12/2024 990,700.004.7254.660
US TRE1164-24A 1,500,000.00 1,492,931.314.250 12/31/202591282CJS1 06/30 - 12/31 Received03/13/2024 1,489,800.004.6454.581
US TRE1164-24B 1,000,000.00 995,287.544.250 12/31/202591282CJS1 06/30 - 12/31 Received03/13/2024 993,200.004.6454.581
US TRE1172-24 4,000,000.00 3,978,103.714.250 05/31/202591282CHD6 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/15/2024 3,962,812.505.1065.036
US TRE1173-24 1,500,000.00 1,483,024.174.000 12/15/202591282CGA3 06/15 - 12/15 Received04/15/2024 1,476,503.914.9884.919
US TRE1177-24 4,000,000.00 3,556,349.121.250 05/31/202891282CCE9 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/15/2024 3,500,312.504.6094.546
US TRE1192-24A 1,500,000.00 1,554,689.114.875 04/30/202691282CKK6 10/31 - 04/30 27,620.5809/16/2024 1,527,773.443.6863.636
US TRE1192-24B 1,000,000.00 1,036,459.414.875 04/30/202691282CKK6 10/31 - 04/30 18,413.7209/16/2024 1,018,515.633.6863.636
US TRE1193-24 1,000,000.00 956,709.870.375 01/31/202691282CBH3 01/31 - 07/31 478.9409/16/2024 954,882.813.7793.728
US TRE1194-24 1,500,000.00 1,517,108.134.500 03/31/202691282CKH3 09/30 - 03/31 Received09/16/2024 1,517,578.133.7083.657
US TRE1203-24 2,000,000.00 2,048,080.814.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 32,527.1709/25/2024 2,015,781.253.7823.730
68,513,770.08Treasury Coupon Securities Totals 67,006,149.8779,040.413.21770,000,000.00 3.262
Treasury Discounts -Amortizing
US TRE1171-24A 1,500,000.00 1,482,441.674.900 12/26/2024912796ZV4 12/26 - At Maturity04/15/2024 1,447,937.505.1815.110
US TRE1171-24B 1,000,000.00 988,294.454.900 12/26/2024912796ZV4 12/26 - At Maturity04/15/2024 965,291.675.1815.110
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.11
51
Page 5
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2024
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2024-2025
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Treasury Discounts -Amortizing
US TRE1189-24 3,000,000.00 2,971,590.004.735 12/12/2024912797LP0 12/12 - At Maturity09/05/2024 2,961,330.834.9314.863
US TRE1206-24 3,000,000.00 2,966,550.464.411 12/31/2024912797MR5 12/31 - At Maturity09/25/2024 2,964,345.004.5894.526
US TRE1209-24 1,000,000.00 989,422.004.428 12/26/2024912796ZV4 12/26 - At Maturity09/30/2024 989,299.004.6014.538
US TRE1210-24 1,500,000.00 1,469,224.134.173 03/27/2025912797MU8 03/27 - At Maturity09/30/2024 1,469,050.254.3804.320
10,867,522.71Treasury Discounts -Amortizing Totals 10,797,254.250.004.72411,000,000.00 4.790
Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO
FNMA1137-23A 1,493,218.78 1,434,983.254.500 07/25/20283136BQCS6 11/25 - Monthly Received10/31/2023 1,434,983.256.0035.920
FNMA1137-23B 995,479.19 956,655.504.500 07/25/20283136BQCS6 11/25 - Monthly Received10/31/2023 956,655.506.0035.920
FNMA1180-24 2,574,196.05 2,470,602.303.000 04/01/20293140XP6F1 06/25 - Monthly Received05/31/2024 2,485,305.844.3234.263
4,862,241.05Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO Totals 4,876,944.590.005.0785,062,894.02 5.149
228,369,545.50Investment Totals 225,294,459.21164,477.80232,667,108.82 3.934 3.989
Portfolio 2025
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2024 - 11:22 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.11
52
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
1.23%
46.93%51.84%
Portfolio by Asset Class
Cash and Equivalents
Long Term
Short Term
53
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
0.86%
3.31%2.58%
7.56%
31.82%
5.55%
0.13%
6.93%
0.64%
0.64%2.36%
1.07%
0.64%
1.07%
34.81%
Par Value by Issuer Graph ALIFOG
CACPNY
FAMCA
FFCB
FHLB
FHLMC
FIB
FNMA
GTAFDG
KOOKY
MUFGBK
NATX
TDBANK
TVA
UST
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For Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
0.13%
9.57%
52.54%
0.87%
2.13%
4.76%
30.00%
Book Value By Investment Type
Money Market
Commercial Paper
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
Federal Agency Discount Securities
Pass Through Securities
Treasury Discount Notes
Treasury Coupon Securities
55
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2024
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
Investment Yield by Type
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ITEM #:12
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:CARR PARK AGILITY COURSE PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Parks and Recreation replaces several pieces of
playground equipment each year. Staff has been working to diversify the types of equipment to be
installed in the parks in order to provide a variety of offerings. In October 2021, City Council approved
the placement of agility course equipment in Carr Park, 1704 Meadowlane Avenue. An agility course
consists of multiple pieces of equipment that allows individuals (youth and adult) to utilize their upper
and lower body strength to complete multiple activities, which may include cargo nets, over-head
ladders, balance beams, ledge hanger, spider walk, and others.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Prior to Council approving the placement of the agility course equipment in Carr Park in October 2021,
staff held two public meetings. Approximately 180 households in the Carr Park neighborhood received
a postcard for the first meeting which was held virtually on August 11, 2021. Staff explained the project
to the approximately eight individuals who attended the meeting. Shortly after the initial meeting, staff
started receiving emails and phone calls from neighbors indicating they heard about the proposed
project but did not know about the meeting. Feedback from these calls included comments in favor and
opposed to the addition of the agility course in Carr Park.
After receiving the additional feedback, staff determined a second meeting was necessary. To make
neighbors aware of the meeting and the project, an informational letter with pictures and links to similar
equipment as to what was being proposed was sent to approximately 400 homes surrounding the Carr
Park neighborhood. The second meeting was held in late August 2021 at Homewood Golf Course. Staff
again presented information about the agility course and addressed the questions and concerns that were
received from the email and phone call correspondences. Several concerns staff committed to working
on included demolishing the bathhouse (completed); adding sidewalk to make a continuous walkway
along Meadowlane Avenue (included in the agility course design); completing regular maintenance on
the agility course equipment (will be completed); reviewing the parking lot to ensure efficient use of the
lot (will be done); and working with the neighborhood in providing equipment with colors that fit into
the existing landscape of the park (completed).
A third public meeting was held with Carr Park neighbors at Homewood Golf Course on October 16.
Approximately 15 individuals attended. Staff presented final plans for the project and communicated
with the neighbors some of the solutions to the issues that were presented at the August 2021 meeting.
Neighbors also provided their preference of colors for the playground surfacing, which is attached.
FUNDING:
The City contracted with Snyder and Associates, Ankeny, Iowa, to develop plans and specifications and
a cost estimate for the project. Originally, City Council allocated $345,760 for the agility course an d
$393,363 for a shelter/restroom to be constructed at the park. However, Council recently gave
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direction to staff to postpone the construction of the restroom and reprogram it at a later time if
necessary, and to proceed with completing the agility course project with a shelter. Total funding
available for the project is $739,123.
Engineers estimated costs are outlined in the table below.
Engineering and Design $ 16,500
Project Estimate $642,707
Contingency 10%$ 64,271
Total Project Cost $723,478
With the estimated project cost of $723,478 and identified available funding of $739,123, there is
enough funding to complete the project. Bids are due to the City on November 27 and staff will bring
bid information to Council on December 10. The project is expected to start construction in spring
2025.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve plans and specification for the Carr Park Agility Course Project and set November 27,
2024 as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award.
2. Do not approve plans and specifications for the Carr Park Agility Course Project.
3. Refer this item back to staff with direction as to how to proceed.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The agility course provides a diverse type of equipment that is not offered anywhere else in the
park system. The public is excited about this project and solutions have been included as part of
the project to alleviate some of the concerns from the residents of the neighborhood. Therefore,
staff feels this project proposal is a win-win for all. Therefore, is it the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Agility Course Color Option Green on Green.pdf
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ITEM #:13
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:CAMPUSTOWN BRICK PIER ART
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In June 2024, FUEL, the young professionals organization affiliated with the Ames Regional Economic
Alliance, approached the Public Art Commission (PAC) with a project to paint four surfaces on the
brick and concrete pier located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Welch Avenue and
Chamberlain Street in Campustown. The pier is approximately eight feet tall and contains 24"x40" flat
concrete surfaces on each face, which have historically been used by the public to post flyers.
Following a discussion with PAC, FUEL sent correspondence to the City Council on August 6. The
City Council referred the correspondence to staff and requested a more thorough proposal, which is now
presented to the City Council for consideration. FUEL has arranged for an artist, Jordan Brooks, to
paint the four flat surfaces of the pier with four distinct images (see attached Artist Proposal). FUEL
will cover the artist's fees.
An agreement granting permission by the City for the artist to install the painting is necessary to
proceed. Staff has prepared an agreement using prior mural installation agreements as a model.
The agreement grants a license to the artist to install the mural. The City retains the right to
revoke the license and remove the paint immediately for breach of the contract, or with 10 days'
notice for any reason (for example, if the City wishes to remove the work due to deterioration in
the future).
During the staff evaluation of the site prior to preparing the agreement, staff noted that the pillar was in
need of cleaning and minor repairs. Staff has arranged for a contractor to complete the repairs and clean
the surfaces of the pillar for painting prior to the project commencing.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the attached agreement with Jordan Brooks for the installation of four painted murals on
the surface of the Campustown brick pier.
2. Do not approve the agreement.
3. Refer this item to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project presents the opportunity to revitalize an underutilized noticeboard in the
Campustown area with a fresh, vibrant look. The professionals from FUEL have undertaken the
work to raise funds and select the artist. This project aligns with the City Council's adopted value
of a fun, vibrant, and healthy community that attracts and retains people. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Artist Proposal.pdf
Campustown Pillar Artist Agreement.docx
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1
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
PUBLIC ART LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made on the ______ day of _______________, _____
between the City of Ames, Iowa, hereinafter referred to as the OWNER, and Jordan
Brooks of Ankeny, Iowa, hereinafter referred to as the ARTIST or LICENSEE. The
OWNER’S Representative shall be the Assistant City Manager of the City of Ames, Iowa.
WHEREAS, an ornamental brick and concrete pier historically used as a
noticeboard is located on OWNER’s property adjacent Campustown Court, at the
southeast corner of the intersection of Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Street, Ames;
and,
WHEREAS, FUEL, a young professionals organization affiliated with the Ames
Regional Economic Alliance, has undertaken a project to facilitate the installation of an
ART WORK at this location;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties have agreed and do agree as follows:
1. The term “premises” as used herein means the four-sided ornamental brick and
concrete pier 93 inches in height, 32 inches in width, and 32 inches in depth,
located at Campustown Court, a park facility located at the southeast corner of the
intersection of Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Avenue, Ames, Iowa. Each side of
said pier contains a flat concrete surface 40 inches in height and 24 inches in width.
2. The OWNER grants to the ARTIST a revocable license to install upon the four flat
concrete surfaces of the pier a painted ART WORK, substantially conforming to
the proposed sketch(es) attached as Exhibit 1 to this Agreement.
3. The aforesaid license is subject to the following conditions:
a. ARTIST shall notify OWNER a minimum of 24 hours in advance of entering
the premises for the purpose of performing any work thereon. OWNER shall
have the right to establish certain dates or hours during which work may not
occur.
b. ARTIST is granted the right to use OWNER’S property within five feet in all
directions of the premises during the installation of the ART WORK.
c. Any and all work performed by the ARTIST shall be done and completed in
a good and workmanlike manner at the sole expense of the ARTIST. Said
work shall be done in such manner as to not interfere with or endanger in
any way the use of the right-of-way or other property of the OWNER.
ARTIST agrees to remove any tools, supplies, and equipment from the
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2
OWNER’S property at times when the ARTIST is not present at the work
site.
d. ARTIST understands that the surfaces of the pier are to be utilized in a
manner that allows them to be restored to their original condition through
pressure washing alone. ARTIST may use hand scrubbing, brushing, or
pressure washing to prepare the surfaces of the pier for painting. Any use
of other mechanical means of cleaning or any use of chemical cleaning
agents requires advance approval by the OWNER. ARTIST shall be
responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations
concerning the use of any approved chemical cleaning agents.
e. ARTIST shall ensure that the installation of the ART WORK is confined to
the surface of the four 40”x24” flat concrete panels of the pier, and shall use
preventative measures such as masking and drop cloths to prevent spills
and drips from adhering to surfaces outside the approved area of the
installation. ARTIST shall be responsible to clean up any spills or drips that
occur.
f. (RESERVED)
g. ARTIST agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the OWNER from any
claims or liabilities for any loss or other damage arising from the willful or
non-willful acts of negligence by the ARTIST during the installation of the
ART WORK.
4. Neither this Agreement, nor any interest therein, shall be transferred by the
ARTIST. Any such transfer shall void this Agreement.
5. This writing embodies the entire Agreement and understanding between the
parties hereto, and there are no other agreements and understandings, oral or
written, with respect to the subject matter hereof that are not merged herein and
superseded hereby.
6. No alteration, change, or modification of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid
unless made in writing and signed by both parties hereto and approved by
appropriate action of the OWNER.
7. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with
the laws of the State of Iowa, with venue in the appropriate state and/or federal
courts for Story County, Iowa.
8. OWNER shall have and retain the right to use the premises as its property for any
purpose of the City. This license is given upon and in consideration of the terms
and conditions stated above. Should the licensee at any time violate any of said
terms or conditions, or use or attempt to use the premises for any other or different
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purpose than for that specified above, then the OWNER may, at its option,
immediately revoke this license. This license may be revoked by OWNER upon
ten days’ notice for any reason. Upon revocation of this license, OWNER may, in
its sole discretion, remove or modify the ART WORK.
ARTIST:OWNER:
Jordan Brooks City of Ames
(print name)
By: _____________________________By:
______________________________
Date: ___________________________Title: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
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ITEM #:14
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2024/25 AIRPORT ENTRYWAY IMPROVEMENTS
(AIRPORT ENTRYWAY RECONSTRUCTION)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Capital Improvements Plan's 2024/25 Airport Entryway Improvements project is for
reconstructing the main entrance road. The work includes the removal and replacement of the
existing road with a concrete pavement section, reworking the subgrade, and installing subdrains. These
improvements support the Airport Master Plan’s goals for enhanced accessibility and operational
efficiency.
In August 2023, City staff conducted a qualifications-based selection following federal
requirements for a Master Agreement to develop plans and specifications for this and other
upcoming airport projects. One submittal was received from Bolton & Menk of Ames, Iowa, and
was determined to be qualified and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Each project is designed and administered under a separate work order approved by the City
Council. Therefore, the 2024/25 Airport Entryway Improvements (Airport Entryway
Reconstruction) is the next project ready for design, as detailed in the attached draft agreement.
Below is a summary of the project's budget:
Revenues Expenses
G.O. Bonds
(FY 2024/25)$680,000 Design $ 72,700
Construction/Project
Admin $607,300
Total $680,000 Total $680,000
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the professional services agreement (Work Order #6) with Bolton & Menk in the
amount not to exceed $72,700 for design of the 2024/25 Airport Entryway Improvements.
2. Reject the agreement, and direct staff to solicit other proposals.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By moving forward with the contract for the 2024/25 Airport Entryway Improvements, the Airport will
enhance access and traffic flow, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency for all users.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternate No. 1,
as shown above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ames-Entrance Road-Iowa-WO 6 - Updated after Client Comments 10-16-2024.pdf
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WORK ORDER #6
TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
(DESIGN, BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES)
2025 ENTRANCE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
AMES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Ames, IOWA
BETWEEN: The City of Ames
An Iowa municipal corporation (CLIENT/SPONSOR)
AND: Bolton & Menk, Inc. (CONSULTANT)
EFFECTIVE DATE: October _________, 2024
RECITALS
1. The City of Ames owns and operates the Ames Municipal Airport located near Ames, Iowa.
2. This is Work Order #6 to the Professional Services Contract, between City of Ames and Bolton &
Menk, Inc. The Professional Services Contract effective September 6, 2023, is referred to herein
as the “Master Agreement”.
EXCLUSIONS
Since this project is a non-federal funded project, exclusions are required to amend the terms and
conditions of the MASTER AGREEMENT for this work order only. The following sections of the MASTER
AGREEMENT will not apply to this Work Order #6.
1. Exclude Section V – SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT in its entirety.
2. Exclude Section W – FEDERAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS in its entirety.
3. Exclude Section X – AUDIT REVIEW in its entirety.
4. Exclude Exhibit I – Federal Contract Provisions for A/E Agreements in its entirety.
All other provisions shall remain in effect as originally purposed.
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AGREEMENT
DESCRIPTION
The CONSULTANT agrees to provide Design and Bidding for the 2025 Entrance Road Improvements at
the Ames Municipal Airport (herein referred to as the Project) that consist of the following scope of
work:
1. The project will include removal and replacement of the existing entrance road, as local
funding allows, with a PCC pavement section that will contain a curb.
a. Pavement section will include re-working subgrade
b. Installing new subbase
c. Installing subdrains where allowed by grade or depth provided by storm sewer
system.
2. It is not anticipated that that the in-situ subgrade will be chemically treated or stabilized in
any manner as part of the project.
3. As the entrance road will be replaced as funding allows, it is anticipated that there will be
minimal changes made to the existing grades or drainage patterns. Also, the centerline
alignment is anticipated to remain unchanged. As part of the design, turning movements of a
WB-67 or similar sized vehicle representing the vehicle utilized to deliver aircraft fuel will be
used to confirm the geometry of the future pavement.
4. City of Ames UM crews will televise storm sewer to confirm replacement is warranted prior to
the start of design. If existing storm sewer intakes within the section of the entrance road
indicate needing replacement, they will be replaced along with the associated piping under
the proposed entrance road. Any replacement of storm sewer piping outside of the
anticipated construction limits of the proposed entrance road is not included within the scope
of the project. Storm sewer replacement will include:
a. Storm Sewer piping will be the same size as existing
b. No modeling will be provided for storm sewer or drainage of the area. Intakes
will be replaced in kind or of a similar kind.
c. Special consideration may be given to the replacement of existing storm sewer
pipes or intakes that end in an intake upstream that are generally within the
limits of the reconstructed area. This will be validated by City of Ames UM crews
via televising. Available funding will be a consideration and discussion with
Client will occur as to whether to add additional storm sewer or not.
5. No other utilities are expected to be replaced under the pavement section, outside of the
pavement section or improved in the general vicinity of the entrance road as part of the
project.
6. Any driveways to hangar buildings or sidewalk that connect perpendicular will be replaced to
approximately 10’± from the back of curb or further if needed due to grade adjustment of the
replaced entrance road. The driveways and /or connections removed and replaced shall be:
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a. Replaced with PCC material
b. Of a similar geometry, unless otherwise indicated by the City of Ames
c. The minimum necessary for reconnection after replacing the adjacent section of
roadway. Any improvements to driveways or sidewalks outside of the minimum
necessary for reconnection after reconstruction shall be either done by the City
of Ames or the affected hangar tenant.
7. All coordination with affected hangar tenants and coordinating access routes or parking areas
for affected hangar tenants shall be the responsibility of the City of Ames.
8. Mailboxes within the affected area of the reconstruction will be moved to a single temporary
location during construction to allow for mail service during construction. After completion of
improvements, mailboxes will be reinstalled in a similar location at the original location. The
City of Ames shall be responsible for coordination with affected hangar tenants.
9. Landscaping improvements or way finding signage are not anticipated to be provided or
impacted as part of the project.
10. Lighting improvements along the reconstructed portion of the entrance road are not
anticipated to be a part of the project.
11. It is anticipated that the project will be segmented by a phasing plan into fundable segments
for bidding, to maximize local funding available. It is anticipated that the phasing plan will
utilize existing infrastructure where available to provide as much accessibility to the existing
parking lot as feasible. It is not anticipated that the phasing plan will require additional design
of temporary access routes for the project. If additional design is required to accommodate
temporary access routes as part of the phasing plan, it shall be considered additional services.
12. Provide a conceptual level parking lot layout of the interior area available for future parking
lot, between the existing entrance road segments. This will include preparation of the concept
and preparation of a PDF exhibit as well as CAD files. . An exhibit will be provided to the City of
Ames for review and comment. After receipt of any comments, we will make revisions to the
provided conceptual layout in a single effort. The conceptual parking lot layouts will be
provided after completion and processing of the topographic survey data.
I.A. BASIC SERVICES
For purposes of this Work Order, the Basic Services to be provided by the CONSULTANT are as follows:
1. DESIGN AND BIDDING SERVICES
Task 1: Project Initiation
Subtask 1.1: Kickoff meeting
Description: The Bolton & Menk project team will facilitate a kick-off meeting with the City of
Ames and Airport staff to accomplish the following:
• Review and confirm the scope and nature of proposed improvements
• If requested, review special conditions regarding project staging during construction
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• If requested, conduct a field review of project area by project team members and City
staff
Task 2: Data Collection
Subtask 2.1: Field Data Collection
Description: Collect detailed field survey information within project limits and adjacent areas as
well as the areas on airport property where improvements will be implemented as required for
final design and preparation of construction documents. The field survey will be supplemented
by other available information such as aerial photos and mapping, utility maps, as-built drawings,
reports, and studies, etc.
Subtask 2.2: Geotechnical Investigations
Description: Collect and review geotechnical data to gather information on existing soil
conditions, and existing pavement depths. Coordination will be done with the geotechnical
subconsultant to schedule work and establish any work constraint parameters.
Field work will be performed by a qualified geotechnical subconsultant. The geotechnical
investigation will include up to three (3) soil borings to a depth of 5 feet. A geotechnical report
will be prepared to discuss the findings of the soil borings and discuss soil classifications, site
conditions, groundwater observations, grading concerns, paving design and subbase design.
Subconsultant services will be provided by Construction Materials Testing.
After receiving the testing report from the geotechnical firm, the Consultant will analyze the data
and any existing geotechnical data received from Sponsor, consisting of the following tasks:
o Review geotechnical recommendations
o Review the geotechnical pavement recommendations from the geotechnical report
o Incorporate pavement design recommendation from geotechnical report on plan
sheets
Task 3: Plan and specification preparation
Final design and plans will conform to requirements of the City of Ames, or SUDAS Specification
requirements. Plans will be reviewed with the City of Ames and/or Airport staff throughout the
project. The Project Manual will be reviewed at the 95% complete stage.
Subtask 3.1: 2025 Entrance Road Improvements Plans
Description: Complete preliminary and final plans. Major design components to include the
following:
• Horizontal alignment and profile view of entrance road reconstruction improvements
• Pavement sections of proposed pavements
• Removal plans
• Applicable Storm Sewer Plan and Profile plans
• Applicable Grading Improvements
• General layout plan of the proposed improvements
• Preparation of traffic control sheet
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• Miscellaneous plan sheets, including, but not limited to: Title sheet, tabulations, typical
sections, details, and other required information
Subtask 3.2: Project Manual
Description: Prepare project manual for the project, including:
• General information for bidders: Advertisement for bids, instructions to bidders, special
bidding requirements/provisions
• General conditions and supplementary conditions
• Information to be submitted with bid: Proposal, bid bond, information requested from
bidder, etc.
• Agreement, performance, payment and maintenance bond forms
• General conditions
• Supplemental Technical specifications, where a Iowa SUDAS Specification is not available
Deliverables:
• Preliminary plans and final plans
• Preliminary and final project manual
• Statement of estimated quantities and construction cost at preliminary and final plans
Task 4: Bidding Services
Subtask 4.1: Bidding Phase Services
Description: Provide the following services during the bidding phase:
• Provide copies of the contract/bidding documents
• Address questions from prospective bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers, and prepare
and issue addenda as required
Subtask 4.2: Bid Letting and Post-Bid Services
Description: Provide the following services during the bid and post -bidding phase:
• Attend bid letting
• Review and evaluate bids submitted
• Prepare a bid tabulation
• Prepare a recommendation of award and/or alternate action by the Sponsor
Deliverables:
• Bid Tabulation
• Recommendation for award to Sponsor
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2. CONCEPTUAL PARKING LOT LAYOUT
Subtask 5.1: Parking Lot Concept
Description: Prepare conceptual layout for the future parking lot shown on the Airport Layout
Plan for the project, including:
• Provide a conceptual layout of the interior area available for future parking lot, between
the existing entrance road segments.
• Validate existing entrance road route is compatible with future parking needs.
• Provide concept to City of Ames for review in comment.
• Incorporate any comments received on conceptual layout in a single effort.
Deliverables:
• PDF of parking lot concept plan
3. CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES
Construction related services are not desired at this time for the project. If the City of Ames desires Bolton
and Menk provide any construction related services such as attendance at the pre-construction meeting,
construction observation, contract administration, construction administration or construction testing
those services could be included in a mutually agreed upon future work order addendum.
I.B. ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Consulting services performed other than those authorized under Section 1 (Design and Bidding Services)
Section 2 (Conceptual Parking Lot Layouts), or Section 3 (Construction Phase Services) above shall be
considered not part of the I.A Basic Services and may be authorized by the CLIENT as Additional Services.
Additional Services consist of those services that are not generally considered to be Basic Services or
Construction Phase Services; or exceed the requirements of the Basic Services or Construction Phase
Services; or are not definable prior to the bidding of the project; or vary depending on the technique,
procedures, or schedule of the project contractor.
Additional services, available upon request, may include:
• CONSTRUCTION STAKING. Perform construction staking and furnish necessary equipment and
supplies to establish grade and line for the contractor's guidance in construction of the project
and in accordance with the contract documents. As part of the plans and specifications for the
project, it is assumed that the contractor will be providing layout and construction staking for the
project.
• CONSTRUCTION TESTING. Perform any construction testing needed in the construction of the
proposed improvements and in accordance with the contract documents. As part of the plans and
specifications for the project, it is assumed that the contractor will be providing all quality control
testing and quality acceptance testing for the project.
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• PRECONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE. Preparation, organization or attendance at a preconstruction
meeting.
• CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION. Perform preparation of construction pay request, preparation
of changes orders, review test results, review shop drawings, perform visits to the construction
site by the project engineer, conduct final inspections, preparation of punch list and preparation
of recommendation of acceptance to the sponsor.
• CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION. Perform any construction observation related to the project.
Services typically associated with construction observation include but are not limited to
monitoring construction progress, monitoring construction schedule, monitoring general
conformance with the plans and specifications, maintaining records of construction progress,
evaluating change orders or substitute materials, calculating as-built quantities, preparing as-built
plan, attending construction progress meetings and/or performing other services reasonably
required by the client and as outlined in the contract documents.
• All other services not specifically identified in this work order.
I.C. ITEMS PROVIDED BY CLIENT
The following items are to be provided by CLIENT:
1. Existing mapping, reports, and other pertinent information
2. Relevant as-built information.
I.D. CONSIDERATION
The services described above in I.A BASIC SERVICES shall be provided as follows:
TASK 1 – DESIGN AND BIDDING SERVICES $ 67,300.00 (lump sum)
TASK 2 – CONCEPTUAL PARKING LOT LAYOUT $ 5,400.00 (lump sum)
TASK 3 – CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES Not Provided*
TOTAL AUTHORIZED FEE $ 72,700.00
* Services available upon completion of a future addendum to work order.
Any changes to the scope of work that are not specifically included in this proposal will be considered
additional work and a negotiated addendum to the agreement will be completed.
Progress payments shall be made in accordance with Section 3 of the MASTER AGREEMENT.
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Ames Municipal Airport Work Order #6
BMI Project No. 24X.136286.000
\\ames4\h\AMES\24X136286000\0_Airport Entrance Road\A_Project
Management\2_Contracts\Contract\Ames-Entrance Road-Iowa-WO 6 - Updated
after Client Comments 10-16-2024.docx Page 8
I.E. AUTHORIZATION
City of Ames Bolton & Menk, Inc.
By: By:
Date
Ronald A. Roetzel, P.E. Date
Aviation Services Manager
Attest:
Attachments:
Exhibit I – Ames Airport Utilities
10/16/2024
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ITEM #:15
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:ELECTRIC POWER PLANT BOILER HEATING SYSTEM
FEASIBILITY STUDY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames Power Plant uses natural gas fired boilers to generate steam for power production.
When the boilers are operating, some of the steam created in the boiler is used to heat the building,
ensuring that interior spaces, piping, and associated equipment is kept above freezing temperatures.
During cold weather, when the boilers are not operating, alternative heating methods are required. As
the Electric Services and Public Works Departments explore alternatives to the combustion of Refuse-
Derived Fuel (RDF), the Power Plant boilers may no longer be operated on the same near-continuous
basis they currently operate. This feasibility study is to determine how a separate boiler heating
system can be used to heat the Power Plant.
The consultant will be responsible for preliminary sizing of the system and identifying possible areas on
the property to locate the package boiler. The feasibility report will include preliminary capital costs
including installation, operation and maintenance costs, and identify potential environmental impacts
from the system. The report will be used to develop a future Capital Improvements Plan project
for the Power Plant to design and implement a boiler heating system.
On August 23, 2024, a Request for Proposals (RFP) document was posted on AmesBids by the City's
Purchasing division. On September 17, 2024, three proposals were received.
FIRM PRICE EVALUATION RANK
HDR Engineering
Omaha, NE $54,800 1
Farris Engineering
Omaha, NE $89,891 2
Zachry Engineering Corp.
Omaha, NE $50,100 3
An evaluation team was formed by staff to review proposals. Proposals were evaluated based on
experience, qualifications of personnel working directly on the project, capability of providing the
requested services, and pricing. After evaluating the proposals, staff determined that the proposal
from HDR Engineering, Inc., of Omaha, NE, is most acceptable. The experience and qualifications
of the personnel, along with number of similar projects completed by the firm, best fit the needs of the
City.
Funding for this study will come from savings from both the cooling tower blowdown CIP project and
the Unit 7 precipitator enclosure CIP project at the Power Plant, which contain $39,000 and $45,000
respectively.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to HDR Engineering, Inc., of Omaha, NE, for the Boiler Heating System
Feasibility Study, in an amount not to exceed $54,800.
2. Award a contract to one of the other firms.
3. Reject all proposals.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
There are critical areas and equipment in the Power Plant that need to be kept warm. Currently
the boilers provide heat when the Power Plant is generating electricity. However, if refuse-
derived fuel is no longer combusted at the Power Plant in the future, the operation of the boilers
may result in more frequent periods of inactivity, which would require more supplemental
heating. It is important that the Power Plant identify options to keep equipment from freezing.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No.1 as
stated above.
90
ITEM #:16
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:LIB
SUBJECT:CARPET REPLACEMENT AT AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The carpet at the Ames Public Library, located at 515 Douglas Avenue, is 10 years old and needs to be
replaced. There are several hundred visitors each day in all types of weather coming in to use the
Library. The carpet replacement will refresh the public service areas in the youth, teen and adult areas
with durable carpet tiles designed to withstand the elements and the foot traffic of all Library patrons.
The front entry will also be replaced with durable tiles that can withstand the walk off of snow and salt.
On August 20, 2024, an Invitation to Bid was posted to AmesBids. On September 9, 2024, three bids
were received.
BIDDER LUMP SUM AMOUNT
GTG Construction LLC
Des Moines, IA $288,900.00
Poindexter Flooring, Inc.
Indianola, IA $304,341.00
True Construction Services (True Interiors LLC)
Des Moines, IA $375,985.20
Staff met with the apparent low bidder, GTG Construction. It was determined that GTG Construction
did not include moving the bookshelves as part of its bid, which was required as part of the scope of
work. GTG Construction therefore withdrew its bid.
Staff then met with the second lowest bidder, Poindexter Flooring, Inc. Poindexter Flooring did have a
plan in place to move the bookshelves in its bid. It was determined that the bid from Poindexter
Flooring, of Indianola, IA, is acceptable.
The budget includes $303,000 for this project. The remaining $1,341 necessary to complete the project
will be covered by funds from the Library Friends Foundation.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Poindexter Flooring Inc., of Indianola, IA, for Carpet Replacement at the
Ames Public Library, in the amount of $304,341.
2. Award to another bidder.
3. Reject the bids and direct staff to rebid.
91
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Poindexter Flooring has a reliable plan for the installation, and has completed library carpet
projects of similar size and complexity. The contractor will be working with Library Furniture
International, which has specialty equipment to move large shelving, and is known regionally for
its work in this field. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
92
ITEM #:17
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:TRANSIT
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION APPROVING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OF
TWO 40' HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL BUSES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
CyRide has been awarded grant funding to replace two 40’ heavy-duty buses that are 24 years old and
past their useful life. Funding for the new buses was approved in the FY 2023 Capital Improvements
Plan. Due to rapid bus price increases, additional funding was allocated by the Iowa DOT through the
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. The budget based on grant funding is shown
below and was included in the Capital Improvements Plan:
Funding Source Funding
Federal Local Total
Iowa DOT Contract for 5339 Discretionary Funding $879,946 $155,284 $1,035,230
CMAQ Funding $43,970 $10,992 $54,962
Total $923,916 $166,276 $1,090,192
Reviewing options for procurement, CyRide has determined that the most cost-effective method for
purchasing new buses is to utilize a state cooperative procurement schedule. Statewide purchasing
schedules allow CyRide to reduce administrative time and leverage the buying power of many agencies,
which would not otherwise be available if CyRide were to pursue an independent procurement process.
Through the State of Iowa, the most favorable option for CyRide is the Washington State cooperative
procurement schedule.
CyRide’s current fleet of 40’ heavy-duty diesel Gillig Low Floor buses has consistently proven to be
cost-effective and reliable. There are significant savings realized by keeping the bus fleet standardized
to one manufacturer, including a reduction in spare parts inventory, lower costs for additional training,
and quicker repair times. As a result, CyRide has selected Gillig as the preferred manufacturer for this
purchase.
Pricing was requested from Gillig, which resulted in a cost per bus of $628,498 for a total
purchase price of $1,256,996 for two buses. This cost is higher than the available funding.
Following this result, staff re-evaluated procurement options and determined that proceeding
with the Washington State contract was still the most cost-effective approach available to CyRide.
While higher than expected, the price provided was found to be fair and reasonable in light of the
national purchasing environment and comparable buses from other manufacturers.
Based on the pricing received, an additional $166,804 in local funding would be required to
purchase both buses. The additional funding could come from the 40’ Bus Replacement Capital
Reserve Fund.
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A revised budget has been calculated based on the bus pricing provided, shown in the following table.
Funding Source Funding
Federal Local Total
Iowa DOT Contract for 5339 Discretionary Funding $879,946 $155,284 $1,035,230
CMAQ Funding $43,970 $10,992 $54,962
Additional Local Funding (40' Bus Reserve Fund) $166,804 $166,804
Revised Total Project Budget $923,916 $333,080 $1,256,996
Gillig expects delivery of the vehicles to occur approximately 15 months after a purchase order is
issued. Additional build options are being considered for these buses and will be maintained within the
overall budget. CyRide will continue to refine bus specifications until approximately six months before
the vehicles are built, at which point, the manufacturer will provide updated pricing. Since vehicle
pricing is not finalized until late in the process, CyRide is requesting a not-to-exceed amount of
$1,256,996.
The Transit Board of Trustees approved the award of the contract to Gillig LLC at its October 17, 2024,
meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve award of contract for two 40’ heavy-duty diesel buses to Gillig LLC of Livermore,
California, for a total cost not-to-exceed amount of $1,256,996.
2. Do not approve the award of contract for the purchase of two new 40' heavy-duty diesel buses.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Award of this contract will enable CyRide to replace obsolete buses with new vehicles, improve
efficiency, and move CyRide closer to meeting its federal Transit Asset Management (TAM) plan
goals, while reducing overall fleet emissions using newer, cleaner-burning engines . Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described
above.
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ITEM #:18
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
HDR FOR THE NORTH RIVER VALLEY WELLFIELD PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The original contract with HDR Engineering for the North River Valley Wellfield and Pipeline project
included an allowance of $150,000 for construction phase services. When the first round of bids came
in too high, Council accepted the staff recommendation to reject the bids and to redesign and rebid the
project. Staff initially utilized a portion of the construction phase funds (via Amendment Nos. 2 and 3)
to cover the cost of the redesign (consisting primarily of deleting the dedicated emergency generator
and instead running a feed from the existing emergency generator at the Water Plant). In December
2022, Amendment No. 4 was approved to increase the part-time construction phase services from 240
to 720 hours, allowing increased observation of the electrical, communication, and fiber optic systems.
Construction of the project began in July 2023. Unforeseen issues have impacted the project’s
construction schedule, including unanticipated archaeological monitoring of the pipeline
excavation directed by the State Historic Preservation Office, and long lead times for electrical
equipment. Due to these challenges, the anticipated project completion has been pushed back 10
months to October 2025.
Because of the unanticipated impact of the archaeological oversight, the work has progressed at a
much slower pace. As a result, the number of hours necessary for the construction observation
has been nearly exhausted. To accommodate the remaining period of part-time construction
observation, additional funds need to be authorized to HDR's contract. HDR proposed an amount of
$204,623 if they were to provide all of the remaining observation services, plus an allowance for
reviewing the increase in monthly invoices and associated contract paperwork. Staff worked with HDR
to identify elements for which City staff could reasonably provide the observation. Ultimately, staff
and HDR were able to reduce the amount of additional funds needed to $110,457.
Table 1: Contract History
Change Total
Contract
Original Contract - Design Phase Only $384,200 $384,200
Amendment No. 1 - Add Construction Phase $230,000 $614,200
Amendment No. 2 - Shifted funds from
Construction Phase to Design Phase $0 $614,200
Amendment No 3 - Shifted Additional funds
from Construction Phase to Design Phase $0 $614,200
Amendment No. 4 - Adds Construction Phase
funding $73,600 $687,800
Amendment No. 5 (this action) - Adds
Construction Phase funding $110,457 $798,257
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Table 2: Amendment No. 5 Breakdown
Task Current Contract
Amount
Amendment Number
Five
Amended Contract
Amount
Permits $35,410 --$35,410
Design $328,700 --$328,700
Bidding $14,710 --$14,710
Administration $75,262 $28,460 $103,722
Close-Out $23,262 --$23,262
Construction
Observation $106,644 $81,997 $188,641
Re-Design and Rebid $103,812 --$103,812
TOTAL $687,800 $110,457 $798,257
The construction observation activity is “not to exceed” the value of $81,997 for the remainder of the
project, and it is likely that the entire portion will not be fully invoiced should the project remain on
schedule. The additional administration fees are also "not to exceed," with the dollar amount based on
the additional eight-month period of the project and an estimate of two (2) additional requests for
information, two (2) additional change orders, eight (8) additional progress meetings, eight (8)
additional site visits, and eight (8) additional pay applications. This line item also will likely not be
fully invoiced if the project stays on course. Staff believes the proposed Amendment Number Five will
be sufficient to complete the project.
Funding for this amendment will come from the available project contingency. The updated project
budget, which includes this proposed amendment, is shown below.
Table 3: Revised Project Budget
Funding Sources Project Expenses
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan $ 12,161,000
Test Drilling $ 124,005
Engineering, Admin, Legal 725,272
Amendment Number Five (this action) 110,457
Land 111,038
Construction 10,459,646
Geotechnical Services 14,839
Programming Services 36,225
Archaeological Services 192,937
Project Totals $ 12,161,000 $ 11,774,419
Remaining Available Contingency $ 386,581
It should also be noted that staff is currently working with the contractor on a fairly sizable deduct
change order that is expected to more than offset this increase in engineering expenses. Staff will
present the anticipated deduct change order for this project at a later date.
96
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize Amendment No. 5 to the agreement for engineering services with HDR Engineering,
Inc., increasing part-time construction phase services to account for an additional 7-month period,
and administration services for an additional 8-month period in the amount not to exceed
$110,457, bringing the total amended contract amount to $798,2547.
2. Do not approve contract Amendment No. 5. Staff does not have the requisite expertise to
provide oversight on the electrical, communication, and fiber-optic work that remains, and
the City would be relying on the contractor to perform in accordance with the specifications
without third party confirmation.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Contracted construction observation services are needed to provide specialized expertise, as well
as to help stretch staff resources. Staff has worked very closely with the engineering firm to
prepare a realistic estimate of the number of hours likely to be needed. All work is on an hourly
not-to-exceed basis as directed by City staff. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
97
ITEM #:19
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2021/22 STORMWATER EROSION CONTROL
(BLOOMINGTON WATERWAY)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Stormwater Erosion Control program provides for stabilization of areas that have become eroded in
streams, channel, swales, gullies, or drainage ways that are part of the stormwater system, reducing
maintenance costs in these areas. The Stormwater Quality Improvements program addresses removal of
sediment and nutrients using various best management practices. Improvements are aligned with the
Iowa River Restoration Toolbox practices for natural channel design.
The location of this project was Bloomington Waterway from Hyde Avenue to Harrison Road. On
March 22, 2024, City Council awarded the construction contract to Con-Struct Inc., of Ames, Iowa in
the amount of $206,340. Change Order No. 1 was in the amount of $14,831.20 to add rip-rap in several
project areas.
Change Order No. 2 (with this action) is the balancing change order for the project and reflects the
final field measured quantities resulting in a decrease of ($44,866). Construction was completed in
the amount of $176,305.20.
Revenues and expenses associated with this program are estimated as follows:
Funding Source Available Revenue Estimated Expenses
Stormwater Erosion Control Program
(Stormwater Utility Fund)$ 250,000
Stormwater Quality Improvements (Stormwater
Utility Fund)$ 100,000
Completed Construction Amount $ 176,305.20
Engineering/Administration (Est) $ 63,000.00
Total $ 350,000 $ 239,305.20
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Approve Change Order No. 2 for the FY 2021/22 Stormwater Erosion Control (Bloomington
Waterway) for a deduction in the amount of $44,866.
b. Accept the FY 2021/22 Stormwater Erosion Control (Bloomington Waterway) as completed by
Con-Struct Inc., of Ames, Iowa in the amount of $176,305.20.
2. Direct staff to pursue modifications to the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications,
including the required field modifications. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Bloomington Waterway Key Map.png
99
100
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 18, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 20
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the 2023/24 Airport Improvement Program
(Wildlife Fence Project) with Minturn, Inc., of Brooklyn, Iowa. City Council approval of
the contract and bond for the project is simply fulfilling a State Code requirement.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
101
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 18, 2024
Subject:Contract and Bond Approval
Item No. 21
MEMO
There is no Council Action Form for the Ames City Auditorium HVAC Improvements
Project with Mechanical Comfort, Inc. of Ames, Iowa. City Council approval of the
contract and bond for the project is simply fulfilling a State Code requirement.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
102
To:Mayor John Haila and the Ames City Council
From:Susan Gwiasda, Communications and Outreach Manager
Date:October 22, 2024
Subject:Resident Satisfaction Survey 2024
Item No. 22
MEMO
Attached are the results of the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey. This report was created
in partnership with the Institute for Design Research & Outreach, College of Design,
Iowa State University.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2024 Residential Satisfaction Survey Report for COUNCIL.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
103
42nd Annual Report
Ames Residential
Satisfaction
Survey
2024
CONDUCTED IN COOPERATION WITH INSTITUTE FOR DESIGN RESEARCH AND OUTREACH (IDRO), COLLEGE OF DESIGN, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
104
2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 2
2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction Survey 42nd ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT The City of Ames, Iowa, conducts an annual satisfaction survey of residents. In April 2024, the City mailed questionnaires to 1,350 city residents whose names were randomly selected from the City of Ames utility customers list (population=~20,000+). Additionally, 1,000 Iowa State University (ISU) students were randomly selected from a mailing list generated by the ISU Office of the Registrar. Stratified random sampling was used to have representation from the students based on classification (sophomore to graduate levels). First-year students were intentionally excluded from the ISU sample due to their minimal exposure to and use of the City of Ames’ services. Utility bill customers received a 12-page survey booklet via the U.S. mail. The booklet included the same standard benchmarking questions as presented in the 2023 survey. Questions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)and organized trash were deleted this year. However, there were new questions added pertaining to sustainability (i.e. important climate action steps for Ames and biggest reason to be committed to environmental sustainability). For the communication section, other sources of information added this year were: Facebook-City of Ames, Instagram-City of Ames, X/Twitter-City of Ames, Threads-City of Ames, Nextdoor-City of Ames, and Linkedln–City of Ames. Questions for the Police Department were changed this year. Sixteen activities that the Police Department should prioritize (less, the same or more) were changed to selecting three things that the department should prioritize (from eight provided issues). Also, added to this section, was the type of interactions the respondent had with the Police Department. The survey was also available online. A link to the online survey was provided in the letter of introduction that was mailed out with the paper version of the survey. This link ensures that only randomly selected respondents have access to the survey. The online survey was available in five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean. The selected ISU students received the same online survey via email developed using the Qualtrics Survey Software. The analysis was completed with assistance from Nora Ladjahasan, Amy Logan, and Eli Wilson from the Institute for Design Research & Outreach, College of Design, Iowa State University. This statistical report summarizes results from 450 respondents who returned usable questionnaires: 225 came from Ames’s utility bill customers, referred to as non-student residents in this report (50%) and another 225 from ISU students (50%). Everybody who received a paper copy of the survey was classified and analyzed as non-student residents as some of them did not answer the question if they are full-time ISU student (missing information). Thirteen percent of non-student residents (n=30) took the online survey. This is slightly lower than last year (15%, or 46 non-student respondents). No one responded to the online survey using any of the other languages available. Only 225 surveys from the students were included in the analysis to have the same representation as the non-student residents. Incomplete surveys and those who had lived in Ames for a shorter period were excluded from the student samples. The response rate for the Ames residents’ group (non-student residents) was 16% and 29% for ISU students. The overall response rate for this year is 22%, which is 4% lower than last year (26%).
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 3
The number of questionnaires mailed or emailed included an oversampling of students in order to come up with the desired sample size that reflects target populations. The sample size needed to confidently generalize the findings was 377 for both groups (95% confidence level and a confidence interval of 5). The 450 completed surveys indicate we are over the required sample size. In other words, the findings or the data significantly reflect the responses of the total population. For more details on calculating sample size, refer to: https://www.checkmarket.com/sample-size-calculator.
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 4
Respondents’ Personal and Social Characteristics
Table 1 illustrates the personal and social characteristics of respondents who completed the questionnaire. Column 1 lists characteristics of the respondents who participated in the survey. Column 2 shows personal and social characteristics of Ames residents collected from secondary data sources such as the world population review and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Columns 3-7 show personal and social characteristics of the individuals who completed surveys between the years of 2020 and 2024. Of the respondents in this year’s survey, there are more female respondents than male respondents (58% and 39%, respectively). This follows a trend in 2021 and 2022. Two percent of the respondents opted not to respond to the gender question, and another 1% indicated the third category (non- binary/3rd gender). Male respondents are lower than the census statistics (54%). A majority of respondents were White (84%), 9% were Asian, 3% stated “Other,” 1% were mixed, middle eastern, and 4% preferred not to answer. The racial composition was almost the same as last year. The survey also asked respondents if they identified as having Hispanic or Latino heritage. Four percent of respondents preferred not to answer the question on whether they are of Hispanic or Latino heritage. Of those responding to the survey question, only 4% indicated they were of Hispanic or Latino heritage. A majority (92%) were not. This is almost the same as last year. Educational attainment was another demographic characteristic requested in the survey. Seventy-two percent of the respondents have bachelor’s degree or higher (including some grad work and graduate degree) which is 9% higher than the 2024 secondary data estimate https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/iowa/ames (2024). Sixty-seven percent of the respondents are employed (34% had full-time employment, 33% part-time). Twenty-four percent were retirees, which is lower than last year (28%). Seven percent declared that they were unemployed (this is higher than the June 2024 labor department estimate of 2.3% unemployment rate from Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ia_ames_msa.htm (June 2024)). Thirty-four percent of respondents reported their household income to be less than $25,000, 16% reported their income to be between $25,000 and $49,999, 25% reported earnings of $50,000 to $99,999, and another 26% of respondents make more than $100,000 annually. The distribution of this year’s respondent based on income was almost the same except that there are fewer respondents with income of $100,000 or more (26% for 2024; 29% for 2023).The Labor of Statistics estimates for June 2024 suggests those with income of more than $100,000+ should be at 25% (versus 26% for this survey).
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 5
Table 1. Demographic Characteristics Characteristic Data
1
Employed full-time
* https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/iowa/ames (2024) ** https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ia_ames_msa.htm (June 2024)
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 6
Less than half of the survey respondents (48%) own their residence; the others rent. Most renters (69%) reported renting due to their short-term stay in Ames. Other reasons for renting were lack of adequate income (39%), followed by little or no upkeep (11%), and more security (6%) (Table 2). Respondents who are homeowners differ from renters on several personal and social characteristics. Homeowners have lived in Ames longer than renters (25.8 years and 5.2 years, respectively). Of those who have lived in Ames more than 10 years, 87% are homeowners. On the other hand, 87% of the renters have lived in Ames for less than 4 years. Not surprisingly, the average age of respondents who are homeowners (60 years old) tends to be older than renters (27 years old). Of those between 25 and 44 years old, more half (66%) are renters, 34% are homeowners. In contrast, 97% of those under 25 years of age are renters, and 91% of full-time college students currently rent. For those with a college degree or higher, 48% are homeowners and 52% are renters. Finally, homeowners typically have higher household incomes than renters. Eighty-one percent of homeowners earn $50,000 or more, whereas only 19% of the renters earn more than $50,000. (Statistics from this paragraph are not shown in any tables.)
Table 2. Housing Characteristics
Characteristics
2024** 2nd Data 2020 2021 2022 Percent 2023 2024
*https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/ames-ia-population * https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/iowa/ames Respondents also were asked to identify the location of their home in Ames, as seen on Figure 1 below. Forty-one percent of the respondents reside in the northwest part of the city (compared to 51% in 2023), 33% are from southwest (25% in 2023), 12% from northeast (12% in 2023), and 14% from southeast side (12% in 2023) (Figure 1).
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 7
There are more respondents from northwest and southeast parts of the town compared to last year and less from southwest. Northeast respondents are the same as last year’s survey.
Figure 1. Geographic Sections
41% = Northwest 33% = Southwest 14% = Southeast 12% =Northeast
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 8
Priorities for On-Going Services Respondents were asked to indicate their priorities for the upcoming City budget by indicating allocation levels (less, same, or more) on various services paid for by property or sales taxes. Budgeted funding amounts for each of the services were indicated. Table 3 shows the residents’ preferences about spending priorities. A majority of respondents reported that they would like the City of Ames to spend the same amount as the previous year on all 10 service priorities. Over 82% of the respondents agreed that fire protection should remain at the same funding level as last year. On a scale of 1 to 3 (1 – less spending, 2 – same spending, and 3 – more spending), nine out of ten of the programs received an average score of 2.1 or higher, indicating that most residents are pleased with the current budget. The budget for law enforcement received a score of 1.9. An average score below 2.0 indicates that although a majority of respondents (59.1%) would like the spending to remain the same, there was a strong enough minority (23.5%) who would like less spending to bring down the average score. Other ongoing services that received high support for funding reductions were arts programs (Public Art and COTA) (17.1%) and the Ames Public Library (14.7%); however, both also received similar support in favor of raising funding: arts programs (23.2%) and APL (19.7%). There were several ongoing services that received support for increased funding. The services that had the highest support for increased funding included 35.0% of respondents supporting more spending on Ames Animal Shelter & Animal Control, followed by 29.1% on parks activities, human service agency funding (ASSET) (28.8%), recreational opportunities (26.6%), and 20.7% for CyRide public transportation. These findings are in Table 3.
Table 3. On-going Service Priorities, 2024
On-going Service (budgeted amount)
Human service agency funding (ASSET) ($1,924,578) 6.0 65.2 28.8 2.23
Arts programs (Public Art & COTA) ($286,931) (n=357) 17.1 59.7 23.2 2.06 Land use planning (both current and long-term) 13.2 71.1 15.7 2.03
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2024 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 9
“Other” Suggestions for On-Going Services
Respondents were asked to specify “Other” on-going services that they felt needed funding or priority. Out of the 43 respondents who selected “other,” only 14 respondents provided specific suggestions. The topics included community amenities, outreach services & programs, housing, property tax, road conditions, waste disposal, and mental health issues. Several people commented that they feel things should remain status quo. • Community Amenities
o I think we need to keep investing in nature spaces, parks, and green spaces to promote a higher quality of life in Ames. I can't imagine Ames without Ada Hayden! What about another place like that that we haven't imagined yet? How about access to clean rivers that kids can play in safely? How about safe and clean non-polluted river access in Moore Memorial Park or Brookside Park? • Community outreach services and programs
o Community outreach services and programs
o Cultural Events
o Should have more diverse entertainment activities or public events • Career Development
o Job training • Housing
o More money should be going to support on homelessness • Property tax
o Because property taxes have been increasing, services provided by the city should decrease. • Road condition
o I would spend more on snow removal and creating better road conditions at street intersections.
o Road construction, always the worst thing in Ames every summer. Projects take forever and happen very frequently.
o Road repair • Status Quo
o N/A (2X)
o The same • Waste Disposal
o Recycling mandatory for apartment complex
o Resource recovery • Mental Health Issues
o More money should be going to support mental health issues Table 4 shows the five-year trends of the “spend more” responses for ongoing City services. In 2024, the categories that received the most support for increased spending were Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control, with 35% of respondents suggesting an increase in funding, followed by park activities (29%), recreational opportunities with 27% and ASSET (human services funding) with 26%. It should also be noted that there is fairly strong support for increased funding for four additional categories: arts program (23% of respondents), CyRide (21% of respondents), and Ames Public Library (20%). This year, the most noteworthy change was an 6% increase in support for more funding for Ames Animal Shelter (15% in 2023 to 35% in 2024), fire protection (10% in 2023 to 16% in 2024), and
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park activities (23% in 2023 to 29% in 2024). Comparing 2023 to 2024, the other three categories that had year-to-year changes of between 2% and 3% were law enforcement and Ames Public Library (2% increase, respectively), and recreational facilities (3% increase). Art program is he only category that remained the same as last year (23% for both 2023 and 2024). Human service agency funding (ASSET) and land use planning (both current and long-term) were the only categories that decreased by 2% from 2023-2024 (28% in 2023 to 26% in 2024 and 18% in 2023 to 16% in 2024, respectively). Over the past three years, CyRide public transportation services has become a stronger priority for respondents to receive additional funding, moving from only 13% supporting an increase in funding in 2021, then jumping to 24% on the 2022 survey, 27% in 2023. However, it decreased by 6% (21% in 2024).
Table 4. Trends in “Spend More” Responses for On-going Services (%)
Services Survey Year
Percent Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control 28 20 26 29 35 Park activities 23 16 25 23 29 Recreational opportunities 21 9 25 24 27 Human Service Agency funding (ASSET) 25 27 32 28 26 Art programs 23 28 25 23 23 CyRide (public transit) 19 13 24 27 21 Ames Public Library 16 28 17 18 20 Law enforcement 15 27 23 15 17 Fire protection 11 27 12 10 16 15 18 21 18 16 When comparing the demographics of respondents with their support of certain services some statistically significant differences have been identified. The demographic data examined included years lived in Ames, age, gender, full-time student status, home ownership, education, employment status, household income, and geographic residence in town. These groups of respondents supported increased spending for the following programs and services: • Arts Programs (Public Art &COTA)
o Homeowner
o Some graduate work
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• Fire protection
o Renter
o Non-student residents • Human service agency funding (ASSET) agency
o Non-student residents • Law enforcement
o Non-student residents
o Older respondent (older than 75 years of age)
o $200,000+ income
o Long-term residents (more than 10 years in Ames)
o Non-whites
o Retired • Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control
o Female
o Renter
o Older respondent (older than 75 years of age)
o Lives at Northeast part of the city • Ames Public Library
o Renter
o Non-whites • Land use planning (both current planning and long-term)
o Renter
o ISU Student
o Non-whites • Parks and amenities
o Renter
o Graduate degree
o Non-whites • Recreational opportunities
o Renter • CyRide (public transit)
o Male
o Renter
o ISU student
o $25,000 to $49,000 income
Comments on Programs and Services The most common response from respondents pertaining to funding priorities was a tie between being unsure how the city should be spending money, and that money needs to be spent on improving city services and infrastructure. For those responding saying they were unsure, many claim to not be well-informed enough to make decisions on how the City of Ames should be allocating its funds and to what program or service. One respondent said, “I do not feel like I know enough about each to these line items is to give you feedback on how to change the budget.” Another said, “(I) do not know enough to complete this section.”
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For those responding saying the City needs to improve City services and infrastructure, a variety of topics were brought up. These topics range from infrastructure improvements, Police in schools, good urban planning decisions, animal shelters, and more. One comment said, “I’d like more funding to go into community outreach and services for those in need. Programs that provide basic job skills, teach people how to use CyRide, etc. Also, more funding should be given to programs who care for people living with disabilities.” Another said, “I feel like more money should be funneled into make infrastructure and places that are human-centered, and that people want to go to without the need for cars.” In conjunction with City services, a few comments highlighted the desire to have more funding allocated to improving social services in Ames. In terms of social service improvement, many comments revolved around needs for the disabled and those in need. With the third highest count of comments, respondents displayed their satisfaction and trust with city spending. One said, “The City has a better overall picture of the need and wants of the citizens of Ames.” Another put simply, “if that’s what it takes!” Further respondents commented most on how the City should reallocate current spending to other categories. For example, “Wow I didn't know the police had such a high budget. Maybe if other depts. got their funds, it would reduce the stress on them.” Another said, “you spend more on the library than animal control and safety?” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Capital Improvement Priorities
Respondents were asked to prioritize seven suggested capital improvement project (CIP) areas. Table 5 shows respondents’ 2024 capital improvement priorities. This year, the five highest priorities were reconstruction of existing streets and sustainable solutions (84% rated these as somewhat or very important priority); traffic flow improvements, improvements to existing recreational facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.), and improvements to existing parks (82% rating as somewhat or very important, respectively). Reconstructing existing streets received a mean value of 3.3 and 3.2 for sustainable solutions being incorporated to the above projects. This is based on a 4-point scale (1- not very important, 2 - not important, 3 - important and 4 - very important).
Table 5. Capital Improvement Priorities, 2024
Somewhat or Very Unimportant Somewhat or Very Important Average*
% %
incorporated to the above projects municipal buildings recreational facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.)
improvements
(commuter) improvements *1=very unimportant; 2=somewhat unimportant; 3=somewhat important; 4=very important
Other responses: (n=15) Fifteen survey respondents answered with “other” specified priorities, listed below.: • Better management and add substance into buzz words! • Council & city leaders will do good jobs doing these • Cut spending • Finding ways to make trails not 1.1 million dollars per mile • Improvement of city landscape
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• Increase parking areas • Increasing bike lanes • Need light (traffic) Hyde and Bloomington. Do NOT put roundabout at 190th (Hyde) or on Hwy69! • Public Transportation • PulsePoint • Recycling • Resource Recovery • Upgrading/adding business to Lincoln Way/Mall • Use of photoluminescent technology in building egress as well as exit signage would be a major energy and safety benefit. Table 6 shows trends in survey respondents’ views of the importance of CIP priorities in the last five years. Two of the top three project priorities have remained quite consistent over the past five years: reconstructing existing streets as the first important priority, and traffic flow improvements as the second. This year, greenway trails (79%) narrowly edged out storm water drainage improvements (76%) for the fourth priority spot. In 2024, most of the CIP priorities held steady from the previous year. Although reconstructing existing streets continues to hold the top priority, the percentage of people indicating decrease in importance was 5% (from 89% in 2023 to 84% in 2024). However, there was a big increase in the priority of on-street bike facilities (commuter) improvements from 62% in 2023 to 69% in 2024. This trend is almost the same with improvements to existing recreational facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.) (76% in 2023 to 82% in 2024). Comparing this year’s responses with last year, only one category that remained the same as 2023 was traffic flow improvements.
Table 6. Trends in Capital Improvement Priorities
Service 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Percent very or somewhat important
improvements
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Survey respondents ranked their three highest CIP priorities. Table 7 shows the results of those rankings. Reconstructing existing streets was ranked the highest priority. In addition, storm water drainage improvements ranked as first and third highest priorities while greenway trails (recreational) improvements were ranked second highest priority in 2024.
Table 7. Ranking of Capital Improvement Priorities, 2024
1st Priority (n=336) (n=364) (n=358)
18.0 13.4
18.0
the above projects
15.1
improvements buildings facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.)
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Property Tax Adjustment The city levy for the next year is $10.09 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. This means that the City portion of the property tax on a $100,000 home in Ames is about $468 after rollback. When respondents were asked their view about adjusting property taxes next year, 53% indicated they would prefer no change, 29% suggested decreasing property taxes, and 18% suggested an increase in property taxes. Figure 2 shows preferred property tax adjustments over the past five years. This year, the percentage of respondents indicating they would prefer a decrease in property tax slightly decreased by 1% (30% from 2023 and 29% for 2024). Eighteen percent would accept an increase in property tax, which is also less compared to last year (22%). The percentage of “no change” increased by 5% (from 48% in 2023 to 53% in 2024).
Figure 2. Trends in Preferred Property Tax Adjustments for Next Year
27%
28%
30%
30%
29%
52%
54%
49%
48%
53%
22%
18%
21%
22%
18%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Decrease No Change Increase
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Resident Satisfaction with City Services
Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with nine services provided by the City of Ames. Responses were based on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 = “very dissatisfied”, 2 = “somewhat dissatisfied”, 3 = “somewhat satisfied”, and 4 = “very satisfied”) as well as a fifth option, “don’t know.” Figure 3 shows the level of satisfaction with city services continues to be high. From 2020 to 2024, all nine services were rated highly (satisfied to very satisfied) by the respondents. Figure 3 shows that in the past five years, the level of satisfaction was steady with only minimal changes. In 2024, the level of satisfaction on the services provided by the city was either the same as 2023 and/or slightly increased by 0.1 to 0.2. Services that remained the same as 2023 survey were fire and rescue services, drinking water system, electric services, law enforcement services and public nuisance enforcement (five out of nine services). The satisfaction levels CyRide (highest increase of 0.2), public library services, parks and recreation, and sanitary sewer services were slightly higher by 0.1 than in the 2023 survey.
Figure 3. Perceived Satisfaction Levels on Services, 2020-2024
(1=very dissatisfied; 4=very satisfied)
Table 8 summarizes respondents’ satisfaction with City services. Overall, respondents are quite pleased with City services, as six of nine service areas received more than 95% “somewhat or very satisfied” responses. Respondents were least satisfied with public nuisance enforcement services, with only 83.8% of respondents “somewhat or very satisfied,” followed by law enforcement services (90.8%).
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Table 8. Summary Table of Satisfaction with City Services (removing “don’t know”)
Very/Somewhat Dissatisfied Satisfied
occupancy, yard upkeep). (n=302)
Comments on City of Ames Services Respondents made comments that generally fell into one of two categories. The first being level of satisfaction with the City’s services as a whole, and the second being their thoughts on specific services. For feelings on overall services, most respondents claimed City services in Ames were satisfactory. Comments include…
• “Overall, I think these services makes Ames a good place to live and think City employees should be appreciated.”
• “I like Ames. I feel like they run the city well. Everything here is well structured and organized.”
• “We have great water, and the electric services are great, Ames does a pretty good job providing these to the citizens of Ames” Of those who were unsatisfied, topics they mentioned range from civic project durations to upkeep of City parks. One commenter said, it seems like major projects such as the indoor aquatic center and the line project take longer to complete than necessary. Another said, “Upkeep at Inis Grove has been poor as far as garbage and trash at the park! Having the bathroom burnt out from fire for a year was a real eyesore.” The rest of the comments highlight a specific City service with issues, suggestions, or things they like about the service. Topics include CyRide, trash, Library, parks, water, and nuisance enforcement.
• “Ames has an outstanding public library”
• “City can improve by taking a better care of trees, introducing new varieties of vegetation, increasing number of trees”
• “I’d like to see more CyRide bus stops in west Ames residential areas”
• “If anything, look at implementing more sidewalks for the west end of West Ames. Also, picking up trash.”
• “Wish for more bike trails for long distance riding along green belt are a wish for steam room-like Beyer Hall had” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Police Department
Survey question on the Ames Police Department was changed this year. Questions related to respondents’ opinions whether the department needs to give less, the same, or more emphasis on 16 law enforcement activities were deleted this year. Instead, questions asked this year were types and levels of interaction with the Ames Police Department, and three important things the police department should prioritize. When respondents were asked if they ever interacted with the Ames police department in the last 12 months related to an investigation, traffic, accident, etc., less a quarter (20%) said yes (n=87). Of this, 45% were non-student residents and 55% were ISU students. Respondents were presented eight possible Ames police department outreach events and were asked to indicate if they have attended any of those events. Table 9 shows that less than a third (31%) have attended training or education program, followed by Shop with a Cop (12%), and National Night Out. The rest were attended by less than 10% of the respondents except for Cop on Top (none attended). Comparing the non-ISU resident and ISU students, more ISU students had attended a Training or Education Program (36%) compared to non-ISU resident (26%). None of the ISU students had attended the Citizen Police Academy compared to non-ISU residents (15%). However, there were more ISU students (13.6%) who attended the National Night Out while only 10% of the non-ISU residents attended. A sizeable number of respondents (43%) mentioned other outreach events offered by the Ames police department that were not listed in the survey. These are:
• Fly-In, EcoFair
• 4th of July Parade (2)
• ALICE training through ACSD
• Neighborhood Block Party (2)
• Out of the darkness walk on ISU campus (2)
• At ISU for an event
• Environmental Fair last Sept
• Event at Campustown Court
• Meetings-committees- all positive
• Ragbrai last summer
• School resource officer
• TX Roadhouse- cops serving fundraiser- special Olympics
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Table 9. Outreach Events interacting with Ames Police Department, 2024
Outreach Event (n=49) Percent
non-ISU resident
(n=27) student Training or Education Program (n=15) 25.9% 36.4%
18.5% 4.5% Academy(n=5) 7.4% 13.6%
(n=4) 14.8% 0.0%
11.1% 4.5%
3.7% 4.5%
3.7% 4.5%
0.0% 0.0%
Thinking about priorities for law enforcement, the first three priorities for the law enforcement that should be emphasized were Traffic Enforcement in High Accident Areas (first priority, 66%), followed by Safety Programming and Training (Active Shooter, SCAMS, Alcohol regulations, etc.) (second priority, 63%), and lastly, Residential Patrolling (41%) as the third priority. (Table 10)
Table 10. Three Priorities for law enforcement, 2024
SCAMS, Alcohol regulations, etc.) (n=260)
Previous years data included 16 Ames Police Department activities and rating them as those needing less, same and more emphasis. Out of these 16 activities, only four activities were included in this year’s survey. Three activities were included with slightly different wording. (Column 2 of Table 11 shows the new wording italicized.) Also, two new activities were added to the 2024 survey.
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Table 11 shows the five-year trends for Police Department activities that should receive “more emphasis/ more priority” (for 2024 survey). The following are the noticeable changes by year.
• Two of the new activities added in this year’s survey were chosen to be high priorities for 2024. Those two were traffic enforcement in high accident areas and safety programming and training (Active Shooter, SCAMS, Alcohol regulations, etc.).
• “Traffic enforcement in high accident areas” which was either the third or fourth priority in the previous years was the top priority activity for 2024.
• Residential patrolling remained second priority for 2023 and 2024 surveys.
• Business district patrolling and Parking Regulations remained the last in the priority list.
Table 11. Trends in “More Emphasis” for Police Department Activities
Police Department activity Percent Previous Years Activity Wording 2024 Activity Wording 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Traffic Enforcement in High
Accident Areas 10 11 10 17 66
Residential patrolling
Safety Programming and
Training (Active Shooter,
SCAMS, Alcohol regulations, etc.)
63
Police Outreach enforcement Retail Alcohol
Monitoring/Enforcement 16 19 23 22 23
Animal control and sheltering
Business district patrolling enforcement Parking Regulations 6 5 5 9 11
*2024 data was based on respondents’ priority list (indicating which needs more priority) while 2020 to 2023 data is based on percent of those who rated items that needs more emphasis)
Comments on Police Department
• Satisfied
o Ames is a safe place to live in partly due to our police dept
o I am a white person- my interactions have been positive. I hope that is true for our black and brown friends and neighbors
o I have positive feelings about the Ames PD
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o I mentioned a bicycle that was down in the woods behind Ames high Stadium bleacher and received good service
o I work at Food at First and have several occasions to see the quick and appropriate response to difficult clients on our property.
o In general, I think they do a fine job.
o Live South of campus and really appreciate the extra effort to enforce parking regulations, The one time we have a drunk student trying to enter our home, police were prompt and efficient. Always surprised that animal control is part of law enforcement.
o Not Sure. I have had several interactions with the department over the last 15 years, I've been in town. Situations have always been fair and professional.
o Ok- not friendly, but do their jobs
o only one contact and he was very polite and helpful
o our police dept seems to be doing good enforcement. I like their Facebook posts
o Overall, my interactions with the Ames Police Dept. have been very positive.
o Thank you for everything you do.
o they seem to be doing a fine job
o They seem to be doing a good job
o very favorable
o Very professional every time I interact with them.
• Enforce Traffic Violation
o I do see some people get pulled over, but not as frequently as they should. Some of the drivers on Duff can be ridiculous (I almost watched someone get run over since the car turning didn't yield to pedestrians).
o I mostly commute by bike. I see countless motorists on their cell phones while driving. Makes me feel unsafe. Please enforce texting while driving laws.
o I see people run red lights everyday...
o Living on Dawes Drive and our road is a racetrack. Lots of speeding on Hwy 69, but Dawes is dangerous with the pedestrian traffic. Hwy 69 by Ada Hayden is especially bad with motorcycles speeding out of town.
o Speeders and cars with broken mufflers on Lincoln Way between Beedle and Dakota make noise all day and night.
o Stop spending your valuable time and effort on people going 5 over not hurting anyone
o Texting while driving and when stopped at red lights seems to be the No. 1 problem in Ames. Wish you could enforce that law
o They need much more traffic control
o Way too many drivers that do pull down Lincoln Way and other heavily traveled roads make conditions unsafe for pedestrians. Definitely an area to monitor continuously if resources are available.
o What does it take to get a speeding ticket? I've been passed by kids going in a school zone in front of a cop & the cop just sits there.
o would love to see more hands-on enforcement of distracted driving in this town which is atrocious. I've even seen CyRide drivers on their phones while the bus is at a red light. Let's crack down on distracted driving before we see major injuries or worse with this dangerous practice which needs shut down.
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• More Outreach
o Building engagement with community to avoid an us vs them culture. Especially with kids and younger adults. I have always considered police officers to be people who are there to help all of us
o Didn't even know outreach events were going on
o greater emphasis on serving the community
o I think I would like to see the police being part of the community more & taking steps to engage in programs/services that benefit at risk populations before emergency situations arise.
o It would be nice to know the police force in Ames better. I feel that there is a disconnect between the police and the people of Ames.
o more contact & the police have been mini use I understand their work is well in place
• Excellent
o Excellent department. Very professional. Need to increase budget to be sure officer retention is maintained. Can always use more monies for equipment and training
o Good department
o I think you are doing great! I think it is a shame the school district discontinued their contract with SROS
o Love them
o they do a fantastic job
• More Education
o 9. education and partnership with community Police are needing to go the extra mile and learn when/ how to use their authority. Make sure they know the laws
o I think the police department needs to focus on intrinsic improvement before they can better serve the community
o Implementation of comprehensive de-escalation training programs for law enforcement personnel, emphasizing social awareness and cultural sensitivity to prevent situations from escalating unnecessarily. Prioritization of community policing strategies aimed at building trust and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies and civilians, particularly in diverse or racially sensitive areas. Establishment of accountability measures and transparent reporting systems to address instances of police misconduct and ensure that all civilians are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background.
• Little Interaction
o I have nearly never seen a police person in any neighborhood in which I have lived
o I have not had any interactions with Ames police
o N/A have not motor stop by one
• More Mental Health Services
o investing in mental health/ comm. resources instead of funding the police more
o Mental health services and outreach. Wellness checks
o More importantly, mental health officers who can help get people out of a bad place.
• Less Public Intoxication
o If students are walking home and NOT being a nuisance, a public intoxication is not ideal, especially when the alternative could be to driving drunk.
o Obviously, we are a college town and there will be underage drinkers. However, everyone has done it and I believe they can be more laid back unless actions need to be taken.
o too much petty alcohol arrests (does not include drunk driving)
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• Unsatisfied
o ACAB
o I feel we are a pretty safe city.
• Concerned with Safety
o I am most concerned about violence prevention and safety for our community.
o Lots of domestic issues not taken seriously
• Parking
o I wish there was less emphasis on if your parking meter ran out 5 mins ago, and more time spent ticketing people who park on no parking side or res. street (narrow) and making driving down the street challenging.
o Parking regulations-just stop the over thinking and please remove meters downtown! Return to Ames H.S. and M.S. as outreach. Remove parking meters and reassign meter staff to save money.
• Need Police at School
o As an employee of ACSD, police presence lack of on grounds is a growing use as evident in the number of incidents and calls in the past year
o It would be a good thing to have a police presence in the high school.
• Good Outreach
o Ames Police Facebook page is a great place for community safety updates!
• Drug Control
o Drug control
• Clean Sidewalks
o There is broken glass on the streets. police can take time to clean sidewalks The word cloud is the visual representation of the comments. (Figure 4). For original responses, please refer to the appendix.
Figure 4. Comments on Police Department
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Fire Department Survey respondents reported their satisfaction with Ames Fire Department activities. Table 12 shows respondents’ satisfaction ratings. For each activity, at least 55% of survey respondents responded with “Don’t know” (which was excluded in the analysis in Table 12). Nearly all the respondents were somewhat/very satisfied with emergency response times (97%) efforts followed by 96.8 % extinguishing fires, and approval for emergency medical response, respectively, and lastly, fire prevention and community outreach (96%).
Table 12. Satisfaction with Fire Department Activities (“don’t know” removed)
Fire Department Activity Very/Somewhat Dissatisfied Somewhat/Very Satisfied
Emergency response time (n=169)2.9%97.1%
Extinguishing fires (n=126)3.2%96.8%
Emergency medical responses (n=156)3.2%96.8%
Fire prevention activities and community
outreach (n=190)4.2%95.8%
Comments on Fire Department (n=65)
• No Experience
o Fortunately, I had no need for fire dept, service. Glad to know they are available though, thanks!
o Fortunately, we have not needed these services
o Fortunately, have not had to use them
o Fortunately, I have not needed the fire dept
o Glad I do not know
o Have never needed fire dept
o Have never needed to call the fire dept. (yet).
o Have not had to use the Fire department and hope that I never do.
o Have not needed it
o I am glad it is there, and I am glad I haven't had to use it.
o I feel like I mostly see firefighters when they're responding to something, but I don't think that is really a problem since that's their job.
o I have never had to need them for anything yet
o I have never needed the fire department, but I know several fire fighters and know that our community is in good hands
o I have not had to use them Thank God.
o I've never had to use this before
o Luckily, we have not needed their services
o My very limited experience from past years, facility is great. I hate metered parking. Location is just far enough away it’s hard to make it there
o Never had the chance or need to call them.
o never had to deal with them outside of inspections
o Never had to use Fire Dept or EMT
o Never have used.
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o Seem good- just have not "needed"
o Thankfully haven't needed their assistance. No complaints. Keep doing what you're doing.
• Satisfied
o Although I have not had to use this resource, I think they do a good job in our community
o am very satisfied with all aspects of the fire staff, etc.
o Fortunately, we only experienced one small fire in all these years. The response was quick and handled well- thankfully
o I appreciate it when the fire department comes to campus and teaches PASS.
o Keep doing what you’re doing.
o keep up the good work
o Our fire dept seems good. I see lots of community activities at our neighborhood fire station
o Our only interaction with the fire department was positive. Our neighbor improperly called us in for a small campfire. We were complying and had a great conversation with the fire department team.
o There was a fire at my complex last year and the only damage was the laundry room; they responded/acted quickly to minimize the damage. They've also been quick to the scene with false alarms, but they still go and check everything out, which I appreciate; you can never be too careful even with false alarms.
o They seem to do their job as Ames has not burnt to the ground yet
o very quick and professional when medical help is needed
o Well run department. Could always use more monies for training and equipment
• Great
o Great fire department
o Great!
o I heard they are good
o I interacted with the fire dept when I was a county house director, and they were great
o I just know how fast the fire department gets to places when the alarm goes off
o Love those brave men and women!
o Proud of them!
o They are always kind even when they are in a high stress situation.
o We had a pipe burst and the fire department responded promptly even though it was a late night. I appreciate that.
• No Visibility
o Don't hear or read anything about this fire department does come to our block party
o Have not heard anything for the fire department in terms of community outreach
o I love Ames fire department; but Gilbert could give you more ideas for community outreach
o We do prescribe burning and I wish it was easier to inform the fire department. Filing a permit yearly once the fire department has been out once seeming unnecessary. Permitting process takes too long when burning is so weather dependent.
o Would love to hear about community outreach
• North Ames Needs Station
o Love fire prevention day. Not enough information to judge response times. Would seem like Northridge and West Ames at Sunset Ridge could use stations, Advanced life-support response time to these areas would seem slow, the city should implement PulsePoint to improve medical response time
o North Ames needs a fire department, heard from department response is too long
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o This city is greatly expanding west and north. We need another fire station in Sunset Ridge. Northridge could greatly benefit from a station out there. EMS takes forever to get to West Ames. To my residence, it's nearly a 5-mile trip for MGMC EMS and a two-mile trip for station #2 to get here. The EMS ambulances are only dispersed in this community for special events and in those times ALS response to west Ames is reduced by almost half, but again, it is only during Special Olympics, RAGBRAI, etc. Otherwise, the EMS ALS units are centralized downtown which makes sense for hospital transfers, etc. and 911 coverage for central and east Ames/east Story County. Dispatch here needs to be utilizing citizen and professional responders with Pulse Point, as they're doing in WESTCOM. Communities who've implemented Pulse Point have seen a drastic reduction in SCA collapse victims receiving CPR and AED application in a fraction of the time it takes professionals to arrive and begin care. QA/QI from medical direction should be involved in every cardiac arrest call involving AED use from Ames Fire, Ames PD, ISU PD, City of Ames Electrical Services trucks, etc. This is what is done in Rochester, MN and the early defibrillation program has received national awards. Ames is a wonderful and progressive community. Let's improve/overhaul the response model here so we set a leadership/model example for every other community to follow!
• Positive Outreach Experience
o We appreciate the fire station open houses!
o We love the yearly open house
• Fast Response
o Showed up promptly when needed at a car accident I was in
o they responded quickly to my emergency and very nice guys
• Need Faster Response
o Emergency repose time could be quicker
• Unsatisfied
o One time, a bird got stuck in the perch and we couldn't access it to set it free. We called them, but they didn't come to help. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 5. Comments on Fire Department
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Ames Electric Services
Survey respondents were asked a series of questions regarding Ames Electric Services, including questions about power outages, satisfaction with various aspects of the Electric Services department, and SunSmart Ames project. Almost two-thirds (73%) of the respondents have their electricity in their homes provided by the City in 2024. The number of respondents who have experienced a power outage fluctuates every year and is nearly always connected to weather conditions. Table 13 demonstrates this fluctuation. By 2020, that number climbed to 48%, and in 2021, over 80% of those surveyed reported experiencing an outage due to the derecho in August 2020. However, the rate sharply declined to 43% in 2022 and 53% of respondents in 2023 reported experiencing a power outage. This percentage declined by 5% in 2024 (48%) Fifteen percent of respondents experienced a power surge which affected their computer operations in 2024, compared to 18% in 2023.
Table 13. Respondents’ Experience with Electric Service Interruption
Service outage Survey Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Percent who responded “yes”
18 24 12 18 15 Table 14 shows satisfaction rates with Electric Department services. “Does Not Apply” responses were excluded in this analysis. Ninety-six percent of Ames customers were somewhat or very satisfied with the quality of power, and 94% were satisfied with the response of employees. There was also a high rate of satisfaction with the ease of reporting an outage and time to restore service (93%, respectively). Respondents indicated favorable rates of satisfaction for the communication of progress in restoring services (90%). Twenty percent of respondents reported being very/somewhat dissatisfied with electric rates.
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Table 14. Satisfaction with Electric Department Services, 2024
Very/somewhat dissatisfied very satisfied Average
Figure 6 shows the five-year trends in the level of satisfaction with the Electric Department. The satisfaction levels have remained constant across each category over the five-year period, with some slight variations from year to year. Level of satisfaction increased by 0.1% from 2023 to 2024 across each category, except for these two categories (response of employees, and ease of reporting) which remained the same as 2023.
Figure 6. Satisfaction with City Electric Department activities, 2020-2024
Respondents were asked to gauge their interest in participating in the SunSmart Ames community solar farm (https://www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar). Ames Electric Services established a 2MW solar farm to provide renewable energy to customers. Ames Electric Services customers may purchase shares of the project at $240 per "Power Pack." Participants will receive a monthly credit on their bills (more information at www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar). Only 8% of respondents indicated that they are participating in the project. The survey then asked for feedback on why they are not participating. Of those who were not participating, 51% specified that their stay in Ames is short-term, 23% responded that it was too expensive, and 7% stated that they were not interested.
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Other reasons (35%) for not wanting to participate in the program include not knowing enough about the project or not aware of the program, will not qualify for the project because they are still living in an apartment, old age, not cost effective, apathy, and not thinking it’s sound long-term project.
Comments on City Electric Service
• Satisfactory
o Does a great job
o Excellent
o Fine, Communicate through social media well
o Good job (2x)
o overall outstanding and really appreciate all the LED streetlights installed as well as the use of wind power for at least 10% of our energy. Kudos!
o Satisfied
o The service is amazing
o They are good
o Very good! (2x)
o We are fortunate to have the electrical services we have in Ames. They are quick to get electricity back online
o Well done - no complaints
• Expensive
o Expensive
o Focus on natural gas, it is cheap and reliable
o If the cost is low enough, I can consider solar service. (significantly low)
o Interested in solar panels but the company who came out wanted $40,000
o My power bill continues to be inordinately high. Not sure why as I am very mindful of my usage
o We are too old for it to be affordable
o we signed on when it was $350 a panel
o What is the monthly discount? Electric rates- rates are related to market demands so they are what they are.
• Negative SunSmart
o As a participant, we find the (return on investment) quite low. We now consider it a donation to support sustainable power for the community.
o I am 82, I see no advantage in this.
o I am not aware it’s been in this city a short time
o SunSmart is more a donation than investment
o The return on investment is too small.
o We live in the woods- no sunshine due to the canopy of the trees
• Positive SunSmart
o It may not be expensive for many families, but we have 4 kids, so our budget is pretty tight. We do support the solar farm initiative, though
o It seems like a cool idea, hope it goes somewhere!
o Sounds like a good program if you plan on being a permanent resident
o Sounds like an awesome Idea!!!
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o The City of Ames Electrical Services should purchase more renewable energy and explore partnerships with other area large organizations. Also, I would like more information shared about its role as a waste management system for multiple area communities.
• Need Shorter Terms
o If I could participate in the "Power Pack" for a shorter time (5 yrs say) I would definitely do so.
o offer a shorter term
• Want More Available Information
o I do not think I have ever been notified about outages. I always have to look it up. It would be nice to get text updates. but power seems to be restored very quickly.
o I wish you offered a web portal to monitor usage in real time.
• Poor Reliability
o 54% reliability? Ridiculous! Quit throwing money at that dinosaur!
• Very Reliable
o Ames electric is very reliable-thank you! The $5 monthly credit for prime time is relatively small but better than nothing.
Figure 7. Comments on Ames Electric Services
• .
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Drinking Water Service
Of the respondents who use City of Ames drinking water and sanitary sewer services, the majority reported never having problems such as too much pressure (94%), soft water (90%), rust (83%), disagreeable taste or odor (78%), too little pressure (75%), sediment or cloudy appearance (74%), and hard water (70%). Figure 8a shows the frequencies of water service problems as reported in 2024. Most respondents experiencing water problems indicated they had problems once or twice in the past year. These problems range from too much pressure (2%) to sediment or cloudy appearance (17%). Twelve percent of respondents reported experiencing hard water on seven or more occasions in the last year. Figure 8b shows the number of percentage of respondents reporting no water problems for the past five years (2020 to 2024). Historically, Ames residents are pleased with their water. The chief complaints are having hard water and sediment or cloudy appearance.
Figure 8a. Frequencies of Water Service Problems, 2024
Figure 8b. Respondents Reporting No Water Service Problems, 2020-2024
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Never 1-2X 3-6X 7+
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
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60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Too much
pressure
Soft water Rust Disagreeable
taste or odor
Too little
pressure
Sediment or
cloudy
appearance
Hard water
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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Comments on Drinking Water Services Many respondents commented positively about Ames tap water. Most comments indicated that they were pleased with the quality and taste through words like: excellent, best water, delicious, good, and great. “Very happy with the water in Ames. Appreciate the city ‘partially’ softening the water so a home water softener is not required.” Another said, “I love Ames’ water! It tastes so good right from the tap. We are so lucky. Thank you!” While there were many positive comments, respondents also shared their concerns including hard water, pressure issues, poor taste, and sediment in water. A common sentiment was that Ames water used to be better than it is now. Other residents use filtration systems and believe they are not in a place to comment on the Ames services, as they are cleaning the water themselves at home out of their tap. “I use filtered head for my shower and filter my water before drinking it or use it for cooking.” Another says, “We have an inhouse softener” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 9. Comments on Drinking Water Service
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Water and Pollution Control Department
Survey respondents were asked to provide their level of satisfaction with water quality and rates on a scale of 1 – Very Dissatisfied to 4 – Very Satisfied. Respondents could also choose “Does not apply.” The satisfaction rates are reported in Table 15. Ninety-one percent of those surveyed were satisfied with water quality, 85% were satisfied with water rates, and another 85% were satisfied with sewer rates. Comparing 2024 data to the previous year, overall, the numbers remained steady from the previous year. Customer satisfaction is high among all three categories. Water quality ranked highest with an average score of 3.5 out of 4, indicating a high level of satisfaction.
Table 15. Satisfaction with Water & Pollution Control Department Services, 2024
Average Water quality (n=363) 9 91 3.5 Sewer rates (n=310) 15 85 3.1 Water rates (n=324) 15 85 3.1 *“Does not apply” excluded when calculating percentages for “very dissatisfied” to “very satisfied.” Figure 10 shows trends in the number of people experiencing problems related to the City’s sewer or stormwater system over the past decade. Generally, fewer than 10% of respondents experienced back-up or flooding problems. Major weather events have caused these numbers to change. For example, in 2017, there were slightly more stormwater-flooded properties, but the numbers from 2019 far exceed any of the other years. In June 2018, Ames received 5.5 inches of rain in one rain event, leading to a historic flash flooding event that affected many in the community. This year, more respondents experienced flooding or sewer backup events on their property. Only 11% of survey respondents indicated they had a backup in their home (compared to 46% in 2019). However, it was 100% more than the previous year (5% in 2023). Of the 47 people who had a drain backup problem, 39% (n=30) reported the problem to the City, of whom 23 respondents (79%) were somewhat or very satisfied with the response and assistance they got from the city. The survey also asked respondents if they had experienced stormwater flooding onto their properties from the street in the past year. In 2024, only 11% of respondents reported stormwater flooding from the street. Of the 45 respondents who experienced flooding, only 17 people reported the problem to the City. When asked how satisfied they were with the City’s response to the flooding problem, 11 reported being somewhat satisfied with the response.
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Figure 10. Respondent’s Experience with City Sewer System Problems, 2015-2024
Comments on Water and Pollution Control There were 19 comments connected to the Water Pollution and Control section. Comments range from topics of satisfaction levels, water rates, stormwater systems, and water quality. Most comments were positive. Respondents used words like good and great to describe water and pollution control or noted that they did not have an issue. “They are great!” Another said, “No noticeable issues here.” However, there was some concern expressed about Ames’ water rates. One comment said, “all rates are high compared to a household (home) of 3.” Another said, “Try to keep rates low. Sneaking up.” Some respondents highlighted how their homes have poor stormwater drainage, and that it can pose an issue during heavy rainfall or flooding events. “it’s a low area and flood during big rain falls so it’s just part of living here.” Another said, “My yard has a cuvette & a drainage easement. I wish my yard was not a drainage structure. It is awful.” Beyond this, a couple respondents report poor water quality and are wanting more information pertaining to water contents and infrastructure. One comment says, “I am concerned about quality of water in Ames. Can they put suggested filters on their website... Do we need additional filters to eliminate forever chemicals/ particles.” Another says, “I think we should not only ensure the quality of the water, but also check whether the water pipe materials meet health standards. Such as the content and release of heavy metals.” In a similar vein, one respondent was unsatisfied with the city’s action on a stormwater issue. “It did several years ago and found our outlet to storm sewer was blocked by tiling and road construction materials from Duff Ave. City did nothing!!” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
0%
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20%
30%
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50%
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2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Drain/sewer backed up
Storm water flooded property
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Figure 11. Comments on Water and Pollution Control Services
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Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement
Table 16 illustrates survey respondents’ satisfaction with the City’s neighborhood nuisance enforcement efforts. Almost half of respondents surveyed indicated that they did not know about nuisance enforcement activities. “Don’t know” ranged from 51% (yard upkeep – overgrown vegetation) to 77% (rental over occupancy). These individuals were excluded from the calculated satisfaction percentages. Among those who expressed opinions regarding their satisfaction with neighborhood nuisance enforcement, more than two-thirds reported being “somewhat satisfied” to “very satisfied” with each enforcement effort: front yard parking on residential property (80%), noise limits (76%), dangerous structures (73%), over-occupancy in rental property (72%), outdoor storage on property (70%), and yard upkeep (68%). When satisfaction level was compared against geographic residences of the respondents, the level of satisfaction was the same regardless of where a respondent lives for five out of six nuisance ordinance enforcements except for outdoor storage on property (old cars, tires, furniture, garbage). Those living in the northwest were more satisfied compared to those living in southwest part of the city.
Table 16. Satisfaction in Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement
Very/Somewhat Dissatisfied Satisfied Average
unsecured, holes, collapsing) (n=165) Over-occupancy in rental property (n=98) 28 72 3 furniture, garbage (n=177) (n=204)
Comments on Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement
• Unkept Properties
o Dilapidated house at 1514 Duff. It's been deteriorating for quite a long time, red notice on door, not certain if anything is being done about it. Feel sorry for my neighbors!
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o Hopefully with the changing of the property laws in January, it will make a change this year that something will be done with properties that are not kept up
o I am dissatisfied with the nuisance ordinances for yard upkeep. Several yards had 12" vegetation following 1 week or rain. Consistent and equal enforcement seems like a waste of time
o I noticed that some houses did not keep their grass mowed, e.g. 420 Beedle Dr. 2 also hit a curb when I drove on a road due to too narrow passway and dark light at night
o our neighbors contacted: an unkempt lawn and the concern was properly delt with
o Our yard is majorly overgrown but at the same time has huge dirt spots. Our parking lot is almost always full of broken glass.
o Please treat residential properties the same as rental properties
o There are some things I don't feel neighbors should have to complain about to be enforced. Like can see someone hasn't mowed their lawn all summer.
o There are some yards with tremendous overgrowth and some places that have huge RVs parked in their driveways and it's such an eyesore.
o What's with the rolling house on the east side of Duff near 15th street or so??? It's gone on far too long
• Noise
o 4th of July very noisy in our residential area- contacted police- they did help with the noise. Sad residents still want to shoot noisy fireworks- harmful to animals and scare them as well as annoying to neighbors. Hopefully people are being fined for residential fireworks
o neighbors than run loud power equipment after 6pm
o noise limits- barking dogs’ problem
o Noise will be an issue in campus town. I wish the city could do more
o Private fireworks use on and around the 4th of July continue to be a major nuisance, and there doesn't seem to be much effort to limit them.
o The city responds too harshly to noise complaints. It is a college town, let us be kids.
o There needs to be enforcement about broken mufflers. Ames is louder than the city.
o We have claimed many times an AC unit in our building that is very noisy and is placed on the other side of our bedroom wall. They have tried to reduce the noise but are still not very successful. We don't know whether is appropriate to claim this with the city of Ames since this matter has been 'taken care of' by our tenant.
• Ames Regulations
o City of Ames has become an HOA with its' new "regulations"
o I think the city is overreaching by setting ordinances on parking, storage, and maintenance of personal property.
o Keep the city out of individual property rights. If safety is a concern, then attention seems warranted. If someone voices a complaint, I am hesitant to over legislate property ordinances.
o not a fan of ordinances concerning personal property
o Overall, while living in Ames is a positive experience for me, I cannot say I like the property maintenance law that went into effect on January 1st, 2024. While I understand the desire to keep citizens safe and the city clean, I think that there were better means to achieve these goals than the one the city council implemented.
o People talking and children playing are much louder than your outdoor music ordinance... It makes no sense!
o Some go too far and seem to be selectively enforced
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o Why do people care so much about lawns being perfectly trimmed? I think there are far more important things to be concerned about than that
• Satisfied
o I do not mind much
o I don't see many of these issues in our city
o I guess I don't see enough of it to really gauge any major ordinances.
o I live in a well-established neighborhood area that is close knit and very friendly for 50+ years
o I reported a downed power line, and it was fixed in a few hours
o Neighbors had contacted the city & issues were addressed.
• Parking
o Ames’s parking is ridiculous
o Let people park on their front lawn. It's their property
o We reported a situation at 815 Top O Hollow Ave too many vehicles parked in the driveway and other areas on the lot and the situation has not changed
o You might consider allowing only parking on one side of residential streets!! Very difficult to get through residential streets when are parked on both sides of the street! (west Ames)
• Unsatisfied
o problems persisted
o train horns, motorcycles and loud cars on hand, etc.- appear to be speeding even racing don't appear to enforce over occupancy in rental units.
o Years later the same issues were not been resolved.
• No experience
o I live in an apartment complex and never had to report to the city
o none, do not know much about them
• Landlords
o Ames City Council is absolutely toothless in front of predatory landlords. Haverkamp properties have been running a scam on their tenants and I have tried and failed repeatedly to get any sort of actionable response from the Ames City Council. They exploit international students. They are racists. They are vultures in the truest sense of the word. How Ames City council ever lets Haverkamp properties operate and exploit its most vulnerable population is beyond me. Maybe Iowa was, is and will always be racist. So honestly these surveys are pointless (with all due respect to the survey designers) if the residents do not get to reap any actionable benefits from it. I am sure the results will help some researchers flash some graphs to some granting agency to pour money into more research that will amount to more of nothing.
o Old neighbors used to blast music & scream into the wee hours of the morning. Police told us to take it up with our property managers.
• Less Lawn Emphasis
o The city should be less concerned about lawns. Obsession with lawn upkeep just encourages more noisy mowing and leaf blowers. These machines are nuisances and are detrimental to the health of the users and anyone around. Please ban leaf blowers. Please also enforce loud motorcycles and trucks.
o We called the city about a streetlight out and they fixed it in a few days. much appreciated. Our neighborhood area. is seeing more and more front yards having overgrown vegetation. It affects the home values in the area. If the people want to have overgrown vegetation in backyards, I have no problem with that bur when it affects others home values, it is not right
• More Education
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o I am not familiar with these ordinances. Can these be published in a city newsletter? I would be interested in reading these and understanding them
o I don't even know where/who to report these things to thought I would like to have the knowledge.
• Over Occupancy
o I live in an HOA and the Ames PD does not have jurisdiction on over-occupancy apparently
o Over occupancy is a continual issue in our neighborhood- how much of a nuisance this is often depends on how well behaved the students are. i.e.- our current students hold most of their parties indoors; the previous group held parties which made it hard to enjoy our yard.
• Sidewalks
o Sidewalk clearing in winter is terrible. there are hundreds of sidewalks that are never cleared once during a winter
o They ("nuisances", many nuisances are safety related) seem to be all citizens complaint driven. I would be calling daily if I reported all sidewalks, vegetation impeding ability to walk, damaged sidewalks. These are dangerous to pedestrians and cause visual obstructions (vegetation) for pedestrians and cyclists and auto drivers.
For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 12. Comments on Nuisance Enforcement
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Street Maintenance Residents were given the opportunity to rate street maintenance using a four-point scale from “very poor” (1) to “very good” (4). The average values ranged from 2.8 to 3.3, meaning the road services were rated from nearly good to very good. When “very good” and “good” responses were combined, responses ranged from 66% for snow plowing in your neighborhood to 94% for street sweeping in business areas, as seen in Table 17.
Table 17. Road Service Ratings, 2024
Very Poor/ Average
Figures 13a and 13b compare the respondents’ ratings of the quality of street maintenance over the past five years. Eight out of nine street maintenance features were ranked “good” with an average score higher than 3.0. “Snow plowing in your neighborhood” got the lowest rating of 2.8 (poor) this year. Comparing this year’s rating with the previous year, the rating was higher than last year (2023) except for two features: snow plowing on major streets, and snow plowing in your neighborhood. The average value decreased by 0.1. In 2024, eight of the nine street maintenance features mentioned in Table 17 were viewed the same regardless of geographic residence. However, maintenance of bike path system (on street lanes & paths) was rated higher by those living in the southeast and southwest parts of the city.
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Figure 13a. Quality of Street Maintenance Features (2020-2024)
Figure 13b. Quality of Street Maintenance Features Continued (2020-2024)
The survey also asked respondents to rate the effectiveness of coordination between traffic signals. Table 18 shows that when categories were combined, 57% of respondents perceived that the traffic signal coordination was “often and/or almost always” effective, compared to 32 percent who perceived the coordination to be “rarely to sometimes” effective. Nine percent indicated they don’t know.
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Street sweeping in
business areas
Appearance of
medians/parkways
Maintenance of bike path
(on street lanes/paths)
Street sweeping in
neighborhood
Snow plowing on major
streets
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
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Surface condition of major streets Ice control at intersections Snow plowing in your neighborhood
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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Table 18. Signal Coordination Effectiveness (n=413), 2024
Percent Often effective 34 Sometimes effective 25 Almost always effective 23 Don’t know 9 Rarely effective 7
Comments on Traffic Signals
• Better Light Coordination
o better coordination on busy days. Like football games; major events (concerts, graduation)
o Cannot tell they are supposed to be coordinated. Traffic was very backed up at times especially Duff from South 4th on South to out of Ames. Could not even turn south off South 16th one day- all red lights backed up to next light.
o if you hit a red on Grand, you hit every light red!
o It is hard to discern coordination between signals.
o Lights going east on Lincoln Way are not timed very well.
o Lincoln Way is a stressful and dangerous route due to a lack of traffic signal coordination.
o Long cycle times lead to pedestrian delays, especially when bog button use is required to get a walk signal
o Need to look at the traffic signals at Duff & Crystal
o On major roads such as South Duff, Lincoln, and University, I can count on one hand the number of times that the traffic signals felt coordinated. The overwhelming majority of the time, it is incredibly stop and go. It feels very fuel inefficient for many cars.
o One of my biggest complaints about living in Ames are the traffic signals... they cause backups even under low-traffic sections
o Red light after red light after red light - seemingly no coordination city-wide
o Something needs to be done on how you manage the ISU FB & BB traffic after a game. Rumor has it there is one person who won't change how he manages it!
o Sometimes the timing seems off allowing 2-4 cars to go North/South and then 20-30 to go East/West
o Stop them alternating, it’s annoying when the light turns green at the same time the next light turns red
o The change in programming of lights at Stange & 13th and Stange & 24th results in longer wait time which in turn, has caused more people to run the intersection on late yellow and red.
o The light stops at intersections of smaller streets and Lincoln way have very poor traffic time signals where you have to wait for a long time especially in the morning.
o The lights on Duff seem poorly timed.
o The Lincoln Way/N Elm Ave and Lincoln Way/Grand Ave lights, particularly the pedestrian crossing at N Elm, have very poor coordination.
o The traffic lights are a constant irritation because I am constantly hitting every red light. Please work on improving this in the future.
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o There have been improvements on 13th St. Duff is a mess. At least a few times a year I will have to stop at each light from downtown to South Duff.
o Timing on Grand Ave is off. You just stop at each light as you drive north.
• Intersection Light Adjustment
o 13th and Duff is the worst, often changing to give green to the other direction even though no cars are coming that way, making those actually approaching where it was green need to wait to (SLOWLY) cycle through the lights to turn green again. All without any cars coming the other way.
o 13th St. East & West lights need help for turning
o Can be a little shorter wait time.
o Compared to other cities, the ability for the whole street to be green lights. They need left turn arrows from 13th on to Grand.
o I hate Lincoln lights- never coordinated.
o I travel from N Duff to S Duff a lot & stop very often. Can you cancel a red light that comes on after someone turns right on red? (from a side street onto Duff)
o The intersection of Grand Ave & E 13th Street should have a green arrow for turning left from 13th street towards Lincoln Way. It is stressful to turn left, especially if multiple cars are waiting to turn - sometimes have to wait through multiple traffic light cycles since not every driver sneaks into the intersection on yellow to turn left when cross traffic stops
o Lights on East/West Bound Grand, no turn signal very congested. Lincoln Way
o Some intersections (especially later at night or early morning… University Blvd one off Mortensen) there is no traffic and at times you’d have to wait 30 seconds to take a left. Also, some intersections don’t allow pedestrians to cross, and they have to wait for a whole light cycle to walk or cross. Intersections should be made with pedestrians (and furthermore cyclists, anything that isn’t a car) in mind and allow them to move more freely around.
o Some lights are way too long/short. Going from Hyland to Ontario takes an extremely inconvenient amount of time
o Some stoplights take forever to change (Franklin and Lincoln Way). Also, the traffic light for people turning S. from Target needs an arrow. There is nearly an accident there every time I am over there. Light turns green, and people don't yield to those going straight.
o The light on 13th and Grand Ave heading west and east makes it extremely difficult to make a left turn in high traffic times of the day. It is a high-traffic intersection, so I think it warrants a protected turning arrow. The light on Duff and 11th Street will cycle randomly when no cars or pedestrians are waiting. This slows and accumulates traffic for no apparent reason.
o The light on South 16th heading west- the turn arrow will only allow 6 cars and there can many times be 10-12 waiting- needs to be LONGER
o The lights on Lincoln and Sheldon are terrible when going north and south. When someone hits the pedestrian walk light, that somehow counts as a green light because then people get even less time to go through the light. It does not help that there is no left turn area only because that is taking away valuable time and would create less traffic right there. This light goes west, and east is almost too long during heavy traffic hours of 4-6 pm because it causes a backup in the small block between Sheldon and Hyland. Overall, this section needs heavy revamp.
o The one stop light leading up to the police station from Brookside Park on Grand is extremely slow to change if you're not driving on Grand in the evening.
o The pedestrian lights are good. The transition from yellow to red lights seems too fast
o The traffic signal at S. Dakota and HWY 30 is rarely if ever helpful. I spend a lot of time sitting there while no one is going through.
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o The wait at the intersection of Dayton and 30 (when exiting from the west) is way off. You can sit there for minutes without it changing, even though no vehicles are going south through the intersection. Major streets can get congested and backed up during busy times.
o There are a few places where it would be nice to have more turning arrows. Especially during rush hours
o There are certain intersections that should add a green arrow on left turns to improve safety.
• Infrastructure Improvements
o 13th and grand east-west traffic needs a protected left turn, sometimes the yellow light is too short
o Grand and 13th seems to be the most problematic intersection for me. The lack of turning lanes/signals and the emphasis on northbound traffic seems to be troublesome. Additionally, 13th and Stange Rd seems odd that the priority for left hand turning is on northbound traffic as well, and North/South bound traffic is hardly ever coordinated with the Hawthorn Court Dr since the signal seems only to be a sensor prioritizing lefthand turning westbound traffic. This results in southbound traffic on Stange Rd to get stopped again quite often at this intersection. Finally, there may be reasons for this that I have not considered, but the usage of lanes on University Blvd between Stange Rd and Wallace Rd seems underutilized. There is significant space for a right-hand turn lane for eastbound traffic at the Wallace Rd University Blvd intersection. A right-hand turn lane/middle eastbound lane would prevent the blocking of traffic in the morning when CyRide busses must stop after turning left from Stange Rd on to University Blvd. Additionally, the left-hand turn lane on east bound University just past the Wallace intersection is hardly used and could easily be replaced by the middle east bound lane through the traffic signal.
o I have a landscape architect here who says the medians should have more native pollinator plants (specifically on Lincoln Way near Campustown)
o In general, there are multiple places in the city with 3 lanes of traffic at a light - left turn lane, and two "other" lanes where drivers could be going straight or turning right. Please consider making the right lane a turn only lane as one car going straight can significantly back traffic up. Examples are 13th St east at Dayton light, and 13th St. west at Stange light.
o Maybe go you blinking lights after 11 pm? The length of signal on Grand Ave intersections is truly unnecessary. Also, would eliminate the no turn on red sign at University and 6th- was added a few years ago-not necessary ever.
o more intersections need sensors. Particularly at CyRide and 6th, LW and University, Stange and 24th, 13th and Stange- left turn lane onto stage needs to be longer
o The crosswalk next to Cousin Vinny's I think could use flashers
o The prairie strips on Ash near Mortensen need weeding and replanting
o Traffic signal detection systems don't always work
o We need a traffic signal near University Community Childcare (Bruner Drive and Stange Road) especially with school buses and CyRide frequently utilizing this area!!!
o Why do I have to stop at the stoplight at 11th and Duff by Mary Greeley at 5:30 am because it is no longer on sensor! There is no pedestrian or other vehicle traffic around!
• Satisfied
o Don't like the constant stop & go but understand it.
o I would guess it is since I haven't noticed it
o In general, they are regulated properly
o much better than previous
o No complaints
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o Seems like getting stopped at one light gets you stopped all the way down the street, but turning onto the street and making the first light gets you through the next 2-3 lights consistently
o So long as people drive the speed limit and not 2-6 over, they work great
o They seem fine.
o With lots of repairs work this year I would pay letting us know where there are detours, etc. It's pretty good
• More Street Cleaning/Snow removal
o Do not see street sweeping in my area, but the streets are clean. Snow plowing/ removal could be better in area parking lots
o I feel snow removal has opportunities to be faster. Grand and 13th light needs work. Those turning left onto Grand really need a signal/arrow.
o Snow plowing for circles really depends on who is doing it. Contractors are much quicker than city. Several streets need redoing, but am aware city is gradually redoing streets
• Dissatisfied
o Terrible on Duff
o Time and gas are wasted daily.
o Waiting over 20 years for resolution of 13th and Grand
• Better Bike/Ped Infrastructure
o I find the bike paths very frustrating- they seem random
o Make it easier for bike commuters to trigger signals. We should not have to trigger from the sidewalk
o Sheldon & Lincoln Way signal - Additional time for N-S transit during 4-6 PM would be an improvement - pedestrian crossing uses up almost all the time if you have turning cars thus few cars get through during each green light. Additional turn lanes at Stange & Ontario and 13th & Grand would be good.
• Long Wait Times
o Often waiting for a very long time at lights when no one is coming in either direction.
o Some places you sit forever when there is no traffic going the other direction
o They usually work as intended, but lots of major areas have been getting longer and longer of wait times
• Good Timing
o good yellow times
o Grand Ave seems good at timing, often long waits.
• More Enforcement
o put cameras on them to catch all the speeders, light runners, and cell phone abusers.
• Better Road Construction Timing
o Road construction could be more isolated. Doing all Grand at once seems like it has caused too much congestion For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Figure 14. . Comments on Traffic Signals
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CyRide CyRide is the community-wide transit system serving both Iowa State University and Ames. It is funded through the City of Ames (from property taxes), ISU administration (from the general fund), and ISU students (from student fees). Figure 15 shows the difference in ridership between those identifying as students and non-students. Among those respondents who used CyRide at least once a week, 76% were students and 24% were non-students.
Figure 15. Use CyRide at least once a week, 2020-2024
In 2024, 42% of survey respondents reported some weekly use of CyRide, which is a little lower than last year (46%). In the past five years, the use of CyRide has averaged around 44% (between 42% and 46%). In 2024, 58% of respondents reported they never rode the bus. There was a no change in those using CyRide 7 to 10 times in a week compared to 2023, 3% decrease in more than 10 times in a week and another 3% decrease in 2 to 6 times per week. There is 2% increase in those using CyRide once in a week. (Table 19). A correlation was found between resident demographics and CyRide usage. CyRide users are mostly younger (under 28 years of age) and have stayed in Ames for a shorter period (average 6.4 years). The non-CyRide users were older (average age 52) and have lived in Ames longer (average 20 years). The majority of those who used CyRide were students (78%) and mostly renters (87%).
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Student Non-student
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
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Table 19. Respondents’ weekly CyRide usage, 2020 - 2024
Weekly use 2020 2021 2022 Percent 2023 2024
When respondents were asked what would make them consider using CyRide, if they are not currently using it, more than half (51%) said “nothing.” Twenty-one percent mentioned they would use the service if services were provided to more areas of Ames. Additional factors that would encourage increased CyRide ridership included fare-free rides (17%), service was more frequent on routes near their residence (16%), if service is being offered on my route longer during the day (earlier or later times), and if fare when boarding the bus was lower (5%). (Table 20).
Table 20. Services that would make you consider using CyRide if not currently using
this service (n=211), 2024
Other Responses to Consider Using CyRide
• Better scheduling for disability pickup
• Better knowledge about how the fare system works
the day (earlier or later times)
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• If any route went nearer to my place of work (far East Lincoln Way)
• If I could ride w/out cash - a prepay
• More efficient routes (takes much longer than driving)
• Transfer-free routes to other destinations from S. Duff
• Need more shelter areas for CyRide particularly in student areas and apartments
Comments on CyRide
• Great Service
o About 6 times a year. When I have needed has been great
o Amazing
o Amazing Service!!!
o Ames has a great and inexpensive bus system
o CyRide must be one of the top bus services in the state if not the country! The cost is crazy reasonable and fair. Two thumbs up across the board.
o CyRide is a great service, I would not have been able to attend physical therapy without the Brown line.
o CyRide is always on time and provides frequent service on the routes I use (Gold, Brown, Cherry). I am thankful that we have it, and I hope it continues to be as great as it is now.
o CyRide is always timely and helpful. Truly one of the best public services I've gotten to use anywhere.
o CyRide is amazing. I wish the buses had a permanent clock on them. Also wish they had Wi-Fi but that's revolutionary. Amazing lost and found reliability but that's in part due to the good people of Ames.
o CyRide is great! (2x)
o Excellent for those who choose to use it.
o Excellent service
o Excellent! What an asset for our city
o A fantastic system, nearly always on time and frequent service in my area makes it very useful and convenient to use. Bus stop shelters could use some improvements.
o Glad it is there when I need it
o Great
o Great service and used for years, now would have to transfer and much longer ride
o I am grateful for the convenience of the CyRide and how accessible it is; there are so many routes that can get me where I need to go, and the app typically works well.
o I am so glad we have it. I wish more people would use it. The times and locations aren't convenient for me. I would rather ride my bike. Maybe there should be a class/field trip on using CyRide in the middle school?
o I did take the CyRide to an ISU game one time- it was fine. Love that it is free to ISU students
o I feel it is a valuable service for those that need it
o I have heard from frequent riders that it is a great service
o I love having CyRide as an option, thank you for providing a great public transportation service!
o I rode often to work at ISU for 30 years. In general, the service was reliable and efficient. I was surprised how good it was in relation to the size of the community.
o I use it for getting to school. Thank you to all the bus drivers who made it possible for me to get to my classes.
o I used to ride every day. Very happy that Ames has & supports public transportation.
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o I used to use it when I worked on campus. Now- easier to hop in car for errands. Great to see others using bus
o It is a very good service. I tried a couple of times and was very happy with the service.
o Nice service that I might use when I no longer can bike or walk as much as I do now.
o The only service in Ames that holds any meaning. The rest of the town I could do with or without.
o But CyRide is the lifeblood, and every driver/employee deserves a raise. The most consistent well-run city service.
o They are always on time and the application is amazing.
o Used to ride before retirement. Glad they are here
o Very effective service
o We are happy there is the CyRide option even though we do not use it. Smaller buses in lower use area? just a question
o We don't use it now but was a great resource while attending ISU and working for ISU.
• Expand Service
o A direct route on game days from the Somerset/ Northridge area would be fantastic!
o a stop in areas that provide social services would be helpful (i.e. MICA, Salvation army, Access, AEA)
o At times I wish CyRide had more frequency (during evenings/during breaks). CyRide also needs to extend its night-time/early-morning bus service as at times I find myself unable to get home since I work at a job that is open early (5am) and closes later in the evening when service is sparse.
o connection could improve. That is why we do not use so often
o Good service, but I have been curious as to why #5 (Yellow), #9(yellow), and #14 (Peach) have such limited service, especially in the evening and over the weekends. When new students come to Ames, especially international students, they don't know which areas have better bus service as they choose where to live. So, their movement becomes very restricted when they settle in places where 5, 9, and 14 operate. Doing basic things like going grocery shopping becomes very hard. I am basing my experience from 2021 during the COVID lockdown, so if things have changed, you can ignore my comment.
o I suggest the availability around slightly north area, such as W 19th St.
o I wish 11 Cherry had more routes since it is the only bus out to west Ames.
o Needs more routes/drivers
o No routes in newer housing developments in West Ames. Would be nice to have later routes
• Could Be Improved
o Ames Ride is not always accurate, I use it the most in the mornings and if I miss the bus because the app says a different time, I don't always have time to wait for the next
o I think CyRide could do better to space the available buses. It is almost always an issue that multiple buses come at the same time. If you miss the bus, then you must wait 10 to 15 minutes for the next one because all three of them came at the same time. When instead you would only have to wait 5 or less minutes if they were spaced out appropriately.
o I think CyRide is great, but it takes too long to get to campus from Mary Greely (around 40 mins)
o make schedule slower and more realistic to slow down
o Some buses get to stop early and leave before the app or website says they will
o some routes have a lot of seat capacity compared to demand while others do not have enough buses. more optimization is required for the routing
o The buses often get crowded and sometimes the drivers are not professional. Additionally, the wait time for each bus is about 30 minutes, which is quite long.
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o The routes going to South Ames, by the airport, need to be better.
• Inconvenient
o During the summer, the 6 route is out around 6:30 PM, which makes difficult to commute between campus and summerset
o Getting to vet med with CyRide can be a hassle
o I do periodically ride CyRide. Think its availability is important for the community. At 70 it would be multiple buses to get groceries. It took me several rides to know that the bus step could be lowered- important to know if you have mobility issues.
o I probably still would not use it because I have a car which is more convenient. I would be wasting my time waiting for it and riding it around places I didn't need to go.
o use of CYRIDE for the most part is time consuming and would add almost an hour a day to use
o We live North of Ames ... Ada Hayden area It is difficult for college students to reach ... they need rides to get here.
• Don’t Use
o Find it a waste watching CyRide go by our house late in the evening EMPTY!!
o Historically it has been faster to walk or bike to campus from South Ames. I don't know if that situation has improved but I always avoid CyRide. Now I am retired and don't go where CyRide goes.
o I have to drive to other towns for my job and that primarily limits my use. 1/3 limit my use as related to leisure. Shorter ride times would also increase my usage
o I like public transportation, but I am not in the habit of using it. As my child grows older, I would like to teach her how to use it to get around
o I work at ISU & would be very happy to take CyRide but not at the same cost of a parking pass & less flexibility.
o never used it
• Prefer Driving
o I always used it when employed. Now I volunteer and need the use of my car to transport items.
o I have used it when car was in the shop
o If I didn't have a car then it would be quite a ways to stop
o If I was unable to drive myself and if a bus stop were near me and my drop off was very close, I might use CyRide
o We love CyRide, but now that are sharing rides to work it is cheaper to get an ISU parking pass
• Good Drivers
o Drivers are great and extremely friendly
o I love that 65 and older pay 50 cents. All the bus drivers are kind and courteous
o I wish the CyRide drivers would encourage people to move and sit in the back of the bus more often and fill seats, especially on morning rides and other busy times when everyone gets crammed onto the lower section when there is totally open space and seats up top.
o Very nice drivers most of the time. Some of them could do better by not braking so hard that all the kids on the bus lose their balance.
• No Stops Near Me/Destination
o I live near Daley Park. the nearest stop to me is about a mile walk
o I would be interested in using this again (used as a student) but there is no stop near me. Is too far to walk to one
• Student Centric
o I would consider riding CyRide to events on campus
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o Should not only be concentrated on the University
• More Information
o Do not know enough about routes or fares
o Send info via email every 6 mo.
• Don’t Expand Service
o Too many times I see large, full-sized buses with very few people in them. During low usage times use smaller buses
• Should Be Free
o I think it is a valuable service for the people of Ames. Eliminating the fare would or wonderful for many people in Ames. I've "aged out" of using public transportation.
Figure 16. Comments on CyRide
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Community Parks and Recreation
Residents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with various Ames Parks and Recreation features on a four-point scale from “very poor (1)”, “poor (2)”, “good (3)”, “very good (4)” or “don’t use.” The individuals who did not use a park feature were excluded from the ratings in Table 21. Parks and Recreation features continue to receive high levels of satisfaction among those surveyed. When positive ratings of “good” and “very good” scores were combined, participants gave an overall satisfaction rate of 77% for restrooms up to 98% for the overall quality of parks. The average rating ranges from 2.9 (restrooms) to 3.5 (overall quality of parks) on the 4-point scale.
Table 21. Users’ Satisfaction with Parks and Recreation Features, 2024
Very Poor Good
(e.g. Homewood Golf Course,
programming
Don't Use” excluded when calculating percentages & average for “very good” to “very poor.” *1=very poor; 2=poor; 3=good; 4=very good This year questions concerning parks/recreation features were reworded. There were also additions and deletions. The three new features added were: 1. “Overall quality of recreational facilities (e.g. Homewood Golf Course, Gymnasium, etc.)” 2. “Variety of recreational programming offered” 3. “variety of recreational programming offered.”
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The other features that were reworded for this year’s survey are the following (previous years’ wording are enclosed in parenthesis ( ):
• Overall quality of parks (Overall appearance)
• Overall quality of wooded/natural areas (Wooded areas)
• Quality of trails in the parks (Hard surface trails)
• Variety of playground equipment in the parks (Playground equipment)
• Overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities (Shelter houses)
• Overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities (Picnic areas)
• Number of restrooms in the parks) (Restroom) Figures 17a & 17b show the ratings of the parks in the past five years (2020-2025). Table 17a shows the first three features that were rated the highest for 2024. The highest rated parks feature was “overall quality of parks” (with an average rating of 3.5, which is the same as 2023 rating), followed by “overall quality of wooded/natural areas”, and “quality of trails in the parks” (both rated as 3.5 for 2024, which is a slight increase from 2023 ratings). Two features, the variety of playground equipment in the parks and the overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities were rated the same as last year (3.4 and 3.3, respectively). Overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities satisfaction ratings increased slightly compared to 2023 average rating. The number of restrooms remain the lowest ranked parks and recreation feature, with an average score of 2.9 (3.0 for 2023). (Figure 17b)
Figure 17a. Rating of Parks and Recreation Features in the Past 5 Years (3.5+)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Overall quality of parks (Overall
appearance )
Overall quality of wooded/natural
areas (Wooded areas )
Quality of trails in the parks (Hard
surface trails )
2020 2021 2022
2023 2024
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Figure 17b. Rating of Parks and Recreation Features in the Past 5 Years, (<3.5)
Comments on Community Parks and Recreation services
• Needs Improvements
o I have always had a problem with insufficient lights in the washroom and some places do not even offer washrooms. The process of booking a shed however is easy.
o I wish some of the trails I felt safer on by myself; maybe adding emergency phones would help, but I'm not sure. I don't always feel safe on them by myself.
o Indoor facilities are very lacking for both adults and children and private resources are too costly for most families
o Need a bigger splash pad
o Need to address the southeast entrance to Ada Hayden by restrooms. Trucks do not stay on the path and create huge ruts and mud all over the trail because concrete is not wide enough.
o Need to return lights to Brookside. Tennis and pickleball courts- threw away the original ones and then did not pursue free lights from high school. Try harder to restore services to Brookside courts.
o Too old to use.
• More Upkeep
o Lots of public space doesn’t have good washroom, most are locked or unclean
o Need dog poop bags available or at least trash cans more available.
o Restrooms could be cleaner and open for a longer season. Sometimes my family and I go to the parks in October/November - February/ March because the weather is good, and restrooms are closed.
o Restrooms feel poorly maintained. Seem to be closed more often than they're open
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Variety of
playground
equipment in the
parks
(Playground
equipt )
Overall quality
of recreational
facilities (e.g
Homewood Golf
Course,
Gymnasium,
etc.)
Overall quality
of shelters and
picnic amenities
(Shelter houses)
Variety of
recreational
programming
offered
Overall quality
of shelters and
picnic amenities
(Picnic areas)
Overall quality
of recreational
programming
offered
Number of
restrooms in the
parks)
(Restroom )
2020 2021 2022
2023 2024
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o several parks could use more bathrooms
o The bathrooms should be unlocked more frequently
o The overgrowth of Inis Grove means that other parks have fewer amenities than they need, and Inis Grove gets overused.
• Don’t Use
o Have not used, maybe advertise more about these!
o I have lived in Ames since July 1967 and have used the parks twice and never the recreational anything
o I just looked at it around never stopped
o I'm a college student. I don't go outside.
o Newer to Ames so haven't had the opportunity to use many of the recreational areas or programs.
o While I am an ISU student, I do not currently live w/in the city of Ames. I have visited multiple times and plan to live there next year.
• More Nature
o I wish there were more forests and prairies, especially on the outskirts of town
o Invasive species dominate most of the wooded/natural areas
o Plant more trees, extend forests, Ames currently looks like it’s been stomped by a big elephants’ foot and there’s very little natural beauty
o please do NOT remove any more beavers and/or beaver dams. educate residents who complain about this to use hardware cloth to cover their trees and prevent damage from beaver activity. They are crucial to our ecosystem and do NOT need to be taken out of Ames area creeks.
o too many invasive species
• More Variety
o I wish there was a badminton field with a set of rackets and birdies.
o need more tennis/ pickleball courts
o Parks could use more swings that older children can use
o We desperately need indoor pickleball for all community members and gymnasium capacity for all community members. increase # of tubes for lazy river please
• More Advertising
o I was not aware of any available recreational programs. Maybe they can be better publicized.
o I would use the recreational things more I think if I knew about them, also I'm very excited about the indoor pool and plan to use that.
o Sometimes it a little hard to find info on the website for sports leagues and how to get involved (e.g. Tuesday night pick up volleyball)
o Wish program came in mail of trails, parks, events, etc.
• Longer Hours
o 5) Need more, need to be open sooner and stay open later.... McFarland Park, Carr; Peggy’s trail, etc.
o It would be nice to have water fountains turned on earlier/off later
o The number of restrooms is acceptable, but they close too late in the spring and too early in the fall.
• Great Programs
o I love all the parks and rec programs!
o I think Ames City manages so well
o My children were involved in Parks and Rec activities, and loved swimming
• More Programs
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o maybe some programs for us older folks
o more swimming lesson options. City hall indoor gym is tight and there is little accessibility to get through building
• Update City Gym
o An updated city weight room is badly needed. Those who aren’t students have very limited (and often expensive) options, and the current city gym/weight room is inadequate.
o excited for new swim and splash pad facilities. Thankful for trails, wish there were even more paved ones. The city gym is getting old. Would be near if city had childcare options for parents working out
• Dog Park
o A dog park or something in North Ames for dogs would be great!
o only use Ada Hayden and the dog park
• Great Access
o Great access!
o I believe there is adequate access to parks and natural walking areas. I just have not had the opportunity to utilize them as much as I would like to.
• Great Hiking
o I love hikes off the paved trails so thanks for having dirt path options!
o I love to walk through the parks! They are well maintained and can be a true adventure!
o Prioritize Parks
Continue to prioritize this - it's a quality-of-life thing
Figure 18. Comments on Community Parks and Recreations Services
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Ames Public Library Generally, survey respondents rated the Ames Public Library’s features highly. The survey asked respondents to provide opinions on 13 features provided by the Ames Public Library. Table 22 shows the results. Many respondents indicated that they don’t use the various library features. The least used library feature is the library newsletter - Page One; 72% of respondents indicated they don’t use it. On the 4-point scale, average scores ranged from 3.5 (good) to 3.7 (very good). The highest rated feature, with an average score of 3.7, was the welcoming atmosphere of the library. Other highly rated (3.7) library features included asking questions of library staff by phone or email, customer service, and variety of materials available (books, movies, online resources). The feature receiving the lowest rating was wait time for requests/holds, Page One – the library newsletter, and programs (Storytime, book discussions, lectures).
Table 22. Users’ Ratings of Ames Public Library Features, 2024
Feature Poor Good
*Don’t Use response not included in calculating the average Forty-eight percent of respondents use the Ames Public library as often as they would like to use it. Of those respondents who use the public library, 39% were ISU students. Both students and non-students reported the same major reasons: not having time and acquiring materials from other sources as the reasons for not using the Ames Public Library. While 13% of Iowa State students listed parking as a barrier for not using the Ames Public Library more often, only 5% of non-ISU students listed that as a reason.
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Table 23. Comparing Students & Non-students’ Reasons for Not Using the Ames Public
Library (respondents could choose multiple responses), 2024
Respondent Status I don't have time other sources (Transportation) is a problem Iowa State University student (n=66) 67% 43% 13% 14% Non-ISU student (n=50)
Other reasons mentioned for not using the Ames Public Library were:
• By non-student (n=24)
o Old Age
o Doing other things - a phase in my life
o Health
o I use the internet at home a lot and I wish the marketing behind the library would increase as well as all of the great perks it offers other than books.
o I usually purchase paperback
o Lack of adult, senior, programs
o No free parking! Nearby
o Not well incentivized
o Parking problem
o Wait times for eBooks and paper book for newer books is very long.
o wish for Friday nice hours
• By ISU students (n=19)
o I don't like going to the library
o I hate having to pay for parking to go to the library. There should be free parking available
o I like to study in private spaces, and I don't find a lot of those at the library
o I often forget about the library as a resource for me
o I use the resources at ISU that I pay for
o ISU library is closer
o It's not a very cozy atmosphere to do work in
o Often the books I want are unavailable or not in the library system at all
o Parking is an issue
Comments on Ames Public Library
• Great Resource
o A great resource
o Ames Library is great. Online offerings could be improved.
o APL is an exceptional library
o consistently impressed. thankful for so many options for kids
o Great place very useful!
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o I download most reading materials. Very convenient, thank you. I can usually get what I wish for; except movies on Kanapy and Hoopla are quite limited but that's ok! I watch movies on my very overpriced TV service
o I had a charming lady help me out and talk me through what the library offered. It was greatly appreciated.
o I hear good comments about it!
o I love the Ames Public Library! It is such an amazing resource for our community, used in so many ways and the librarians are wonderful!
o I love the library! We could use a greater number of audiobooks for popular titles. There are long wait times for many books
o It is an excellent resource!
o It seems like a great resource I wish I had more availability to explore
o Looking forward to getting library access as I enjoy access to a lending library for audiobooks.
o LOVE our library! It is a fantastic resource for the community
o mainly use online, but used PEO room
o Pretty good selection
o Recently retired. More time to visit the library & discover all the available resources, the public library in Ames is one of the most valuable assets that this community offers. The public library is the jewel of the city's amenities, as far as I am concerned
o wonderful essential source of information and entertainment
• Excellent
o Excellent
o excellent library would like to see more native American movies books
o I love the public library! I have always had good experiences with the staff and the quality of items I check out.
o I think we have a wonderful library!
o It's a nice library, easy to use, I get there when time permits. Read mostly periodicals I don't get at home.
o keep up the good work!
o love the library- their cooperation with the history museum
o superb
o The Ames Public library is outstanding,
o The AP is a wonderful part of living in Ames. We are very fortunate!
o We have a beautiful library; Ot is bright and welcoming. I use the online service a lot and I like it. It seems like the web pages change frequently though
o We love visiting the library
o When I have gone, I'm always impressed by the library. I do wish they had more programs for adults (like 25-65 yr olds who can't go to stuff at 2 pm on weekdays)
o Wonderful Facility
o Worth every penny
• Good Services
o excellent services, immaculately clean
o I go to the library to vote
o I love the fact that they have great book sales and welcoming staff who are always friendly.
o I will probably use it more once I have kids. I know many people who are very happy with the children’s facilities there.
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o Is a gem! I love it! So, appreciate the services it provides!
o It is nice to know that they offer services if I ever need them
o Online resources are good for local history; ISU library, more than meets general library needs
o really enjoyed Pub Fiction last year, looking forward to similar events.
o Superficially (I have not been inside the library, although I plan to), based on driving by the downtown library, it appears to be a welcoming facility for a diverse community. I love the fact the downtown library is next to the "Rainbow Crosswalk" and seems to be inviting to the LBGTQ community. We moved to Ames in August of 2023. I am pleased to see these symbols of kindness near public places like the library and other nearby places.
o The university doesn't have enough quiet and comfortable study areas. Ames Public Library could fill this void.
• Don’t Use
o Actually, I have not been there, but I heard about the library, and it is really nice.
o Do not use
o don't really need to use it at all, and I'm not much of a reader, do not have kids
o I am disabled, cannot drive
o I have never been to the public library (have lived in Ames 4 years)
o I like to read on my Kindle, and I don't want to go to other activities.
o We moved here during Covid. I just haven't used the library as much as I should.
• Good Atmosphere
o Going to the library about once a week, it's a very nice atmosphere to focus in and a nice change of environment.
o I personally enjoy spending time in Ames public library.
o Nice and quiet place to study
o One of the best features of Ames. The library is top notch. Good bike parking. Wonderful atmosphere.
o Sigma Alpha sorority used Ames Public Library to host meetings, and it worked out great!
o Very nice library! Inviting atmosphere, printing services are convenient and affordable. Would go there more often if I didn't have access to the Parks library
• Parking
o I did not use the library mainly due to parking problem
o I have learned that there are no free spaces in the north lot- for staff nor for library visitors. Why limit accessibility to the library? Take out the parking meters. no reason to punish staff or residents.
o I would really appreciate a drive-up book drop. It’s often difficult to find parking, get kids out of the car, pay for the meter, etc. to quickly return books (even on the walk up).
o if you are going to check out multiple books, carrying them all the way behind main St. is cumbersome. Free parking across the street especially during summer daytime would increase our visiting 100%
o Parking a problem- better access at Lincoln Way Center. They should NOT expose children to LGBTQ issues in programming and books!
o Parking accessibility is difficult
• Use University Library
o As a student, I use the Iowa State University library rather than the Ames public library.
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o As an Iowa State Student that cloisters themselves, I mostly frequent the Parks Library, if necessary. I may be oblivious, but what is the relationship and reach of the public library with Parks library?
o I am an Iowa State Student, so I mainly use the on-campus library
o I go to Parks Library instead
o I use the ISU library
• More Accessible
o Better marketing (especially towards different demographics)
o home delivery? It is hard to get around to bus stops where I live
o maybe could use some more darker spaces as I have trouble with reading in lit areas during the day
o please get tall toilets in the women's handicap stalls- they are much too low for my knees and hips
o Seating is not as comfortable as it used to be. Used to visit book mobile when it stopped at Crawford. Inter library loan is a great service. Always look forward to book sales!
• Clean
o clean, good facilities, helpful staff
o The library is well organized and clean. Very nice and knowledgeable books and play areas. The seating is very good, and their staff is very cooperative and helpful.
o The layout is very neat and quiet. Perfect for a library
• LibbyApp
o I love listening to audiobooks from the library on Libby! Finally able to get back into reading without worrying about not being able to return a physical book on time. Plus, they allow multi-tasking, especially when driving. Wish I would have started sooner
o I mostly now use on-line books through hoopla and Libby
o use online books all the time
• Support Library
o only use the library for making donations
o Please support a diverse library, book banning just makes the population less educated. A great library has something to offend everyone and that is the way it should be.
o Support Libraries not banning books
• More Selection
o Book and DVD section is a bit thin, but otherwise excellent
o If you want to add more X-Men comics go crazy.
• More Online Books
o Have more online books available
o We use the library a lot & enjoy spending time there. At my age I don't read books online & it seems that trying to find a book I'm interested in results in an "online book" available. Searching has become more difficult on your website.
• Comfortable
o A very comfortable place to browse and find books
o Love the library! Great place for studying/meeting.
• Too Loud
o I do not think that loud voices should be tolerated like they are being allowed now
o Sometimes the noise level is too much - patrons should be required to silence their cell phones (maybe put up signage to that effect).
• Fun
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o My grandchildren always ask to go to Ames Library when they stay at my house!
o My wife and I love taking our toddler there to play. Especially on cold and rainy days
• Political Agenda
o Please stop hosting DRAG events. They have nothing to do with educating our kids
o We don't agree with the types of kid’s programs offered and find a particular ideological agenda forced through the programs to kids inappropriate.
• Fund Less
o Waste of taxpayer money. Waste of space For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 19. Comments on Ames Public Library
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Information Dissemination (Communication)
The next section of the questionnaire focused on residential preferences for City of Ames communications. Respondents were asked to rate the usefulness of City communications sources on a three-point scale: 1- “not useful”, 2 – “somewhat useful”, 3 – “very useful,” as well as “don’t use.” Table 24 shows the results. The most frequently used sources for local government information included the City of Ames website (www.CityOfAmes.org) (66%), and CitySide (utility bill insert) (54%). The least accessed sources of government information were Linkedln – City of Ames, Threads - City of Ames, Ames Television/Cable TV 12, X/Twitter – City of Ames, and Nextdoor – City of Ames When asked about the degree of usefulness of those sources, the most useful source was reported to be social media, including Facebook (average of 2.5 on a 1-3 scale), followed by CitySide (utility bill insert), and City of Ames website (www.CityOfAmes.org) with average score or 2.4, respectively). Also, the City of Ames website was the most highly used source, and second in terms of usefulness (2.4).
Table 24. Usefulness of Media Sources for Government Information, 2024
Media Don't Use Percent Use Percent Average*
*1=not useful; 2=somewhat useful; 3=very useful Next, those surveyed were asked to choose one preferred method for communications about construction projects, programs, meetings, and other news in their area. Figure 20 shows that email (63%) is the first preferred method of communication, followed by hard copy letter (51%), and thirdly by social media (36%). Figure 20 also shows the least popular method of communication with the City regarding programs and projects. These methods are radio, local newspaper, and City of Ames app.
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When asked what other means of communication they prefer, the following items were mentioned: QR code printed on local shopping receipts, signage throughout city to prepare us for projects or rules, television news (KCCI or WHO-TV), and yard signs on corner. The responses varied slightly between non-ISU students versus ISU students. For ISU student:
• first preference as email (57%)
• second preference as social media (39%), and the
• third preference as website (37%). For the non-student resident:
• first preference as hard copy letter (56%)
• second preference as email (54%), and the
• third preference as doorhanger (32%).
Figure 20. Preferred Method to Learn about City Services, Programs, or Projects,
2024, top 3
51%
63%
31%
56%54%
25%23%
28%
57%
19%
15%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Hard copy
letter
Email Doorhanger Text Social
media
Website City of
Ames app
Newspaper Radio Other
(specify)
Total Non-student Resident ISU Student
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Figures 21a and 21b illustrate trends in the perceived usefulness of City communication sources over a five-year period. In this year’s survey, six news sources were added: Facebook-City of Ames, Instagram-City of Ames, X/Twitter–City of Ames, NextDoor-City of Ames, Threads–City of Ames, and LinkedIn–City of Ames. Those rankings have stayed generally consistent over the years with a slight increase in average scores this year compared to the previous year. CitySide (utility insert), social media such as Facebook/Twitter/YouTube combined remain the most useful sources of City information. There was a slight increase in the perceived usefulness of all the 14 communication sources of information regarding construction projects, programs, and meetings this year compared to last year except for Facebook/Twitter/YouTube. Table 21b shows the usefulness of seven news sources that had the lowest usefulness ratings (below 2.0 or somewhat useful). However, those ratings were above 2.0 in this year’s survey.
Figure 21a. Usefulness of News Sources Over the Past 5 Years (Users only)
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Figure 21b. Usefulness of News Sources Over the Past Five Years (Users only)
Table 25 indicates the usefulness of various communication tools based on the respondent’s residency status. The only one primary source that was equally useful to ISU students and non-student residents was the City of Ames Web page (www.CityOfAmes.org) (average score of 2.42) For all the other information sources, the average scores between non-student resident and student were different, but they were not statistically significant.
Table 25. Usefulness of News Sources for Non-student and ISU Students Information Sources* Non-student Resident* Student* Facebook - City of Ames 2.48 2.42 CitySide (utility bill insert) 2.44 2.41 City of Ames website (www.CityOfAmes.org)
*No source was found statistically significant at .05 nor .01 levels Note: Average was computed using these values: 1= “not useful”; 2= “somewhat useful”; 3= “very useful”
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A new question asked this year is the respondent’s willingness to use a City of Ames app that supplied about City news, construction projects, programs and meetings. A little over half (57%) of the total responded ‘Yes.” Comparing the non-student residents to ISU students, more (60%) of the non-student residents are willing to use the City of Ames app. While only 40% of the ISU students would use it.
Your Mental Health
Respondents were asked to rate their mental health. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1- “poor” and 5- “excellent”), the average mental health rating was a little bit higher compared to last year (3.5 for 2023 and 3.3 for 2022). Figure 22 shows the overall mental health rating of respondents for two years. There was a 3% increase among the respondents who indicated that their overall mental health was very good/excellent in the past two years (61% for 2023 and 64% for 2024). Furthermore, the poor mental health rating was stable compared to last year (4%). Fair rating for the overall mental health increased by 10% from 2023 to 2024 (22% and 32%, respectively) while good rating was almost the same for both years (11% for 2023 and 12% for 2024).
Figure 22. Overall Mental Health Rating
Access to Professional Mental Health Services
For the third year the Ames Community Survey included a new question, “In the past six months, have you felt you needed to access professional mental health services?” More respondents
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indicated that they had not felt the need to access mental health services this year compared with previous years (57% for 2022; 69% for 2023, 75% for 2024).When the demographic information of the respondents was correlated to their mental health rating, several variables had significant relationships. Those who give a higher overall mental health rating were:
• Non-student resident
• Male
• Homeowner
• Whites
• Living in northeast part of Ames
• Retired
• Longer-term Ames residents (lived in Ames for more than 10 years)
• 75 years and older
• With middle incomes ($75,000 or $99,000) The lowest mental health rating was given by those who had:
• An income level of under $25,000
• Works part-time
• Those who have lived in Ames for 7 to 9 years
• 18 to 24 years old
• Living in the southwest part of Ames Education and Gender had no impact on the overall mental health ratings.
Of the 25% of the respondents (n=90 respondents) who accessed the professional mental health services this year, more than half (64%) indicated that they received the help they needed, 24% responded that they were not able to get the help they needed, and 6% of respondents preferred not to answer the question.
Please remember, all residents can access the Statewide Crisis Line, 1-855-581-8111, or Text support,
1- 855-895-8398 or visit YourLifeIowa.org. The Crisis Line provides information and referral,
counseling, crisis service coordination, and linkages to crisis screening and mental health services,
including dispatch of the Central Iowa Community Services (CICS) Mobile Response Team, 24-hours a
day in Story County. Additional resources are available that incorporate help with alcohol, drugs,
gambling, as well as mental health and suicidal thoughts.
“If you noticed your mental health declining, who do you talk to” is a new question asked this year. Table 26 shows that a trusted friend (77%), followed by family members (69%) and primary care physician (34%) are the three groups of people respondents reached out to when their mental health declined.
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Table 26. Person/Organization Talked to when Mental Health Declined, 2024
Person/ Organization (n=245) Percent A trusted friend (n=188) 77% Family Member (n=170) 69% Primary care physician (n=83) 34% Therapist (n=72) 29% Co-worker (n=51) 21% Psychiatric medication provider (n=26) 11% Pastor/ clergy (n=14) 6% ISU Mental Health Advocate medication provider (n=11) 5% Ames Police Department Mental Health Advocate (n=3) 1% Crisis phone line (n=3) 1% ARCH (crisis tram) (n=2) <1%
Sense of Community For the sixth year, the survey included a question asking about the respondent’s perception of connection with the community. Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a
feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together (McMillan, 1976) https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e5fb/8ece108aec36714ee413876e61b0510e7c80.pdf. A clear and empirically validated understanding of sense of community can provide the foundation for lawmakers and planners to develop programs that meet their stated goals by strengthening and preserving community. Figure 23 shows that in 2024, more than one-third (37%) of the respondents reported to know about half or more of their neighbors. This is a slight decrease from 38% in 2023. When the numbers are examined by student and non-student populations, 54% of the students reported knowing more than half or more of their neighbors, compared to 18% of students. This year, 11% of non-student respondents reported that they didn’t know any of their neighbors, compared to 30% of the student population. In 2023, 7% of non-students didn’t know any of their neighbors, compared to 23% of ISU students.
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Figure 23. Neighbors You Know, 2024
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 – “not at all strong” to 5 – “extremely strong”), respondents were asked to rate their perceived level of sense of community in their neighborhood. Looking at the average score, the sense of the community by all respondents was 2.5 (2.7 for non- students and 2.2 for students). Combining the “extremely strong” and “very strong” responses, only 17% of all respondents felt that the sense of community in their neighborhood is strong, but when divided by students and non- students there was a noticeable difference (21% non-students residents felt a strong sense of community compared to 11% of students), see Figure 24. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - “not at all strong” to 5 – “extremely strong”), the strength of the sense of community was viewed differently by demographic groups:
• Household income: the higher the household income, the higher is the sense of community
• Employment: full-time homemaker had stronger sense of community compared to other employment statuses
• Length of residence: Long-term residents had stronger sense of community than short- term residents
• Age: 77+ has the strongest sense of community; younger respondents (18 to 24) have the lowest rating
• Residence: no difference
• Gender: no difference
• Race: no difference
• ISU student vs. non-student resident: no difference
• Home ownership: no difference
• Education: no difference
11%
36%
19%
26%
7%
30%
52%
10%7%
1%
19%
44%
15%18%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
None of
them
A few of
them
Half of them Most of
them
All of them
Non-Student
Student
Total
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Figure 24. Sense of Community in the Neighborhood, 2024
Respondents responded to a series of statements regarding community involvement. Table 27 summarizes the responses. When asked if “issues facing my community are important to me,” 86% agreed (somewhat agree/strongly agree), which significantly decreased from 96% in 2023. Almost half of the respondents (49%) indicated that they were knowledgeable about issues facing their community, compared to 79% of respondents from the 2023 survey. However, over half of respondents (64%) contributed financially as a sign of support in 2024 (54% in 2023). More than half (54%) of those surveyed reported that they are engaged in addressing the issues in the community. A little over one- fourth (28%) of the respondents indicated that they currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving the city (which was lower than last year (33%). When asked if they serve on the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization, only 12% indicated that they were board members, (10% for 2023). (Table 27)
13%
31%
36%
16%
5%
28%
34%
26%
10%
2%
19%
32%32%
14%
4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Not at all
strong
Not so strong Somewhat
strong
Very strong Extremely
strong
Non-Student
Student
Total
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Table 27. Community Involvement, 2024
Community Involvement Issues Strongly Somewhat Agree/ Disagree/ Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree
Average
me (n=351) with financial contributions. (n=325) community. (n=333) organization serving the City of Ames
nonprofit organization serving the City of Ames (n=302)
Table 28 shows the demographic characteristics of the respondents who were likely to be involved in community activities.
• Older residents were more willing to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving the community. Likewise, older respondents (65-74 years of age) are more knowledgeable about the issues facing my community.
• Long-term residents are currently more willing to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations, currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving Ames, and more knowledgeable about the issues facing the community.
• Gender showed no significant difference on any of the six community involvement statements.
• Household income also showed four out of six significant differences on issues regarding community involvement among income levels.
o Those with $125,000 - $199,999 income level indicated that “Issues facing the community care important to them” and they “are knowledgeable about the issues facing my community”
o Those with income level of $150,000 - $199,999 levels are more “engaged in addressing the issues of the community,” and currently support nonprofit organization with financial contributions.
• Homeownership showed four out of six significant differences on issues regarding community involvement between the two groups (owner versus renter)
o Owners were active in community matters compared to renters. Issues
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facing the community are important to owners. They are more engaged in addressing the issues of their community, giving financial support to nonprofit organizations, and volunteering for a nonprofit organization serving Ames compared to renters.
• Residents living in the northwest part of the city reported being knowledgeable about issues facing the community.
• Whites compared to non-Whites viewed issues facing the community to be more important, more knowledgeable about the issues facing my community, and currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving Ames.
Table 28. Community Involvement by Demographic
Age Length of Residence Gender HH Income Home owner Geographic Residence Race
important to me (n=420) $125,000
-
Owner
I am knowledgeable about (n=420) 65-74 $125,000
-
$149,999
Whites
in addressing issues of my community $150,000
-
$199,999
Owner
a organization with contributions. 75+ $150,000
-
$199,999
Owner NW
serving the
serving City of Ames (n=386) Whites
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Sense of Belonging The survey asked respondents to indicate their level of agreement with six statements regarding community integration and sense of belonging to the Ames community. Respondents were asked to respond to six statements were on a 5-point scale (1 – “strongly disagree,” 2 – “somewhat disagree,” 3 – “uncertain,” 4 – “somewhat agree,” 5 – “strongly agree”) as well as the option “don’t know.” Table 29 shows that respondents feel that Ames has the attributes for community integration. Respect and a sense of belonging were felt by many of the respondents. Eighty-six percent of the respondents felt that they were treated with respect in Ames, followed by 80% feeling that they belong in this town. These numbers were much lower than in the previous survey but higher than in 2022 (2023 percentages: 95% respected, 92% belonging compared to 2022 percentages: 80% respected and 71% belong). Most respondents indicated that they agree (somewhat to strongly) that Ames has the social infrastructure for community integration, such as:
• There are one or more organizations in this town where respondents feel they belong (73%),
• Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (72%)
• Ames is a place where they could perform up to their full potential (72%)
• I feel valued as an individual in the Ames community (70%) The percentage of people reporting positive feelings has dropped between 15% to 17% since the last survey. While the community still has high overall ratings, this might be an area for further study to understand if there are groups of citizens that are feeling a lack of community integration and belonging. This drop may be due to the increasingly polarized climate in the nation and state. The average value shown in Table 29 ranges from 3.7 to 4.2, indicating that a majority of respondents agree that those integration/sense of belonging measures are present and/or being observed in the city.
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Table 29. Community Integration and Sense of Belonging, 2024
Community Integration and Sense of Belonging Statements Strongly Somewhat disagree/ Agree/ Somewhat Strongly Disagree
Average
14 86 4.2
28 72 3.9 and inclusion (n=330) 28 72 3.9 27 73 3.9 30 70 3.7
Table 30 shows that there are some differences in the integration/sense of belonging measures by demographic characteristics of the respondents. Due to the small sample sizes of other races (Black, American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and other), these were grouped as non-white. Thus, race was analyzed as white versus non-white. The white respondents felt that they treated more respect at this town compared to non-whites. Older residents felt Ames was a place where they could perform up to their full potential. In terms of homeownership, owners rated their sense of belonging in the city higher compared to renters in all of the six measures such as feeling of belonginess in this town; Ames having a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; being treated with respect at this town; feeling Ames as a place where they could perform up to their full potential; belonging at this town, and finding one or more organizations in town where they feel they belong. Females felt positively on four issues out of six including “I feel valued as an individual,” “I feel I belong in this town,” “I could perform up to my full potential,” and “I found one or more organizations in this town where I feel I belong.” Long-term residents who have stayed in Ames for more than 10 years, felt they belong in this town, think Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and felt Ames is a place where they could perform up to their full potential. Perception was the same regardless of geographic residences, and household income in all six measures.
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Table 30. Community Integration and Sense of Belonging Demographic
Age Length of Residence
individual in the Ames Female
town (n=374) Long-term Female
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (n=361)
Long-term
respect at this town (n=374) Whites
where I could perform up to my full potential (n=375)
Long-term Female
more organizations in this town where I feel I
Female
What could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?
The survey asked respondents to answer the following open-ended question, “What, if anything, could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?” Eighty-nine respondents (20%) provided answers to this question. The wording of the question on this year’s survey was personalized, asking about the reader’s sense of belonging rather than in general or universal terms. There were a variety of responses. Twelve percent of respondents indicated that there is nothing that needs to be done to enhance their sense of belonging. Similarly, someone responded, “I’m old and disabled, not much!” A few people responded that it is not the City’s responsibility. The following quotes express this idea. “It’s up to each individual - you can’t do it for them.” “That is up to me and how much I get involved.” Another group was “Unsure,” and their answers were less certain than the previous group. They seemed uncertain regarding what a City could offer them. “I do not know. I feel like I will always be an outsider.” “I am not sure.” “Don’t know.”
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Additional respondents shared that they have a positive sense of belonging in Ames. “A beautiful perfect place to live.” “City is inclusive – nothing I could change.” “Having lived happily in Ames for over 50 years – I am very content.” There were two groups of people that specifically called out this question regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). One group would like to have more DEI programming and education, and the other group would prefer to have less DEI. Five respondents said that they felt there is a need for more DEI programming within the city. Here are two examples: “Ames has a lot of close-minded people, which can sometimes negatively affect how the city is portrayed to outsiders. If the city had more inclusion initiatives, I feel that would be a major benefit.” “Educate people about Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and belonging.” Opposing views were asking that the city get rid of DEI programming. Here are some of those responses. “Do away with all diversity, equity and inclusion references. City should keep out of all personal issues and preferences.” “I feel like the library has gone too far in this area. I feel uncomfortable when I visit.” “Stop DEI policies. Encourage the ‘golden rule.’” “Increase acceptance and commitment to conservative family values.” There were several social themes that emerged. The strongest theme was around having more community activities and community engagement. Fourteen respondents provided comments that having more community events would enhance their sense of belonging. Here are a few specific comments around this topic.
• “More community engagement opportunities (or better advertisements of current ones).”
• “More community events in West Ames. Most events are focused in the downtown area, but West Ames tends to have little to no opportunities for community involvement (from what I know).”
• “More events towards getting to know your community.”
• “Online activities- due to disability, leaving my house is extremely difficult. I feel very isolated.”
• “Free or low-cost childcare for adult events.” Several respondents shared their barriers to participation are based on geography (West Ames vs. Downtown Ames) and physical ability (in-person events vs. online events). Following this thread of social connectivity, there was a specific request to help young adults (non-students) and young professionals (aged 25-35) to find connections in Ames. “I moved for work, and it’s been really hard to find ways and time to connect. Almost everything feels like it happens during work hour. I want to be a part of the Ames community and to belong here, but I really have no clue where to start.” “I do not really know where to go to meet people post-graduation.” “Programs to help young adults (not just college kids.) Young men are forgotten about unfortunately. Programs to make friends and relationships.”
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“Highlight things non-ISU students/young professionals do/can participate in, in Ames.” Further continuing the theme of social connection, eight respondents (9%), discussed the need for better integration between the Ames and ISU community integration. “…having more items…off campus would be nice to include [young adults and students] more and get them more involved in the community and see what all Ames has to offer.” “It would be nice to have a festival or event that brings the community together and helps residents get involved/create a sense of community pride.” “More publicized campus events & opportunities that encourage participation by Ames residents.” “Strengthen native/international relationships.” Three comments suggested improving relationships with law enforcement. There were also four responses related to improved customer service for City departments and services.
• “City departments and services must be warm/welcoming.”
• “Improve the availability for City /council meeting minutes. Today 5-24, the most recent council minutes available online is April 23 - 1 month ago.”
• “Sincerity, honesty, efficacy, better management specific opportunities thru energizing social capital
• “Need to do some more to let people feel it instead used slogans.” There were several people that provided specific actions to feel a great sense of belonging in the city. Here are some of the highlights from the diversity of other responses:
• Attract more technical industry. That is the reason I will ultimately have to leave Ames.
• Eliminate parking meters
• I like helping my neighbors, but some I do not know
• Lower meat prices
• Making more local friends
• You have too many shady "cliques" that seem to run the town. Realtors and property developers have too much power
• This is a difficult question to answer as a college student who is looking to move elsewhere post-grad. To read the full comments, please see the appendix.
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Figure 20. Suggestions for How the City of Ames Could Enhance Your Sense of Belonging
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City of Ames Overall Service Quality
Every year, survey respondents are asked to give an overall evaluation of the quality of services that they receive from the City of Ames and are to provide any additional comments. This year, 42% of respondents claimed that services received were “Very Good” being a slight decrease from 2023, at 44%. With this slight decrease, the respondents for “Good” stayed the same from 2023 to 2024, staying at 54% for both years. With the “Very Good” and “Good” figures combined, a total of 96% of respondents were satisfied with Ames services (Figure 25).
Figure 25. Trends in Overall Satisfaction with City of Ames Service Quality (good/very good)
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Best Thing About Living in Ames In 2024, 278 survey responses continued to highlight many qualities that make Ames a great place to live, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming and well-rounded community. Notable among the most frequently mentioned aspects were the sense of community, access to green spaces, safety, the presence of Iowa State University, the balance of small-town charm with big-city amenities, and others. For all responses, please refer to the appendix. The people of Ames once again topped the list as the best thing about living in the city. Respondents described Ames as a close-knit, welcoming community where people care about one another. Many emphasized the friendly nature of the residents, good values, good City leadership, and safety in the community. Comments included:
• “The community. As an international student, I feel very welcome, and I do not have to think twice before approaching someone for help."
• “Our community is great. Good people, caring neighbors, good education, great healthcare."
• “The quality of people that live here! And there is so much to do! Also, Ames is so clean and shows that residents take pride in the appearance of their homes.”
• “The city takes serving it's people seriously and strives to achieve the common good.”
• “The best thing to me is how much the city of Ames seems to actually care about improving residents' lives rather than being so focused on constant growth/attracting business like suburbs of Des Moines often are.”
• “Safe, nice size, good schools” Respondents also mentioned the role of community events, recreational accessibility, and the strong local spirit as integral to making Ames feel at home. Similarly, many commented on the city’s size in relation to the amenities it provides. Respondents mention that Ames has the amenities of a large city while feeling like a small town. “It’s a nice blend of bigger city services and amenities and small town know your neighbor friendliness.” Another says, “Small town feel with the good thing about a larger city - arts, entertainment, sports.” Many of these comments point to the university as being a perk in how the city can accomplish this duality. “Smaller size coupled with good retail. Probably due to the large student population.” Green space and parks were frequently praised in the 2024 survey. Residents emphasized the beauty and accessibility of Ames’ parks and trails, appreciating both the natural environment and opportunities for outdoor activities. “Ames has lots of green spaces, perfect for hiking or enjoying nature.” Another said, “The parks are wonderful for walks, and we love North River Valley Park.” The overall environment and access to nature were key factors in many people's enjoyment of the city. Respondents highlighted the ability to access amenities without a car. Comments suggest that walking, biking, and using public transit is important and makes Ames a great place to live. “Living in Ames: ease of getting around.” Another comment said, “I love that I can bike to most places I regularly go. I love that I can drive to most places in 5-10 minutes.”
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In addition to biking and walking, one said, “The city is actually rather walkable and has a decent public transportation system for the parts that aren't.” The presence of ISU remained a major draw for many. Respondents appreciated the cultural diversity, sports, and academic opportunities the university provides, as well as the vibrancy it adds to the community. “Living in a University town and all the functions that accompany an institution of higher learning” Another said, “ISU sports, activities at CY Stephens.” Other comments pertaining to the best things about living in Ames include things to do, diversity, affordability, quietness, city atmosphere, the library, and water quality. . For additional and more specific comments, please see the appendix.
Figure 26. Best Things about Living in Ames
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Other Issues the City Should Focus On The survey asked respondents if there were other issues that the City should focus attention on. The question resulted in 119 responses. Figure 24 shows the visual presentation of the responses using a word cloud. The most popular issue noted in the responses is the lack of recreation amenities, or how existing amenities need updating or refurbishing. Respondents are concerned with Ames having “fun things to do” in both summer and winter months, for all ages including children and adults. Comments included more community events, restaurants, quality of parks, and involving the university in recreation. “More community-based events. I know we have some already, but more is good.” Another said “Updates and upgrades to city auditorium and theaters. The arts do not get enough. The current library and aquatic center are sufficient - we don't need additional of these.” Another common issue mentioned is street improvements, as expressed in this comment, “The main concern for me is the maintenance of roads and storm drains.” Respondents suggested more street resurfacing and better maintenance. Another respondent commented on the road work that has been done on Duff Ave concerning the addition of a bike lane, “removing the road diet. 24th and Hayes is a mess, 16th and Duff again a mess. I've never seen a bike north of 16th and Duff using the useless bike lane.” Another issue mentioned in the comments was the lack of affordable housing and how it affects students. Several comments gave specifics about affordable housing for lower income, “I think something needs to be done about rent in town. The increases are starting to squeeze graduate students.” and “Off-campus rentals are high for students and lease agreements are very rigid.” Another respondent focused on entry level housing ownership as opposed to rental properties for students. “More affordable entry level houses.” Other road-related issues mentioned include the need to improve infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians. Many of these comments discuss the safety of those who choose not to travel by car, and how the status of the built environment is dangerous for them. “I worry a lot about pedestrian & bicyclist safety it is scary to cross certain intersections. Some intersections are scary for cars to use. I am recovering from a car accident.” Another noted how RAGBRAI altered the perception of walking and cycling, saying, “When RAGBRAI came to town in 2023, it was so easy to get around by bike. Cars were paying attention and deferring to bikers. Let's make this the norm!” Public transportation is another topic that emerged from the responses. Several respondents are satisfied with the CyRide service, though many wish it was more robust. Improvements that could make it better include adding more routes, more sheltered bus stops, and a greater coverage area. One comment specified, “Regular mass transit commuter (e.g. train, bus) transportation to Ankeny/Des Moines.” Several respondents raised concerns about traffic congestion and how the city is set up for difficult flow. One respondent said, “Traffic issues, putting commercial/retail south part of Ames was stupid, now everyone has to drive from West and North where you have put all of the apts.” Another commented on the poor timing of road construction saying, “Traffic congestion on busy streets - Duff and Lincoln Way. Save construction for summer when traffic is less.”
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Many comments highlighted the need for improved human and social services in Ames. Topics ranged from homelessness to childcare. One said, “There have been more homeless people recently who could use support services.” Another said, “Homelessness and mental health crisis ... community outreach.” Concerning childcare, a respondent said, “More daycare. The waitlists are long and cause people to leave Ames.” Another issue respondents highlighted was trash, litter, and recycling as an issue that the City needs to focus on. Many say recycling should be easier for residents in Ames. “Can we have pickup for recycled materials at our homes, so we do not have to drop off. Many smaller communities offer this service” and “Ease of recycling.” In addition to this, people noted problems with general trash as well. “Trash build up that happens at a lot of apartment complexes.” Another said, “Please pick up the trash around town.” Another theme was a greater focus on inclusion for all age groups and residents. Topics highlighted general community inclusion and opportunities for different age groups, making all feel welcome in the community. Commenters mentioned, “inclusiveness of all identities in community improvement, policy making, and city program and events” and “programs for seniors - more in downtown.” There were several other comments on various topics the City should focus its efforts. These include infrastructure amenities, more shopping, snow removal, attracting residents, better outreach/communication from the City, cutting costs, and beautification. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix
Figure 27. Other Issues the City Should Focus On
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Sustainability This year the survey included as a section about respondents’ knowledge, views, and priorities regarding the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the City’s environmental sustainability actions and goals. Over the past five years, the City of Ames has been working to make the community more sustainable for future generations. First there was a data collection phase in which the City hired a firm to conduct a series of assessments on energy use and other baseline data. A CAP team was formed form from citizens to represent and gather input from different groups across Ames. Then a CAP was created to develop climate actions steps that would move the community toward reduce carbon emissions and climate neutrality. The CAP was be accepted by the Ames City Council in 2023. To review the adopted plan or learn more visit the following websites: City of Ames Climate Action Plan website - https://www.cityofames.org/living/sustainability-in-ames/climate-action-plan
• City of Ames Sustainability in Ames Website - https://www.cityofames.org/living/sustainability-in-ames
• Archive of Ames Climate Action Plan meetings and progress (2021-2023) - https://confluence.mysocialpinpoint.com/ames-climate-action-plan The first question in this section asked respondents if they were familiar with the City’s CAP. Of the 377 responses to this question, only 51 respondents (13.5%) responded that “Yes” they were familiar with the plan and 326 respondents (86.5%) responded “No,” they were not familiar with the CAP. Next respondents were asked to select their top three climate action steps for Ames from a list of eight choices included an open-ended “Other” category. Most respondents agreed on the importance of two climate action priorities with “Waste-to-energy improvements/reducing waste emissions” receiving 247 responses (69.6%) and “Increase wind and solar generation as part of Ames Electric Services portfolio” receiving 245 responses (69.0%). (Table 31)
Table 31. Top Climate Action Steps for Ames, 2024 (n=355) Number of Responses Percent Increase wind and solar generation as part of Electric Services renewable energy portfolio 245 69.0% Waste-to-energy improvements/reducing waste emissions Net zero and net zero-ready (NZR) new construction 120 33.8%
144 40.6% 84 23.7% 63 17.7% 52 14.6% 37 10.4%
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The next group of priorities did not receive as much consensus. Most people felt the City should prioritize retrofitting existing buildings (40.6%); followed by net zero and net-zero (NZR) new construction (33.8%); and then, retrofit municipal/City buildings (23.7%). Other climate action steps include electrifying the municipal fleet (non CyRide) (17.7%); and creating a Mayor’s climate action plan leadership task force (14.6%). Additionally, 37 respondents provided other open-ended responses. The “Other” important climate actions had several themes as well as several individual suggestions. The biggest theme that emerged was around a robust City recycling program, 14 of the 37 (38%) open-ended responses were specifically around this issue. Here are examples of the comments:
• “Better recycling options for residents - homes and apartments, low or no cost”
• “Citywide recycling”
• “Making recycling that is actually useful, publicized & convenient”
• “Benefit from community members experience increase options, particularly utilizing recycled material”
• “We should have a recycle bin provided by the city” Another group of comments were focused on expressing negative views toward the Climate Action Plan or concerns about the costs of these activities. There were 10 responses. These comments included, "do not use any funds for this,” “this is a wasteful use of money,” “Last thing we need!” “You will do all the above then raise our taxes again,” “none- humans have little to no effect on the climate,” and “none, spend that money on better streets or community events.” The remainder of the “other” comments were individual suggestions, a complete list of all the comments can be found in the appendix. Several were related to biking infrastructure, community power sources and electric services, planting trees and community gardening, and flood prevention and mitigation. The last question in this section of the survey asked respondents to identify one thing that was the biggest reason to commit to environmental sustainability. Four answers were provided as well as a fifth “Other” open-ended response. Table 32 summarizes the survey results. Most people (57%) chose providing a sustainable environment for future generations as their biggest reason for having a commitment for environmental sustainability. Thirty people (8%) indicated that environmental sustainability was not important to them. The “Other” comments were mainly divided mainly between three types of comments: a) responses in which respondents further defined their personal motivation for sustainability; b) remarks that expressed concern or skepticism over the focus on sustainability; and c) general comments.
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Table 32. Biggest Reason to Commit to Environmental Sustainability, 2024
(n=3638) Responses Percent
Among those with additional personal motivations there were two respondents who shared that they would like to see a commitment statement that was broader than just humans including protecting and preserving plants, animals, nature, and natural resources. A third person felt that all three of the provided options were important reasons for committing to sustainability. Another person commented, “It is a balance of everyone doing their part to avoid climate change, and increased reliance on domestic energy sourcing. There were a group of respondents that shared skepticism about the need (continue status quo) and the cost of sustainability initiatives. “Whenever I hear the word ‘sustainability,’ I think of government overreach into citizen's lives and spending money on things that will only die out in the future. The US cannot be the only country to cut off the use of fossil fuels and remain competitive in the world.” Also, along those lines, “There are plenty of laws, rules, and regulations in place to protect the environment. The use of fossil fuels and natural gas should be increased to lower the cost of living for all Ames residents.” Another felt that “We are doing a good enough job as it is. The culprits are Asia and South America.” Another respondent shared that we should proceed with caution, “We need to be very selective in the sustainability projects we choose to move forward with... the investments need to be justified to ensure we are spending taxpayer (or rate payer, or renter, or building purchaser) money on things that add the most value.” Additional “Other” comments were pointed towards the City challenging sustainability actions. One respondent shared that, “being specific and to the point! not vague but quantifiable deliverables! Less pretending!” Someone else shared the concern, “You don’t recycle.” Another shared their frustrations with, “Making people living here drive to wherever they need to go is not a commitment to any kind of environmental sustainability. How is the city of Ames going to reduce the cost of food??”
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General/Additional Comments
Respondents were asked to provide any additional comments that they wished to share. A total of 83 respondents answered this question. Comments revolved around positive comments, infrastructure issues, suggested improvements, services sought, management and survey comments. (Figure 28) Lots of comments were positive. Many people commented that Ames is a great city. Examples of the positive comments include:
• Ames is an amazing city.
• We absolutely love Ames, IA.
• Ames has been a great place to grow old.
• I have always felt fortunate that Ames was my hometown, and I still value it as a retiree.
• Ames is a safe place.
• Appreciate the city councils’ efforts and everyone who helps makes this a good place to live, work, and play. I do have concerns about the huge property assessment increases.
• Haven't had very many issues with the City of Ames and glad to know that they like to take care of their residents and value their opinions.
• I really like the farmer's market that is every Saturday in the summer. I also really appreciate the little booklet that the city sent out, Ames Insider. There were many things I did not know, and it was nice to learn about all year long events and businesses.
• Thank you for maintaining such a great public park system, water treatment, public transportation network, and other aspects fostering community in Ames. From what I've seen and heard, the Ames police department has made progress in areas that most police departments in the state have not, and I appreciate that.
• We came home because I became disabled. My family in Des Moines, but we chose Ames because we loved it when we lived here before. In terms of improvements, the following issues were suggested:
o Allow house owners to have input into the maintenance and beautification of nearby common areas, especially areas close to their own house.
o Needs to do a much better job at inspection of new houses, as too many need repairs or replaced far too soon.
o My only negative comment for Ames is the condition of some of the houses on Duff. It is a busy main road that people come into town on, and it gives a negative image on the quality of homes. They should have to at least clean up the outside.
o The government can introduce some policies for companies to settle or invest in Ames to promote population growth and economic development.
o A dog park on the North side of town. Cross walk signs on streets in Somerset.
o Ames needs to expand business and restaurants in the growing Northwest area.
o More restaurants and shops that are close to where I live.
o Shopping in the NW section is lacking, A Ross or Dillard’s would keep us shopping in Ames. We currently drive to Des Moines and Jordan Creek due to lack of variety here. Old Navy and Maurices are low quality, and I do not like to waste my money there.... Kohls is never stocked or JC Penny... JC Penny is at least of high quality but no kids’ clothes variety. We need another Younkers type of store... tired of relying on online or Des Moines.
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o Develop west Ames more, there is enough in the eastern half of Ames.
o Construction road directions in Ames are awful! I am surprised there has not been a serious accident from someone misunderstanding where to go when routes changed for construction.
o CyTown will be an interesting challenge. Continue to carefully monitor developers - especially those from outside Ames who won't have to live with their mistakes. So glad the E 13th mall was stopped. Did not see anything about city forester but appreciate all she does to get more trees planted around town
o Please make Ames more bike and pedestrian friendly. Stop signs (4 way) needed at Stange & Northridge Parkway (very dangerous intersection) for cars & pedestrians. Outdoor water fountains in parks are only "on" for 6 months of year or less. Minneapolis and St Paul has fountains that are year-round, why can't we? Invest in city center, less in city spread. Can't we have one 400-meter walk/run path open to all residents?
o Dog Park in Central Ames. Invest in Central Ames. The following services were also mentioned by the respondents.
o Mental health outdoor facility is needed in the community center where patients can meet. Have needed staff to help with meds. They did away with these services.
o I do like the addition of mental health help with the police.
o I have only one concern. Your people that remove snow get way to close to curb. I have seen "hunks" of cement that has been broken because of this.
o Would like additional drop off recycling for all plastics. Signage says only milk and water bottles. #1's Aspen Waste Recycling takes all plastics # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.
o I think the Schainker Plaza being constructed will be a magnet for homeless people to set up tents and live there, so I think it is a huge mistake and a waste of property tax dollars.
o Our largest employer ISU is losing faculty and staff because of the decline of Ames school system. What was once a "highly rated school district" is now average at best (Ames middle school is rated 4/10 on great schools). You will chase away families if you continue prioritizing activism over learning and safety. Childcare and property taxes are too high for the ROI which continues to lessen. Do not turn the town into only students and singles as families will flock to Gilbert or away from the area.
o We need a new animal shelter. We need to upgrade Resource Recovery to continue to keep as much out of the ground as possible.
o In terms of communication, a respondent commented this: “The city could do better with social media communication after disasters. After both derecho and neighborhood mini derecho, people had questions related to power/cleanup that were not being addressed on social media. Example: After neighborhood mini derecho there were questions to city pickup of branches. The city did not meet the open policy timeline for indicating whether city pickup would occur, very frustrating for people to know what to do. Other times during power outages, information not provided quickly or kept updated.” Several respondents were very appreciative of the yearly survey like this. These are some of the comments: “Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback as a resident, and thank you for considering these responses”, and “Thank you for seeking out opinions, I've never heard of any other city I've lived in doing this.” For other details on the additional comments, see appendix.
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Figure 28. Additional Comments
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APPENDIX 2024
Comments on Priorities for On-Going Services
• Unsure
o Cannot answer as I have no idea.
o Do not know enough to complete this section.
o I do not know, I have only been here a few months.
o I do not feel like I know enough about each of these line items to give you feedback on how to change the budget.
o I have no idea.
o I have no idea how to respond to the list. I need to know more than the amount, particularly how each service uses the amount they receive. Do they think the amount is adequate or does the amount impede them in carrying out new services.
o I really have no idea??
o I would need to see a couple decades of data/records to comment on this topic in a meaningful way.
o Not a fair question.
o Not sure of current needs or any short falls of each so not responding
o This is beyond my scope. I have no opinion. If what is there is working, then keep at it.
• Improve City Services/Infrastructure
o Desperately need a resource officer in Ames High and Ames Middle School!!! I know this is a school board decision though.
o I feel like more money should be funneled into making infrastructure and places that are human-centered, and that people want to go to without the need for cars. The bike systems in Ames are okay, but there are places where grocery stores, spots to eat out, etc. are still decently far for someone who doesn’t have a car. There are also not enough spaces other than bars for young adults to spend time and get to know people and their community.
o I like the idea of the ice rink downtown. However, I don't think our changing climate will allow enough usage days to justify the installation expense and maintenance costs.
o I think providing more funding for the animal shelter can help with the influx seen from pets surrendered or abandoned from students moving out of Ames.
o I would like to see a bike trail that connects SE 16th to Lincoln Way or a sidewalk on Dayton from SE 16th to Lincoln Way.
o I'm not sure where roads are but I assumed it was part of amenities or land use, but I think plowing/snow management could be better/funded more.
o More electric buses and better electric charging infrastructure would be ideal, wherever that money comes from. Might be good to invest in energy storage mediums as well. It seems like the animal shelter here is underfunded.
o Need more tennis courts, badminton courts.
o Recycling is a very important topic.
o The upkeep of sidewalks, hire more landscapers, gardeners, etc., more food banks for people in need.
o Trail systems could be improved and expanded.
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• Satisfied
o Good.
o I trust the judgement of others in the know.
o If that’s what it takes!
o The city has a better overall picture of the need and wants of the citizens of Ames.
• Improve Social Services
o I’d like more funding to go into community outreach and services for those in need. Programs that provide basic job skills, teach people how to use CyRide, etc. Also, more funding should be given to programs who care for people living with disabilities.
o Is the animal shelter getting a new facility? I heard once they were, and they could use more space.
• Reallocation of Spending
o Wow I didn't know the police had such a high budget. Maybe if other depts. got their funds, it would reduce the stress on them.
o You spend more on the library than animal control and safety?
• Allocate Funds Based on Use
o Ames Public Library budget is the 3rd largest tax funded, next to the fire and police. What % of the population uses it?? More people use the park system! Is the animal shelter getting a new facility? I heard once they were, and they could use more space.
o I would always support giving more to the library but know budgets have to balance. Do not know enough about what other groups might be missing and need more (or less).
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Comments on Funding Allocation to Programs and Services
• Unsure
o Cannot answer as I have no idea.
o Do not know enough to complete this section.
o I do not know. I have only been here a few months.
o I do not comment on these and have not needed them.
o I do not feel like I know enough about each to these line items is to give you feedback on how to change the budget.
o I have no idea.
o I have no idea how to respond to the list. I need to know more than the amount, particularly how each service uses the amount they receive. Do they think the amount is adequate or does the amount impede them in carrying out new services.
o I have no idea!
o I really have no idea??
o Not a fair question. I'd like (it) to get better yet not with this kind of event.
o Not sure of current needs or any short falls of each so not responding.
o The city has a better overall picture of the need and wants of the citizens of Ames.
o This is beyond my scope. I have no opinion. If what is there is working, then keep at it.
• Improve City Services
o I like the idea of the ice rink downtown. However, I don't think our changing climate will allow enough usage days to justify the installation expense and maintenance costs.
o Is the animal shelter getting a new facility? I heard once they were, and they could use more space.
o Need more tennis courts, badminton courts.
o Recycling is a very important topic.
o The upkeep of sidewalks, hire more landscapers, gardeners, etc. More food banks for people in need.
• Spend More
o I would always support giving more to the library but know budgets must balance. Do not know enough about what other groups might be missing and need more (or less).
o I would like to see a bike trail that connects SE 16th to Lincoln Way or a side sidewalk on Dayton from SE 16th to Lincoln Way.
o More electric buses and better electric charging infrastructure would be ideal, wherever that money comes from. Might be good to invest in energy storage mediums as well. It seems like the animal shelter here is underfunded.
o Trail systems could be improved and expanded.
• Reallocation of Spending
o Charge Iowa State a larger fee to cover the costs of maintaining the city. The City of Ames is dependent on the University so the University should really pitch in to make the city the best it can be.
o I feel like more money should be funneled into making infrastructure and places that are human-centered, and that people want to go to without the need for cars. The bike systems in Ames are okay, but there are places where grocery stores, spots to eat out, etc. are still decently far for someone who doesn’t have a car. There are also not enough spaces other than bars for young adults to spend time and get to know people and their community.
o I'm not sure where roads are but I assumed it was part of amenities or land use, but I think plowing/snow mgmt. could be better/funded more.
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o Wow I didn't know the police had such a high budget. Maybe if other depts. got their funds, it would reduce the stress on them.
• Spending Transparency
o Ames Public Library budget is the 3rd largest tax funded, next to the fire and police. What % of the population uses it? More people use the parks system!
o I would need to see a couple decades of data/records to comment on this topic in a meaningful way.
o You spend more on the library than animal control and safety?
• Satisfied
o Good.
o I trust the judgement of others in the know.
o If that’s what it takes!
• Improve Social Services
o Desperately need resource officers in Ames High and Ames Middle School!!! I know this is a school board decision though.
o I think providing more funding for the animal shelter can help with the influx seen from pets surrendered or abandoned from students moving out of Ames.
o I’d like more funding to go into community outreach and services for those in need. Programs that provide basic job skills, teach people how to use CyRide, etc. Also, more funding should be given to programs who care for people living with disabilities.
• Spend Less
o Do not waste taxpayer funds on street diet.
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Comments on City of Ames Services
o Satisfied
• All is well.
• I am excited that the City of Ames is hiring a full-time Sustainability Coordinator!
• I like Ames. I feel like they run the city well. Everything here is well structured and organized.
• Overall, I think these services make Ames a good place to live and think city employees should be appreciated.
• Resource Recovery is a hidden gem!
• See Click Fix appt is great. Ames departments do a fine job.
• We have great water, and the electric services are great. Ames does a pretty good job providing these to the citizens of Ames.
• Well done.
o Police
• Ames police are most friendly in day-to-day interactions (police used to be much more personable over the years).
• The city should implement PulsePoint to improve medical response times. I think CyRide could look to Chicago as a city that does bussing well.
• More police to enforce headlights on one hour before sundown and one hour after sunrise. And fire any officer in a city vehicle not abiding the law.
• More police patrols on 4th of July to keep fireworks from going off.
o Unsatisfied
• It seems like major projects such as the indoor aquatic center and the line project take longer to complete than necessary.
• Upkeep at Inis Grove has been poor as far as garbage and trash at the park! Having the bathroom burnt out from fire for a year was a real eyesore! More traffic, you need more policing and clean-up. People are over there way past closing.
• Very concerned about policy and how it will be enforced and impact on some residents. Feels elitist.
o Nuisance Enforcement
• I had a problem with someone complaining about my wind chimes. Then she posted signs complaining about us. I was told they couldn’t do anything.
• Suggest stopping "No-mow May." Yards are unkempt, weedy, and it serves no pollination purpose. Also, too many barking dogs in neighborhoods.
• Train horns are ongoing.
o CyRide
• Bus services are too concentrated on the University ISU.
• I’d like to see more CyRide bus stops in west Ames residential areas.
o Beautification
• City can improve by taking better care of trees, introducing new varieties of vegetation, and increasing number of trees.
• Street repairs in my neighborhood are underway, thankfully. We appreciate all the repairs around town.
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o Trash
• If anything, look at implementing more sidewalks for the west end of West Ames. Also, picking up trash.
o Water
• Increasing sewer rates may not be fair because some houses use water only for watering vegetation or garden which do not increase sewer cost.
o Library
• Ames has an outstanding public library.
o Parks
• Wish for more bike trails for long distance riding along green belt area. Wish for a steam room like Beyer Hall had.
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Comments on Police Department Activities
• Satisfied
o Ames is a safe place to live in partly due to our police dept.
o I am a white person - my interactions have been positive. I hope that is true for our black and brown friends and neighbors.
o I have positive feelings about the Ames PD.
o I mentioned a bicycle that was down in the woods behind Ames high Stadium bleachers and received good service.
o I work at Food at First and have several occasions to see the quick and appropriate response to difficult clients on our property.
o In general, I think they do a fine job.
o I live south of campus and really appreciate the extra effort to enforce parking regulations. The one time we had a drunk student trying to enter our home, police were prompt and efficient. Always surprised that animal control is part of law enforcement.
o Not sure. I have had several interactions with the department over the last 15 years I've been in town. Situations have always been fair and professional.
o Ok - not friendly but do their jobs.
o Only one contact and he was very polite and helpful.
o Our police dept. seems to be doing good enforcement. I like their Facebook posts.
o Overall, my interactions with the Ames Police Dept. have been very positive.
o Thank you for everything you do.
o They seem to be doing a fine job.
o They seem to be doing a good job.
o Very favorable.
o Very professional every time I interact with them.
• Enforce Traffic Violation
o I do see some people get pulled over, but not as frequently as they should. Some of the drivers on Duff can be ridiculous (I almost watched someone get run over since the car turning didn't yield to pedestrians).
o I mostly commute by bike. I see countless motorists on their cell phones while driving. Makes me feel unsafe. Please enforce texting while driving laws.
o I see people run red lights every day.
o We live on Dawes Drive and our road is a racetrack. Lots of speeding on Hwy 69, but Dawes is dangerous with the pedestrian traffic. Hwy 69 by Ada Hayden is especially bad with motorcycles speeding out of town.
o Speeders and cars with broken mufflers on Lincoln Way between Beedle and Dakota make noise all day and night.
o Stop spending your valuable time and effort on people going 5 over. It’s not hurting anyone.
o Texting while driving and when stopped at red lights seems to be the #1 problem in Ames. Wish you could enforce that law.
o They need much more traffic control.
o Way too many drivers that drive down Lincoln Way and other heavily traveled roads make conditions unsafe for pedestrians. Definitely an area to monitor continuously if resources are available.
o What does it take to get a speeding ticket? I've been passed by kids going (illegible) in a school zone in front of a cop & the cop just sits there.
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o Would love to see more hands-on enforcement of distracted driving in this town which is atrocious. I've even seen CyRide drivers on their phones while the bus is at a red light. Let's crack down on distracted driving before we see major injuries or worse with this dangerous practice which needs shut down.
• More Outreach
o Building engagement with community to avoid an us vs them culture. Especially with kids and younger adults. I have always considered police officers to be people who are there to help all of us.
o Didn't even know outreach events were going on.
o Greater emphasis on serving the community.
o I think I would like to see the police being part of the community more & taking steps to engage in programs/services that benefit at risk populations before emergency situations arise.
o It would be nice to know the police force in Ames better. I feel that there is a disconnect between the police and the people of Ames.
o More contact & the police have been misused. I understand their work is well in place.
• Excellent
o Excellent department. Very professional. Need to increase budget to be sure officer retention is maintained. Can always use more monies for equipment and training.
o Good department.
o I think you are doing great! I think it is a shame the school district discontinued their contract with SROS.
o Love them!
o They do a fantastic job.
• More Education
o Education and partnership with community Police are needing to go the extra mile and learn when/ how to use their authority. Make sure they know the laws.
o I think the police department needs to focus on intrinsic improvement before they can better serve the community.
o Implementation of comprehensive de-escalation training programs for law enforcement personnel, emphasizing social awareness and cultural sensitivity to prevent situations from escalating unnecessarily. Prioritization of community policing, strategies aimed at building trust and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies and civilians, particularly in diverse or racially sensitive areas. Establishment of accountability measures and transparent reporting systems to address instances of police misconduct and ensure that all civilians are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background.
• Little Interaction
o I have nearly never seen a police person in any neighborhood in which I have lived.
o I have not had any interactions with Ames police.
o N/A have not met or been stopped by one.
• More Mental Health Services
o Investing in mental health/ comm. resources instead of funding the police more.
o Mental health services and outreach. Wellness checks.
o More importantly, mental health officers who can help get people out of a bad place.
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• Less Public Intoxication
o If students are walking home and NOT being a nuisance, a public intoxication is not ideal, especially when the alternative could be to driving drunk.
o Obviously, we are a college town and there will be underage drinkers. However, everyone has done it and I believe they can be more laid back unless actions need to be taken.
o Too much petty alcohol arrests (does not include drunk driving).
• Unsatisfied
o ACAB
o I feel we are a safe city.
• Concerned with Safety
o I am most concerned about violence prevention and safety for our community.
o Lots of domestic issues not taken seriously.
• Parking
o I wish there was less emphasis on if your parking meter ran out 5 mins ago, and more time spent ticketing people who park in no parking side or res. street (narrow) and make driving down the street challenging.
o Parking regulations-just stop the overthinking and please remove meters downtown! Return to Ames H.S. and M.S. as outreach. Remove parking meters and reassign meter staff to save money.
• Need Police at School
o As an employee of ACSD, lack of police presence on grounds is a growing issue; as evident in the amount of incidents and calls in the past year.
o It would be a good thing to have a police presence in the high school.
• Good Outreach
o Ames Police Facebook page is a great place for community safety updates!
• Drug Control
o Drug control.
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Comments on Fire Department
o No Experience
• Fortunately, I had no need for fire dept. service. Glad to know they are available though, thanks!
• Fortunately, we have not needed these services.
• Fortunately, have not had to use them.
• Fortunately, I have not needed the fire dept.
• Glad I do not know.
• Have never needed fire dept.
• Have never needed to call the fire dept. (yet).
• Have not had to use the Fire department and hope that I never do.
• Have not needed it.
• I am glad it is there, and I am glad I haven't had to use it.
• I feel like I mostly see firefighters when they're responding to something, but I don't think that is really a problem since that's their job.
• I have never needed them for anything yet.
• I have never needed the fire department, but I know several fire fighters and know that our community is in good hands.
• I have not had to use them, Thank God.
• I've never had to use this before.
• Luckily, we have not needed their services.
• My very limited experience from past years, facility is great. I hate metered parking. Location is just far enough away it’s hard to make it there
• Never had the chance or need to call them.
• Never had to deal with them outside of inspections.
• Never had to use Fire Dept or EMT.
• Never have used.
• Seem good- just have not "needed".
• Thankfully haven't needed their assistance. No complaints. Keep doing what you're doing.
o Satisfied
• Although I have not had to use this resource, I think they do a good job in our community.
• I am very satisfied with all aspects of the fire staff, etc.
• Fortunately, we only experienced one small fire in all these years. The response was quick and handled well- thankfully.
• I appreciate it when the fire department comes to campus and teaches PASS.
• Keep doing what you’re doing.
• Keep up the good work.
• Our fire dept seems good. I see lots of community activities at our neighborhood fire station.
• Our only interaction with the fire department was positive. Our neighbor improperly called us in for a small campfire. We were complying and had a great conversation with the fire department team.
• There was a fire at my complex last year and the only damage was the laundry room; they responded/acted quickly to minimize the damage. They've also been quick to the scene with false alarms, but they still go and check everything out, which I appreciate; you can never be too careful even with false alarms.
• They seem to do their job as Ames has not burnt to the ground yet.
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• Very quick and professional when medical help is needed.
• Well run department. Could always use more monies for training and equipment.
o Great
• Great fire department.
• Great!
• I heard they are good.
• I interacted with the fire dept when I was a county house director, and they were great.
• I just know how fast the fire department gets to places when the alarm goes off.
• Love those brave men and women!
• Proud of them!
• They are always kind even when they are in a high stress situation.
• We had a pipe burst and the fire department responded promptly even though it was a late night. I appreciate that.
o No Visibility
• Don't hear or read anything about this fire department. It does come to our block party.
• Have not heard anything about the fire department in terms of community outreach.
• I love Ames Fire Department; but Gilbert could give you more ideas for community outreach.
• We do prescribe burning and I wish it was easier to inform the fire department. Filing a permit yearly once the fire department has been out once seeming unnecessary. Permitting the process takes too long when burning is so weather dependent.
• Would love to hear about community outreach.
o North Ames Needs Station
• Love fire prevention day. Not enough information to judge response times. Would seem like Northridge and West Ames at Sunset Ridge could use stations, Advanced life-support response time to these areas would seem slow, the city should implement PulsePoint to improve medical response time.
• North Ames needs a fire department. I heard from department that response is too long.
• This city is greatly expanding west and north. We need another fire station in Sunset Ridge. Northridge could greatly benefit from a station out there. EMS takes forever to get to West Ames. To my residence, it's nearly a 5-mile trip for MGMC EMS and a two-mile trip for station #2 to get here. The EMS ambulances are only dispersed in this community for special events and in those times ALS response to west Ames is reduced by almost half, but again, it is only during Special Olympics, RAGBRAI, etc. Otherwise, the EMS ALS units are centralized downtown which makes sense for hospital transfers, etc. and 911 coverage for central and east Ames/east Story County. Dispatch here needs to be utilizing citizen and professional responders with Pulse Point, as they're doing in WESTCOM. Communities who've implemented Pulse Point have seen a drastic reduction in SCA collapse victims receiving CPR and AED application in a fraction of the time it takes professionals to arrive and begin care. QA/QI from medical direction should be involved in every cardiac arrest call involving AED use from Ames Fire, Ames PD, ISU PD, City of Ames Electrical Services trucks, etc. This is what is done in Rochester, MN and the early defibrillation program has received national awards. Ames is a wonderful and progressive community. Let's improve/overhaul the response model here so we set a leadership/model example for every other community to follow!
o Positive Outreach Experience
• We appreciate the fire station open houses!
• We love the yearly open house.
o Fast Response
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• Showed up promptly when needed at a car accident I was in.
• They responded quickly to my emergency and very nice guys.
o Need Faster Response
• Emergency response time could be quicker.
o Unsatisfied
• One time, a bird got stuck in the perch and we couldn't access it to set it free. We called them, but they didn't come to help.
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Comments on City Electric Service
• Satisfactory
o Does a great job.
o Excellent.
o Fine. Communicate through social media well.
o Good job (2x)
o Overall outstanding and really appreciate all the LED streetlights installed as well as the use of wind power for at least 10% of our energy. Kudos!
o Satisfied.
o The service is amazing
o They are good.
o Very good! (2x)
o We are fortunate to have the electrical services we have in Ames. They are quick to get electricity back online.
o Well done - no complaints.
• Expensive
o Expensive.
o Focus on natural gas, it is cheap and reliable.
o If the cost is low enough, I can consider solar service. (significantly low)
o Interested in solar panels but the company who came out wanted $40,000.
o My power bill continues to be inordinately high. Not sure why as I am very mindful of my usage.
o We are too old for it to be affordable.
o We signed on when it was $350 a panel.
o What is the monthly discount? Electric rates - rates are related to market demands so they are what they are.
• Negative SunSmart
o As a participant, we find the return on investment quite low. We now consider it a donation to support sustainable power for the community.
o I am 82, I see no advantage in this.
o I am not aware it’s been in this city a short time.
o SunSmart is more a donation than investment
o The return on investment is too small.
o We live in the woods - no sunshine due to the canopy of the trees.
• Positive SunSmart
o It may not be expensive for many families, but we have 4 kids, so our budget is pretty tight. We do support the solar farm initiative, though.
o It seems like a cool idea, hope it goes somewhere!
o Sounds like a good program if you plan on being a permanent resident.
o Sounds like an awesome Idea!!!
o The City of Ames Electrical Services should purchase more renewable energy and explore partnerships with other area large organizations. Also, I would like more information shared about its role as a waste management system for multiple area communities.
• Need Shorter Terms
o If I could participate in the "Power Pack" for a shorter time (5 yrs say) I would definitely do so.
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o Offer a shorter term.
• Want More Available Information
o I do not think I have ever been notified about outages. I always have to look it up. It would be nice to get text updates. But power seems to be restored very quickly.
o I wish you offered a web portal to monitor usage in real time.
• Poor Reliability
o 54% reliability? Ridiculous! Quit throwing money at that dinosaur!
• Very Reliable
o Ames electric is very reliable. Thank you! The $5 monthly credit for prime time is relatively small but better than nothing.
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Comments on Drinking Water Service
• Great Water
o Amazing.
o Ames drinking water is excellent.
o Ames drinking water is noticeably much better than it is in Iowa City, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. Thank you for keeping it that way!
o Ames has excellent water quality and taste.
o Ames water is the best tasting water and one of the main reasons we hesitate to move away.
o Ames water is the best!
o Ames water is the greatest.
o Ames water is top notch!
o Best drinking water.
o Best drinking water in America.
o Best in the world!!
o Drinking water is very good
o Excellent (5x)
o Good (4x)
o Great tasting water - keep it up!
o Great! I love the tours they hold.
o I am very happy with Ames Water Service.
o I have never had an issue with our water. We still use a Brita Filter to drink either way, but nothing is covered in iron.
o I love Ames’s water! It tastes so good right from the tap. We are so lucky. Thank you!
o I recently moved here from Fort Dodge. Ames’s water tastes amazing, and I can drink it from the tap. In FD I hated to even brush my teeth with the water.
o I think Ames has the best drinking water I have had.
o Love Ames drinking water.
o Love it!
o Love the water here! Have noticed it is slightly harder than last year and has more build up.
o My curly hair loves Ames’s water.
o Our water is excellent.
o Perfect
o The quality of the drinking water in Ames is excellent.
o The water tastes very good.
o Very good.
o Very good
o Very happy with the water in Ames. Appreciate the city "partially" softening the water so a home water softener is not required.
o Water is clean and fresh.
o Water tasted very good, and we feel it is safe to drink but we prefer softer water so have a water conditioning system.
o We have great drinking water.
• Could be Better
o 1-2 times per month I experience a "belch" and black sediment. I don't know if it is a Green Hills issue or an Ames issue. Maintenance thinks it's an Ames issue.
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o Constant problems with scale, but probably an in-home issue.
o I do not drink a lot of Ames water. The water I do drink makes my mouth dry. The water also makes my skin very dry. Better water pressure is needed!
o I have never drunk water in Ames. Gastroenterologist advised I don't - huge levels of some chemicals, farm chemicals, and forever chemicals.
o I've noticed flakes of rust in my water or the water quality tasting "off." I've also seen the pressure isn't the best.
o It tastes like Clorox
o Need to address PFAS contaminates
o Okay as it should be with new plant.
o Sure, wish we could rid of the rust problems.
o Tastes good. Some minerals are left when evaporated so it may be hard.
o The only time our water changes is when the city is working nearby.
o The quality of the drinking water has become noticeably worse over the last year.
o The water is harder than soft. Some taps I have seen have some sort of layer at the mouth. I l have a fish tank, and as the water goes down in the tank, you get a solid layer of a hard substance, on the tank's cover/lid and on the glass. Also, after washing the dishes, either by hand or dishwasher I always see white water marks, especially in pots and Tupperware.
o The water pressure is extremely low here.
o This question is better phrased as a matter of frequency than specific times. My water is cloudy sometimes & I used a Brita filter as my water is too hard & I'm not overly fond of the taste.
o Water is not the same as in the past! Not drinkable!
o Water often tastes strongly of chlorine, especially if drinking warm water.
• Use Filtration System
o I buy bottled water for drinking.
o I have a Moen Flo smart water monitor, and it constantly reports over pressurization. I have called the water department multiple times, but they refuse to do anything.
o I rent a water softer to be rid of this. Without it, there was a lot of rust.
o I use a pitcher with a filter for my water, then it tastes great.
o I use a filtered head for my shower and filter my water before drinking it or use it for cooking.
o We have a water softener.
o We have in house softener.
• More Information
o Terrible, absence of information
o We needed to put a whole house filter on due to sediment in the water clogging up our faucets.
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Comments on Water and Pollution Control
• Satisfied
o Good (2x)
o No noticeable issues here.
o No problem.
o Seems to work very well.
o Water is great (2x)
• High Water Rates
o All rates are high compared to a household (home) of 3. vs. 1 bed apartment.
o Because we have a corner lot our bill is quite high.
o Too expensive water - low quality.
o Try to keep rates low. Sneaking up.
o Water rates, quality and sewer rates are part of living in a community. We trust the community to do their best for its citizens.
• Poor Water Quality
o I am concerned about the quality of water in Ames. Can they put suggested filters on their website? Do we need additional filters to eliminate forever chemicals/ particles?
o I think we should not only ensure the quality of the water, but also check whether the water pipe materials meet health standards. Such as the content and release of heavy metals.
• Poor Stormwater Drainage
o It’s a low area and it floods during big rain falls so it’s just part of living here.
o My yard has a cuvette & a drainage easement. I wish my yard was not a drainage structure. It is awful.
• Unsatisfactory
o Several years ago we found our outlet to storm sewer was blocked by tiling and road construction materials from Duff Ave. The City did nothing!!
• Flooding Prep
o We need to keep working to prepare for increased extreme weather events related to global climate change. I wonder if CyTown will have expensive flooding that will be a burden on the community.
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Comments on Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement
o Unkept Properties
• Dilapidated house at 1514 Duff. It's been deteriorating for quite a long time, red notice on door, not certain if anything is being done about it. Feel sorry for my neighbors!
• Hopefully with the changing of the property laws in January, it will make a change this year that something will be done with properties that are not kept up
• I am dissatisfied with the nuisance ordinance for yard upkeep. Several yards had 12" vegetation following 1 week or rain. Consistent and equal enforcement seems like a waste of time
• I noticed that some houses did not keep their grass mowed, e.g. 420 Beedle Dr. I also hit a curb when I drove on a road near the road work, due to too narrow pass way and dark light at night
• Our neighbors were contacted about an upkept lawn and the concern was properly delt with
• Our yard is majorly overgrown but at the same time has huge dirt spots. Our parking lot is almost always full of broken glass.
• Please treat residential properties the same as rental properties
• There are some things I don't feel neighbors should have to complain about to be enforced. Like can see someone hasn't mowed their lawn all summer.
• There are some yards with tremendous overgrowth and some places that have huge RVs parked in their driveways and it's such an eyesore.
• What's with the (illegible) house on the east side of Duff near 15th street or so??? It's gone on far too long
o Noise
• 4th of July very noisy in our residential area. We contacted police - they did help with the noise. Sad residents still want to shoot noisy fireworks, it’s harmful to animals and scares them as well as annoying to neighbors. Hopefully people are being fined for residential fireworks
• Neighbors than run loud power equipment after 6pm
• Noise limits - barking dogs are a problem.
• Noise will be an issue in Campustown. I wish the city could do more
• Private fireworks use on and around the 4th of July continue to be a major nuisance, and there doesn't seem to be much effort to limit them.
• The city responds too harshly to noise complaints. It is a college town, let us be kids.
• There needs to be enforcement about broken mufflers. Ames is louder than the city.
• We have claimed many times an AC unit in our building that is very noisy and is placed on the other side of our bedroom wall. They have tried to reduce the noise but are still not very successful. We don't know whether is appropriate to claim this with the city of Ames since this matter has been taken care of' by our tenant.
o Ames Regulations
• City of Ames has become an HOA with its new "regulations"
• I think the city is overreaching by setting ordinances on parking, storage, and maintenance of personal property.
• Keep the city out of individual property rights. If safety is a concern, then attention seems warranted. If someone voices a complaint, I am hesitant to over legislate property ordinances.
• Not a fan of ordinances concerning personal property
• Overall, while living in Ames is a positive experience for me, I cannot say I like the property maintenance law that went into effect on January 1st, 2024. While I understand the desire to keep
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citizens safe and the city clean, I think that there were better means to achieve these goals than the one the city council implemented.
• People talking and children playing are much louder than your outdoor music ordinance... It makes no sense!
• Some go too far and seem to be selectively enforced
• Why do people care so much about lawns being perfectly trimmed? I think there are far more important things to be concerned about than that
o Satisfied
• I do not mind much
• I don't see many of these issues in our city
• I guess I don't see enough of it to really gauge any major ordinances.
• I live in a well-established neighborhood area that is close knit and very friendly for 50+ years
• I reported a downed power line, and it was fixed in a few hours
• Neighbors had contacted the city & issues were addressed.
o Parking
• Ames parking is ridiculous
• Let people park on their front lawn. It's their property
• We reported a situation at 815 Top o Hollow Ave. Too many vehicles parked in the driveway and other areas on the lot and the situation has not changed
• You might consider allowing only parking on one side to residential streets!! Very difficult to get through residential streets when are parked on both sides of the street! (west Ames)
o Unsatisfied
• Problems persisted
• Train horns, motorcycles and loud cars on hand, etc. Appear to be speeding or even racing. Don't appear to enforce over occupancy in rental units.
• Years later the same issues were not resolved.
o No experience
• I live in an apartment complex and never had to report to the city
• None, do not know much about them
o Landlords
• Ames city council is absolutely toothless in front of predatory landlords. Haverkamp properties have been running a scam on their tenants and I have tried and failed repeatedly to get any sort of actionable response from the Ames City Council. They exploit international students. They are racists. They are vultures in the truest sense of the word. How Ames City council ever lets Haverkamp properties operate and exploit its most vulnerable population is beyond me. Maybe Iowa was, is and will always be racist. So honestly these surveys are pointless (with all due respect to the survey designers) if the residents do not get to reap any actionable benefits from it. I am sure the results will help some researchers flash some graphs to some granting agency to pour money on more research that will amount to more of nothing.
• Old neighbors used to blast music & scream into the wee hours of the morning. Police told us to take it up with our property managers.
o Less Lawn Emphasis
• The city should be less concerned about lawns. Obsession with lawn upkeep just encourages more noisy mowing and leaf blowers. These machines are nuisances and are detrimental to the health of the users and anyone around. Please ban leaf blowers. Please also enforce loud motorcycles and trucks.
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• We called the city about a streetlight out and they fixed it in a few days. Much appreciated. Our neighborhood area is seeing more and more front yards having overgrown vegetation. It affects the home values in the area. If the people want to have overgrown vegetation in backyards, I have no problem with that but when it affects others home values, it is not right
o More Education
• I am not familiar with these ordinances. Can these be published in a city newsletter? I would be interested in reading these and understanding them
• I don't even know where/who to report these things to, though I would like to have the knowledge.
o Over Occupancy
• I live in an HOA and the Ames PD does not have jurisdiction on over-occupancy apparently.
• Over occupancy is a continual issue in our neighborhood- how much of a nuisance this is often depends on how well behaved the students are. i.e.- our current students hold most of their parties indoors; the previous group held outside parties which made it hard to enjoy our yard.
o Sidewalks
• Sidewalk clearing in winter is terrible. There are hundreds of sidewalks hat are never cleared once during a winter
• They ("nuisances," many nuisances are safety related) seem to be all citizens complaint driven. I would be calling daily if I reported all sidewalks, vegetation impeding ability to walk on city, damaged sidewalks. These are dangerous to pedestrians and cause visual obstructions (vegetation) for pedestrians and cyclists and auto drivers.
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Comments on Traffic Signals
o Better Light Coordination
• Better coordination on busy days. Like football games; major events (concerts, graduation)
• Cannot tell they are supposed to be coordinated. Traffic was very backed up at times especially Duff from South 4th on South to out of Ames. Could not even turn south off South 16th one day- all red lights backed up to next light.
• If you hit a red on Grand, you hit every light red!
• It is hard to discern coordination between signals.
• Lights going east on Lincoln Way are not timed very well.
• Lincoln Way is a stressful and dangerous route due to a lack of traffic signal coordination.
• Long cycle times lead to pedestrian delays, especially when bog button use is required to get a walk signal
• Need to look at the traffic signals at Duff & Crystal
• On major roads such as South Duff, Lincoln, and University, I can count on one hand the number of times that the traffic signals felt coordinated. The overwhelming majority of the time, it is incredibly stop and go. It feels very fuel inefficient for many cars.
• One of my biggest complaints about living in Ames are the traffic signals... they cause backups even under low-traffic sections.
• Red light after red light after red light - seemingly no coordination city-wide
• Something needs to be done on how you manage the ISU FB & BB traffic after a game. Rumor has it there is one person who won't change how he manages it!
• Sometimes the timing seems off allowing 2-4 cars to go North/South and then 20-30 to go East/West
• Stop them alternating, it’s annoying when the light turns green at the same time the next light turns red.
• The change in programming of lights at Stange & 13th and Stange & 24th results in longer wait time which intern has caused more people to run the intersection on late yellow and red.
• The light stops intersections of smaller streets and Lincoln way have very poor traffic time signals where you must wait for a long time especially in the morning.
• The lights on Duff seem poorly timed.
• The Lincoln Way/N Elm Ave and Lincoln Way/Grand Ave lights, particularly the pedestrian crossing at N Elm, have very poor coordination.
• The traffic lights are a constant irritation because I am constantly hitting every red light. Please work on improving this in the future.
• There have been improvements on 13th St. Duff is a mess. At least a few times a year I will have to stop at each light from downtown to South Duff.
• The timing on Grand Ave is off. You just stop at each light as you drive north.
o Intersection Light Adjustment
• 13th and Duff are the worst, often changing to give green to the other direction even though no cars are coming that way, making those approaching where it was green need to wait to (SLOWLY) cycle through the lights to turn green again. All without any cars coming the other way.
• 13th St. East & West lights need help for turning
• Can be a little shorter wait time.
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• Compared to other cities, the ability for the whole street to be green lights. They need left turn arrows from 13th on to Grand.
• I HATE LINCOLN LIGHTS!!!!!! NEVER COORDINATED
• I travel from N Duff to S Duff a lot & stop very often. Can’t you cancel a red light that comes on after someone turns right on red? (from a side street onto Duff)
• The intersection of Grand Ave & E 13th Street should have a green arrow for turning left from 13th street towards Lincoln Way. It is stressful to turn left, esp. if multiple cars are waiting to turn - sometimes must wait through multiple traffic light cycles since not every driver sneak into the intersection on yellow to turn left when cross traffic stops.
• Lights on East/West Bound Grand, no turn signal. Very congested on Lincoln Way.
• Some intersections (especially later at night or early morning… University Blvd. one off Mortensen) there is no traffic and at times you’d have to wait 30 seconds to take a left. Also, some intersections don’t allow pedestrians to cross, and they must wait for a whole light cycle to walk or cross. Intersections should be made with pedestrians (and furthermore cyclists, anything that isn’t a car) in mind and allow them to move more freely around.
• Some lights are way too long/short. Going from Hyland to Ontario takes an extremely inconvenient amount of time
• Some stoplights take forever to change (Franklin and Lincoln way). Also, the traffic light for people turning S. from Target needs an arrow. There is nearly an accident there every time I am over there. Light turns green and people don't yield to those going straight.
• The light on 13th and Grand Ave heading west and east makes it extremely difficult to make a left turn in high traffic times of the day. It is a high-traffic intersection, so I think it warrants a protected turning arrow. The light on Duff and 11th Street will cycle randomly when no cars or pedestrians are waiting. This slows and accumulates traffic for no apparent reason.
• The light on South 16th heading west- the turn arrow will only allow 6 cars and there can many times be 10-12 waiting. Needs to be LONGER.
• The lights on Lincoln and Sheldon are terrible when going north and south. When someone hits the pedestrian walk light, that somehow counts as a green light because then people get even less time to go through the light. It does not help that there is no left turn area only because that is taking away valuable time and would create less traffic right there. This light goes west, and east is almost too long during heavy traffic hours of 4-6 pm because it causes a backup in the small block between Sheldon and Hyland. Overall, this section needs heavy revamp.
• The one stop light leading up to the police station from Brookside Park on Grand is extremely slow to change if you're not driving on Grand in the evening.
• The pedestrian lights are good. The transition from yellow to red lights seems too fast
• The traffic signal at S. Dakota and US HWY 30 is rarely if ever helpful. I spend a lot of time sitting there while no one is going through.
• The wait at the intersection of Dayton and 30 (when exiting from the west) is way off. You can sit there for minutes without it changing, even though no vehicles are going south through the intersection. Major streets can get congested and backed up during busy times.
• There are a few places where it would be nice to have more turning arrows. Especially during rush hours
• There are certain intersections that should add a green arrow on left turns to improve safety.
o Infrastructure Improvements
• 13th and Grand east-west traffic needs a protected left turn, sometimes the yellow light is too short
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• Grand and 13th seems to be the most problematic intersection for me. The lack of turning lanes/signals and the emphasis on northbound traffic seems to be troublesome. Additionally, 13th and Stange Rd seems odd that the priority for left hand turning is on northbound traffic as well and North/South bound traffic is hardly ever coordinated with the Hawthorn Court Dr since the signal seems only to be a sensor prioritizing lefthand turning westbound traffic. This results in southbound traffic on Stange Rd to get stopped again quite often at this intersection. Finally, there may be reasons for this that I have not considered, but the usage of lanes on University Blvd between Stange Rd and Wallace Rd seems underutilized. There is significant space for a right-hand turn lane for eastbound traffic at the Wallace Rd University Blvd intersection. A right-hand turn lane/middle eastbound lane would prevent the blocking of traffic in the morning when CyRide busses must stop after turning left from Stange Rd on to University Blvd. Additionally, the left-hand turn lane on east bound University just past the Wallace intersection is hardly used and could easily be replaced by the middle east bound lane through the traffic signal.
• I have a landscape architect here who says the medians should have more native pollinator plants (specifically on Lincoln Way near Campustown)
• In general, there are multiple places in the city with 3 lanes of traffic at a light - left turn lane, and two "other" lanes where drivers could be going straight or turning right. Please consider making the right lane a turn only lane as one car going straight can significantly back traffic up. Examples are 13th St east at Dayton light, and 13th St. west at Stange light.
• Maybe go to blinking lights after 11 pm? The length of signal on Grand Ave intersections is truly unnecessary. Also, would eliminate the no turn on red sign at University Ave. and 6th- was added a few years ago. It’s not necessary ever.
• More intersections need sensors. Particularly at CyRide and 6th, Lincoln Way and University, Stange and 24th, 13th and Stange- left turn lane onto Stange needs to be longer
• The crosswalk next to Cousin Vinny's I think could use flashers
• The prairie strips on Ash near Mortensen need weeding and replanting
• Traffic signal detection systems don't always work
• We need a traffic signal near University Community Childcare (Bruner Drive and Stange Road) especially with school buses and CyRide frequently utilizing this area!!!
• Why do I have to stop at the stoplight at 11th and Duff by Mary Greeley at 5:30 am because it is no longer on sensor! There is no pedestrian or other vehicle traffic around!
o Satisfied
• Don't like the constant stop & go but understand it.
• I would guess it is since I haven't noticed it
• In general, they are regulated properly
• Much better than previous
• No complaints
• Seems like getting stopped at one light gets you stopped all the way down the street, but turning onto the street and making the first light gets you through the next 2-3 lights consistently.
• So long as people drive the speed limit and not 2-6 over, they work great
• They seem fine.
• With lots of repair work this year I would pay for letting us know where there are detours, etc. It's pretty good
o More Street Cleaning/Snow removal
• Do not see street sweeping in my area, but the streets are clean. Snow plowing/ removal could be better in area parking lots
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• I feel snow removal has opportunities to be faster. Grand and 13th light needs work. Those turning left onto Grand really need a signal/arrow.
• Snow plowing for circles really depends on who is doing it. Contractors are much quicker than city. Several streets need redoing, but am aware city is gradually redoing streets
o Dissatisfied
• Terrible on Duff
• Time and gas are wasted daily.
• Waiting over 20 years for resolution of 13th and Grand
o Better Bike/Ped Infrastructure
• I find the bike paths very frustrating- they seem random
• Make it easier for bike commuters to trigger signals. We should not have to trigger from the sidewalk
• Sheldon & Lincoln Way signal - Additional time for N-S transit during 4-6 PM would be an improvement - pedestrian crossing uses up almost all the time if you have turning cars thus few cars get through during each green light. Additional turn lanes at Stange & Ontario and 13th & Grand would be good.
o Long Wait Times
• Often waiting for a very long time at lights when no one is coming in either direction.
• Some places you sit forever when there is no traffic going the other direction
• They usually work as intended, but lots of major areas have been getting longer and longer of wait times
o Good Timing
• Good yellow times
• Grand Ave seems good at timing, often long waits.
o More Enforcement
• put cameras on them to catch all the speeders, light runners, and cell phone abusers.
o Better Road Construction Timing
• Road construction could be more isolated. Doing all Grand at once seems like it has caused too much congestion
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Comments on CyRide
• Great Service
o About 6 times a year. When I have needed has been great
o Amazing
o Amazing Service!!!
o Ames has a great and inexpensive bus system
o CyRide must be one of the top bus services in the state if not the country! The cost is crazy reasonable and fair. Two thumbs up across the board.
o CyRide is a great service, I would not have been able to attend physical therapy without the Brown line.
o CyRide is always on time and provides frequent service on the routes I use (Gold, Brown, Cherry). I am thankful that we have it, and I hope it continues to be as great as it is now.
o CyRide is always timely and helpful. Truly one of the best public services I've gotten to use anywhere.
o CyRide is amazing. I wish the buses had a permanent clock on them. Also wish they had Wi-Fi but that's revolutionary. Amazing lost and found reliability but that's in part due to the good people of Ames.
o CyRide is great! (2x)
o Excellent for those who choose to use it.
o Excellent service
o Excellent! What an asset for our city.
o A fantastic system, nearly always on time and frequent service in my area makes it very useful and convenient to use. Bus stop shelters could use some improvements.
o Glad it is there when I need it
o Great
o Great service and used for years. Now I would have to transfer and much longer ride.
o I am grateful for the convenience of the CyRide and how accessible it is; there are so many routes that can get me where I need to go, and the app typically works well.
o I am so glad we have it. I wish more people would use it. The times and locations aren't convenient for me. I would rather ride my bike. Maybe there should be a class/field trip on using CyRide in the middle school?
o I did take the CyRide to an ISU game one time - it was fine. Love that it is free to ISU students.
o I feel it is a valuable service for those that need it
o I have heard from frequent riders that it is a great service
o I love having CyRide as an option, thank you for providing a great public transportation service!
o I rode often to work at ISU for 30 years. In general, the service was reliable and efficient. I was surprised how good it was in relation to the size of the community.
o I use it for getting to school. Thank you to all the bus drivers who made it possible for me to get to my classes.
o I used to ride every day. Very happy that Ames has & supports public transportation.
o I used to use it when I worked on campus. Now it’s just easier to hop in car for errands. Great to see others using bus
o It is a very good service. I tried a couple of times and very happy with the service.
o Nice service that I might use when I no longer can bike or walk as much as I do now.
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o The only service in Ames that holds any meaning. The rest of the town I could do with or without. But CyRide is the lifeblood, and every driver/employee deserves a raise. The most consistent well-run city service.
o They are always on time and the application is amazing.
o Used to ride before retirement. Glad they are here.
o Very effective service
o We are happy there is the CyRide option even though we do not use it. Smaller buses in lower use area? Just a question
o We don't use it now but was a great resource while attending ISU and working for ISU.
• Expand Service
o A direct route on game days from the Somerset/ Northridge area would be fantastic!
o A stop in areas that provide social services would be helpful (i.e. MICA, Salvation army, Access, AEA)
o At times I wish CyRide had more frequency (during evenings/during breaks). CyRide also needs to extend its night-time/early-morning bus service as at times I find myself unable to get home since I work at a job that is open really early (5am) and closes later in the evening when service is sparse.
o Connection could improve. That is why we do not use so often
o Good service, but I have been curious as to why #5 (Yellow), #9(yellow), and #14 (Peach) have such limited service, especially in the evening and over the weekends. When new students come to Ames, especially international students, they don't know which areas have better bus service as they choose where to live. So, their movement becomes very restricted when they settle in places where 5, 9, and 14 operate. Doing basic things like going grocery shopping becomes very hard. I am basing my experience from 2021 during the COVID lockdown, so if things have changed, you can ignore my comment.
o I suggest more availability around slightly north area, such as W 19th St.
o I wish 11 Cherry had more routes since it is the only bus out to west Ames.
o Needs more routes/drivers
o No routes in newer housing developments in West Ames. Would be nice to have later routes.
• Could Be Improved
o Ames Ride is not always accurate, I use it the most in the mornings and if I miss the bus because the app says a different time, I don't always have time to wait for the next
o I think CyRide could do better to space the available buses. It is almost always an issue that multiple buses come at the same time. If you miss the bus, then you have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for the next one because all three of them came at the same time. When instead you would only have to wait 5 or less minutes if they were spaced out appropriately.
o I think CyRide is great, but it takes too long to get to campus from Mary Greely (around 40 mins)
o Make schedule slower and more realistic to slow down
o Some buses get to their stop early and leave before the app or website says they will.
o some routes have a lot of seat capacity compared to demand while others do not have enough buses. more optimization is required for the routing
o The buses often get crowded and sometimes the drivers are not professional. Additionally, the wait time for each bus is about 30 minutes, which is quite long.
o The routes going to South Ames, by the airport, need to be better.
• Inconvenient
o During the summer, the 6 route is out around 6:30 PM, which makes it difficult to commute between campus and summerset
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o Getting to vet med with CyRide can be a hassle
o I do periodically ride CyRide. Think its availability is important for the community. At 70 it would be multiple buses to get groceries. It took me several rides to know that the bus step could be lowered - important to know if you have mobility issues.
o I probably still would not use it because I have a car which is more convenient. I would be wasting my time waiting for it and riding it around places I didn't need to go.
o Use of CYRIDE for the most part is time consuming and would add almost an hour a day to use
o We live North of Ames in the Ada Hayden area. It is difficult for college students to reach. They need rides to get here.
• Don’t Use
o Find it a waste watching CyRide go by our house late in the evening EMPTY!!
o Historically it has been faster to walk or bike to campus from South Ames. I don't know if that situation has improved but I always avoid CyRide. Now I am retired and don't go where CyRide goes.
o I have to drive to other towns for my job and that primarily limits my use. 1/3 limit my use as related to leisure. Shorter ride times would also increase my usage
o I like public transportation, but I am not in the habit of using it. As my child grows older, I would like to teach her how to use it to get around
o I work at ISU & would be very happy to take CyRide but not at the same cost of a parking pass & less flexibility.
o Never used it
• Prefer Driving
o I always used it when employed. Now I volunteer and need the use of my car to transport items.
o I have used it when car was in the shop.
o If I didn't have a car then it would be quite a way to a stop
o If I was unable to drive myself and if a bus stop were near me and my drop off was very close, I might use CyRide.
o We love CyRide, but now that are sharing rides to work it is cheaper to get an ISU parking pass.
• Good Drivers
o Drivers are great and extremely friendly.
o I love that 65 and older pay 50 cents. All the bus drivers are kind and courteous
o I wish the CyRide drivers would encourage people to move and sit in the back of the bus more often and fill seats, especially on morning rides and other busy times when everyone gets crammed onto the lower section when there is totally open space and seats up top.
o Very nice drivers most of the time. Some of them could do better by not braking so hard that all the kids on the bus lose their balance.
• No Stops Near Me/Destination
o I live near Daley Park. The nearest stop to me is about a mile walk
o I would be interested in using this again (used as a student) but there is no stop near me. Is too far to walk to one.
• Student Centric
o I would consider riding CyRide to events on campus
o Should not only be concentrated on the University
• More Information
o Do not know enough about routes or fares
o Send info via email every 6 mo.
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• Don’t Expand Service
o Too many times I see large, full-sized buses with very few people in them. During low usage times use smaller buses
• Should Be Free
o I think it is a valuable service for the people of Ames. Eliminating the fare would or wonderful for many people in Ames. I've "aged out" of using public transportation
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Comments on Community Parks and Recreation Services
• Needs Improvements
o I have always had a problem with insufficient lights in the washroom and some places do not even offer washrooms. The process of booking a shed however is easy.
o I wish some of the trails I felt safer on by myself; maybe adding emergency phones would help, but I'm not sure. I don't always feel safe on them by myself.
o Indoor facilities are very lacking for both adults and children and private resources are too costly for most families
o Need a bigger splash pad.
o Need to address the southeast entrance to Ada Hayden by restrooms. Trucks do not stay on the path and create huge ruts and mud all over the trail because concrete is not wide enough.
o Need to return lights to Brookside. Tennis and pickleball courts - threw away the original ones and then did not pursue free lights from high school. Try harder to restore services to Brookside courts.
o Too old to use.
• More Upkeep
o Lots of public space doesn’t have good washroom, most of them are locked or unclean
o Need dog poop bags available or at least trash cans more available.
o Restrooms could be cleaner and open for a longer season. Sometimes my family and I go to the parks in October/November - February/ March because the weather is good, and restrooms are closed.
o Restrooms feel poorly maintained. Seem to be closed more often than they're open.
o Several parks could use more bathrooms
o The bathrooms should be unlocked more frequently
o The overgrowth of Inis Grove means that other parks have fewer amenities than they need, and Inis Grove gets overused.
• Don’t Use
o Have not used, maybe advertise more about these!
o I have lived in Ames since July 1967 and have used the parks twice and never the recreational areas.
o I just looked at it, but never stopped
o I'm a college student. I don't go outside.
o Newer to Ames so haven't had the opportunity to use many of the recreational areas or programs.
o While I am an ISU student, I do not currently live w/in the city of Ames. I have visited multiple times and plan to live there next year.
• More Nature
o I wish there were more forests and prairies, especially on the outskirts of town.
o Invasive species dominate most of the wooded/natural areas
o Plant more trees, extend forests. Ames currently looks like it’s been stomped by a big elephants’ foot and there’s very little natural beauty.
o Please do NOT remove any more beavers and/or beaver dams. Educate residents who complain about this to use hardware cloth to cover their trees and prevent damage from beaver activity. They are crucial to our ecosystem and do NOT need to be taken out of Ames area creeks.
o Too many invasive species
• More Variety
o I wish there was a badminton field with a set of rackets and birdies.
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o Need more tennis/ pickleball courts
o Parks could use more swings that older children can use
o We desperately need indoor pickleball for all community members and gymnasium capacity for all community members. Increase # of tubes for lazy river please.
• More Advertising
o I was not aware of any available recreational programs. Maybe they can be better publicized.
o I would use the recreational things more I think if I knew about them, also I'm very excited about the indoor pool and plan to use that.
o Sometimes it a little hard to find info on the website for sports leagues and how to get involved (e.g. Tuesday night pick up volleyball)
o Wish programs came in mail for trails, parks, events, etc.
• Longer Hours
o Need more hours, need to be open sooner and stay open later.... McFarland Park, Carr Park, Peggy's Trails, etc.
o It would be nice to have water fountains turned on earlier/off later
o The number of restrooms is acceptable, but they close too late in the spring and too early in the fall.
• Great Programs
o I love all the parks and rec programs!
o I think Ames City manages so well
o My children were involved in Parks and Rec activities and loved swimming.
• More Programs
o Maybe some programs for us older folks.
o More swimming lesson options. City hall indoor gym is tight and there is little accessibility to get through building
• Update City Gym
o An updated city weight room is badly needed. Those who aren’t students have very limited (and often expensive) options, and the current city gym/weight room is inadequate.
o excited for new swim and splash pad facilities. Thankful for trails, wish there were even more paved ones. The city gym is getting old. Would be neat if city had childcare options for parents working out
• Dog Park
o A dog park or something in North Ames for dogs would be great!
o I only use Ada Hayden and the dog park
• Great Access
o Great access!
o I believe there is adequate access to parks and natural walking areas. I just have not had the opportunity to utilize them as much as I would like to.
• Great Hiking
o I love hikes off the paved trails so thanks for having dirt path options!
o I love to walk through the parks! They are well maintained and can be a true adventure!
• Prioritize Parks
o Continue to prioritize parks. It's a quality-of-life thing
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Comments on Ames Public Library
o Great Resource
• A great resource
• Ames Library is great. Online offerings could be improved.
• APL is an exceptional library
• Consistently impressed. Thankful for so many options for kids
• Great place very useful!
• I download most reading materials. Very convenient, thank you. I can usually get what I wish for; except movies on Kanapy and Hoopla are quite limited but that's ok! I watch movies on my very overpriced TV service.
• I had a charming lady help me out and talk me through what the library offered. It was greatly appreciated.
• I hear good comments about it!
• I love the Ames Public Library! It is such an amazing resource for our community, used in so many ways and the librarians are wonderful!
• I love the library! We could use a greater number of audiobooks for popular titles. There are long wait times for many books.
• It is an excellent resource!
• It seems like a great resource I wish I had more availability to explore.
• Looking forward to getting library access as I enjoy access to a lending library for audiobooks.
• LOVE our library! It is a fantastic resource for the community
• Mainly use online, but used PEO room.
• Pretty good selection.
• Recently retired. More time to visit the library & discover all of the available resources the public library in Ames is one of the most valuable assets that this community offers. The public library is the jewel of the city's amenities, as far as I am concerned
• wonderful essential source of information and entertainment
o Excellent
• Excellent
• excellent library would like to see more native American movies books
• I love the public library! I have always had good experiences with the staff and the quality of items I check out.
• I think we have a wonderful library!
• It's a nice library, easy to use, I get there when time permits. Read mostly periodicals I don't get at home.
• Keep up the good work!
• I love the library- their cooperation with the history museum
• Superb
• The Ames Public library is outstanding,
• The APL is a wonderful part of living in Ames. We are very fortunate!
• We have a beautiful library. It is bright and welcoming. I use the online service a lot and I like it. It seems like the web pages change frequently though
• We love visiting the library
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• When I have gone, I'm always impressed by the library. I do wish they had more programs for adults (like 25-65 yr olds who can't go to stuff at 2 pm on weekdays)
• Wonderful Facility
• Worth every penny
o Good Services
• excellent services, immaculately clean
• I go to the library to vote
• I love the fact that they have great book sales and welcoming staff who are always friendly.
• I will probably use it more once I have kids. I know many people who is very happy with children's facilities there.
• Is a gem! I love it! So, appreciate the services it provides!
• It is nice to know that they offer services if I ever need them
• Online resources are good for local history; ISU library, more than meets general library needs
• really enjoyed Pub Fiction last year, looking forward to similar events.
• Superficially (I have not been inside the library, although I plan to), based on driving by the downtown library, it appears to be a welcoming facility for a diverse community. I love the fact the downtown library is next to the "Rainbow Crosswalk" and seems to be inviting to the LBGTQ community. We moved to Ames in August of 2023. I am pleased to see these symbols of kindness near public places like the library and other nearby places.
• The university doesn't have enough quiet and comfortable study areas. Ames Public Library could fill this void.
o Don’t Use
• Actually, I have not been there, but I heard about the library, and it is really nice.
• Do not use
• don't really need to use it at all, and I'm not much of a reader, do not have kids
• I am disabled, cannot drive
• I have never been to the public library (have lived in Ames 4 years)
• I like to read on my Kindle, and I don't have lots to want to go to other activities.
• We moved here during Covid. I just haven't used the library as much as I should.
o Good Atmosphere
• Going to the library about once a week, it's a very nice atmosphere to focus in and a nice change of environment.
• I personally enjoy spending time in Ames public library.
• Nice and quiet place to study
• One of the best features of Ames. library is top notch. Good bike parking. Wonderful atmosphere.
• Sigma Alpha sorority used Ames Public Library to host meetings, and it worked out great!
• Very nice library! Inviting atmosphere, printing services are convenient and affordable. Would go there more often if I didn't have access to the Parks library
o Parking
• I did not use the library mainly due to parking problem
• I have learned that there are no free spaces in the north lot for staff nor for library visitors. Why limit accessibility to the library? Take out the parking meters. no reason to punish staff or residents.
• I would really appreciate a drive-up book drop. It’s often difficult to find parking, get kids out of the car, pay meter, etc. to quickly return books (even on the walk up).
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• if you are going to check out multiple books, carrying them all the way behind Main St. is cumbersome. Free parking across the street especially during summer daytime would increase out visiting 100%
• Parking a problem - better access at Lincoln Way Center. They should NOT expose children to LGBTQ issues in programming and books!
• Parking accessibility is difficult
o Use University Library
• As a student, I use the Iowa State University library rather than the Ames public library.
• As an Iowa State Student that cloisters themselves, I mostly frequent the Parks Library, if necessary. I may be oblivious, but what is the relationship and reach of the public library with Parks library?
• I am an Iowa State Student, so I mainly use the on-campus library
• I go to Parks Library instead
• I use the ISU library
o More Accessible
• Better marketing (especially towards different demographics)
• home delivery? It is hard to get around to bus stops where I live
• maybe could use some more darker spaces as I have trouble with reading in lit areas during the day
• please get tall toilets in the women's handicap stalls - they are much too low for my knees and hips
• Seating is not as comfortable as it used to be. Used to visit book mobile when it stopped at Crawford. Inker library loan is a great service. Always look forward to book sales!
o Clean
• Clean, good facilities, helpful staff
• The library is well organized and clean. Very nice and knowledgeable books and play areas. The seating is very good, and their staff is very cooperative and helpful.
• The layout is very neat and quiet. Perfect for a library
o LibbyApp
• I love listening to audiobooks from the library on Libby! Finally able to get back into reading without worrying about not being able to return a physical book on time. Plus, they allow multi-tasking, esp when driving. Wish I would have started sooner
• I mostly now use on-line books through hoopla and Libby
• use online books all the time
o Support Library
• only use the library for making donations
• Please support a diverse library, book banning just makes the population less educated. A great library has something to offend everyone and that is the way it should be.
• Support Libraries not banning books
o More Selection
• Book and DVD section is a bit thin, but otherwise excellent
• If you want to add more X-Men comics go crazy.
o More Online Books
• Have more online books available
• We use the library a lot & enjoy spending time there. At my age I don't read books online & it seems that trying to find a book I'm interested in results in an "online book" available. Searching has become more difficult on your website.
o Comfortable
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• A very comfortable place to browse and find books
• Love the library! Great place for studying/meeting.
o Too Loud
• I do not think that loud voices should be tolerated like they are being allowed now
• Sometimes the noise level is too much - patrons should be required to silence their cell phones (maybe put up signage to that effect).
o Fun
• My grandchildren always ask to go to Ames Library when they stay at my house!
• My wife and I love taking our toddler there to play. Especially on cold and rainy days
o Political Agenda
• Please stop hosting DRAG events. They have nothing to do with educating our kids
• We don't agree with the types of kids’ programs offered and find a particular ideological agenda forced through the programs to kids inappropriate.
o Fund Less
• Waste of taxpayer money. Waste of space
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Comments on Sense of Belonging as an Ames Resident What, if anything, could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?” Comments (N=89)
Better Community and ISU integration
• Getting the college activity participating in town things.
• Have more opportunities for students to get to know one another within their place of residency. Would also love to know the statistics on where most college students live.
• I think having some more items for the younger adults/college students off campus would be nice to include them more and try to get them more involved in the community and see what all Ames has to offer.
• It would be nice to have a festival or event that brings the community together and helps residents get involved/create a sense of community pride.
• Many residents have a dislike for college students.
• More publicized campus events & opportunities that encourage participation by Ames residents.
• My employer is really the only way I am involved. Would be nice to have a way to know of ways/ places to get involved
• Strengthen native/international relationships. Community Events and Community Engagement Activities
• Maybe move fun activities around the year
• More community engagement opportunities (or better advertisements of current ones)
• More community events (x3)
• More community events in West Ames. Most events are focused in the downtown area, but West Ames tends to have little to no opportunities for community involvement (from what I know)
• More events at AMW, more publicity/events for jazz/blues/folk music, and garbage services shouldn't be privatized. I miss sanitation workers with personality, and the corporate guys don't have much.
• More events towards getting to know your community.
• More shared interest groups / block parties / city wide garage sales
• more street/area specific activities. i.e. street picnic
• Online activities - due to disability, leaving my house is extremely difficult. I feel very isolated
• I think events in the summer, going out & meeting people at them help increase belonging
• Maybe more clubs? unsure
• Free or low-cost childcare for adult events Get Rid of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Do away with all diversity, equity and inclusion references. City should keep out of all personal issues and preferences
• I feel like the library has gone too far in this area. I feel uncomfortable when I visit
• Stop DEI policies. Encourage "golden rule"
• Increase acceptance and commitment to conservative family values Help Young Adults (Non-students) and Young Professionals Find Connections in Ames
• Highlight things non-ISU students/young professionals do/can participate in, in Ames
• I am unsure. I have only lived here for a year and a half. I moved for work, and it’s been really hard to find ways & time to connect. Almost everything feels like it happens during work hours when I must be at work. I want to be a part of the Ames community and to belong here, but I really have no clue where to start.
• I do not really know where to go to meet people post-graduation
• More community activities for adults aged 25-35
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• More community events maybe. Programs to help young adults (not just college kids) Young men are forgotten about unfortunately. Programs to help make friends and relationships. Improve Relations with Law Enforcement
• As a college student, not being disregarded by law enforcement
• ISU PD is aggressive towards the students; I wish they weren't
• Positive law enforcement Improved Customer Service within City Depts and Services
• City departments and services must be warm/welcoming.
• Improve the availability of city council meeting minutes. Today 5-24, the most recent council minutes available online is April 23 - 1 month ago.
• Sincerity, honesty, efficacy, better management specific opportunities thru energizing social capital
• Need to do some more to let people feel it instead use slogans More Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Inclusive Spaces
• Ames has a lot of close-minded people, which can sometimes negatively affect how the city is portrayed to outsiders. If the city had more inclusion initiatives, I feel that would be a major benefit
• Educate people about Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and belonging.
• Inclusiveness
• more DEI
• more inclusive programs
• Having more spaces where LGBTQ individuals’ safe spaces (like a bar for example) Nothing
• I'm old and disabled, not much!
• N/A (5X)
• Nothing (4X).
• Nothing the city can do
• probably nothing - live on farm Not City’s responsibility
• It's up to everyone- you can't do it for them
• That is up to me and how much I get involved Other Thoughts, Comments, and Ideas
• Attract more technical industry. That is the reason I will ultimately have to leave Ames
• Be fully retired
• Eliminate parking meters
• Get more involved
• Get rid of everything that is non-university. And remove all sports from ISU
• Hard question. Maybe more rec services! But I'm just so busy. I'll be moving to Des Moines soon as well. I've lived here for 4 years.
• I belong to community organizations and help as best as I can.
• I feel that is more a function of my current circumstances. If I had more responsibility, income stability, and a regular schedule I would probably find it more like when I was living in West Des Moines.
• I like helping my neighbors, but some I do not know
• improve community outreach make sure police cleans the sidewalks improve on cultural varieties offered (zen garden, tea ceremonial places, tax-free opportunity for farmers to sell their green produce); introduce a new chess club, improve recreational areas for people. incentivize business opportunities for you people (graduates of ISU) decrease bureaucratic burden on workers and researchers can introduce community events besides football games
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• Lower meat prices
• Making more local friends
• Town is rather backwards. This is caused by Kim Reynolds
• Other people need to be as willing to make eye contact, say "hello", and be courteous as the staff at Starbucks or chick-fil-a but in public places
• owning a home
• see previous comments
• The good friends I have made in my 3 years in Ames are my highlights. Of course, my son and his family are ripped off the list. He asked me to move here, my husband passed away 16 years ago, and my two children thought I was getting old. I did not want to be surrounded 24/7 by old people so I bought a house which I truly enjoy. I will be 93 this fall. I dabble in art, published 5 small books, thoroughly enjoyed several younger friends and love mother nature, and now - Ames is home! Do keep Ames beautiful and safe! For obvious reasons, I have checked very few boxes!
• This is a difficult question to answer as a college student who is looking to move elsewhere post-grad.
• You have too many shady "cliques" that seem to run the town. Realtors and property developers have too much power Positive View
• A beautiful perfect place to live. I am 63 you widow, and I feel very safe here. Thank you!
• City is inclusive- nothing I could change
• Having lived happily in Ames for our 50 years - I am very content
• Honestly, it is a great town.
• I have lived here most of my life, I don't think I need to be enhanced to get a sense of belonging.
• I've lived here since 1962. Ames is a very nice town I really don't have any intention of moving. Unsure
• am not sure
• Don't know
• I do not know. I feel like I will always be an outsider.
• not sure
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Comments on “What is the best thing about living in Ames?
• Community
o 1. The people 2. The university 3. The companies that are here. 4. Local spirit
o campus community
o Close knit community that’s large enough to offer good amenities. Values science and has a good educational community.
o Close-knit community, easy to access places
o Community
o community & water
o Community events and recreation accessibility
o Cornerstone Church University
o How close knit you can be with friends and family. I also feel safe 95% of the time when walking around, especially at night.
o I like the people
o I really like the small community vibes - things like the farmers market & Juneteenth festival
o My job allows me to know so many people, so I always see someone I know when I'm out. (Barista @ La Tosca on Welch) and Brookside Park!
o Our community is great. Good people, caring neighbors, good education, great healthcare.
o Overall community vibe and progress on infrastructure and policies
o people, city, ISU
o population is not growing too fast, it is nice in the spring
o Sense of community
o the activity community
o The community
o the community and ISU
o the community and options for recreation
o The community of college students and how almost everything is catered towards college students
o The community, the safety
o The community. As an international student, I feel very welcome, and I do not have to think twice before approaching someone for help.
o The community. It's small enough that you can get to know your neighbors but large enough to have recreational infrastructure
o the people, more restaurant choices. economic development- recruitment? rental rates??
o The people, safety, parks!
o The people! (3x)
o The residents and neighborhood
o The tight-knit community, local businesses, and generally safe atmosphere. I don't feel unsafe in the public areas or by any of the individuals at the library, grocery store, etc.
o Vibrancy
• Parks
o Ames has a lot of nice parks that are not yet paved, good for hiking or hunting wild mushrooms
o Beautiful parks
o great parks!
o Green Park spaces are really nice
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o Green spaces Low crime rate
o Green spaces, CyRide, Library
o Green spaces/parks
o I like all the greenery; I find it refreshing and peaceful.
o I love all the green spaces
o I love how many parks are available and the local culture.
o It's a beautiful city, with lots of parks and nice roads and sidewalks (at least compared to what I'm used to).
o Nature
o Nature, nice people
o Parks
o Parks and walking trails
o PARKS!
o The beautiful parks
o The best thing about living in Ames is the sunsets.
o The environment
o the nature! and people
o The number of parks that we have
o The parks and it has everything you need without being too overpopulated.
o The parks and the trails
o The public parks and how easy it is to get around and go to the places I enjoy!
o the size and green space
o The trees.
o We love North River Valley Park & Reiman Gardens Plenty of restaurants to choose from
• Safe
o Great safe, peaceful community with tons of wonderful parks!
o I feel it is a safe town. Ames offers a lot of activities
o I love the rural feeling and the small-town aspect and how safe I feel in the town.
o It is a safe city with beautiful parks.
o It’s safer than other places and has less pollution and population. And public transportation is very good.
o low crime (3x)
o clean
o great personal service when needed
o Low traffic and safety
o Peace
o Safe and with ISU provides numerous possibilities
o safe community (11x)
o Safe environment most of the time. Home values are reasonable compared to other parts of the USA. Easy commute to work and activities
o safe, good schools
o safe, nice size, good schools
o Safeties & amenities offered through the city & university.
o safety, variety of Arts and sports entertainment
o quiet (2x)
• Big City Advantages/Small Town Feel
o Access to many stores and businesses without feeling like I live in a big city
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o After living in many places - Ames is centrally located and has many opportunities you only find in big cities without being a big city! activities, sports, healthcare, recreation!
o Bigger city amenities in a smaller town, the energy of college students and education.
o Bigger cities feel in a small town
o feels small, but has city amenities and conveniences
o Has a small town felt with big city and even international opportunities.
o how small it feels yet as everything in it
o It’s a nice blend of bigger city services and amenities and small town know your neighbor friendliness.
o It’s the right size.
o nice size and the variety of stores, restaurants, homes
o size - big enough to have access to a lot of things- stores, pool, gyms, parks, other opportunities-but not too big and annoying traffic like Ankeny.
o size, ISU, parks, safety, downtown.
o Size, recreational activities, sports
o Smalltown/ but lots of activities for all
o small cozy feeling with all the fun and amenities of a big city
o Small town feel with lots of amenities
o small town feel with lots of things to do
o small town feel with the good thing about a larger city- arts, entertainment, sports
o Small town with university atmosphere
o Smaller size coupled with good retail. Probably due to the large student population
o The small town feel regardless of how much Ames has grown
o When the students are gone, traffic eases up a lot.
• Proximity to Services
o Access to many things
o Access to services
o As a college student, Ames has an abundance of resources that are easily accessible and readily available
o Central Iowa is close to restaurants, shopping, 4 golf courses, and the University.
o Central location with access to great resources such as Iowa State University and many businesses. It is also easy to get around and feels safe.
o close to most things I need
o close to work, close to my kids
o commute to work
o Convenient access to many things such as Iowa State Center events, medical facilities, I-35 to Des Moines etc.
o Ease of access to everywhere in the city
o easy to get around- traffic flow is good except during construction and right around 150
o Everything is close and the traffic is not bad, which can make a trip to the grocery store less than 5 minutes. The layout of trees throughout the city is also amazing.
o How accessible and easy it is to utilize city resources and commercial locations.
o It is easy to get around and find places. It is clean in most areas and generally safe to be out after dark, although I feel less safe than I did 5 years ago
o It is relatively easy to commute to various areas in Ames
o Living in Ames: ease of getting around
o Location
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o Proximity to interstate, parks, entertainment, ISU facilities
o Smaller town & reachable locations
o we have the best clinics/hospital, fire/rescue, police force, city streets, and clean city
• Things to Do
o abundance of restaurants, parks, gyms, shopping, community events without being in a metropolitan area
o Bike/Running Paths
o Finding things to do
o Great plains
o Liberalness number of choices for activities
o Local Businesses
o Local restaurants/ shopping. It is a small community with unique offerings
o locally owned businesses. we never use box stores (other than Menards and Lowes)
o parks, library, and history museum
o parks; diverse opportunities and programs
o rec activities and parks
o recreational facilities, CyRide, coziness, homely feel
o The best things about living in Ames are the community gathering opportunities such as the library activities, Main Street farmer’s market, and numerous parks and shelters
o The different community activities and festivals
o The events around Ames and places to study.
o The events. Always something to do in the summer.
o The fun things and activities to do year round
o the many entertainment opportunities available
o There are a lot of activities available, and the city is also always clean and well maintained.
o Wide choice of activities to choose from, both the city and ISU
• University
o access to ISU sports and facilities
o Apart from the advantages of being a university community, Ames feels very well-managed.
o Being able to attend ISU
o college, access to Cy Stephens, and programs in town
o Convenience/proximity to Iowa State University.
o Iowa state and Ames high education/diversity
o Iowa State University and the Library is nice
o ISU
o ISU and city events, theater, available resources, hospitals, clinics.
o ISU sports, activities at CY Stephens
o ISU!!!! Ames also has great restaurants, beautiful parks, and a wonderful downtown area.
o Living in a University town and all the functions that accompany an institution of higher learning. I find living in a such a conservative state to unpleasant, but the openness of Ames is refreshing
o University Town
• Affordable
o Cost of living
o Cost of living, library, and Wheatfield
o Great affordable community (2X).
o How affordable it is and how easy it is to navigate
o it’s easy and not too expensive
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o Low cost of living for good city services and location.
o Low taxes as a homeowner - good police and fire dept - very cost effective electric and water
o Lower rent prices
o The cost of living in Ames seems to be affordable compared to other central Iowa communities that are the same size or larger than Ames based on my personal experiences.
o There really are a lot of free or low-cost community events. The library is awesome
• Quality of Life
o Everything seems to be designed with a purpose and not just hastily because of population growth. Trails running through areas to business placement
o It's easy
o Our neighborhood is very walkable - Great library sufficient shopping opportunities. need to make that part of new housing areas
o Overall quality of life
o Overall quality of life, including safety
o people and the ease of living here
o Perfect size for living quality.
o Quality of life. I'm satisfied
o Summertime when there are no college kids, and I can take Lincoln way. Also, they plow the roads well here. Also, there are a lot of trees. Also
o Trees - friendly people- nice variety of shops. upkeep of lovely old buildings
o We have a very high quality of life.
• City Admin/Staff
o Ames is one of the best communities in the state to live in, very capable government staff,
o Being able to raise concerns and find appropriate personnel to address them
o Manageability and decency!
o manageable, no traffic
o Overall, a well-run city. Like the trails, parks, and golf courses.
o The best thing to me is how much the city of Ames seems to care about improving residents' lives rather than being so focused on constant growth/attracting business like suburbs of Des Moines often are.
o The city takes serving its people seriously and strives to achieve the common good.
o The government provides convenient channels for people to express their opinions and fast services
o The town is upkept well and while I have heard that crime has been a growing issue I have yet to see it much, so I believe law enforcement is good.
o The willingness of the city to invest in its community and support an active lifestyle.
• Quiet
o it is quiet
o It is quiet and feels very safe and family friendly
o It is kind of quiet on the west side of town, mostly due to the fact there is basically no development happening out there. I must drive to the other side of town if I want to go to almost any store
o Peaceful and Quiet
o Peaceful, organized and serene place.
o Quiet community with many options
o Quiet place with no traffic
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o The town is quite peaceful, especially during summer break. The number of parks and greenspaces is nice to have.
o very quiet during the summers, and I can bike to the grocery store
• Friendly
o Friendly People (2X)
o Friendly people, ease of getting around. Lots of walking availability
o It is a friendly town with great community services. I love Ames
o People are generally accepting and nice here.
o People are nice
o Overall inclusive and caring community
• CyRide
o Public transportation
o Public Transportation and affordable housing make Ames a very livable city.
o The best thing about living in Ames is the public transportation system. (CyRide)
o The CyRide (3X)
o The transportation.
• Clean
o The city of Ames is clean and quiet. The people are lovely and well informed.
o Clean and easy to get around
o I absolutely love this town! I tis clean and everyone is courteous, nice, and pleasure
o I think the city is very clean overall and a very comfortable place to live for college students
o it is a clean, diverse, and friendly community
o It's well maintained and very clean here.
o nice, clean community
• Good Town
o Ames is overall the best. I will never move
o good place, small city has most everything needed and good quality
o I love living here! I came for college but have since graduated and have not left
o I love living in Ames (2X)
o It's still a nice town but has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Need more police patrol.
o The vibe, the size, the flora and fauna.
• Good Amenities
o Amenities, proximity to everything, university sports, safety, some bicycle trails
o Ames feels like a small town but with access to more events, shows, restaurants, etc. and more diversity because of the presence of the University. I also love the large city parks with green space and mature trees everywhere.
o Ames has a little bit of everything.
o Ames is a wonderful city. I moved here from New York City in 1974. City girl at heart, I am very happy in Ames. I particularly love the Octagon, CY Stephens, U Museums, and ISU amenities. The combination of town & ISU amenities makes this a terrific place to live.
o Convenience
o I like the community and amenities offered for the size of Ames
• Biking and Walking
o I don't always have to drive everywhere, and it doesn't always feel like a college town
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o I love that I can bike to most places I regularly go. I love that I can drive to most places in 5-10 minutes. I like the fact that we have many nice amenities and cultural events in a mid-sized town. I like that ISU has a big impact on our mid-sized town.
o The city is actually rather walkable and has a decent public transportation system for the parts that aren't.
o Trail options (2X)
• Quality of Services
o It does everything better than anywhere else I've lived/visited
o It has pretty much everything we need, store-wise.
o It is a town that can supply just about everything one might need and you can still get from one end to the other in 15-20 mins
o McFarland Clinic
o The best thing about living in Ames is the high quality of time spent on improving and giving high-quality resources through the park and recreation.
• Atmosphere
o Beautiful
o Small town atmosphere (2X)
o The atmosphere because of the college aged kids. There is always something to do.
o The college atmosphere and perfect size
• Water
o The tap water (5X)
o Use of stop lights and stop signs, good main roads
o Resources within the city
o Central location, and access to amenities
• Downtown
o I like Main Street. Seeing more investment there would be nice.
o I like the Main Street and the diverse groups we have here. And good public transport.
o The downtown Ames area and activities, and rec services
o The small businesses in the area
• Diversity
o Diversity
o The diversity of people and the college-town feel.
o The diversity of people, thoughts, ideas and experiences
• Opportunities
o All it has to offer
o Opportunities, quality of life, great tasting water, good neighbors
o There are lots of resources/ opportunities for families including sustainability efforts for the future
• Library
o The library (2X)
o The university. Walkable streets. Oh, yeah-it's home.
o Wonderful library- great concerts beautiful parks Close enough to DM if you need something and far enough so not so much traffic
• Good Values
o The culture
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o The quality of people that live here! And there is so much to do! Also, Ames is so clean and shows that residents take pride in the appearance of their homes.
• Family
o It does a lot for kids
o It has many places & lives here has benefited my family
• Home
o Ames is a university community that has been our home since 1968- could not be happier it is home.
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Comments on Other Issues the City should focus its attention
• Recreation Amenities
o Attracting more, new, and exciting things to Ames. How Ames and the university can flow better in one town. This felt divided and no in between
o Bigger indoor place for children to play
o I would like to see new interesting Parks and Recreation projects
o Improving and encouraging community-centric activities such as the farmer's market and potential music and festivals
o Indoor recreation services for all ages. Current facilities are lacking.
o Lack of relevant community events. Everything that does happen is so niche or not applicable to me.
o More community-based events. I know we have some already, but more is good.
o Parks are nice, wish there was more hiking options
o Splash pad at Daley Park. This was a proposal and I thought approved years ago, and nothing has progressed
o Recreation, parks (although many improvements over the last couple of years) Continue to focus.
o Shopping & restaurants. Really poor options. Always going to DSM.
o The pool needs to open prior to 1 pm. We do not go often because that is the most dangerous time for sun exposure
o Updates and upgrades to city auditorium and theaters. The arts do not get enough. The current library and aquatic center are sufficient - we don't need additional of these
• Street Improvements
o Slow road works. Snow removal in public area causes snow accumulation in private areas to block or makes private snow removal more difficult
o Crosswalk markings in Somerset that land to/ from bus stops
o Drainage. Sidewalks always flooded after rain.
o Duff road needs work! Lincoln way looks terrible, maybe a nice park?
o I think the city should focus on renewing roads
o Quality of roads on the edges of town
o Removing the road diet. 24th and Hayes is a mess, 16th and Duff again a mess. I've never seen a bike north of 16th and Duff using the useless bike lane
o Roads, Roads & Roads, Plus Potholes
o Roadwork
o street resurfacing
o The main concern for me is the maintenance of roads and storm drains.
o Understanding this can seem like a small issue, but it is irritating and an "easy" change to make the right lane in a 3-lane intersection a right turn only lane. Just requires painting arrows on the street and maybe installing a sign. It's a small change but would go a long way for overall traffic flow and not "back up" the lane going straight.
• Affordable Housing
o Affordable housing (2X)
o Affordable housing better disaster/ communication recovery
o affordable housing - keeping family neighborhoods free of apartment complexes- i.e. zoning
o housing costs
o I think something needs to be done about the rent in town. The increases are starting to squeeze graduate students.
o Low-income housing
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o Maintaining low housing and rental prices.
o More affordable entry level houses. Easing traffic congested areas.
o Off-campus rentals are high for students and lease agreements are very rigid.
o rent is out of control with the new super high property values
• Smart Development
o Accessible grocery shopping for new residential developments
o Better major street planning to account for future growth.
o Building a City of Ames that will serve the next generation better than it's served this one. Infrastructure can be improved; apartments need more regulation to student housing (don't want to get ripped off by greedy landlords) and we need more swing sets around Ames.
o Ensuring stability of businesses and the infrastructure to ensure the town stays alive alongside the university.
o I believe that the city should focus on providing sustainable housing.
o I would like to see less consolidation of retail and commercial establishments in town along the Lincoln Way, Duff Ave., and Grand Ave. corridors if possible. I would like to see more commercial and retail areas in other areas of town beyond those three streets/corridors when possible, and when the retail/commercial area is appropriate for that part of town. Please try to ensure that time sensitive information (e.g. progress updates on restoring electric outages, information about snow ordinances, notifications about unexpected road closures, etc.) can be easily accessed directly on the cityofames.org website. I rarely use social media websites, and I am not particularly interested in installing a City of Ames smartphone app. Being able to access that sort of time sensitive information directly from the City's website, without needing to use social media sites or a smartphone app, would be very beneficial. Thank you!
o No more apt buildings!!!
o planning on growth finishing projects
o Planning! The city is already overbuilt in terms of apartments and retail. What when the student pop. falls?
o the aquatic center is being built - the estimated annual cost for a person is not affordable at my lower to middle income - so I can never use it and voted against it
o The dirt lot next to Mr. Burrito on Lincoln Way... turn it into a garden?
• Bike/Pedestrian Infrastructure
o Creating protected bike lanes like the one on Ash Avenue. I enjoy biking to work and around town, but I feel unsafe biking in the road, and I know that it makes some people who are walking uncomfortable when I pass them on the sidewalks. I would 100% bike more if there were more protected biking lanes. (Protected meaning that there are physical barriers such as curbs between bikers and car traffic)
o Getting people to bike and walk etc. Ridiculous number of cars on the road for a town of this size. People used to bike and walk much more. It's not from a lack roads and paths to bike on either. Clean action bill is a joke and a scam as well.
o I worry a lot about pedestrian & bicyclist safety. It is scary to cross certain intersections. Some intersections are scary for cars to use. I am recovering from a car accident.
o More Sustainability, Walkability for students
o Pedestrianized areas-or ped-prioritized business areas (downtown/Campustown)
o Pedestrian safety. More lights at crosswalks
o Sidewalks in the residential area
o When RAGBRAI came to town in 2023, it was so easy to get around by bike. Cars were paying attention and deferring to bikers. Let's make this the norm!
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• Human Services
o Building businesses on North side Ames. Using frontage roads along Duff to flow traffic towards stop lights. North Ames Fire Department. Increase ambulance units
o fire and police
o homelessness and mental health crisis ... community outreach
o I think our Animal Rescue/Control facilities are an embarrassment to a city of our size. The facilities should be updated and increased in size.
o Implementing PulsePoint; city gym really is old; more events with childcare provided
o More daycares. The waitlists are long and cause people to leave Ames.
o reduce your insane hike in property taxes. Increase affordable childcare
o There have been more homeless people recently who could use support services, and I would like rental regulations or renters’ rights to be considered more, things are very landlord friendly.
• Traffic
o S Duff is very congested. The city needs to look for ways to help create a better traffic flow
o Traffic congestion on bust streets- Duff and Lincoln Way. Save construction for summer when traffic is less
o Traffic flow, especially around Duff, is congested. Bike paths in the major areas are not sufficient or safe. Traveling along Lincoln, we either must take sidewalks, which pedestrians do not like, or being on the road with cars, which is unsafe, and drivers do not like.
o Traffic issues, putting commercial/retail south part of Ames was stupid, now everyone has to drive from West and North where you have put all of the apts. and new developments
o Traffic on Duff-encourage more business to west Ames spread out people a bit.
o When turning onto Grand Ave. from 13th St. it is difficult to see oncoming traffic when making a left turn.
• Public Nuisances
o banning all fireworks
o Coyote control (we have them in our yards, on our streets. They do NOT FEAR HUMANS. I contacted the city and was told to make Noise. The coyotes did not respond to yelling or hitting two blocks together.)
o Get the homeless people out of Hy-Vee parking lot
o Getting rid of the nuisance ordinances that don't pertain to accessibility or safety for the public at large.
o I have a problem with raccoons near my property.
o Noisy vehicle enforcement and reckless driving. Also, marijuana smoking in apartment complexes is a major issue.
• Parking
o downtown parking
o downtown parking - 5th street not wide enough for slant parking
o I think the parking meters are a little excessive
o Parking / Recreation service in winters
o Providing more areas to park. There is not enough parking space to accommodate all Ames residents
• Recycling
o Better recycling options
o Can we have pickup for recycled materials at our homes, so we do not have to drop off. Many smaller communities offer their service.
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o Ease of recycling
o Resource recovery, solid waste disposal
o We need more glass dumpsters around town
• Police
o Better police patrol at busy intersections such as the one between 16th st. and S Grand
o Bias training for police officers, body cameras
o divesting from police & putting this money into community
o Holding police officers accountable
o Law Enforcement
• Inclusion
o DEI
o Inclusiveness of all identities in community improvement, policy making, and city program and events
o More public input. Really disappointed in the decision to eliminate the historical markers on corners downtown.
o Program for seniors - more in downtown
o Young adult groups for post college adults
• Infrastructure Amenities
o Accessibility for people with disabilities
o Age of our power plant, need to upgrade or use the "grid" more ... How to deal with "trash ... landfill?
o Energy storage mediums for the electric grid, electric charging infrastructure, and animal shelter facilities
o Speed up road repairs- they take way too long
• More Shopping
o Getting a larger diversity of businesses
o Getting more interesting businesses. There's nothing to do here
o Restoring the mall - bring in more stores
o Shopping growth. this is a college town with basically no mall
• Cut Costs
o Cost of living; Duff - quit trying to push everything in one area; Lincoln; tore down everything- what is the plan?
o Focus on cutting expenditures
o It’s difficult times for many. The city should tighten its belt.
o Property valuation is high in Ames which makes Property Taxes higher than other Towns (excluding Polk County). I feel a priority should be on cutting expenses
• Attracting Residents
o Better restaurants such as olive garden and cracker barrel. Too many sports bars in North Ames
o Bring more companies to Ames for post grad jobs, build more affordable homes. It is so difficult to buy a home in town.
o Retaining ISU grads by attracting business. work with developers to get the Linc project moving
• Climate
o cancelling the climate pledge boondoggle
o Preparing for climate change. Housing (including cracking down on Airbnb-houses should be lived in!)
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o Stop wasting gasoline by city employees who never turn off unattended city vehicles! This also adds to air pollution unnecessarily!
• Safety
o Public safety and building quality
o The Ames school district should be improved, it is not very safe and should be made safer.
o Violence in the high school
• Garbage/Litter
o Please pick up the trash around town.
o Trash builds up that happens at a lot of apartment complexes
• Snow Removal
o Every year the snowplow tears up our yard. 1949 Wyngate Drive. When we call someone just throws grass seed out which never grows
o snow removal
• Crime
o Having better security measures. Ex, Security cameras
o I think recreational marijuana should not be criminalized. However, I do NOT want multiple recreational marijuana dispensary sites in Ames. I do NOT like how some places like downtown Kansas City have so many shops with candy-flavored products that would appeal to kids. I think it is something that should be considered carefully and researched how recreational marijuana is impacting other communities. I am very concerned about how increased marijuana access would impact teens and families in Ames.
• Beautification
o city should take care of keeping old trees alive, introducing more hardwood trees. Improvement of cultural ingredients; more amenities and activities for wintertime
o the ugliness of east Lincoln way just west of Duff intersection
• Communication
o
o Community outreach
• CyTown
o CyTown - lots of concerns All the empty storefronts in Campustown
o Ensure CyTown does not negatively impact other parts of the city
• Leadership
o Continuing prudent, competent caring leadership
• Satisfied
o I am really satisfied
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Additional Comments
• Positive
o After being born and raised in Algona, Iowa, graduating in 1965 and leaving the nest to attend Iowa State University. Consider it a true blessing that I have spent my adult life at two Ames residences, 167 E University village while at ISU and (another address?) while raising our family and pursuing our careers. Roger at the ISU MU, while I taught English at Ogden HS 73-78 and worked for Heartland AEA in the shelter care program at Rosedale shelter in Ames. Ames is my home-forever - and I am blessed
o Amazing city
o Ames has a lot to offer. Graduated from ISU with some graduate work, I feel at home here. I am very satisfied with the service, but it is a little expensive to live here.
o Ames has been a great place to grow old
o Ames is a really great place to live, and I have never had a negative experience with any city service besides the power outage incident. I can see myself staying here after I graduate.
o Ames is a safe place! Theres a lot of stimulation for our intellectual and artistic needs! Discrimination is almost zero. We love Ames
o Appreciate the city councils’ efforts and everyone who helps makes this a good place to live, work, and play. I do have concerns about the huge property assessment increases. Also, anecdotal issues at Ames Schools are concerning.
o The City of Ames is terrific. The items that I have listed are minor. A few improvements or changes could really take the city to the next level. Things like; what kind of city are we welcoming? Why do you have parking meters then? I've seen a recent gathering their people are attending meetings or dinner downtown and get ticketed at 5:50pm. Maybe only 12-2 if necessary? I've traveled a lot. Ames is doing well but maybe some more public art, keeping historical markers like the ones downtown etc. would be. a nice visual improvement. More trees... also maybe public gardens? Add lights back to brookside Tennis courts... they were there until the courts were resurfaced- can never get any traction with current leadership.
o Haven't had very many issues with the City of Ames and glad to know that they like to take care of their residents and value their opinions.
o I can tell the people who work for the city are trying to make it feel more like a community. There are more events, and many new businesses. However, I think the amount of money given to our Law Enforcement is staggering. I'm not stupid. That won't change. I'm also not fully naive. I know many of their services are important, but I don't think that justifies their massive budget. I think it would be beneficial to reallocate some of their money to other services.
o I have always felt fortunate that Ames was my hometown, and I still value it as a retiree. A bit sad about what's happening at the high school - slipping a little in behavior
o I just really hope the new indoor pool facility will have a STEAM ROOM
o I love living in the Ames. I am so excited about the indoor pool coming. I appreciate the opportunity to take this survey. Snow plowing - they tore up my yard. I wish we could report it and the city pays for it to be fixed. That part of my yard looks awful.
o I really like the farmer's market that is every Saturday in the summer. I also really appreciate the little booklet that the city sent out, Ames Insider, there were many things I did not know, and it was nice it is about all year long events and businesses.
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2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction 144
o I really love living in the Ames. It has a small-town feeling, especially around Main St. People are welcoming, and my workplace is wonderful. The city is clean and beautiful. The parks are lovely. I wish parking meters were not as common but there are so many things to do! I do struggle to make friends post-grad, but I think that is a common issue for young people across the board, not just in Ames.
o I'm satisfied with Ames.
o I’ve appreciated all my interactions with city staff. Keep it up. Ames has become an expensive town. That’s most unfortunate.
o None of what I wrote here's personal. I'm from the coast, where people are blunter than in the Midwest. Aside from the nuisance ordinances, this is a pretty good town, despite having a distinct college town vibe of apathy and weird traffic.
o Thank you
o Thank you for all you do.
o Thank you for consistently seeking citizen input.
o Thank you for maintaining such a great public park system, water treatment, public transportation network, and other aspects fostering community in Ames. From what I've seen and heard, the Ames police department has made progress in areas that most police departments in the state have not, and I appreciate that. Please continue pushing to improve the police department so that our community can feel safe and comfortable around our officers. I've spent the last decade or so of my life here, I love this city and this community, and I will be sad to be leaving soon. Someday I may return, but until then please continue investing in this community and growing it so the good people here can live and thrive. Thank you for everything you do.
o We absolutely love Ames, IA
o We came home because I became disabled. Family in DM, but we chose Ames because we loved it when we lived here before
• Suggested Improvement
o 1) allow house owners to have input into the maintenance and beautification of nearby common areas, especially areas close to their own house. 2) the government can introduce some policies for companies to settle or invest in Ames to promote population growth and economic development
o A dog park on the North side of town Cross walk signs on street in somerset
o Ames needs to expand business and restaurants in the growing Northwest area. Needs to do a much better job at inspection of new houses as to much must be repaired or replaced far too soon
o Develop west Ames more, there is enough in the eastern half of Ames, I just want more restaurants and shops that are close to where I live
o I wish the drop-off payments box at city hall would be easier to access! Maybe move it back to location on west side of city hall. It is very inconvenient to have to drive up, then reverse back on to the street. Once the Schainker Plaza is finished, where the heck will people use it, park?? Seems very inconvenient!
o If there were a way to enforce people to clean up after their dog on public trails that would be excellent. There is always dog poop on the sidewalk near the middle school and grassy areas on the path in that area.
o It would be great to have a senior citizen high rise living build in downtown Ames
o More facilities for alternative transport. Distributed rather than centralized amenities - stores, businesses, etc. I strongly dislike driving - Ames makes it possible though not particularly easy to avoid doing so.
o More retail and doing something with the sucky mall
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2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction 145
o Please look into PulsePoint! Please investigate childcare for adult events! Look at how to decrease CyRide ride times. Disagree with yard nuisance ordinance. Thank you, Ames! Love the library. Love the number of parks. Love the number of family programs. Like the number of kid and adult recreation/ fitness offerings.
o Shopping in the NW section is lacking, A Ross or Dillard’s would keep us shopping in Ames. We currently drive to Des Moines and Jordan Creek due to lack of variety here. Old Navy and Maurices are low quality, and I do not like to waste my money there ... Kohls is never stocked or JC Penny ... JC Penny is at least of high quality but no kids’ clothes variety. We need another Younkers type of store ... tired of relying on online or DSM.
o Back in March I tried to report a sidewalk/pavement hazard, the app to do this would not let me complete my report - could you investigate this - the sidewalk that is in question and that I fell on and injured my knee was in front of residence 3311 Cullen Dr. (unevenness caused by a tree's root system pushing up the sidewalk)
o Construction road directions in Ames are awful! I am surprised there has not been a serious accident from someone misunderstanding where to go when routes changed for construction! 3 examples of places I have seen multiple people confused and go wrong way! 1) heading west on Lincoln Way in front of west Hy-Vee (current) 2) getting off I-35 at 13th St. turning left onto 13th (earlier this spring). 3) Duff and 13th St. last year at the light - horrible signage please do better/ be clearer before someone dies
o CyTown will be an interesting challenge. Continue to carefully monitor developers - especially those from outside Ames who won't have to live with their mistakes. So glad E 13th mall was stopped. Did not see anything about city forester but appreciate all she does to get more trees planted around town
o I would like the roads fixed. & more fun things to do and be environmentally friendly
o invest in the mall!
o My only negative comment for Ames is the condition of some of the houses on Duff. It is a busy main road that people come into the Ames on, and it gives a negative image of the quality of homes. They should have to at least clean up the outside.
o Please, please, please consider putting a Street light (s) on Oakwood Road past the church by the farmland that is by the entrance to the apartment/ townhomes. There is currently no lighting and would be very helpful to see where to turn, others walking etc. And to feel safer in that area as a younger professional woman.
o some street projects seem like there is very little progress- example- traveled on 24th street twice- about 1-2 weeks apart- 2:30 pm on dry sunny days and no one is out working?? this shows a lack of urgency to me from the construction company that was granted the contract
o The intersection of Duff and S 16th St frequently backs up on Duff heading north. A longer light to turn left or longer turning lane would be nice. Same for the Duff and Lincoln Way intersection.
o There is one short gravel section of road in my neighborhood off Dawes Dr. The city tries to keep it swept up but it's a hill and rocks are always falling and covering the bike path. I've seen kids fall off bikes here and it's dangerous in the middle of a neighborhood. Would love to see this fixed instead of another bike path to nowhere.
o We badly need a public bathroom on Main Street. I'd shop there more often and longer if we had one. Pothole is still a big problem. Parks need open bathrooms all year long
• Services
o Do feel more out-pt mental health needed in community center where patients can meet, have needed staff, help with meds- they did away with these services.
o I do like the addition of mental health help with the police
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2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction 146
o I have only one concern. Your people that remove snow - they get way to close to curb - I have seen "hunks" of cement that has been broke because of this
o I think the Schainker plaza being constructed will be a magnet for homeless people to set up tents and live there, so I think it is a huge mistake and a waste of property tax dollars.
o Our largest employer ISU is losing faculty and staff because of the decline of Ames school system. What was once a "highly rated school district" is now average at best (Ames middle school is rated 4/10 on great schools) You will chase away families if you continue prioritizing activism over learning and safety. Childcare and property taxes are too high for the ROI which continues to lessen. Do not turn the town into only students and singles as families will flock to Gilbert or away from the area.
o We need a new animal shelter. We need to upgrade resource recovery to continue to keep as much out of the ground as possible
o Would like additional drop off recycling for all plastics Signage says only milk and water bottles # 1. Aspen waste recycling takes all plastics # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &6
• Survey Comments
o I do not have any additional comments. I hope this survey was helpful to you
o Thank you for seeking out opinions, I've never heard of any other city I've lived in doing this. For the snow removal I think you do a good job but sometimes it’s slow to get started or the slush is not dealt with often enough. Thank you for all the hard work you all do for the city. Please fix the timing of the traffic lights for real. Also, for a future survey I think a short stay in Ames should be defined. Like I plan to stay for a while but not 20 years and it seems like that’s different from going here for school.
o Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback as a resident and thank you for considering these responses!
o Thank you for the pool ticket - I bought a summer pass but have guests coming that will be nice to offer
o too many questions.
• Better Management
o better management overall. Increase quality and efficacy focus on substance, not just "checking boxes." Ensure rotation not just promotion. Be world class (at least strive for it). Expand horizon through specific best practices and in-house research - utilize social capital fully.
o The city feels very unwelcoming. Especially the Chamber of Commerce. That whole group acts like a high school clique.
o The lack of actual "affordable housing" in Ames is problematic. There needs to be more collaboration between the city of Ames, construction, realtors, and non-profits. It also would be nice to have a more centralized location for social services, or at least be more accessible by public transportation. There are a lot of empty properties around Ames. It would be nice to see a "teen center" concept in one of those spaces besides the only choice being the Boys and Girls Club which is for younger people.
• Expensive
o I do not mind high property taxes when I feel our schools are succeeding and when the city provides services like ash tree removal and tree debris pickup after a big storm
o The new "plaza" by City Hall is a waste of taxpayer $$. New HOA type rules (length of grass, time to remove sticks, etc.) are completely unacceptable and you're asking neighbors to “build community.” We planned on staying upon retirement and are now looking at other options.
o Well, as I am a low-income earner, it's kind of hard-to-find nicer affordable rentals.
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2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction 147
• Traffic Flow
o Grand Ave from Lincoln way to 24th is an embarrassment. It is long overdue for fresh start that much of 13th has (and still needs finished). It will not be long before Duff Ave from Lincoln way to the Walmart light achieves the same sad state.
o I live in the Northwest Part of the city. The growth out towards Gilbert on George Washington Carver is continuing to increase. At some point the traffic on GWC is going to be at a point that it can’t handle. It is already unsafe for pedestrians/walkers/bikers. Please be proactive in a solution for at some point is going to be a problem.
• CyTown
o The city should not be giving up a portion of its tax dollars to fund CyTown. CyTown should stand on its own. It will already take away things from the rest of the town. if they want it, it should be self-taxing.
o We hope the CyTown Project is pursued with common sense for the benefit of university folks, the town citizens, and sports fans - not just for rich donors. We support public education.... not what the current state government is doing to education. We support vibrant libraries that are not censored. Thank you.
• Other
o How are you as a City Council dealing with the local restrictions the Republican legislature and governor have put us on. I would like to thank you for the many, many hours you put in to help make Ames as great as it is.
o I do not like the Inis Groce has been turned into Disneyland. It is now so busy it cannot be used at peak times by children with disabilities. It is far too crowded.
• Bike/Pedestrian
o Please make Ames more bike and pedestrian friendly. - Stop signs (4 way) needed at Stange & Northridge Parkway (very dangerous intersection) for cars & pedestrians - Outdoor water fountains in parks. Only "on" for 6 months of year or less. Minneapolis St Paul has fountains that are year-round, why can't we? - Invest in city center, less in city spread -Can't we have one 400-meter walk/run path open to all residents? - Dog Park in Central Ames - Not requiring a car to get to! Invest in Central Ames
• Communication
o The city could do better with social media communication after disasters. After both derecho and neighborhood mini derecho people had questions related to power/ cleanup that were not being addressed on social media. Example: After neighborhood mini derecho there were questions to city pickup of branches. The city did not meet policy timeline for indicating whether city pickup would occur, very frustrating for people to know what to do. Other times during power outages, information not provided quickly or kept updated.
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2024 Ames Resident Satisfaction 148
Research Team:
Susan Gwiasda, Communications & Outreach Manager, City of Ames, City
Manager’s Office, City of Ames
Nora Ladjahasan, Research Scientist III, Institute for Design Research &
Outreach, College of Design, Iowa State University
Amy Logan, Research Scientist I, Institute for Design Research & Outreach,
College of Design, Iowa State University
Eli Wilson, Program Specialist I, Institute for Design Research & Outreach,
College of Design, Iowa State University
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ITEM #:23
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:FIN
SUBJECT:APPROVING STATE REVOLVING FUND AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT
OF $65,185,000 TO BE REPAID WITH SEWER UTILITY REVENUE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This resolution is the final step in authorizing a not-to-exceed amount of $65,185,000 in Sewer
Revenue Bonds through the Iowa State Fund Clean Water Program (CWSRF), in support of
improvements to the Water and Pollution Control Facility. As previously discussed with the City
Council, these improvements are necessary to comply with the unfunded mandates of the 2013
Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
Staff believes utilizing the CWSRF to fund improvements is in the City's best interest. This
program has a long history of providing below-market rate loans to municipalities to fund utility
improvements, including several loans to the City of Ames.
A summary of the project costs is as follows:
Engineering - $ 6,038,000
Other Professional Services - $ 166,220
Construction - $ 53,645,000
Total $ 59,849,220
Contingency $ 5,335,780
Total Authorized Amount $ 65,185,000
It should be noted that the contingency amount listed above includes an additional $2,668,000,
over what was initially presented as part of the project costs. The purpose of the additional
contingency is to provide a cushion for project changes and prevent unnecessary issuance costs
associated with increasing the not-to-exceed amount as a separate action, should it be necessary.
Staff believes that the CWSRF program offers the lowest-cost option for borrowing for capital projects,
with a 2.43% annual interest rate and a 0.25% annual servicing fee, in addition to the $100,000
origination fee. The twenty-year loan is estimated to have a total debt service cost of $88,747,452. The
funding source for the loan's repayment will be sewer utility revenues, which have been included
in the financial model used to project future rate increases.
Based on market condition information provided by the City's financial advisor, if the City were to go
to the market to issue Sewer Revenue bonds, the true interest cost would likely be between 4.00%-
4.25%. Additionally, Sewer Revenue bonds issued into the market would require a debt service reserve
and higher debt service coverage requirements than the CWSRF Program. Staff believes this further
confirms that utilization of the CWSRF program as the funding source for this project is the
lowest-cost alternative.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt a resolution approving a State Revolving Fund Agreement in the amount of $65,185,000 to
be repaid with Sewer Utility revenue.
2. Do not approve the loan and disbursement agreement and provide staff additional direction for the
project's financing.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorization of the loan agreement will allow the City to access State Revolving Funds to
finance necessary improvements to the WPC facilities. The financing terms of the CWSRF
program are the most cost-effective method of financing the project. The principal and interest
payments related to the loan have been accounted for in the Sewer Fund rate design. Therefore, it
is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted
above.
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ITEM #:24
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:FINAL MINOR PLAT AND WAIVER FOR PRAIRIE VIEW INDUSTRIAL,
FIRST ADDITION LOCATED AT 3800 EAST LINCOLN WAY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Iowa Land & Building Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, is requesting approval of a Final Plat
for Prairie View Industrial, First Addition, a minor subdivision that would divide an existing parcel of
land into two lots total. (See Attachment A - Location Map) The existing lot, addressed as 3700 E
Lincoln Way is zoned Intensive Industrial (II). The two proposed lots are proposed as Lot 1 (19.54
acres), Lot 2 (17.79 acres) (see Attachment B – Proposed Final Plat). Lot A is being dedicated for right-
of-way dedication purposes along East Lincoln Way.
A minor subdivision includes three or fewer lots and does not require additional public improvements.
A minor subdivision does not require a Preliminary Plat and may be approved by the City
Council as a Final Plat only, subject to the applicant completing the necessary requirements.
Following City Council approval, the Final Plat must then be recorded with the County Recorder to
become an officially recognized subdivision.
The property is being divided for future development purposes, which include a new electrical
substation planned by Alliant Energy. An access easement has been provided, which extends from East
Lincoln Way to the south property line of Lot 1. This easement allows access to Lot 2 and enables
access to 40 acres immediately south of this location. East Lincoln Way will provide the sole means of
access to Lot 1 and Lot 2.
The applicant is requesting a waiver of sidewalk/shared use path requirements to allow for a 5-
year deferral of shared use path installation along the frontage with East Lincoln Way under
Section 23.103 of the Subdivision Ordinance due to it being premature for construction.
Typically, the Code allows for an automatic 3-year deferral or development of a site, whichever
occurs first.
Staff is agreeable to allowing for a deferral without cash security through approval of a development
agreement. This approach is similar to recent Wyffels deferral agreement on Teller Avenue. The
agreement will specify that the Shared Use Path must be installed after five years by the owner of
the property. Additionally, the agreement will specify that the property owner will have the
option to pay the City the cost of installing a shared use path for the frontage along Lots 1 & 2 to
be used for a future City Shared Use Path project in lieu of its construction, subject to Public
Work Director acceptance of the in-lieu fee payment for a City-planned project.
The proposed Agreement is being finalized between staff and Alliant Energy representatives.
Staff is supportive of Council approving the Shared Use Path deferral agreement subject to an
agreement being signed prior to issuance of a Site Development Plan on these lots.
The Prairie View Industrial Center area is subject to certain utility payment costs for water and sewer
infrastructure. Water territory rights have been acquired from Iowa Regional Utilities Association
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(IRUA) rural water for Lot 1 according to the terms of the rural water agreement with IRUA and the
territory has been transferred to the City. However, Lot 2 has not been bought out and would require
future payment to IRUA at the time any future development occurs.
City water & sewer connection fees for the acreage being developed here and an additional 40
acres immediately south of this location owned by Iowa Land & Building Company have been paid for
as well. The City's connection fee ordinance requires payment at the time of subdivision or development
for all adjacent land under common ownership.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the final plat for Prairie View Industrial First Addition with shared access for Lot 1 and
Lot 2 based upon the findings and conclusions stated above and with the following conditions:
a. That a Sidewalk Deferral agreement for a Shared Use Path be agreed to and signed with
Iowa Land & Building Company prior to issuance of a Minor Site Development Plan on
either Lot in the proposed subdivision in accordance with Section 23.103 of the
Subdivision Ordinance.
2. Deny the final plat for Prairie View Industrial First Addition, if the City Council finds that the
proposed subdivision does not comply with applicable ordinances, standards or plans.
3. Refer this request back to staff or the applicant for additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed final plat for Prairie View Industrial, First Addition is consistent with the City’s
existing subdivision and Intensive Industrial (II) zoning regulations for each of the proposed lots.
The utilities and infrastructure that will serve this subdivision are currently being installed or
have been installed already. The requested waiver for sidewalk installation based upon premature
conditions and allow for a 5-year deferral of Shared Use Path installation will not impact any
other pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure at this time. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the
City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 as stated above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A- Prairie View Industrial First Addition Location Map.pdf
Attachment B-Prairie View Industrial First Addition Final Plat.pdf
Attachment C- Applicable Rules & Regulations.pdf
Attachment D- Ames City Council_Sidewalk Deferral.pdf
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566TH AVE
E LINCOLN WAY§¨¦35
§¨¦35
Pra irie View Industrial, First Addition Location Map´
Prairie View In dustrial, First Addition Lo ca tion (Shade d)
Legend
AM ES INCORPORATED LIMIT S
PARCEL S
ST REET LABELS - AL L @ 5 000 0FT
Private
ISU Ro ad
City Roa d
Co unty Seconda ry
Co unty Hwy
State Hwy
US Hwy
US In terstate Hwy
RAIL ROAD CENTERLINES 256
257
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1
Attachment C
Applicable Laws
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.303(3) states as follows:
(3) City Council Action on Final Plat for Minor Subdivision:
(a) All proposed subdivision plats shall be submitted to the City Council for review
and approval in accordance with Section 354.8 of the Iowa Code, as amended or
superseded. Upon receipt of any Final Plat forwarded to it for review and approval,
the City Council shall examine the Application Form, the Final Plat, any comments,
recommendations or reports examined or made by the Department of Planning
and Housing, and such other information as it deems necessary or reasonable to
consider.
(b) Based upon such examination, the City Council shall ascertain whether the
Final Plat conforms to relevant and applicable design and improvement standards
in these Regulations, to other City ordinances and standards, to the City's Land
Use Policy Plan and to the City's other duly adopted plans. If the City Council
determines that the proposed subdivision will require the installation or upgrade of
any public improvements to provide adequate facilities and services to any lot in
the proposed subdivision or to maintain adequate facilities and services to any
other lot, parcel or tract, the City Council shall deny the Application for Final Plat
Approval of a Minor Subdivision and require the Applicant to file a Preliminary Plat
for Major Subdivision.
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.103 states as follows:
Sec. 23.103. WAIVER/MODIFICATION.
1) Where, in the case of a particular subdivision, it can be shown that strict compliance
with the requirements of the Regulations would result in extraordinary hardship to the
Applicant or would prove inconsistent with the purpose of the Regulations becau se of
unusual topography or other conditions, the City Council may modify or waive the
requirements of the Regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public
interest secured provided, however, that such modification or waiver shall not have the
effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of the Regulations. In no case shall any
modification or waiver be more than necessary to eliminate the hardship or conform to
the purpose of the Regulations. In so granting a modification or waiver, the City Council
may impose such additional conditions as are necessary to secure substantially the
objectives of the requirements so modified or waived.
(2) The requirements of the Regulations for the platting of a Minor Subdivision may be
waived by city staff when it is determined by city staff that:
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2
(a) A clear and accurate description of the area of land will be provided by means
of a plat of survey to be procured by the property owner, and in compliance with Section
23.308.
(b) With respect to that area of land, all substantive requirements and standards
of the Regulations are already met.
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July 19, 2024
Ames City Council
City of Ames
City Hall - 515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Council Members,
For the past 5+ years the City of Ames, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and Alliant Energy, have worked in
close partnership to foster economic growth for the City of Ames with the development of the Prairie View Industrial
Center (PVIC). In the spirit of cooperation, each party agreed to invest significant time, money and resources to
develop an important industrial asset that we all believe could result in significant economic development in the
creation of quality jobs, capturing large capital investments and generating decades of new tax revenues to benefit
the City of Ames and the state of Iowa. We also fully recognize the fin ancial benefit to our company of supplying
substantial electricity and natural gas loads to new customers that will aid us with capturing new revenues to offset
our overall costs to all Iowa-based Alliant Energy customers. We remain confident that it is not a matter of if large
industrial businesses will select PVIC, but when, as the level of prospect activity continues to be robust and growing.
Recently, Alliant Energy submitted a subdivision plat of the lot at 3700 East Lincoln Way, the northern ~40-acre lot
of the ~80-acre parcel located on the south side of Lincoln Way. The subdivision is to accommodate placement of
a new PVIC Substation that will be the primary source of electrical power for Prairie View Industrial Center and
surrounding area.
Prairie View Industrial Center has been and continues to receive significant attention from major business prospects
seeking large industrial properties with substantial infrastructure needs, including electrical power. To win those
projects for Ames, Alliant Energy and ITC Midwest (Transmission provider) is planning to construct a large
substation on this property. This is similar to the investment the City has made in constructing the sewer and water
infrastructure along Lincoln Way to attract new industry and the associated workforce to the Ames market.
As you are aware, city code requires a sidewalk to be installed by the developer for any property within city limits.
This would require a sidewalk along a quarter mile of frontage of Lincoln Way. Given the relative unknowns on the
future development of this site, along with the adjoining parcels, Alliant believes it makes sense to defer the sidewalk
activity to a later date. There have been discussions with city staff on a future trail along the frontage of the electric
substation site, however, no formalized designs or plans have materialized. With that in mind along with the
drainage features to contend with on the western sid e and established precedent in the Prairie View Industrial
Center, Alliant is formerly requesting a 5 year a deferral from council.
Please know that the joint success of PVIC is our collective goal and is of the utmost importance. The City of Ames
and Alliant Energy continue to invest significant financial resources into creating a hub in Central Iowa for projects
that will provide a major economic impact to the area for decades to come. Thank you for your consideration of this
request.
Most Respectfully,
Mason Adams
Alliant Energy
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ITEM #:25
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:REQUEST TO DEFER ANNEXATION COVENANTS BY OWNERS OF
2114 & 2126 STATE AVENUE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Earlier this year City Council received two separate requests for 2114 & 2126 State Avenue to
delay executing covenants for annexation (Attachment A, Location Map) and Council directed
staff to place these requests on a future agenda for discussion.
In 2022, the City Council voted to annex two properties owned by ISU at 2219 and 2121 State
Avenue. At that time staff noted that properties on the east side of State Avenue (2114 & 2126
State Avenue) had previously agreed to future annexation at the City's discretion, and they could
be annexed per the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation in place since 2011 (See Attachment
B- Covenants). City Council chose not to include these two properties with the annexation of the
ISU properties at that time, but to initiate their annexation consistent with the covenants at a
future date. Therefore, staff initiated contact with the two property owners in 2023 to implement
City Council's direction. In response, the two owners have requested a delay in annexation. (See
Attachments C & D)
Currently the two properties have been receiving water service without being in the City Limits
for 13 years. The City has traditionally required property owners who are provided City utilities
outside of the city limits to agree to annex at a later date at the City's discretion. Therefore, at
that time the City required property owners to sign covenants agreeing to future annexation. Now
that the city boundaries abut the two properties, staff believes it is the appropriate time to initiate
annexation.
Annexation of the properties would extend the City boundaries logically along existing boundary lines
south of Highway 30 and adjoining the properties annexed in 2022. This would maintain uniform
boundaries to deliver City services to these two properties. Both properties total 2.79 acres. The current
City limits abut these properties to the west along State Avenue. State Avenue serves as access to both
properties.
The issue of whether to require annexation at this point or not is a matter up to City Council. If it
is not believed annexation should be a priority at this time, staff believes City Council could pass
a resolution to revisit the issue and plan to require annexation in three years. This would put a
date in the resolution that would place an expectation on revisiting the matter and moving
forward with annexation. This would also create a defined date for the property owners to
anticipate being brought into the City.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct staff to proceed with the annexation of the properties at 2114 & 2126 State Avenue in
accordance with the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation agreed to in 2011.
2. Decline to initiate annexation of the properties at 2114 & 2126 State Avenue and pass a
Resolution that the City Council will accept annexation applications submitted to the City by July
1, 2027 in accordance with the Covenant & Agreement for Annexation agreed to in 2011.
3. Defer action at this time and request more information from staff or propose a new annexation
agreement.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The initial direction of Council to staff was to begin the annexation of the properties at 2114 and 2126
State Avenue. With the recent ISU annexation, the land on the opposite side of State Avenue in 2022,
the land now abuts the City. While not an immediate necessity, annexing the properties now is
consistent with City policy and the covenants that are in place.
The two properties owners are requesting to not be annexed at this time for various reasons.
Staff believes that deferring annexation at this time will not create an adverse impact on the
City's development plans. However, staff believes if Council chooses to defer the matter, a
timeline should be established. In this case, staff believes a 3-year timeline of July 1, 2027 is
reasonable. At that point in time the City would initiate the annexation of the properties based
upon the current covenants, and no new agreement is proposed. Therefore, it is the recommendation
of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 2 agreeing to delay annexation of the
two properties until July 1, 2027.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A- 2114 & 2126 State Avenue Location Map.pdf
Attachment B- Covenant & Agreement for Annexation.pdf
Attachment C- Epplin-Mowers-Feed Mill Noise Output.pdf
Attachment D-Geisinger Family - Annexation 2126 State Ave.pdf
263
STATE AVE
MEADOW GLEN RD
MEADOW GLEN NORTH
2114 & 2126 State Avenue- Location Map´
2114 & 212 6 St ate Ave nue Shad ed Propert ies
Leg end
AMES INCORPORATED LIMITS
PARCELS
STREET LABELS - ALL @ 50000FT
Private
ISU Road
City Road
County Secondary
County Hwy
State Hwy
US Hwy
US Interstate Hwy 264
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Documentprepared by:FJ. Feihneyer,Attomeyd law, P.O. Box 664,Ameq LA50010-515-82a732-fif@singeriaw.com
coy,t*,*,,11*1pd3*q.f.:"p"T'f "t#l't*,*f io"
rHIs covENANr AND AGREEMENT is -"aJlffif XSt o^, of
y' * ' ,' ' ,2Oll,by and between Owner, their successors and assigns, and City upon the fol-
lowing terms and conditions:
1 As used herein, the terms following shall have the meanings set out:
1.1 Owner means Larry Laverne Caldwell and Karen Kay Reilly as executors of the estate of
Mildred Caldwell, deceased, now pending in the Iowa District Court for Story County'
Probate case No. ESPR027940.
1.2 City means the City of Ames, Iowa.
1.3 Real Estate means Lot Seven (7) in Christensen's Subdivision, Story County,Iowa.
2 Owner is the legal owner of record of Real Estate. As of the date of this Agreement, said Real Es-
tate is not contiguous to the corpo rate city limits of City. This agreement is made for the pur-
pose of facilitating extension and provision of water service by City to Real Estate, which is not
within the corporate limits of City.
3 Real Estate constitutes territory which may be annexed to the City of Ames as provided
Chapter 368 of the Code of Iowa.
4 Owner agrees to have the Real Estate annexed to the City of Ames, Iowa, upon certain terms and
conditions as hereinafter set forth in the event the said Real Estate receives water service from
Ciry.
5 At any time after the Real Estate receives water service from City, the City Council may, after
due and careful consideration, conclude that the annexation of said Real Estate to City on the
terms and conditioned hereinafter set fofth would further the growth of the City, would provide
the harmonious development of the City, would enable the City to control the development of
the area and would serve the best interests of the City.
6 At any time after the Real Estate receives water service from City, the City Council may notify
Owner of City's desire to annex Real Estate. Upon such notification, Owner agrees to petition in
writing to thi City Council requesting annexation on an application form to be provided by
City.
7 Pursuant to provisions of Section 368.7(e) of the Code of Iowa, Owner waives the right to with-
draw Ownei's application for annexation or consent to annexation after the time that the Real
Estate becomes contiguous to the City.
SE
P A S L E Y & S I N G E R L A W F I R M , L . L . P .
AMES, ltrwA
FJF ,./ 2011 101 1151038 265
Covenant for Annexation Ii;rgr,'12
8 Upon receipt of Owner's petition for annexation, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 368 of
the Code of Iowa, City shall provide notice of the proposed annexation to all propefty owners'
utilities, and governmental entities legally required to be notified.
9 The Owner agrees that upon annexation all municipal regulations and requirements, including
but not limited to zoning, subdivision and other ordinances, shall apply to the Real Estate, and
the City shall have full jurisdiction over the Real Estate for the purpose of enforcing its codes
presently in existence and as may be amended in the future.
10 From and after the commencement of water service from City, Owner shall not subdivide the
Real Estate or construct additional dwellings upon the Real Estate without the consent of City.
Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent Owner to construct, reconstruct, or improve exist-
ing dwellings or stnrctures or to construcq reconstruct) or improve new or existing secondary
use structures consistent with applicabie building and zoning ordinances'
11 This covenant and agreement shall be filed for record in the office of the Story County Recorder
and all covenants,
"gr..-..ttr,
promises and representations herein stated shall be deemed to be
covenants running with the Real Estate and shall endure and be binding on the Par"ties hereto,
their mortgagees, lienholders, successors and assigns, for a period of twenty-one (21) years from
the date of the recording of these covenants, unless claims to continue any interest in the cove-
nanrs are filed as provided by law. City shall have the right to file a claim to continue its interest
in these covenants.
12 This agreement shall be enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction by any of the parties
hereto by any appropriate action at law or in equity to secure the performance of the covenants
herein .otttritred. Invalidation of any of these .ou.trr.rrc by judgment or court order shall in no
way affect any of the other provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Executed by the respective signatories effective the date first above written.
O\TNER
././ruDated ,n E-o^, o, H ,rorr.,n
e srArEou Coln,r/o .couNrYou \outlo , SS.:
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the day of
Laverne Caldwell as executor of the estate of Mildred Caldwell, deceased.
\ u)B
Fq Conp.tJio,r o*pi" rr
,2011 by Larry
l- zl- zo rl'
P A S L E Y & S I N G E R L A W F I R M , L . L . P .
A M E S . l o w A
NOTARY PUBLIC
FJF,i/20111011151038
266
Covenant for Annexation l? agc l3
/{ car
l{A Dated,t"'6 dayof 4 ,2orr,
This instrument was acknowledged
Kay Reilly as
CITY:
CITY OF AMES, rO'!r/A
STATE OF IO\VA, COUNTY OF STORy, SS.: )^
This instrument was acknowledged before me on thr 15? d^y of 1dol*- ,
Campbell and Diane R. Voss as mayor and clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa.
len Kay Reilly, Executor
before
NOTARY PUBLIC
,2011by Karen
b,w,re
(6P';t,Lt" eft'tt
zo,r:tr v,yAnn H
r -r tnrl'
LI - t-u"t
.. *:
":
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk
NOTARY PUBL
CITY ATTORNFY
P A S L E Y & S I N G E R L A W F I R M , L . L . P .
AMES. IO\^,A
FJF,/20111011151038 267
268
26
9
ITEM #:26
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:AMES/ISU ICE ARENA RADIANT HEAT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Ames/ISU Ice Arena has a radiant heating system which provides heat for the spectator seating area
and the lobby area. This system is a critical feature of the Ice Arena and is regularly used when the Ice
Arena is open for games and practices. When the radiant heating system is not properly functioning,
staff often receives complaints regarding the temperature in the seating area. Without the system, it can
be uncomfortable for spectators, especially when the outside temperature dips below 32 degrees.
The radiant heating system (spectator seating and lobby areas) was installed prior to the Ames/ISU Ice
Arena opening in 2001 and has lasted 23 years. The life expectancy of the system is 15 years. In
February 2024, staff discovered that the spectator seating radiant heating was malfunctioning.
Staff was able to make minor repairs to keep it functioning, however, these repairs are not a
viable long-term solution. After exploring possible repair options, the recommended action is to
replace the equipment.
Staff explored alternatives to radiant heating such as a forced air system, but it was determined
that this form of heating could conflict with the ice making system. Therefore, staff is proposing
replacement of the malfunctioning system with a new radiant heating system. Staff received
preliminary cost estimates from contractors capable of doing the work with a range of costs to
replace the radiant heating system between $65,000 and $85,000. Relying on this estimate, City
Council reallocated $75,000 from the Women's Locker Room Project to the Radiant Heating
Replacement Project in March .
The City hired KCL, West Des Moines, Iowa, to develop project specifications and a cost estimate for
the project. KCL provided several material options but recommended pursuing heat treated aluminum
due to the environmental conditions inside the Arena. Unfortunately, the latest cost estimates for the
project are higher than the anticipated costs, as detailed in the table below:
Design and Engineering
(work performed by KCL)$ 13,500
Project Cost $ 138,550
Contingency (5%)$ 6,900
Total Project Cost $ 158,950
Because the available funding for this project is $75,000, the estimated shortfall is $83,950. The
shortfall could be covered by the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Capital Reserve Fund, which currently has
a balance of $107,689. However, if this source is utilized, the balance would be reduced to only
$23,793. After the bids are received in November, the amount of additional funding needed, if
any, will be apparent.
270
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve plans and specifications for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Radiant Heat Replacement Project
and set November 20, 2024 as the bid due date and November 27, 2024, as date of public hearing
and award.
2. Do not approve plans and specifications for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Radiant Heat Replacement
Project.
3. Refer back to staff with direction as to how to proceed.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The radiant heating system at the Ice Arena is critical equipment to the facility as it provides heat
to spectator areas. Currently, the system is not functioning and needs to be replaced as the system
has exceeded its life expectancy by eight years. Staff receives multiple complaints any time the
radiant heat system is not functional. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
271
ITEM #:27
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2023/24 AMES PLAN 2040 SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION
(S 500TH AVENUE/COUNTY LINE ROAD)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This program involves installation of public sanitary sewer infrastructure into the priority
growth tiers shown in the Ames Plan 2040. Installing the sanitary sewer system proactively opens
the ability to develop land in the adopted growth tiers.
This project includes extending a new 15" sanitary sewer from south of Norris Street west to S
500th Avenue (County Line Road), then north approximately 300'. The add alternate bid would
continue the sewer another 460' north to Lincoln Way by directional boring. On October 16, 2024, bids
for the project were received as follows:
Bidder Base Bid Amount Add Alternate Bid
Engineer's Estimate $701,375.00 $219,108.00
Rognes Corp $551,057.70 $466,803.60
On Track Construction, LLC $594,575.00 $462,387.00
Absolute Group $622,792.75 $624,086.00
J & K Contracting $818,387.75 $570,634.00
Gehrke Inc $783,070.00 $557,479.00
Keller Excavating, Inc.$858,206.25 $825,190.00
The add alternate was determined to not be economically feasible and would not provide service
for any pending development. Therefore, it is recommended to only proceed with the base bid.
Revenue and expenses associated with the project are estimated as follows:
Funding Source Available Revenue Estimated Expenses
American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
Funds $1,065,000
Construction (Base Bid) $ 551,057.70
Engineering/Administration $ 110,000.00
TOTAL $ 1,065,000 $ 661,057.70
272
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the following:
a. Accept the report of bids for the 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Extension (S
500th Avenue County Line Road) project.
b. Approve the final plans and specifications for this project.
c. Award the 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Extension (S 500th Avenue County
Line Road) project to Rognes Corp of Ankeny, Iowa, for the base bid amount of
$551,057.70.
2. Award the contract to one of the other bidders.
3. Do not proceed with this project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By approving the final plans and specifications and awarding the contract, this project will extend
public sanitary sewer infrastructure into priority tiers shown in the Growth Plan 2040. Therefore,
it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
B01(CAF).pdf
273
274
ITEM #:28
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2024/25 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Traffic Signal Program provides for both the replacing of older traffic signals and constructing new
traffic signals in the City. This project involves the replacement of the traffic signal at the
intersection of S. 16th Street & University Boulevard. The design of the signal has been
coordinated with the planned S. 16th Street widening project. Signal poles for this location have
already been ordered through a separate bid solicitation. Therefore, this action is for the
installation of the signals and related equipment. Staff worked with WHKS & Co. of Ames, Iowa to
develop construction plans and specifications with a total estimated construction cost of $193,128.75.
On October 16, 2024, bids for the project were received as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Engineer's Estimate $193.128.75
Van Maanen Electric, Inc.$142,043.15
Kline Electric, Inc. DBA Heartland Underground
Solutions $147,730.00
Iowa Signal, Inc. $156,988.40
Voltmer Electric, Inc.$219,523.00
The table below shows estimated expenses and revenues for this project:
Expenses Amount Revenues Amount
Design $ 24,600.00
Signal Poles
(previous bid)$ 59,934.00
Pedestrian Pushbutton
Equipment
(previous bid)
$ 17,204.00
Construction
(this action)$ 142,043.15
Administration $ 25,000.00
FY 23/24 & 24/25
Traffic Signal Program
Road Use Tax
$478,000
Totals $ 268,751.15 $478,000
275
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Accept the report of bids for the 2024/25 Traffic Signal Program
b. Approve the final plans and specifications for this project and award the 2024/25 Traffic Signal
Program to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. of Newton, Iowa in the amount of $142,043.15.
2. Do not proceed with the project at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will provide a new traffic signal at this intersection in coordination with the
upcoming improvements along S. 16th Street. Award of the project will continue to keep this
project on pace for 2025 construction. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Location Map.pdf
276
277
ITEM #:29
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF 100% VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF 142.95 ACRES OF
PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR ONTARIO STREET,
NORTH 500TH AVENUE AND LINCOLN WAY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Owners of several properties are requesting voluntary annexation of 142.95 acres of land along the
western boundaries of the City of Ames. These properties include land owned by the City of Ames
(52.18 acres including Right-of-Way), The Sands-McDorman Family Trust (27.95 acres), Molly R Neal
Wong (33.39 acres) and Hunziker Development Group LLC (29.38 acres). The land lies generally north
of Lincoln Way, East of North 500th Avenue and south of Ontario Street in Washington Township in
Story County. (See Attachment A & Location Map) The proposed annexation is 100% voluntary. No
non-consenting properties are proposed to be included. The annexation territory does include two
county right-of-way parcels as required by Iowa Code.
Plan 2040 identifies this area as “RN-3” –Residential Neighborhood Expansion, an area identified as
primarily residential development with a variety of residential types and neighborhood services. The
characteristic of an RN-3 area is conventual suburban layout with limited, primarily single-family
development at low density, but with some medium density apartment development. Additionally, the
layout may include small commercial nodes as part of a development within the RN-3 designated lands.
An excerpt from the Plan 2040 Land Use Map is found in Attachment B. Additional Plan 2040
excerpts are found in Attachments D and E.
The area also has the Open Space designation adjacent along the Ontario Street and includes a portion
of Clear Creek. The Open Space designation is defined as large areas of public land intended to remain
undeveloped and natural in character which may include recreational facilities or environmentally
sensitive areas. This area is owned by the City and planned for a community park.
Water and Sewer services are in place adjacent to the properties being annexed or can be extended
easily to support any future development that occurs within this area.
With a 100% voluntary annexation more than two miles from any nearby community, no review
or action by the City Development Board is required, if the City approves the annexation. The
proposed annexation plat is attached (See Attachment C).
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The Planning staff held a consultation meeting and invited the Washington Township Trustees and
Story County Board of Supervisors representative to the meeting on August 29. One of the Washington
Township Trustees attended the consultation and spoke with staff. The Trustee representative did not
express any concerns or objection to the proposed annexation. A Resolution was passed by the Story
County Board of Supervisors in support of the annexation at the September 19 Board of Supervisors
meeting, with the condition that appropriate right-of-way within Ontario Street be annexed to the
centerline. The proposed final annexation Plat includes this area.
278
The land being annexed will come into the City zoned as Agricultural (A) zoning designation.
Rezoning to another zoning designation will happen later at the request of a property owner.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 100% annexation of 10 parcels totaling 142.95 acres (rights-of-way acreage included
in calculation), for the properties located immediately west of the Ames corporate limits along
Lincoln Way, North 500th Avenue and Ontario Street, in Washington Township, Story County,
Iowa.
2. Deny the request to annex land located immediately west of the Ames corporate limits along
Lincoln Way, North 500th Avenue and Ontario Street.
3. Refer the request to staff or the applicant for more information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed voluntary annexation aligns with the Ames Plan 2040 Comprehensive Plan land use
designation which anticipates the land being brought into the City and developed under the RN3
and Open Space use categories. The area is readily serviceable by City utilities. The land being
annexed is planned for development of residential uses, potentially a church, and a new City
park. A rezoning and platting process must occur once the land is brought into the City prior to
development occurring. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
support Alternative #1 which is to approve the 100% annexation of 10 parcels totaling 142.95 acres
(rights-of-way acreage included in calculation), for the properties located immediately west of the Ames
corporate limits along Lincoln Way, North 500th Avenue and Ontario Street, in Washington Township,
Story County, Iowa.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A- West Annexation Location Map.pdf
Attachment B- West Annexation land Use Map.pdf
Attachment C-West Annexation Plat.pdf
Attachment D-RN3 Excerpt.pdf
Attachment E-Open Space Excerpt.pdf
279
WILDER LN
WILDER PL
LINCOLN WAY
WILDER AVE
ONTARIO ST
WESTFIELD DR
TODD DR
TABOR DR
GREENE ST
HARTFORD DR
UTAH DR FLORIDA AVE
DURANT ST
ALLERTON DR SPRINGBROOK DR
WESTBEND DR
ELLSTON AVE
SCHUBERT ST
DOVER DR
OKLAHOMA DR
WESTFIELD RD
FREMONT AVE
IDAHO CIR
ONTARIO STONTARIO ST
N 500TH AVE
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
N 500TH AVE
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
We st A nnexation Location Map´
West Annexation Shaded Properties
Legend
AMES INCORPORATED LIMITS
PARCELS
STREET LABELS - ALL @ 50000FT
Private
ISU Road
City Road
County Secondary
County Hwy
State Hwy
US Hwy
US Interstate Hwy 280
RN-3
RN-3
RN-2
OS
RN-3
RN-2
RN-2
OS
RN-3
Park
UC
RN-5NC
RN-5
NC MUNC MU
RN-5
NC MU
RN-3
RN-3
WILDER LN
WILDER PL
LINCOLN WAY
WILDER AVE
ONTARIO ST
WESTFIELD DR
TODD DR
TABOR DR
GREENE ST
HARTFORD DR
UTAH DR FLORIDA AVE
DURANT ST
ALLERTON DR SPRINGBROOK DR
WESTBEND DR
ELLSTON AVE
SCHUBERT ST
DOVER DR
OKLAHOMA DR
WESTFIELD RD
FREMONT AVE
IDAHO CIR
ONTARIO STONTARIO ST
N 500TH AVE
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
N 500TH AVE
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
We st A nnexation Land Use Map´
West Annexation Land Use Map
Legend
AMES INCORPORATED LIMITS
PARCELS
STREET LABELS - ALL @ 50000FT
<all other values>
Residential Neighborhood 1 - Traditional (RN-1)
Residential Neighborhood 2 - Established (RN-2)
Residential Neighborhood 3 - Expansion (RN-3)
Residential Neighborhood 4 - Village (RN-4)
Residential Neighborhood 5 - Multi-family (RN-5)
Neighborhood Core (NC)
Neighborhood Core - Mixed Use (NC MU)
Community Commercial/Retail (Com-CR)
General Commercial (GC)
Core (Core)
Urban Corridor
Park
Open Space
Civic
Public 281
282
283
284
285
286
ITEM #:30
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:INTEGRATED SITE PLAN SUBDIVISION FOR 1726 COLLABORATION
PLACE - PRELIMINARY PLAT AND MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Hunziker Construction Services, Inc. is requesting approval of an Integrated Site Plan, which includes a
Preliminary Plat (Attachment B) and Major Site Development Plan (Attachment C), for the construction
of two mixed-use buildings at 1726 Collaboration Place in the Hub Activity Area of the Iowa State
University Research Park (ISURP).
An Integrated Site Plan subdivision allows for the division of the 4.2-acre site into two lots with
zoning compliance based upon the site as a whole. The proposal will use this flexibility to
distribute parking across both lots, eliminating setbacks for parking areas from interior property
lines, while placing the two buildings on separate lots.
Lot 1 (2.26 acres) will include one mixed-use building, four garage buildings for residential tenants, and
a tenant amenity area including a picnic shelter and basketball/pickleball courts. Lot 2 (1.94 acres) will
also contain one mixed-use building and four garage buildings. (See Page 14 Attachment B)
Each mixed-use building will contain 25 residential units. The ground floor must have a minimum 90%
of the floor area as commercial. The ground floor of each building will contain commercial tenant
spaces and an accessible apartment unit. The second and third floors will each include seven one-
bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom units, totaling 25 units per building. Building plans are
included in Attachment D.
Between the two buildings, there is an open area along the shared property line that may be developed
for a patio and outdoor seating. The patio is not shown on the plans but may be approvable as a minor
amendment to the site plan in the future if desired for a restaurant.
The applicant plans to phase the proposed development with the mixed-use building on Lot 1
being the first phase, as allowed by the Integrated Site Plan process. Phasing requires a
development agreement with the City to ensure improvements necessary for site function, such as
driveway extensions and stormwater management, are made even if future phases are not constructed.
All amenities are shown to be included in Phase 1. While a phasing plan exhibit was submitted
with the site plan, the phasing plan and development and maintenance agreement for shared
improvements will be part of the review of the final plat at a later date.
The applicant intends for the commercial tenant spaces to primarily be occupied by office uses,
although retail and other uses are allowable subject to parking requirements. Grease interceptors and
ventilation systems are to be provided for one tenant suite at each building to support a restaurant.
However, the number of parking spaces initially provided is only sufficient to meet the parking
demand of one restaurant. If a second restaurant is proposed, a parking reduction or additional
spaces may be required to be approved through an amendment to the site plan. There is an
additional area at the rear of the site where parking may be added if needed.
287
The site is subject to the Research Park Innovation District (RI) zoning standards and design guidelines
for the Hub area. The intent of the guidelines is to foster an urban design with buildings placed close to
streets, enhanced architectural features and glazing associated with commercial buildings rather than
industrial buildings, identifiable and accessible entrances from the street, and interconnected sites to
sidewalks and trails.
The developer addressed the requirements by: 1) placing the majority of the buildings at the maximum
20-foot setback to the principal façade, 2) accessing multiple commercial tenant spaces via private
parallel sidewalk to the street, 3) implementing typical commercial retail glazing ratios, 4) using brick
to distinguish building entrances, 5) extending several sidewalks into the site and from the site to a
future trail, and 6) proposing additional landscaping along the back of the accessory structures that will
interface with the adjacent trail and master-planned open space.
The building design treats the parking area as the front with the highest amount of storefront glazing.
The street facing architecture does not highlight one specific feature as a main entrance or significant
architectural element as defined in the guidelines because the design is a multi-tenant building with
exterior access points. Overall, the design includes features expected within the Hub area as intended by
the design guidelines.
As previously noted, a maximum front setback of 20 feet applies to the principal building.
However, due to a curved front lot line along Collaboration Way and the grade change of the site
dropping from west to east, the developer is requesting to set building pads using retaining walls,
with the buildings’ setbacks ranging from 18.46 feet to 20.28 feet. City Council recently passed an
ordinance allowing up to a 20% variation of select numeric requirements, subject to City Council
approval of requests made with a Major Site Development Plan. A more in-depth review of
standards and the request to alter the maximum setback under this provision is further discussed in the
Addendum.
To approve Mixed Use, City Council needs to find the use compatible with other nearby uses.
Surrounding properties are also zoned RI (see Attachment A—Location and Zoning Map). As part of
the Hub Activity area, adjacent properties include commercial uses that support ISURP users, including
Ames Racquet and Fitness to the west, the Hub building to the north, and McFarland Clinic to the
northwest. The lots to the northeast and south/east of the subject property are undeveloped. Further to
the east, across existing open space, is a John Deere industrial building. South of the site beyond the
tennis bubble is the Ag Smart R&D facility. No operational concerns have been identified for any of
the existing users that could impact the proposed residential use, nor would the residential use
affect existing industrial users.
The ISURP Phase III Master Plan indicates that the adjacent lot to the south/east is reserved as open
space, including a planned trail. The off-site trail design by the ISURP has not been formally approved
and if it is altered in location, the onsite trail connection may be modified by a future amendment to the
plan to connect to it as needed.
The developer also is requesting an alternative landscaping plan to address issues of parking lot
landscaping and proposed garage placement. The landscape plan includes the required quantities
of plant materials for front yards and required screening and buffering. It does not achieve
minimum spacing of trees within parking areas from the detached garages. The City requires a
distribution of overstory trees throughout parking areas and a spacing of 15 feet from buildings to allow
room for maturity. As proposed, the developer requests relief from the full spacing distance for two
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trees and proposes to compensate with a more vertical columnar tree species set 7.5 feet away from the
buildings. This exceeds the 20% alternative design standards that City Council may grant and
requires an alternative landscape plan to be approved by the Council, which is further discussed
in the Addendum. Staff supports the request due to the additional site amenity of covered
parking that it facilitates.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the Integrated Site Plan at its October 2, 2024,
meeting. A sign was placed on the property and notice was sent to property owners within 200 feet prior
to the meeting.
The Commission asked staff several questions about bicycle connectivity and the availability of transit
in the Hub area. Staff indicated the location of existing and future trails and on-street bike facilities on
Collaboration Place, and the location of CyRide stops to the west of the site on Collaboration Place.
The Commission focused its discussion on potential compatibility issues between residential users and
nearby industrial users. Staff noted that most users in the ISURP use buildings for office space and not
manufacturing. If industrial development occurred on an adjacent lot, screening would be required.
Staff also noted that the Major Site Development Plan process required for mixed-use development
approval requires notification of nearby users and public hearings, which allows any users with
concerns about residential development near existing industrial facilities to express those concerns. As
the ISURP controls adjacent vacant lots they also are able to address potential compatibility issues
responsible for marketing and siting industrial businesses.
The Commission voted (6-0) to recommend City Council approve the Integrated Site Plan subject
to the alternative approvals and conditions. One recommended condition, that an FAA airspace study
and determination of no hazard be completed given the proximity to the airport, has since been
satisfied.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT:
If City Council approves the proposed Mixed-Use project, the development agreement for ISU Research
Park Phase III will need to be amended to allow for apartments to be taxed as a residential use. The
original agreement only allowed for commercial and industrial classifications to ensure that no tax-
exempt uses were developed within the area that was supported by TIF. If the agreement is not
amended, the taxable value would be higher for apartments than other places in the city where a
residential classification would normally apply. The addendum could be approved along with the
future Final Plat.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Integrated Site Plan, which includes:
a. Approval of the Major Site Development Plan for 1726 Collaboration Place for a Mixed-
Use Development, subject to the following conditions and alternative approvals:
i. Allowance for a design alternative to increase the 20-foot maximum principal
building front setback to accommodate the proposed placement for both buildings.
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ii. Allowance for alternative landscaping plan to reduce the spacing of two parking lot
trees from the garages to 7.5 feet from 15 feet.
iii. Prior to occupancy, the applicant shall submit for review and approval an outdoor
lighting plan that conforms to the Zoning Ordinance.
b. Approval of the Preliminary Plat for the Iowa State University Research Park Phase III
Subdivision, Seventh Addition, noting that prior to final plat all requirements of the
integrated subdivision for phasing plans, agreements, and easements are to be reviewed and
approved by the City.
c. Direct staff to prepare and addendum to the ISU Research Park Phase III Development
Agreement recognizing the residential use tax classification for apartments in addition to
Industrial and Commercial.
2. Approve the Integrated Site Plan, which includes concurrent approval of a Preliminary Plat for the
Iowa State University Research Park Phase III Subdivision, Seventh Addition, and Major Site
Development Plan, for 1726 Collaboration Place for a Mixed-Use Development, with modified
conditions.
3. Deny the request for an Integrated Site Plan, which includes concurrent approval of a Preliminary
Plat for the Iowa State University Research Park Phase III Subdivision, Seventh Addition, and Major
Site Development Plan, for 1726 Collaboration Place for a Mixed-Use Development if City Council
finds that the proposed project does not conform to the Major Site Development Plan, Integrated Site
Plan Subdivision, and Subdivision criteria.
4. Defer action on the request and refer it back to City staff and/or the applicant for additional
information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed Integrated Site Plan represents the first mixed-use development in the ISURP after City
Council amended the Research Park Innovation District (RI) to permit mixed-use development in the
Hub Activity Area. As described by the applicant in their request for the text amendment, the intent of
the mixed-use amendment is to foster a live-work-play environment in the Hub area. Staff believes the
mixed-use development will benefit the overall collaborative environment and activity in the Hub
area with residential uses and commercial use opportunities including a restaurant.
The site design and layout is consistent with the standards and guidelines for development in the
Hub area. There are several connections to the street and one to the adjacent trail. The design allows
for the addition of an outdoor patio between the buildings if desired in the future. Although the design
treats the parking side of the building as the front, the design includes appropriate glazing levels and
high interest and durable materials including brick. Amenities of garages and recreational elements
enhance the quality of the project.
Staff determined that the proposed use and site design would not impact other industrial uses in
the area primarily due to the existence of commercial uses nearby and the large separation of
distance to industrial uses that exist east and southwest.
With the conditions of approval, staff finds that the project meets the design principles of an
Integrated Site Plan, subdivision standards, and the standards of the Major Site Development
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Plan. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
#1, with noted alternative features and conditions as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Addendum and Attachments A - D.pdf
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ADDENDUM
RI Zoning District Design Guidelines
The RI Zoning District includes design guidelines to promote a high -quality built
environment that supports the ISURP’s mission:
(b) Site Design Guidelines
(i) Use site design to locate buildings and site improvements in manner that is
supportive of the pedestrian environment.
(ii) Coordinate building and parking in manner that is supportive of a transition to
trails and pedestrian areas.
(iii) Extend walkways to both public streets and trail system.
(iv) Coordinate shared access points for lots to reduce driveway intersections along
bike and pedestrian facilities.
(v) Locate support areas such as mechanical areas storage areas and accessory
structures away from pedestrian areas and behind the principal building.
(vi) Ensure mixed-use developments do not detract from, and are compatible with,
the surrounding commercial, open space, and industrial uses.
(vii) Multi-building sites shall emphasize building orientation within the Hub Area
to the street or to a publicly accessible open space.
(c) Landscape Design Guidelines
(i) Use landscape design to support sustainable site features, such as stormwater
treatment and parking lot shading.
(ii) Locate landscape areas in a manner which is complementary to adjacent open
space Master Plan-designated Public Space areas in types of vegetation and
planting.
(iii) Incorporate vegetation that provides for screening of storage and equipment
areas from trails and streets and mixed-use developments.
(iv) Use landscape design to enhance pedestrian environments with shading of
sidewalks and creating visual interest with art, trellis, gathering spaces, and
interesting vegetation.
(d) Architectural Design Guidelines
(i) Identify and accentuate main building entrances with architectural elements or
projections.
(ii) Utilize high levels of glazing to identify areas of activity and interest for
customers, employees, and public. Prefer location of office and other active
uses at street sides of buildings to provide support for building identity and
interest.
(iii) Building massing should distinguish building components through variations in
height, building relief, and exterior materials.
(iv) The architectural design guidelines are not mandatory for accessory structures.
(v) Mixed Use development shall emphasize commercial space configurations and
features over residential development features. This includes features such as
a 12-foot minimum floor to ceiling heights, commercial depths and tenant
spaces suitable for a broad range of uses, space for outdoor patios, and high
levels of glazing.
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To meet these requirements, the subject property orients the two mixed-use buildings to
the street. The plan includes a shared driveway access with the property to the west and
a new access point onto Collaboration Place at the site’s east end.
The sidewalk along Collaboration Place will be extended across the site’s frontage and
connect with the pedestrian crossing at Plaza Loop Drive to the north. It will include three
extensions into the site to connect with a sidewalk running parallel to the front facades of
the buildings. The sidewalk also includes extensions around the sides of the buildings,
providing access to their rear and the parking area.
The public sidewalk must be used to walk between the buildings on the front side. The
sidewalk along the front facades of the buildings does not connect. The first extension
into the site from the public sidewalk continues into the site from the crossing a t Plaza
Loop Drive to connect with the building on Lot 1. The sidewalk extension to the building
at Lot 2 is approximately 160 feet east of the Plaza Loop Drive crossing. There is also a
second sidewalk extension into Lot 2 approximately 175 feet east of t he first extension,
but it leads into the rear of the site and does not connect with the sidewalk along the front
façade.
Every other tenant space entrance on the front façade is accentuated with an awning that
extends 4 feet out from the building façade. Signage may be installed floating above these
awnings. The second and third floors above these awnings are sided with a gr ey lapboard.
The four tenant spaces without awnings have additional dark brick veneer around the
entrances and up to the ceiling height of the second floor of the buildings, with the
exception of the tenant spaces on the ends of the buildings where the brick ends at th e
first-floor ceiling level. The second and third floors above these end tenant spaces have
a lighter grey (Exterior Insulation and Finish) EIFS exterior finish.
The end tenant spaces are further offset by two, 12 -foot-wide sections of brick that extend
the full height of the building and end in parapets. These features are at a 2 -foot relief
from the building façade and provide horizontal and vertical articulation for the buildings.
High levels of glazing also accentuate the entrances and first-floor commercial space
ceiling height exceeds 12 feet. The building architecture does not highlight one specific
feature as a main entrance or significant architectural element because the design is a
multi-tenant building with exterior access points.
Outdoor space for a patio is planned as are tenant spaces for restaurants in addition to
offices.
Adjacent sites contain commercial uses or are undeveloped. The undeveloped site to the
northwest is also planned for mixed-use development. The property to the south/east is
currently an outlot and designated as open space by the Master Plan for the ISURP Phase
III, but may be the subject of a future request to allow the creation of another industrial lot
for development, directly to the east of the subject property. If developed, it would be
required to provide additional screening from the mixed-use development.
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A future trail is planned on the adjacent property along the site’s east and south property
lines. A connection is provided through the center of the subject site to the future trail. If
the property to the east is developed, the location of the trail may be moved or the
connection not be required.
Additional landscaping is provided behind the eastern -most garages that will interface
with the future trail location. Additional trees are also provided along the south property
to provide transition to a public open space area where the stormwater detent ion for the
site is proposed.
General Development Standards
Parking
Parking will be shared between the lots and located behind the buildings. Shared access
and parking agreements between the lots are required as part of the final plat. A
note has been added to the preliminary plat, as required, that states all parking areas,
drives, sidewalks, fire lanes, etc. are for the common use of all lots within the subdivision.
In total, 170 parking spaces are required. The development proposes to provide
170 spaces, broken down by use in Table 1 . The commercial spaces are proposed to
be parked at an office rate of one stall per 300 square feet of floor area except for the
tenant space planned for a restaurant use, which requires 9 spaces per 1,000 square
feet. The apartments require 85 total spaces. The garages provide space for 50 cars, or
one space per unit, with the other 35 spaces provided for by surface spaces.
Table 1 Parking Breakdown
Use/Building Number of Spaces
Provided
Type—Surface or Garage
Offices (20,047 square
feet)
67 Surface
Restaurant (2,029 square
feet)
18 Surface
Residential 1-bedroom
units (30 total)
45
50 garage stalls—35
surface Residential 2-bedroom
units (20 total)
40
Total 170
Landscaping
In addition to the specific RI District landscaping guidelines, RI-zoned properties are
required to adhere to the landscaping requirements in Sec. 29.403 for non -residential
uses and to provide a minimum of 20% open space. The benefit of the Integrated Site
Plan is that this 20% can be applied across the entire development rather than on a per
lot basis. The proposed open space area on the subject property is made up of green
space principally along the perimeter of the site. A total of 40% of the site is open space,
including the amenity area.
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Front yard landscaping meets minimum standards for quantity an variety of materials. A
combination of grasses and shrubs are proposed along the sidewalk and front building
facades. The design is generally a linear row of shrubs and grasses rather than layering
and clustering. The plantings in some a reas act as foundation planting adjacent to the
retaining wall set along Collaboration Place.
Front yard overstory trees are required per City code at 13 total based upon the linear
frontage of the site, before allowances for substitutions. The front yard trees are a
combination of 9 overstory trees and 8 ornamental trees, which may be substituted for
overstory at a 2:1 ratio and no more than for 50% of the overstory trees.
The parking area requires at a minimum 1 overstory tree per 200 square feet of parking
area to be dispersed to provide coverage and shading. The applicant has provided 30
overstory trees to meet the minimum number required. They are located primarily along
entrance drive and parking aisle ends with many of the trees located at the south limit of
the southern parking areas/drive aisle. The main surface parking areas between the
mixed use buildings and garages includes some integrated trees within planters.
To provide dispersal and coverage in the main surface lot, two parking lot tree planters
are proposed in the middle of the north row of parking spaces adjacent to the buildings
with other trees at the open spaces at the ends of the buildings.
Double loaded parking lot aisles require trees along both sides of parking. Two trees are
also proposed between the garages to provide for dispersal and to meet the overstory
tree requirement of the surface lot. As noted earlier, tree spacing of 15 feet is required for
tree maturity. The applicant’s proposal does not accommodate the full planting area
needed for all parking lot trees as it relates to the garages. The garages are spaced 15
feet apart. Overstory trees are required to be spaced 15 feet from a building, measured
from the center of the tree. This spacing is subject to an alternative landscaping plan
request, further discussed under the alternative approvals section.
Screening
Screening is provided around two transformers located at the west and east ends of the
site by arborvitae, anticipated to grow up to 7 feet in height and form a solid screen.
Mechanical equipment will be roof-mounted and screened by the proposed buildings’
parapet. Electric and gas meters will be behind the centerline of the building on Lot 1 and
do not require screening. The meters will be in front of the centerline of the building on
Lot 2, but setback over 40 feet from the property line. While typically screening would be
required, the Planning Director has approved screening of these meters related to front
yard landscaping, their setback, and the sightlines related to the c urve of the street. This
is permitted under the exemptions to screening requirements.
Solid waste collection areas will be screened with a 100% view obscuring, 8 -foot-tall
fence. Swinging doors will provide access.
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Signs and Lighting
A lighting plan and sign permits will be submitted after approval of the Integrated Site
Plan Subdivision. The lighting is required to be compliant with City standards prior to
occupancy, per a recommended condition. All outdoor lighting must meet zoning
standards based upon downlighting to address “Dark Sky” requirements.
Infrastructure
To accommodate the development of the site as two separate lots, a sanitary sewer main
is proposed to be extended from the existing main to the south. A water main is also
proposed to be extended onto the site to meet the requirements of the Fire Code for the
maximum distance of buildings from hydrants.
As the site as a whole is served by City infrastructure (except for electricity served by
Alliant Energy), and the extensions are only necessary to facilitate the site development
shown on the Major Site Development Plan, financial security covering the co st of their
installation or installation before final platting is not required.
Utility easements are shown on the Preliminary Plat.
Stormwater Treatment
The site is subject to conformance with Municipal Code Chapter 5a and 5b requirements
for stormwater control and treatment. The Public Works Department has reviewed the
submitted plans and has concluded that the new proposed off -site stormwater facilities
can handle the increased runoff from the site. Timing of the construction of the stormwater
detention area and rock trench will be required as part of the phasing plan to treat site
runoff. The majority of stormwater treatment occurs off site to the south of the site in a
ISURP common area that is a regional treatment facility. The facility must be completed
with the final plat of this subdivision.
Alternative Approvals
Building Setback
An allowance for an increase to the maximum setback is required. A 20 -foot maximum
setback applies to principal facades. The buildings’ setback ranges from 18.46 feet to
20.28 feet. City Council recently passed an ordinance allowing up to a 20% variation of
numeric requirements in select Articles of the Zoning Ordinance, including the RI Zoning
District development standards, subject to City Council approval of requests made with a
Major Site Development Plan. The increase from 20 to 20.28 feet represents 1.4%.
Standards for granting the reduction include that the request maintains the intent of the
ordinance, is based on an operational need, provides something of equal or better
consistency with the Ordinance’s intent, and does not create adverse impacts. Staff finds
these criteria are met as the increased setback is requested due to a curved front lot line.
As the buildings are straight across, the majority of the façades meet the 20 -foot
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maximum. Only the corners of the buildings exceed the maximum.
The site slopes down to the north and east. The buildings will be built on pads to ensure
they are level. The further forward the buildings are on the site, the greater the slope they
will need to offset with construction.
Due to the RI District design guidelines, while the buildings have a greater setback, they
still interface with the street due to glazing and a sidewalk along the front façade to provide
access to tenant spaces.
Parking Lot Landscaping
An alternative landscaping plan is also proposed to allow reduced spacing of two parking
lot trees located between the garages. An alternative landscape plan prepared by a
licensed Landscape Architect may be approved if City Council finds it addresses
the purposes of the ordinance and provides for a unique or high-quality landscape
environment that exceeds the base standards. The developer believes the overall
design of the site with amenity spaces and covered parking justify the alternative
design request for relief from spacing requirements for parking lot overstory trees
Overstory trees are required to be spaced 15 feet from buildings, measured from the
center of the tree. The garages are spaced 15’ apart, allowing for 7.5 feet of spacing from
the trees. Columnar maple trees are proposed for these areas, due to their mature height
they are considered overstory despite the limited canopy of the species. Their anticipated
spread is approximately 12’ – 15’, making them ideal for narrow planting sites.
Additionally, as the garages are one-story structures, the trees’ canopy is not anticipated
to be an issue.
Public Notice
Notice was mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject site and a sign was
posted on the subject property. Notice was also published in the newspaper prior to the
City Council meeting. As of this writing, no comments have been received.
Applicable Regulations
Major Site Development Plan Criteria
When acting upon an application for a Major Site Development Plan approval, the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council shall rely upon generally accepted
site planning criteria and design standards. These criteria and standards are necessary
to fulfill the intent of the Zoning Ordinance, the Land Use Policy Plan (Ames Plan 2040),
and are the minimum necessary to safeguard the public health, safety, aesthetics, and
general welfare.
1. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provisions for
surface and subsurface drainage to limit the rate of increased runoff of surface
water to adjacent and downstream property.
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The Public Works Department has reviewed the proposed development and
stormwater management plan. It is satisfied that the off-site detention will be able to
handle the increased runoff created by the new buildings and parking area. Runoff for
the 5 – 100-year storms will be released at rates equivalent to the existing site
conditions during a 5-year storm event.
2. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for
connection to water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and other utility lines within the
capacity limits of those utility lines.
The development is served by existing water, sanitary sewer, and electric lines. These
services are adequate to serve the site. To accommodate the development of the site
as two separate lots, a sanitary sewer main is proposed to be extended from the
existing main to the south. A water main is also proposed to be extended onto the site.
3. The design of the proposed development shall make adequate provision for fire
protection through building placement, acceptable location of flammable
materials, and other measures to ensure fire safety.
The Fire Inspector has reviewed access and fire truck circulation. The full site is
accessible from Collaboration Place. A water main extension is planned to
accommodate a second hydrant within the required maximum distance for the
garages.
4. The design of the proposed development shall not increase the danger of
erosion, flooding, landslide, or other endangerment to adjoining and
surrounding property.
The proposed Major Site Plan does not present a risk of additional erosion, flooding,
landslide, or endanger surrounding property.
5. Natural topographic and landscape features of the site shall be incorporated
into the development design.
The buildings are setback on the site to avoid the steepest slopes at the northeast end
of the subject property.
6. The design of the interior vehicle and pedestrian circulation shall provide for
convenient flow of vehicles and movement of pedestrians and shall prevent
hazards to adjacent streets or property.
The proposed development will take access from Collaboration Place, using a shared
access with an existing access to the west and one new access on the east end of the
site. The shared access limits access conflicts with the public sidewalk and bike lane.
Interior private sidewalks will continue to connect with the public sidewalk system on
Collaboration Place and a connection with a future trail to the south is planned.
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7. The design of outdoor parking areas, storage yards, trash and dumpster areas,
and other exterior features shall be adequately landscaped or screened to
minimize potential nuisance and impairment to the use of adjoining property.
All front yard landscaping and parking lot tree coverage requirements are required to
be met. This obscures utility meters proposed for the sides of the buildings, meeting
screening requirements.
The dumpsters will have an enclosure that meets screening requirements and
includes gates.
8. The proposed development shall limit entrances and exits upon adjacent streets
in order to prevent congestion on adjacent and surrounding streets and in order
to provide for safe and orderly vehicle movement.
The proposed development will take access from Collaboration Place, using a shared
access with an existing access to the west and one new access on the east end of the
site.
9. Exterior lighting shall relate to the scale and location of the development in
order to maintain adequate security, while preventing a nuisance or hardship to
adjacent property or streets.
Lighting plans will be reviewed by staff for output and ground impact in compliance
with City standards prior to occupancy, per a recommended condition.
10. The proposed development shall ensure that dust and other forms of air
pollution, noise disturbances, odor, glare, and other nuisances will be limited
to acceptable levels as prescribed in other applicable State and City regulations.
The proposed development will not create any air pollution, nuisances, dust, odor,
glare, or noise disturbances.
11. Site coverage, building scale, setbacks, and open spaces shall be in proportion
with the development property and with existing and planned development and
structures, in adjacent and surrounding property.
The proposed development complies with the site coverage requirements. The site
proposes 40% landscaped area and RI District requires 20%.
The building meets the minimum height requirement of 2 stories in the Hub Activity
area—three are proposed.
While a maximum setback of 20 feet is required for principal structure facades, the
buildings’ setbacks range between 18.46 and 20.28 feet. A numeric increase in the
permitted setback is requested. The majority of the buildings’ façades are located at
a lesser setback than the maximum.
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The proposed layout of the development is consistent with surrounding commercial
development, supporting these uses with residents and providing additional
commercial space in the ISURP Hub area. Additional landscaping is provided along
adjacent open spaces, meeting RI District landscaping design guidelines.
Applicable Subdivision Law
The laws applicable to this Preliminary Plat Subdivision include, but are not limited to, the
following: (verbatim language is shown in italics, other references are paraphrased):
Code of Iowa Chapter 354, Section 8 requires that the governing body shall determine
whether the subdivision conforms to its Land Use Policy Plan.
Ames Municipal Code Chapter 23, Subdivisions, Division I, outlines the general
provisions for subdivisions within the City limits and within two miles of the City limits of
Ames.
Ames Municipal Code Section 23.302(3):
(5) City Council Review of Preliminary Plat: All proposed subdivision plats shall be
submitted to the City Council for review and approval in accordance with these
Regulations. The City Council shall examine the Preliminary Plat, any comments,
recommendations or reports examined or made by the Planning and Zoning
Commission, and such other information as it deems necessary and reasonable
to consider.
(6) City Council Action on Preliminary Plat:
(a) Based upon such examination, the City Council shall determine whether
the Preliminary Plat conforms to relevant and applicable design and
improvement standards in these Regulations, to other City ordinances and
standards, to the City's Land Use Policy Plan and to the City's other duly
adopted plans. In particular, the City Council shall determine whether the
subdivision conforms to minimum levels of service standards set forth in the
Land Use Policy Plan for public infrastructure and shall give due
consideration to the possible burden of the proposed subdivision on public
improvements in determining whether to require the installation of additional
public improvements as a condition for approval.
(b) Following such examination and within 30 days of the referral of the
Preliminary Plat and report of recommendations to the City Council by the
Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council shall approve, approve
subject to conditions, or disapprove the Preliminary Plat. The City Council
shall set forth its reasons for disapproving any Preliminary Plat or for
conditioning its approval of any Preliminary Plat in its official records and
shall provide a written copy of such reasons to the developer.
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23.700 SUBDIVISION FOR INTEGRATED SUBDIVISIONS
23.702. APPLICABILITY.
(1) The subject site shall consist of one or more legally created lots.
(2) The property must be zoned commercial, industrial, medium density residential or high
density residential.
(3) Residential development under these provisions is limited to apartment dwellings only.
(4) The subdivision must be associated with a Major Site Development Plan under
Chapter 29.1502. Within this context, the Major Site Development Plan will be considered
and referred to as an Integrated Site Plan.
REVIEW PROCEDURE.
An Integrated Site Plan Subdivision is subject to the same review process and decision
criteria as Major Subdivision (Section 23.302); and an Integrated Site Plan is subject to
the same review process and decision criteria as a Major Site Development Plan (Section
29.1502). Although the subdivision and site plans are separate documents, they are
reviewed and processed simultaneously, and an Integrated Site Plan Subdivision
incorporates by reference all documents of an approved Integrated Site Plan.
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ATTACHMENT A
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ATTACHMENT B
Preliminary Plat
303
13
304
14
305
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ATTACHMENT C
Major Site Development Plan
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307
17
ATTACHMENT D
Architectural Plan Excerpts
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309
19
310
20
311
ITEM #:31
DATE:10-22-24
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:VACATION OF TEN FOOT (10') PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT
3300 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The owner of 3300 University Boulevard has requested that the City vacate an existing Public Utility
Easement (PUE) on the property. The easement is located within the North 10 Feet of Lot 1, the East 10
Feet of Lot 1, and the Southeasterly 10 Feet of Lot 1, Iowa State University Research Park Phase III,
First Addition.
The existing easement will hamper the development of Lot 1, thus the owner has requested the
easement to be vacated. This easement is not being used by any utilities and proposed lots will be
served by other easements. Therefore, staff agrees that this easement can be vacated.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the vacation of the existing ten feet (10') Public Utility Easement located at 3300
University Boulevard described as the North 10 Feet of Lot 1, the East 10 Feet of Lot 1, and the
Southeasterly 10 Feet of Lot 1, Iowa State University Research Park Phase III, First Addition,
Ames Iowa.
2. Retain the existing easement and do not take action to vacate.
3. Refer this item back to City staff for additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The existing PUE does not currently accommodate any existing utilities and proposed lots will be
served by other easements. The current easement location prevents the owner from developing
the lot as desired. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
VACN_1230799_PUE_LOT1-signed.pdf
3300 University.PNG
312
PT. LOT 1, ISURP PHASE III, FIRST ADDITION
VACATION EASEMENT PLAT
V:\Projects\2023\123.0799.01\CADD\VACN_1230799_PUE_LOT1.dwg
2727 S.W. SNYDER BLVD
ANKENY, IOWA 50023
515-964-2020
SNYDER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
2727 S.W. SNYDER BLVD
ANKENY, IOWA 50023
515-964-2020
VACATION EASEMENT PLAT
DATE OF SURVEY
09/30/2024
OWNER
HUNZIKER CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC
105 S 16TH STREET
AMES, IA 50010
INTENT OF SURVEY
THE INTENT OF THIS SURVEY IS TO VACATE THE 10' PUE
LYING ALONG THE NORTH, EAST, AND SOUTHEASTERLY
BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 1 AS SHOWN ON THE FINAL
PLAT RECORDED IN SLIDE 526, PAGE 5 OF THE STORY
COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE.
PUBLIC UTILITY VACATION EASEMENT DESCRIPTION
THE NORTH 10.00 FEET OF LOT 1, THE EAST 10.00 FEET OF LOT 1, AND THE SOUTHEASTERLY 10.00 FEET OF LOT 1, IOWA STATE
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE III, FIRST ADDITION, AN OFFICIAL PLAT IN THE CITY OF AMES, STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
INDEX LEGEND
SURVEYOR'S NAME / RETURN TO:
ERIN D. GRIFFIN
egriffin@snyder-associates.com
SERVICE PROVIDED BY:
SNYDER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
SURVEY LOCATED:
PT. LOT 1
ISURP PHASE III, FIRST ADDITION
SEC. 22-83-24
REQUESTED BY:
HUNZIKER CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC
LEGEND
FEATURES FOUND SET
Section Corner
1/2" Rebar, Yellow Plastic Cap #19710
(Unless Otherwise Noted)
ROW Marker
ROW Rail
Control Point
Bench Mark
Platted Distance P
Measured Bearing & Distance M
Recorded As R
Deed Distance D
Calculated Distance C
Yellow Plastic Cap YPC
Centerline
Section Line
1/4 Section Line
1/4 1/4 Section Line
Easement Line
SHEET 1 OF 2
PN: 123.0799.01
DATE: 09/30/2024
PM/TECH: EDG/AJD
T-R-S:83N-24W-22
Erin D. Griffin, PLS Date
License Number 19710
My License Renewal Date is December 31, 2025
Pages or sheets covered by this seal:
ERIN D.
GRIFFIN
19710
AIOW
LICENSEDPROFESSIONAL LANDSURVEYOR
I hereby certify that this land surveying document
was prepared and the related survey work was
performed by me or under my direct personal
supervision and that I am a duly licensed
Professional Land Surveyor under the laws of the
State of Iowa.
Sheets 1 and 2, of 2
09/30/2024
313
LOT 1
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Existing 10' PUE
(Slide 526, Page 5)
10.00' PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT VACATION
North Line Lot 1
East Line Lot 1
Southeasterly Line Lot 1
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PT. LOT 1, ISURP PHASE III, FIRST ADDITION
VACATION EASEMENT PLAT
V:\Projects\2023\123.0799.01\CADD\VACN_1230799_PUE_LOT1.dwg
SHEET 2 OF 2
PN: 123.0799.01
DATE: 09/30/2024
PM/TECH: EDG/AJD
T-R-S:83N-24W-22
EASEMENT PLAT
FEET
0 50
2727 S.W. SNYDER BLVD
ANKENY, IOWA 50023
515-964-2020
314
315
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Bethany Ballou, Director of Human Resources
Date:October 18, 2024
Subject:Closed Session
Item No. 33
MEMO
Motion to hold Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss
collective bargaining strategy.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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