HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA NOVEMBER 12, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00
p.m. on the 12th day of November 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were City Council Members Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, and
Rachel Junck. Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, and Anita Rollins
joined the meeting electronically. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present.
PROCLAMATION FOR "CITY OF AMES PHILANTHROPY DAY," NOVEMBER 12,
2024: Mayor Haila presented the proclamation to members of the Story County Alliance for
Philanthropy (Alliance). Charles Weber, representing Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, spoke
on behalf of the members of the Alliance and highlighted the 14 area nonprofit organizations that make
up the Alliance. He also recognized the winners of the 2024 Philanthropy Day awards and encouraged
the community to visit the Alliance’s website to learn more about how to get involved.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS WEEK,"
NOVEMBER 17-23, 2024: Mayor Haila presented the proclamation to Housing Coordinator
Vanessa Baker-Latimer and members of local non-profit agencies. Coordinator Baker-Latimer shared
that a social media campaign was underway for the month of November to help educate the public
about the many reasons people are hungry and homeless, including the shortage of affordable housing
in Ames for very low-income residents, and to encourage support for homeless assistance service
providers.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve the Consent Agenda.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on October 22,
2024, and Special City Council Meeting on October 24, 2024
5. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period October 16-31, 2024
6. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
7. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Red Lobster
#0747, 1100 Buckeye Avenue
8. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. AJ’s Liquor III, (2401 “A” Chamberlain Street), Class E Retail Alcohol License
b. Chocolaterie Stam, (230 Main Street), Class B Native Wine Permit
c. Time Out, (120 Kellogg Avenue), Class C Liquor License
d. Sam's Place, (125 Main Street), Class C Retail Alcohol License
9. RESOLUTION NO. 24-577 authorizing staff to submit letter of intent to apply for Rural
Energy Savings Program Loan
10. Requests from Ames Main Street for Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for Downtown and
Campustown
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-578 approving suspension of parking regulations and
enforcement for Downtown and Campustown from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on
Saturday, November 30, 2024
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c. RESOLUTION NO. 24-579 approving/motion denying waiver of parking meter fees
and enforcement
d. RESOLUTION NO. 24-580 approving transfer of $2,468.25 from Hotel/Motel Tax
Fund to the Parking Fund
11. Requests from Ames Main Street for Winter Sidewalk Sales on January 9-12, 2025:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-581 approving suspension of parking regulations and
enforcement for the Downtown from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11
c. RESOLUTION NO. 24-582 approving/motion denying waiver of parking meter fees
and enforcement
d. RESOLUTION NO. 24-583 approving request from Ames Main Street for Saturday,
January 11 to transfer $1,370.25 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund
12. RESOLUTION NO. 24-584 approving plans and specifications for 2019/20 Storm Water
Erosion Control Program (Ioway Creek - 6th to 13th St) setting December 4, 2024, as the
bid due date and December 10, 2024, as the date of Public Hearing
13. 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Utility Infrastructure (265th Street Extension):
a. RESOLUTION NO. 24-585 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Utility Infrastructure (265th Street
Extension) project, setting December 4, 2024, as the bid due date and December 10,
2024, as the date of Public Hearing
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-586 approving the agreement for city sanitary sewer
installation on county roadway
14. Integrated Site Plan Subdivision Major Final Plat for 1726 Collaboration Place
a. RESOLUTION NO. 24-587 approving Final Plat for the Iowa State University
Research Park Phase III Subdivision, Seventh Addition
b. RESOLUTION NO. 24-588 approving Development Agreement for Phasing
15. RESOLUTION NO. 24-589 awarding a contract to SVPA Architects, Inc., West Des
Moines, Iowa for the Architectural and Engineering Services for the Park Maintenance
Complex Expansion in the amount not to exceed $50,200
16. RESOLUTION NO. 24-590 approving an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund for a grant in the amount of $175,000 for
the purchase of the Sands- McDorman property
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-591 approving the Memorandum of Agreement with Mary
Greeley Medical Center regarding its donation for the construction of the Fitch Family
Indoor Aquatic Center
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-592 waiving requirement to solicit formal bids and approving a
contract to CentralSquare Technologies, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, of Lake
Mary, Florida in the amount of $152,845.87
19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-593 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040
Sanitary Sewer Extension (S 500th Ave Country Line Road) with Rognes Corp of Ankeny,
Iowa
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-594 approving contract and bond for the 2022/23 Story County
Edge of Field project with Hands On Excavating, LLC, of Radcliffe, Iowa
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-595 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Traffic Signal
Program with Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, Iowa
22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-596 accepting the 2024/25 Shared Use Path Maintenance Program
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as completed by Mid-Iowa Enterprises, LLC of Story City, Iowa in the amount of $75,340
23. RESOLUTION NO. 24-597 approving completion of public improvements and releasing
financial security in full for ISU Research Park Phase 3, 5th Addition - Ag Innovation
24. RESOLUTION NO. 24-598 accepting completion of three years of the four-year
Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements at 619 Burnett, Fareway Site Plan,
and reducing the financial security on file to $2,755
25. RESOLUTION NO. 24-599 accepting Change Order No. 2, to Terracon Consultants, Inc.
of Ames, Iowa for Building Envelope Evaluation and Inspection Services for the Fitch
Family Indoor Aquatic Center in the amount not to exceed $89,090
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, Ames, discussed his experience with political campaigns.
Taylor Burkhead, Ames, expressed traffic concerns.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
AGREEMENTS WITH ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH RELATED TO
HOMELESSNESS: Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck shared that the first agreement being
presented focused on partnering with Iowa State University (ISU) Research and Extension Services to
develop a map of services currently being provided to serve the unhoused population in Ames.
Through this agreement staff and the community would be able to identity a list of gap services and
increase interagency collaboration. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted that a Community
Conversations series around the topic had begun with a total of 55 local service providers attending the
first meeting. She summarized themes from the discussion regarded the increase in the unhoused with
no clear factors, a desire and need to have increased education around the topic and resources available,
and the impact of lack of mental health services available.
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck stated that potential solutions suggested in the Community
Conversation included the need for people power, aiding in filling out applications, flexible funds for
application fees and transportation, and a response team of nonprofit agencies dedicated to the
unhoused.
The second agreement would authorize ISU Research and Extension to conduct research first-hand
with the unhoused population to discuss their needs, input, and stories. This research would be one
piece of information provided to the county wide action plan consultant once the Request for Proposals
(RFP) pertaining to that project was closed, explained Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck. The
consultant would assist with developing the county wide action plan, evaluating funding sources
available, highlighting best practices, and evaluating data. She stated that the research that would be
done with the unhoused through these conversations would not be duplicative of what the consultant
was being asked to provide. The RFP consultant would also be tasked with continuing the Community
Conversations and expanding the audience for those future meetings.
Mayor Haila noted that these agreements were a rapid response by staff to community concerns and
asked Assistant Manager Vang Goldbeck to provide an updated timeline. She stated that the
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Community Conversations would continue with the next meeting scheduled for December 6, 2024.
Outreach to the unhoused would begin immediately if authorized and staff were expecting to receive
a report of ISU Research and Extension’s findings by the end of December. In response to a request
from Mayor Haila to elaborate on the statement of agencies not being familiar with other services as
noted in the CAF, Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck stated that part of the educational piece was
to present a clear picture of the function of each agency as well as the limitations of their services. The
Mayor and City Council thanked staff for the work needed to prepare the agreements and to the service
providers throughout the community.
Council Member Betcher requested confirmation that the asset map would include agencies providing
services and the extent of services being provided. She noted that adding a geographical component of
where services were located as part of the mapping would be advantageous to many and to evaluate
the concentration of services in the community. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck responded in
the affirmative and noted that component could be added. Council Member Junck questioned if there
was room in the second agreement to contract for more than 15 respondents, if possible. Mayor Haila
echoed the sentiment stating that the City Council did not want to put a cap on what could be achieved
and questioned if increasing the contract amount would be beneficial. Assistant City Manager Vang
Goldbeck explained that the increased funding would be helpful but cautioned that staff was not sure
the pace at which research would be able to be conducted. She furthered that outreach was one piece
of information that would be delivered to the consultant and that staff wanted to be able to begin work
as soon as possible.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to request staff work with ISU Extension and Outreach to
expand the asset mapping to include the geographical component that maps where the services are
located.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-600 authorizing staff to
enter into agreement(s) with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for up to $15,000 to
assist with hosting community conversations around homelessness with service providers and
conducting outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST FOR PARTIAL TAX ABATEMENT INCENTIVE FOR FURNITURE MART
USA: Director of Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann presented the history of the request. The
request from Furniture Mart USA was unique due to the fact that the City would be establishing a
short-term Urban Revitalization Area (URA) that would be targeted at a use, or specific name brand,
instead of an area as was typical, explained Director Diekmann. He noted that the owner was hoping
to develop the site in the near future and was looking for a tax abatement incentive to prioritize moving
forward with the Ames location. He furthered that the developer had proposed plans for a 90,000
square foot facility that would be purpose built, and be a significant investment in the site. Furthermore,
staff had evaluated a market analysis report from Claritas that identified that there was approximately
a $5.7 million opportunity gap for furniture store sales within the Ames City boundaries which
increased when expanded to include neighboring communities. Due to the opportunity gap and the
lack of an established furniture store in the City, staff felt that the City Council could justify offering a
partial property tax abatement incentive targeted to this specific use in an effort to mitigate the leakage.
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Director Diekmann emphasized that this program would be a one-time proposal with a multi-step
process. Additionally, he stated that the applicant would need to begin in 2025 with obtaining a
building permit which would begin the five-year sliding tax abatement schedule that would only be
eligible for new building value.
City Manager Steve Schainker clarified that this was not tax-increment financing, but tax abatement.
He furthered that granting the tax abatement request would not set precedent. City Manager Schainker
noted that Furniture Mart USA would provide convenience to residents by keeping amenities close
and would further sustainability interests by reducing the need to drive to access furniture services.
Mayor Haila spoke to the value of increasing the sales tax base and the benefit that would provide to
keeping property taxes low. The Mayor, City Council, and City Manager engaged in thorough
discussion on potential implications for property taxes, sales taxes, and the impact to the community.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Troy Eichmann and Cory Price of Furniture Mart USA detailed the rationale for the request and the
work that had already been undertaken by staff to prepare the proposal. They explained the year and a
half process to develop the proposal, purchase the property, design plans, and begin remediation on
the site. Mr. Eichmann expressed their desire to have a show of good faith to present along with their
request. Mr. Price detailed the ways Furniture Mart USA invests in the communities they do business
in to detail how their impact would go beyond tax dollars.
Dylan Kline, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, expressed his excitement over the project and the
need for the City to utilize incentives to attract businesses.
Mayor Haila reminded the City Council that additional input was received from Merlin Pfannkuch on
this item via email.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to proceed with creation of an Urban
Revitalization Area Plan with a five-year partial property tax abatement schedule for a furniture
store north of S.E. 5th Street between Target and Walmart.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE: Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan presented the
City’s history of commitment to sustainability and reviewed the evaluation criteria that staff utilized to
determine priority areas. Director of Electric Services Donald Kom, Resource Recovery
Superintendent Mark Peebler, Director of Fleet and Facilities Corey Mellies, and Director of Planning
and Housing Kelly Diekmann presented highlights from their respective departments, ongoing projects
to address sustainability, and challenges staff were working to address with sustainability in mind.
Coordinator Sagan stated that outreach and communication was vital to sustainability, and highlighted
that staff was developing a dashboard on the City website to help inform the public and consolidate
the location of sustainability information. He also discussed that the greenhouse gas emissions
inventory could not practically be completed every year; however, staff were working on the most
cost-effective method going forward to provide accurate data to the community. More data would be
availability in 2025 to help guide future action by the City Council, stated Coordinator Sagan.
EPA ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMUNITY CHANGE GRANT:
Coordinator Sagan alongside Abra Dougherty of Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) presented
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the goals and objectives of obtaining grant funding. Coordinator Sagan detailed how the funds
would allow staff and MICA to improve affordable housing stock through retrofitting homes with
weatherization practices, as well as expand workforce development for clean energy such as solar
and HVAC, while removing cost barriers to those services. Council Member Gartin inquired if
MICA would have the capacity to handle the demand for more services with the additional funding.
Ms. Dougherty explained that MICA administers a weatherization program currently as well as
intensive family involvement services that could be replicated for workforce development as well.
She noted greater staff would be needed, but the organization has experience administering the
types of programs the grant application outlined. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted
that the grant program allowed for funds to go to increasing support staff.
Ms. Dougherty stated that MICA partners with local contractors to do weatherization on homes
who would continue to be leveraged to service as many households as possible. Additionally,
MICA would use the homes already on their weatherization list to begin applying funds.
Coordinator Sagan and Ms. Dougherty highlighted that with eligible expenses including solar,
roofs, workforce development, assisting with rent, car or gas cards, that retrofits can range from
$20,000 to $40,000. Council Member Gartin stated that he was supportive of the program, but
against utilizing federal funding to accomplish the objectives of the grant application.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-601 authorizing the City,
in partnership with Mid-Iowa Community Action, to apply for the EPA Environmental and
Climate Justice Community Change Grant in the amount of $10,000,000-$15,000,000.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins. Voting
Nay: Gartin. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of
these Minutes.
LEAD SERVICE LINE PUBLIC NOTICE: Director of Water and Pollution Control John Dunn
presented why the informational briefing was necessary. He stated that under the Lead and Copper
Rule Revision, all water systems must provide Public Notice to consumers with lead services lines,
galvanized services lines downstream of lead, or service lines with unknown materials. He
emphasized that this notice would affect less than 2% of the system, that there was no lead in the
water when it left the Water Treatment Plant, and this was not a water quality issue. Director Dunn
stated that although the service line is owned by the property owner, staff was developing a
replacement incentive program that would come back to the City Council for consideration. He
stated that the language in the letter was mandated by the State and that City departments had been
prepped for questions and the resources available to residents to have free lead testing done.
The City Council recessed at 8:17 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
CAP UPDATE: Mayor Haila stated that Public Input on the item was mistakenly skipped, and invited
Jeri Neal of the Ames CAP group to speak.
Jeri Neal, Ames, thanked staff for the update and shared suggestions to include metrics for change and
a community task force as part of the implementation process.
PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAN APPROVALS UNDER THE
ZONING ORDINANCE: Director Diekmann explained that the proposed changes would no
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longer require the City to publish a hearing notice for Comprehensive Plan Amendment
recommendations and Site Development Plan reviews of the Planning and Zoning Commission
and the City Council in the newspaper, since those publishing standards are not required by state
law. Instead of the newspaper publication requirement, staff would include a mailed notice to
property owners within 200 feet of the site for Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Site
Development Plans, as well as a posted notice on the website for Site Development Plans.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to modify Public Hearing requirements for
Plan Approvals under the Zoning Ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PLAT OF SURVEY AT 6196 & 6210 EAST LINCOLN WAY: Director Diekmann explained
that the request for a Plat of Survey in lieu of a Minor Subdivision Final Plat at 6196 & 6210
East Lincoln Way and the requested waiver of infrastructure improvements could be supported
by staff and would address the unique issues related to the drainage channel bisecting their
properties. Although a rural division for property abutting the City would traditionally be
expected to annex, furthered Director Diekmann, in this case the approval of a plat of survey for
a sliver of land as a continuing agriculture use with a no build restriction could be found to not
conflict with Ames Plan 2040 polices while correcting a property ownership question.
Additionally, right-of-way is being conveyed to the City according to City standards within the
City of Ames.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-602 approving a Plat
of Survey for 6210 East Lincoln Way and acceptance of dedication of the Lincoln Way right-of-
way.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-606 approving a Plat
of Survey for 09 Township: 83 Range: 23 SE NE along 590th Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK (ISURP) DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT TO ALLOW RESIDENTIAL USE TAX CLASSIFICATION: Mayor Haila
opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-603 to amend Iowa
State University Research Park (ISURP) Development Agreement to allow Residential Use Tax
Classification.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE CHANGES AND STORMWATER
MODELING FOLLOW-UP: Director Diekmann provided an update of the proposed changes
to the Conservation Subdivision ordinance. Director Diekmann noted that staff was supportive
of the changes based on the reports provided by the consultant and new language for
Conservation Preservation would be presented in the future. He emphasized that the consultant
felt that the proposed changes would still accommodate increased run off from the developments
in a manner that would not decrease the conservation benefit. Council Member Gartin expressed
his gratitude to staff for providing data for the City Council to base their decisions on.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Justin Dodge, Hunziker Companies, shared his appreciation for the work of staff and the City
Council’s work to address the ordinance changes, and stated that the developer was evaluating future
plans for development.
Taylor Burkhead, Ames, questioned City practices on lawn maintenance.
Jeri Neal, Ames, shared that the Friends of Ada Hayden supported the proposed changes and had been
included in the process.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve Option 1: Eliminate both the 80% of lots abutting
open space requirement and reduce the open space set-aside to 10% from 25%, along with other
amendments consistent with Attachment A staff comments.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON FY 2024/25 WATER TREATMENT PLANT - LIME PONDS
UNDERDRAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public
Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-604 approving final
plans and specification and awarding a contract to Con-Struct Inc., of Ames, Iowa in the amount
of $200,669.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON MINI-PITCH PROJECT AT LLOYD KURTZ PARK (3710 HYDE AVE):
Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham presented the bid package results and stated there
was a miscommunication from the bidder staff had anticipated bidding on Bid Package 2 – Mini-
Pitch System, Lights, and Acrylic Surfacing. Therefore, staff was requesting the City Council accept
the report of bids and rebid Bid Package 2. All bid packages were anticipated to be presented at the
December 10, 2024, City Council meeting to be considered for award. Council Member Betcher
noted that with the sharp increase in costs from the start of the project, it may be a good time to stop
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the process and fundraise for the project. Director Abraham stated that staff were working on gaining
information about fundraising opportunities to reduce costs. He furthered that the recommendation
of staff was to rebid the package and bring those results with potential funding opportunities for
consideration at the same meeting. Council Member Gartin inquired how staff envisioned the mini-
pitch project fitting into the park portfolio. Director Abraham noted that many other communities
that added the feature to their park system eventually expanded the offering.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to accept report of bids for all Bid Packages (1-4) and
direct staff to delay award of Bid Packages 1, 3, and 4.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to reissue Bid Package 2 - Mini-Pitch
System, Lights, and Acrylic Surfacing.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-605 approving
preliminary plans and specifications for Mini-Pitch Project at Lloyd Kurtz Park (3710 Hyde Ave)
for Bid Package 2 - Mini-Pitch System, Lights, and Acrylic Surfacing; setting December 4, 2024,
as the bid due date and December 10, 2024, as date of public hearing and award of all Bid
Packages (1-4).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON AMES CITY HALL INTERIOR UPDATES PHASE II: Mayor Haila opened
and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
ten items for consideration. A complaint from Megan Schroder regarding pavement removal and
replacement of Curtiss, Marston, and Roosevelt Avenues was considered first.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to request a memo from Public Works.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A proposal for hiring additional police officers from Maddy Nasuti was discussed.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to request the Mayor respond and thank them for their
input.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Input received from Merlin Pfannkuch on Furniture Mart USA’s Request for Property Tax
Abatement was the next item. Mayor Haila stated that this item had been addressed previously.
Travis Toliver, Ames Main Street Executive Director, submitted a request for 4th of July Parade
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Review.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to request staff respond to Mr. Toliver and the Ames Main
Street Board with possibilities for changes to the 4th of July celebration and report back to the City
Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Staff reports from Fire Chief Rich Higgins regarding occupancy at 3415 Emerald Drive and rental
housing occupancy standards were for information only.
A staff report from Chief Higgins regarding vacant and abandoned structures was also discussed.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future workshop agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request from Abby Owusu for a crosswalk at Lincoln Way and Wilmoth Avenue was the next
item to be evaluated.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to refer to the Traffic Engineer for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Diekmann regarding a Zoning Text Amendment for the Renaissance Fair
was discussed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A staff report from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer regarding a request for an all-way stop at
the intersection of Ada Hayden Road and McFarland Avenue was the final item to be evaluated.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to place the item on future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The City Council reported that there were no new Board
meetings attended since the last meeting of the City Council.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher referenced input from Jeri Neal on the CAP
Update that was received after the item was presented.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to request staff notify Coordinator Sagan of Ms. Neal’s
input on behalf of the Ames CAP team, and request he contact Ms. Neal if more information is
needed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Ex-officio Boland highlighted that the Joint Meeting of ISU Student Government and the City
Council would be Wednesday, November 20th at 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial Union Sunroom and
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gave an overview of the agenda.
Mayor Haila thanked Council Member Gartin for his leadership in presenting the Veteran’s Day
program on November 11th and stated it was a great program.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a legal reason
to go into Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative citing Section 21.5(1)(c),
Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent and Section
21.5(1)(j), Code of Iowa, to discuss purchase of particular real estate.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to go into Closed Session as provided by Section 21.5(1)(c),
Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent and Section
21.5(1)(j), Code of Iowa, to discuss purchase of particular real estate at 9:15 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 9:44 p.m.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to approve the settlement with Timothy
Hansen.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to pursue the real estate option discussed in
Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk