HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - October 8, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
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, Amber
Corrieri, 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,
highlighting that the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme was smoke alarms, and the Ames Fire
Department aimed to educate the community on the role that functioning smoke alarms play in
preventing fatalities during home fires. Fire Chief Richard Higgins accepted the proclamation
alongside members of the Ames Fire Department. He invited everyone to attend the annual Fire
Station Open House from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 12th, at Fire Station No. 1. He
shared that individuals with autism, modified needs, or disabilities, along with their families, are
invited to attend a modified open house from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH,"
OCTOBER 2024: Mayor Haila announced that the City of Ames will be awarded for the first
time the Daniel Burnham Comprehensive Plan of the year award for the Ames Plan 2040
because of its approach to managing growth and change. He extended his congratulations to the
Department before proclaiming October 2024 as National Community Planning Month. Planning
and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann accepted the proclamation, thanking the Mayor and City
Council as well as the public for their engagement in and participation with the planning and
implementation process for Ames Plan 2040.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WATERSHED AWARENESS MONTH," OCTOBER 2024:
Mayor Haila proclaimed October 2024 as Watershed Awareness Month, noting that the health of
watersheds directly impacts public health, drinking water supply, fisheries, wildlife, agriculture,
economic development, and recreation. Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson accepted the
proclamation with Stormwater Resource Analyst Liz Calhoun. Engineer Bryngelson reviewed
the watershed-related Public Improvement projects that the Public Works Department completed
over the last year, highlighting that about 1,200 feet of restoration was completed on local
waterways.
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
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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
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
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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. -
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 noted that this item was an applicant-initiated Zoning Text Amendment
(ZTA) that would change the allowable uses in the Single-Family Conservation Overlay to add
the use of a social services provider through obtaining a Special Use Permit (SUP) from the
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Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). He clarified that there were existing social service
providers in the area that predated the overlay which have been allowed to continue to operate as
a non-conforming use.
The City Council first considered this item in July when it reviewed a request from the Romero
House. Though the request was initiated by the Romero House, Director Diekmann emphasized
that the ZTA was not for a singular property and would apply to all new social service providers
that meet the definition. He clarified the allowable uses per the definition of a social service
provider before noting that the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission had reviewed the item
and approved it with four votes in favor and two against.
Director Diekmann provided that the overlay was initiated in the 1990s to the express purpose of
limiting changes in this area to preserve single family character. Thus, the overlay restricted uses
more than the underlying base zone. He also noted that the overlay included design requirements,
which would not be implicated by any future use. Director Diekmann furthered that the
requested ZTA does not impact the Oldtown Historic District, which was focused on exterior
architectural treatments and would continue to apply should the ZTA be adopted.
Council Member Rollins asked about the process of informing and interacting with neighbors in
the affected area. Director Diekmann shared that staff anticipated the requested ZTA would be of
concern to the neighborhood, so after the applicant submitted the application for the ZTA in
August, staff informed the neighborhood association contact. It was learned that the
neighborhood association contact had not received notice of the requested ZTA, which resulted
in limited public input at the P&Z meeting. Following that, with support of the City Manager, the
notification process was expanded by mailing postcards to all property owners within the overlay
that included a map, short description of the item, and a link to the City’s website for more
information.
Referencing the vote from the P&Z meeting, Council Member Rollins inquired about the reason
for the dissenting votes. Director Diekmann shared that it was his understanding the two
dissenting votes concerned concentration and separation issues that the Commissioners did not
believe would be adequately resolved by the permit process.
Council Member Corrieri noted that staff had provided a number of alternatives for this request
and asked what the next steps would be should the City Council choose to deny the request.
Director Diekmann explained that if the request were to be denied, staff would meet with the
applicant to evaluate how its services are functioning at its existing location of 709 Clark Avenue
to determine what services would be allowed to continue. He furthered that if the request were to
be tabled, staff would forgo code enforcement or service changes to the applicant’s property at
709 Clark Avenue until action was taken by the City Council. Additionally, the applicant’s new
location at 702 Clark Avenue would not be permitted for use as anything other than a residential
property.
In regard to 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, Council Member Rollins inquired about the number of properties in the overlay that
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would be affected. Director Diekmann noted that Alternative 2 would impact approximately 17
properties, of which three are currently operating as social service providers.
Council Member Betcher questioned how the requested ZTA interacted with Ames Plan 2040.
Director Diekmann reviewed Ames Plan 2040 as it related to the area of the request, highlighting
that the Plan does not anticipate changes to the overlay, including density or design issues.
Council Member Betcher then inquired about the applicant’s use of 709 Clark Avenue as a
location to provide social services though it is not properly permitted. Director Diekmann
clarified that when the applicant established at 709 Clark Avenue, Planning and Inspections staff
reviewed the site and concluded that it appeared it could meet the intent of a household. He
furthered that in the years since, the services provided at 709 Clark Avenue expanded beyond the
initial understanding of staff and was no longer considered a typical residential use. He
concluded that when staff was approached by the applicant concerning acquiring another site,
staff suggested applying for a ZTA if the applicant truly desired to remain in the area.
Council Member Gartin noted it was important to understand best practices of peer communities.
Director Diekmann shared in response that in neighboring communities social service providers
typically operate as a commercial use, though there is not a “one size fits all” approach. He then
reviewed the zones, as Municipal Code current allows, where it would be appropriate for the
applicant to select a property to operate. He highlighted the high-density nature of those areas,
stating that non-residential uses spark concerns with concentration and separation requirements
in neighborhoods.
Regarding zoning, Council Member Betcher inquired about the process for rezoning. Director
Diekmann outlined the rezoning requirements and accompanying notices to the public. In
response, Mayor Haila proposed extending the Neighborhood Commercial Zone to include 702
Clark Avenue and 703 Burnett Avenue as a compromise to Alternative 2. Director Diekmann
noted that to be a possible option, though staff had not reviewed any of the potential
implications.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila. He clarified that this item was not an issue with
the applicant. He invited comments that concerned the far-reaching implications of the ZTA.
David Thielen, Executive Director of the Ames Romero House, discussed the operations of the
organization and the increased need for hospitality services for those experiencing poverty in the
Ames community, highlighting his support for the ZTA.
Robert and Laura Martin provided their support for the ZTA, noting the important functions of
social service providers and the mission on the Romero house where they served as volunteers.
Liam Ehrecke shared his experience working for the Romero House, showcasing the need for
social service providers in the Downtown area.
Dwayne Schrunk presented his involvement in collecting signatures for the petition in Support of
the Romero House and shared that throughout that experience he never received comments in
opposition to the ZTA.
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Peter Hallock reviewed the implications of the ZTA for the affected residents, voicing his
support for a compromise that would allow the establishment of social service providers with
minimal impact on the neighborhood.
Denise Denton shared concerns related to concentration and separation requirements, noting her
previous experience working for Youth and Shelter Services.
David Carter questioned why the ZTA was not presented to the Historic Preservation
Commission for consideration and stated his opposition, detailing the laborious process the
neighborhood went through to implement the overlay to protect single family dwellings.
Debbie Carter discussed how the neighborhood flourished since the implementation of the
overlay, stating her opposition to the ZTA.
Julie Kruse presented the unintended consequences of the ZTA, highlighting her opposition and
encouraging the City Council to explore other alternatives for social service providers to operate
near and around the Downtown area.
Kathy Mou shared her concern for the character of the neighborhood, asking the City Council to
seek other options to actively help at-risk populations and stating her opposition to the ZTA.
Shellie Orngard highlighted her opposition to the ZTA and suggested that the City Council delay
action on this item until input from the consultant hired to address homelessness in the
community was received.
Anne Kinzel spoke in opposition of the ZTA, noting that social service providers should operate
in areas where zoning permits.
Kate Gregory expressed her belief that the number of social service providers in the affected
neighborhood was greater than the City Council was made aware of, noting the impact on single
family homes and her opposition to the ZTA.
Keith Kutz reviewed the implications of the ZTA on areas directly adjacent to the affected
neighborhood, expressing concerns about concentration and stating his opposition to the ZTA.
Ethan Marty shared the importance of preserving single family neighborhoods as it relates to
livability of the community and noted his opposition to the ZTA.
Barbara Budd presented her opposition to the ZTA and discussed the potential negative impact to
the affected neighborhood.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen and Council Member Rollins extended appreciation to the
community members that spoke regarding this item. Council Member Rollins noted her interest
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in finding a solution that would allow for social service providers to operate in and near the
Downtown area while still preserving single family dwellings. Thus, she noted her support of
tabling action on the item.
The City Council Meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:02 p.m.
Council Member Corrieri shared that she was employed by a social service provider and
highlighted that locating in the Downtown area allows providers access to the center of the
community. She detailed why connection to other providers is vital for social service
organizations before noting her support of tabling action on the item. Council Member Junck
also stated support for tabling action on the item, noting that allowing time to evaluate the
alternatives to find a compromise would be valuable.
Council Member Gartin noted the difficulty of balancing different interests in the community
and evaluating the homelessness problem in a broad manner. He stated his preference for
reaching a compromise, which he saw as a viable option through Alternative 2. He also saw
merit in the Mayor’s proposal but questioned how much more information the City Council
could receive after having a robust conversation on the item. Council Member Betcher expressed
that she believed the item deserved more time and consideration, and that it would be prudent for
the City Council to table action on the item. Mayor Haila asked that the motion include specific
information for staff to address before the item came back for consideration should the City
Council wish to table the item.
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
included 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. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay:
Gartin. Motion declared carried.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A SEWER REVENUE LOAN AND
DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT: Finance Director Corey Goodenow reviewed that for the
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best interest of the City, staff is requesting the City Council authorize entering into a loan
disbursement agreement with the Iowa State Revolving Fund to support improvements to the
Water Pollution Control Facility. He noted that the total loan amount would be $62,517,000 with
a five percent contingency of $2,667,780. In response to an inquiry from Council Member
Gartin, Director Goodenow highlighted that the City would be receiving an interest rate of
2.68%, which is well below market rates.
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.
Mayor Haila clarified that there were multiple funding sources for the project including the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship, and Story County Conservation. The total contribution from the City would be
$58,072.51. City Manager Schainker added that the project would be funded through the Utility
Fund.
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.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen, in response to the comments shared during the Public Hearing,
shared that the project was a responsible use of funding as it catches nitrates before they enter the
Water Pollution Control facility.
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE CHANGES AND STORMWATER
MODELING: Director Diekmann introduced Planner Amelia Schoeneman, Municipal Engineer
Bryngelson, and RDG Planning and Design Water Resource Engineer Greg Pierce and reviewed
the background of the proposed changes to the Conservation Subdivision Ordinance. He
highlighted that the topic was considered after the City Council received a letter from the Ames
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Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Short-Term Housing Task Force that addressed a
number of development issues, but specifically concerned the Conservation Ordinance as a
barrier to housing development. He noted that open space and design requirements that served
the purpose of encouraging additional stormwater treatment along with the stormwater
maintenance requirements outlined in Municipal Code Section 5B. Staff evaluated the concerns
brought forth by the Task Force, identifying two issues that had unknown effects should
potential changes be enacted. Those two issues included decreasing the open space requirement
from 25% down to 10%, which is typically the standard in single family zoning districts and
eliminating the requirement that 80% of lots mandatorily abut open space.
Under the direction of the City Council, staff engaged with RDG to analyze the effects of these
two issues through stormwater modeling. Planner Schoeneman highlighted that decreasing the
open space requirement impacted impervious coverage, therefore allowing greater density, which
would result in increased volumes of runoff. For a 1-year storm, it was found that the increase in
runoff volume would be 5-6% and 2% for a 100-year storm. She furthered that the increased
volume could impact water quality though pollutant loading.
Council Member Amber Corrieri left the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
Regarding the elimination of the requirement that 80% of lots abut open space, Planner
Schoeneman noted that the study found runoff volumes were not impacted because there was no
identifiable change to the impervious coverage or density. Changing this standard may increase
flow rates on the development site, but downstream flow rates should not be impacted due to the
Stormwater Management Plan requirements outlined in Chapter 5B.
Engineer Pierce highlighted that the study examined each of the requirements separately and
together and he reviewed quantitative forecasting of each scenario. The results of the study
concluded that impacts to the watershed from the proposed changes to the ordinance may be
managed through the use of best management practices. The City Council members engaged in
robust discussion with staff to understand how the identified best management practices would
be incorporated into development and the interaction of those practices with Chapter 5B.
Engineer Pierce clarified that state law dictates sediment and erosion control techniques during
active construction, thus the study only addressed post construction impacts.
Mayor Haila inquired if endorsement for the best management practices was received from the
Friends of Ada Hayden. Director Diekmann replied that the Friends of Ada Hayden believed it
could endorse the practices pending how the measures were specifically incorporated into the
developments. Mayor Haila noted that the City Council had received a letter from the developers
requesting time to review the report and hear the discussion from the City Council, thus the City
Council would table action on this item.
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.
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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. Traffic Engineer Pregitzer highlighted that due to poor
pavement condition along the East Lincoln Way corridor from Duff Avenue to the South Skunk
River bridge, a roadway reconstruction project was programmed in the City of Ames Capital
Improvements Program as a FY 2026/27 project in the Arterial Street Pavement Improvements
program in the amount of $3,000,000. He furthered that a study is needed on this segment
because it overlaps with a potential road diet identified in Forward 2045 and the high priority
pedestrian crossing locations identified in Walk Bike Roll Ames.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired about the timeframe for the project. Traffic Engineer
Pregitzer noted that since the project is scheduled for FY 2026/27, construction was anticipated
to begin the summer of 2027. Council Member Gartin asked about the plans for bicycle and
pedestrian facilities. Traffic Engineer Pregitzer explained that staff preliminarily anticipated that
a shared use path would be the most appropriate facility for the stretch of road. Mayor Haila then
inquired about shared use path connections. Traffic Engineer Pregitzer noted that it was planned
for the bicycle and pedestrian facilities to be connected to the Grand Avenue trail system.
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 stated that Chapter 400 of the Code of Iowa requires that
cities follow Civil Service rules in the hiring, promotion, discipline, and discharge of most full-
time employees. Civil Service regulations create a more cumbersome process, especially for the
Police Department, explained Director Ballou, that was creating challenges in departments with
multiple vacancies. She furthered that the current process for hiring employees in the Police
Department included certifying a list of eligible candidates at a monthly Civil Service meeting.
Once certified, all names on the list were considered eligible for hire and the City could not
begin a new recruitment until all names from the list had either been hired or removed from the
list.
In July 2024, legislation went into effect that created Iowa Code Section 400.12A that provided
the option for a City Council, by majority vote to suspend certain Civil Service requirements for
a City department for a period of 12 months. Director Ballou noted that staff was requesting that
the City Council authorize this new flexibility to suspend the requirements as they apply to the
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Police Department. She assured the City Council, and Chief of Police Geoff Huff confirmed, that
all candidates would continue to be evaluated for positions based on previously used
requirements, including a preliminary qualifications screening, oral interview, written exam,
Chief's interview, background investigation, psychological exam, polygraph exam, clinical
interview, and physical exam, as applicable for the position.
Council Member Gartin questioned the merit of suspending the requirements for all Civil Service
positions, not specifically constrained to the Police Department. Director Ballou explained that
the Code of Iowa requires that the suspension be on a departmental basis and City Manager
Schainker noted that due to the large number of vacancies in the Police Department, staff was
focused on implementing this provision only for Police employees. Mayor Haila inquired about
public participation in the Civil Service process. Director Ballou noted that the proceedings from
Civil Service meetings are public documents; however, staff had not received a complaint
against a candidate in her tenure.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Anne Kinzel highlighted potential issues with interrupting the Civil Service process, advocating
against suspending the rules.
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 suspend certain Civil Service
hiring practices for the Police Department.
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.
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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: Council Member Betcher sent well wishes to everyone on the west
coast of Florida that was experiencing the effects of the hurricane, highlighting that the National
League of Cities conference was set to be hosted in Tampa in a few weeks.
Council Member Gartin referenced the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that was set to be
added on East Lincoln Way and noted that he recently used the pedestrian facilities that had been
added to the trail south of the west Hy-Vee, drawing attention to the stunning condition of the
trail.
Council Member Rollins reiterated her appreciation of the conversation that surrounded the
Ames Romero House and the requested ZTA. She noted that it was evident that there was
support for those that are unhoused and that the City Council looked forward to more
conversations on the topic.
Mayor Haila noted that he attended the grand opening of the 60 Forward Center and the
dedication ceremony for the Habitat for Humanity homes in the Baker Subdivision, sharing that
both were excellent additions to the Ames community. He also stated that he would be
addressing student government representatives from all Big 12 colleges at a dinner hosted by
Iowa State University Student Government on Friday, October 11th. He highlighted that he was
looking forward to sharing about how the City of Ames partners with and values the input of
students.
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
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Renee Hall, City Clerk