HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - August 13, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA AUGUST 13, 2024
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:05
p.m. on the 13th day of August 2024, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. City Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri,
Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins were present. Ex officio Emily Boland was also
present.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WATER AND WASTEWATER WORKERS WEEK," AUGUST
18-24, 2024: Director of Water and Pollution Control (W&PC) John Dunn and Assistant Director of
W&PC Parul Baranwal accepted the proclamation from Mayor Haila. Assistant Director Baranwal
expressed her gratitude for the proclamation and highlighted the critical work done by the W&PC
Department to benefit the citizens of Ames.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION - RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NIGHT OUT/HOPE IN
CHRIST EVENT AND BLAST BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS: Community Member Jenn
Petersen and Chief of Police Geoff Huff presented on the success of National Night Out and ways
for the community to be involved in next year’s event. Ms. Petersen detailed all the community
organizations who had worked together to make the event possible and thanked the community for
supporting the event.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Beatty-Hansen requested to pull Item No. 11.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item No. 11.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on July 23, 2024,
and Special City Council Meeting on August 6, 2024
5. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
6. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period July 16-31, 2024
7. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Walgreens
#12108, 2719 Grand Avenue
8. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class F Retail Alcohol License - Green Hills
Residents' Association, 2200 Hamilton Drive Suite #100
9. Motion approving Premise Update for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Celaya, 217 South
Duff Avenue
10. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Liquor License with Outdoor
Service - Sips and Paddys, 126 Welch Avenue on:
a. September 20 - September 22, 2024 and
b. October 4 - October 6, 2024
11. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
- Wheatsfield Cooperative, 413 Northwestern Avenue, September 15 - September 16,
2024, Pending Dramshop Review
12. Motion approving New 5-Day License (September 10 - September 14, 2024) for Special
Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Apres Bar Co., 1930 East 13th Street
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13. Motion approving 5-Day License (September 2 - September 6, 2024) for Special Class C
Retail Alcohol License - Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, 2321 North Loop Drive
14. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Sams Place,
125 Main Street
15. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Neighborhood Liquor Mart, 3505
Lincoln Way Suite 105, Pending Favorable DIA Inspection
16. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Iowa State Center - CY Stephens (1900 Center Drive), Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service
b. Kwik Stop Liquor & Groceries, (125 6th Street), Class E Retail Alcohol License
17. RESOLUTION NO. 24-436 approving revisions to Personnel Policies - Compensation
Policy
18. RESOLUTION NO. 24-437 approving amendment to extend COTA Annual Grant
completion date for The Buxton Initiative
19. RESOLUTION NO. 24-438 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending
June 30, 2024
20. RESOLUTION NO. 24-439 setting August 27, 2024, as the date of public hearing for the
Sale of Real Property at Hunziker Youth Sports Complex (800 Billy Sunday Road) to the
State of Iowa for Highway 30 Improvements
21. RESOLUTION NO. 24-440 approving Professional Services Agreement with WHKS &
Co. of Ames, Iowa for the 2024/25 Traffic System Capacity Improvements (13th &
Grand) in an amount not to exceed $326,750
22. RESOLUTION NO. 24-441 approving 2024-2027 intergovernmental agreement with
Metro Waste Authority for a satellite Household Hazardous Materials collection and
disposal operation at an annual cost of $98,838, and an annual increase for subsequent
years based on CPI-U
23. RESOLUTION NO. 24-442 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
Auditorium HVAC Replacement Project; setting September 4, 2024 as bid due date and
September 10, 2024 as date of public hearing
24. RESOLUTION NO. 24-443 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2024/25 Water System Improvements Program (N Russell Avenue - Lincoln Way to N
2nd Street) project, setting September 4, 2024, as the bid due date and September 10,
2024, as the date of Public Hearing
25. RESOLUTION NO. 24-444 to waive the City’s purchasing policy requirement for formal
bidding procedures and award a contract to Metro Waste Authority, Des Moines, IA for
landfill tipping fees for ash disposal for the Power Plant in the amount of $100,000
26. RESOLUTION NO. 24-445 awarding a purchase order to Border States Electric, Ames,
Iowa for the purchase of steel light poles in the amount of $53,955.56
27. RESOLUTION NO. 24-446 accepting 2020/21 Concrete Pavement Improvements
Program (Ford St, Bell Ave, S. 17th St, S. Kellogg Ave) project as completed by Con-
Struct Inc. of Ames, Iowa in the amount of $664,014
28. RESOLUTION NO. 24-447 accepting 2022/23 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
(Oakwood Road) as completed by Con-Struct, Ames, Iowa in the amount of
$2,065,963.02
29. RESOLUTION NO. 24-448 accepting Water Treatment Plant, Southeast Wellfield, and
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Technical Services Complex Security Fence Improvements as completed by American
Fence Company in the amount of $83,226.80
30. RESOLUTION NO. 24-449 approving partial completion and reducing financial security
for public improvements of Quarry Estates 4th Addition to $21,850
31. RESOLUTION NO. 24-450 accepting partial completion and reducing financial security
for public improvements of Quarry Estates Subdivision 3rd Addition to $20,205
32. RESOLUTION NO. 24-451 reducing project retainage for the 2021/22 Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation (Ames High School and Veenker Golf) project to $20,000
33. 2022/23 East 13th Street Sanitary Sewer Extension Project
a) RESOLUTION NO. 24-452 reducing project retainage to $10,000
b) RESOLUTION NO. 24-453 approving Change Order No. 2 for an increase in the
amount if $111,917.96 to the contract
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR SERVICE FOR WHEATSFIELD COOPERATIVE: Council
Member Beatty-Hansen stated that she pulled the item to abstain due to conflict of interest.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to approve Temporary Outdoor Service for Special Class
C Retail Alcohol License - Wheatsfield Cooperative, 413 Northwestern Avenue, September 15 -
September 16, 2024, Pending Dramshop Review.
Vote on Motion: 5-0-1, Beatty-Hansen abstaining due to conflict of interest. Motion declared
carried unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Richard Deyo, 505 8th Street #2, Ames, shared his experience with community businesses.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
DOWNTOWN FACADE GRANT FUNDING ELIGIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE
ACTIVITIES AND REAR FACADES: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
highlighted the two policy issues to be discussed, which were determining if maintenance activities
on a building fit the intent of the program, and if work on the rear façade would be eligible in the
future. The current program is targeted at front façades only, so the program would have to be
expanded to encompass those activities if the City Council determined to adapt the program,
explained Director Diekmann. He noted recent increased funding for the program in May 2023
that may allow for these activities to be funded if the City Council were interested in expanding
the scope of the program. Director Diekmann stated that previously funding was not available for
maintenance and rear façade work as the City Council’s priority was to improve the front facades
of Downtown businesses. He stated that staff was looking for the City Council’s priorities and
direction as there was not a program within the City to mirror the Downtown Façade Grant
program after.
Council Member Gartin inquired if staff believed the grant amount was sufficient. Director
Diekmann stated that the program is sized to allow for award of three $25,000 grants each year.
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Council Member Betcher questioned if extensive outreach would be needed and how much staff
time would be involved. Director Diekmann expressed that the staff time would be minimal as the
conversations would take place internally, and that outreach was done with Downtown
stakeholders the previous year. Council Member Betcher also noted that Downtown was in the
process of developing a new visioning plan, which may change the City Council’s priorities in the
future. She expressed that historic preservation trends had changed, and that focus had shifted to
maintaining historic structures along with activities such as restoring façades. She expressed her
view that the addition of maintenance would work to support diverse housing options and added
to community vitality by ensuring that Historic Downtown is maintained.
Mayor Haila asked Director Diekmann to clarify why maintenance had been excluded previously.
Director Diekmann shared that his understanding was that previous City Council’s focus had been
on updating as many storefronts as possible. Council Member Betcher had shared her expertise as
a former member of the Historic Preservation Commission that previously downtown had a
significant need for storefront updates and to bring buildings into a more historic design. She
expressed that goal had been largely achieved.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Scott Moorman, 226 Main Street, Ames, spoke in favor of expanding the program and encouraged
the City Council to consider the importance of the rear facing façades. He stated that 35-40%
store’s foot traffic comes from rear entrances, making the rear façade an important first impression.
Mr. Moorman also shared that the goal of maintenance work specifically on his building would be
to fill windows in and add a mural. He noted that maintenance contributes to aesthetic, and that
his hope was to open the door for downtown businesses to maximize the program.
Taylor, Ames Resident, shared that he worked with an organization at 702 Clark Avenue. He
echoed Mr. Moorman’s comments on the importance of rear facades to those who utilize the free
parking behind Main Street.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Director Diekmann stated the funds for the program were eligible to be rolled over each fiscal
year, so that funds were available for years where staff may receive greater applicants. He clarified
that the program was only available to businesses within the Downtown District. Council Member
Beatty-Hansen shared that rear façades seemed like a logical step to enhance Downtown. Council
Member Rollins echoed that the rear façades were a second face for the Downtown District and
noted that in the future standards may need to be developed for the upper stories of buildings that
include housing. She furthered her preference for funding to go to existing façades, with
maintenance as a lower priority. Council Member Gartin encouraged the City Council to consider
what alley renovations in the future may entail. Council Member Betcher shared her desire to
preserve historic elements and not incentivize removal of historic elements. She furthered that she
would prefer to see maintenance as the third category in the grant program and to see the program
limited to the buildings that are classified as contributing to the historic Downtown District.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to come back with language that expands
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the grant program to cover rear façades of buildings that contribute to the Downtown Historic
District and expand the grant programs language to cover structural maintenance of those buildings
with the understanding that the current grant guidelines will be priority, with maintenance being the
lower priority to the existing program.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
INITIATION OF VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION IN WEST AMES ALONG ONTARIO
STREET AND LINCOLN WAY: Director Diekmann noted the acceptance of the application
would be the beginning of a two-step process, which would initiate the annexation notification process
and then return to the City Council for a Public Hearing. He stated that this request was compliant with
Ames Plan 2040 and would facilitate further development of City-owned land nearby including a new
park development.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-454 to accept voluntary
annexation application and include two City of Ames parcels.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and made a
portion of these Minutes.
MOTION APPROVING/DENYING A CLASS C RETAIL LICENSE - CELAYA, 217
SOUTH DUFF: Chief Huff reviewed the history of the item by stating that on June 11, 2024, the
City Council considered a request made by the Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) of the Iowa
Department of Revenue for the City's opinion regarding a potential settlement between ABD and
Celaya, located at 217 South Duff Avenue. He explained that prior to finalizing any settlement
with Celaya, ABD wanted to give City Council the opportunity to provide its opinion as to whether
ABD should move forward with revocation of Celaya's liquor license or allow Celaya to surrender
its liquor license for a period of time as an alternative to revocation. At that time, the City Council
chose to advise ABD to proceed with revocation. Chief Huff furthered that ABD issued an order
on June 27, 2024, which revoked Celaya's liquor license. Celaya had appealed that order, and a
hearing would be held before an Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Inspections
and Appeals in the coming months.
The license was before the City Council for consideration due to Celaya having applied for renewal
of the 12-month Class C Retail Alcohol License, stated Chief Huff. He cited that a review of the
police records for past 12 months found four consecutive compliance check failures: September
30, 2023, November 3, 2023, November 17, 2023, and February 23, 2024. Additionally, he
referred to Iowa Code Section 123.50(3)(d) which stated: "A fourth violation [involving the sale
of alcohol to a person under the legal age] within three years shall result in revocation of the
license." Chief Huff stated that these factors contributed to the decision to recommend denial of
the license.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Katie Scott, Legal Representative for Celaya, expressed her belief that the City Council was not
compelled to deny the license, but rather could wait for the Iowa Department of Alcohol Beverages
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Division (ABD) to rule in the revocation proceedings. She stated that the code was intended to
guide ABD’s procedures, rather than the local authorities. Ms. Scott advocated for the business
citing high turnover from previous businesses in that location. She requested that the City allow
the administrative process through ABD to take its due course.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to deny Class C Retail Alcohol License – Celaya, 217
South Duff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (W&PC) FACILITY NUTRIENT REDUCTION
MODIFICATIONS PHASE 1: Director Dunn presented the CAF alongside Assistant Director
Baranwal and Strand and Associates Project Manager Travis Anderson. Director Dunn stated that the
main objective for staff was to seek approval of awarding a contract to move forward with the project.
Assistant Director Baranwal noted that the W&PC Facility had been considered an advanced facility
and boasted 34 years of compliance with all applicable standards. However, the W&PC Facility was
not constructed with nutrient reduction process in mind, and without improvements would fall out of
compliance with adopted standards for nutrient reduction. The updated standards increased from 36%
to 67% nitrogen removal and 19% to 75% phosphorus removal, which the current system is not
equipped to handle. She furthered that equipment was being utilized past its recommended life span
which made additional infrastructure investments critical.
Project Manager Anderson reviewed the two planned phases for the project and what steps were
included in each phase. He explained that the W&PC Facility would be transitioned to an activated
sludge system, which would remove nutrients and enhance energy efficiency. This process also entailed
replacing screening and grit removal. Project Manager Anderson stated that these improvements would
allow for greater capacity in the W&PC Facility and the City. He noted that this project was designed
to facilitate expansion beyond the 20-year planning cycle.
Director Dunn reviewed that the plan for improvements had been submitted to the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) for approval, which the W&PC Facility was approved for. He shared that
through the bidding process two bids were received. The low bid, Woodruff Construction, was a
contractor who had completed previous work at the W&PC Facility and determined to be the lowest
responsible bidder. Project Manager Anderson presented the pricing breakdown of the bids received.
He stated that the electrical component of the project was the greatest factor for the additional costs due
to the electrical market experiencing extreme disruption from supply chain issues. This led to lead times
for equipment being over two years, while contractors were also facing a shortage of electrician labor.
He further explained that Woodruff Construction performed their due diligence, and the price was
reflective of the current bidding climate.
Council Member Betcher inquired on the timeline of the City losing compliance status for the WPC
Facility. Director Dunn stated that a 20-year plan had been accepted by the DNR, which was in effect
through 2038. The current permit required the WPC Facility to make progress over the course of the
planned timeframe. Council Member Gartin questioned what portion of the project was designated for
nutrient removal, and which was for needed maintenance and improvements. Director Dunn responded
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that approximately 50% of the project cost was designated for infrastructure improvements. Council
Member Gartin requested a more in-depth explanation of the price discrepancy. Project Manager
Anderson explained that inflation was built into the model, but that the price increases were significantly
higher than what Strand and Associates had experienced with similar bid packages in the spring. He
stated that the electrical field was experiencing extreme volatility through labor shortage and equipment
delays. Council Member Gartin asked Project Manager Anderson to verify his opinion on whether or
not to rebid the project. Project Manager Anderson explained that the unanimous consensus was that to
rebid would result in higher prices.
Mayor Haila questioned the accuracy of the electrical portion of the bid with unknown lead times and
the volatility of the market. Project Manager Anderson stated that wastewater equipment pricing was
more stable, which led to greater predictability. However, electrical components were different as the
market was active, making it difficult to get firm pricing. Mayor Haila inquired about the status of the
trickling filters during Phase 1 of the project. Project Manager Anderson stated that the trickling filters
would still be active to allow for additional capacity. He furthered that not all four trickling filters needed
to be in use at once and new aeration would allow for alleviation of stress on the system. Mayor Haila
and staff engaged in discussion around options for acquiring the copper needed for the project. Project
Manager Anderson shared that the project would permit removal of up to 90% of nitrogen and
phosphorus to keep the facility in compliance beyond the 20-year plan.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Water Pollution Control Facility Nutrient
Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project:
a) RESOLUTION NO. 24-455 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a
contract to Woodruff Construction, Inc. of Ames, Iowa in the amount of $53,370,000
b) Motion directing staff to: 1) Pursue reductions in the contract cost via change order(s); 2)
Adjust the CIP to eliminate the TSC Building Renovation Project; 3) Adjust the CIP to
reduce the Watershed-based Nutrient Reduction Program, and 4) Present an alternate rate
increase strategy to the City Council for future consideration.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion/Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
FY 2022/23 STORY COUNTY EDGE OF FIELD PROJECT: Council Member Beatty-
Hansen questioned if the decision to reject the bid was related to the Water Pollution Control
Facility Nutrient Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project. Director Dunn replied in the negative and
stated that the project would be rebid with a longer construction period.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to reject the bid for the FY 2022/23 Story County
Edge of Field Project.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING FOR APPROVAL OF 2024-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND 2024-2025
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN IN CONNECTION WITH THE CITY'S COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT (CDBG) & HOME PROGRAMS: Housing Coordinator Baker-Latimer
provided an overview of the proposed 2024-29 Consolidated Plan and the 2024-25 Annual
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Action Plan in connection with the City’s Community Development (CDBG) and HOME
programs. Coordinator Baker-Latimer reviewed the goals and priorities for each category of the
Plan. She noted that three comments were received and evaluated in the Plan’s development and
answered questions from the City Council.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-456 approving
the 2024-2029 Consolidated Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and made a
portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-457 approving
the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made
a portion of these minutes.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS AROUND HOMELESSNESS: Assistant City Manager
Pa Vang Goldbeck explained that there was a noticeable increase in the homeless population in
Ames and staff want to better understand the varying reasons behind the increase, the services
available to those who are homeless, and those on the verge of being homeless. Assistant City
Manager Vang Goldbeck stated that she anticipated other funders to contribute as well. Staff was
requesting $12,000 of allocated but undesignated ASSET funds to hire a consultant to assist in
facilitating community conversations. Council Member Gartin questioned the scope of
communities that would be evaluated by the consultant. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck
responded that there was activity around the topic at the state level, with a report anticipated in
October. She noted that staff hoped to utilize the information in that report as well, and anticipated
beginning facilitating conversations in September, with recommendations coming back to the City
Council in early winter.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 24-458 authorizing
staff to enter into an agreement with a consultant for up to $12,000 to assist with hosting
community conversations around homelessness.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE UPDATING ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS TO
CHAPTER 5B AND CHAPTER 22A OF AMES MUNICIPAL CODE: Moved by Corrieri,
seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an Ordinance updating enforcement
provisions to Chapter 5B and Chapter 22A of Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CHAPTER 28, ELECTRIC RATE MODIFICATIONS: City Attorney Mark Lambert presented
the memo and explained the proper effective date determined by staff.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to amend the Ordinance by establishing that the rates and
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charges will become effective beginning with the bills mailed on November 1, 2024.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4537 to change electric rates to adopt revenue-neutral rate adjustments to better align with cost-
of-service study recommendations, to add optional Time-of-Use rates, and to adjust the Large
Customer Interruptible Option bill credits.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila stated that there
were nine items for the City Council’s consideration. A request for delay in 2126 State Avenue
Annexation Process from Oren Geisinger III and family was the first item to be considered.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request staff notify the resident that a staff
memo was in progress.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared unanimously.
A request for healthy grocery store options from Tuyishime Florance was the next item. The Mayor
stated that no action was needed.
Next, an email from Bob Haug with input on changes to electric rates was discussed. The Mayor
stated that the item was for information only.
A request for indoor aqua aerobics classes from Betty Barton was addressed. The Mayor stated
that no action was needed.
An email from Jeff Bryant regarding tailgating in Stuart Smith Park at home football games was
considered next.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to request the City Manager respond.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
An energy efficiency funding opportunity shared by Lee Anne Wilson was the next item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to share the suggestion with the Sustainability
Coordinator.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Then, a beautification project proposal from Nathaniel Kuhn, on behalf of FUEL Young
Professionals, was discussed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to request a more thorough proposal.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Nuisance complaints from Balinda Ellsworth were addressed next. The Mayor stated that no action
was needed.
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Finally, an email from Rusty Brammer regarding a homeless camp was considered.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request the City Manager reach out to the
railroad.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: No bodies had met since the previous meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland shared her excitement to be back in Ames and
shared projects Iowa State University’s Student Government would be working on in the upcoming
school year.
Council Member Rollins shared her desire to hear from staff regarding a program for tree removal
and sidewalk repair to assist with costs for homeowners to ensure affordability. She shared her
excitement over a meeting with The Community Academy to hear which programs had been
undertaken through the summer.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request a memo from staff on a potential
sidewalk repair and tree removal program, potential funding sources, requirements, and how the
program would operate.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin shared that he attended a funeral of an individual who died by suicide and
encouraged the community to come together and work to end the stigma around mental health.
Council Member Betcher thanked staff for working through the issue of the Downtown pillars and
the ability to preserve the historic tiles within the pillars. She also shared that Rummage RAMPage
was a successful endeavor and shared her attendance at an Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference
that discussed how to successfully implement AI in municipalities.
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.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to go into closed session at 8:32 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 9:28 p.m.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to move forward with the course of action as
presented in the Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk