HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 16, 2024, Special Meeting of the Ames City Council1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 16, 2024
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:15
p.m. on the 16th day of January, 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. Ex officio Jeff Clark was absent. Council
Member Gloria Betcher entered the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
WORKSHOP: City Manager Steve Schainker began the staff presentation of the recommended
five-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for fiscal years (FY) 2024-2028. Staff divided the
presentation into five categories: 1) Public Safety, 2) Utilities Program, 3) Transportation
Program, 4) Culture and Recreation Program, and 5) Other.
Fire Chief Rich Higgins discussed the Public Safety component of the CIP, highlighting the three
projects included in the CIP for the Fire Department. The Utilities Program followed with
Electric Services Director Don Kom reviewing the Electric Services projects that were divided in
the major groups of beneficial electrification, transmission/distribution, and power plant related
activities. Director of Water and Pollution Control John Dunn continued the Utilities Program
with discussion of projects related to Water Production/Treatment and Water Pollution Control.
The Utilities Program was completed by Director of Public Works John Joiner who provided an
overview of Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer System, Stormwater Management, and Resource
Recovery projects.
Director Joiner continued, transitioning to the Transportation Program with input from Traffic
Engineer Damion Pregitzer. Jointly, they discussed Street Improvements, Shared Use Paths,
Traffic Improvements, Street Rehabilitation, and Airport activities. Transit Director Barb Neal
concluded the Transportation Program with discussion of the Transit System projects before
turning it over to Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham to review Culture and
Recreation Programs. Mr. Abraham reviewed facility and user improvement projects for the
Parks and Recreation activities as well as the Cemetery.
City Manager Schainker concluded the presentation with review of Library projects as well as
the Downtown and Campustown Façade Program and Neighborhood Improvements Program.
He then reviewed five new projects that were not included in the CIP but would need to be
prioritized by the City Council within the next year. These projects included: Animal Control
Shelter (new), Fire Station #2 (relocation), Fire Station #4 (new), Indoor Recreation Center
(new), and Ontario Park Development (new). He also discussed debt capacity comparisons with
input from Director Goodenow.
The members of the City Council engaged with City staff during each section of the presentation
to gather clarifications on project specifics and inquire about status updated for current projects.
The Mayor closed the workshop portion of the agenda by thanking City staff for their time and
efforts.
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DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there was
one item from Lee Anne Wilson regarding the Climate Action Plan which did not require action
by the City Council.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and Council Members reported on various meetings
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
Subject to change as finalized by the City Clerk.
For a final official copy, contact the City Clerkâs Office at 515-239-5105.