HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 2024 Monthly Project Highlights
Contact the City Manager's Office at 515-239-5101
515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Report compiled by
Jeramy Neefus, Principal Clerk
City Manager's Office
DECEMBER 2024
MONTHLY PROJECTHIGHLIGHTS
CITY OFFICE
Homelessness Service Providers Roundtables: In partnership with the Analysis of Social
Services Evaluation Team (ASSET), City staff coordinated two roundtable discussions for service
providers who work with the unhoused population in some capacity. Each gathering brought
together more than 40 individuals to discuss current challenges, share strategies, and coordinate
responses. Staff is compiling a master list of resources available in the community. These meetings
are first steps in a larger project of understanding homelessess in Ames and creating a plan to
address the issue.
2
LIBRARY
Ames Repair Café: The next Ames Repair Café will be held Saturday, January 18, from 10:00
a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Repair cafés are popular events where volunteers help fix broken items to give
them a longer life cycle. There is no charge for repairs at this event. For more information, visit
https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/event/RepairCafe-01-25.
Library Carpet Project: Ames Public Library's
current carpet has seen nearly 4 million visitors
and, despite diligent cleaning and maintenance,
needs a refresh in many of the public areas.
The upcoming carpet project at the Library is
anticipated to begin January 13, and will cause
some unavoidable disruption for library visitors.
The library will remain open through the project,
but parts of the building will be closed to the
public during certain phases.
The main Youth Services area is expected to take
3-4 weeks to complete, while the Adult Services
floor is scheduled for 6-8 weeks. (These will be
worked on concurrently.) While the shelves are inaccessible, small curated collections will be
available in the Lobby. Library users will also be able to request and pick up holds, though
processing may be slower due to items being inaccessible. Due dates will be extended, so
customers can stock up and keep items during the disruption.
A computer lab with printing, scanning, and faxing will be available in the Danfoss Room. (There
will be a 2 hour time limit when demand is high.) Laptops will also be available for use inside the
Library. Some storytimes and events will continue during the project. Find out what's happening
at www.AmesPL.org/events.
Patience is appreciated as staff works to keep the library clean and inviting! For more information
and updates, visit www.AmesPL.org/carpet.
3
MLK Day Events: Ames Public Library will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
with a special storytime Saturday, January 18, at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome!
The Library is also part of the Ames/Story County Community MLK Day Celebration. This year’s
event will be held at Ames City Hall on Monday, January 20. The event will begin with a social
from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Toyia K. Younger, Senior Vice
President for Student Affairs at Iowa State University, will be this year’s keynote speaker. More
information is available at www.CityOfAmes.org/MLKCelebration.
4
POLICE
Drones: The Police Department is in the final stages of purchasing two drones. The drones will
increase the capability of the department to assist in searches for missing people, crime scene
investigation, and situational awareness for tactical situations. They may also be used for other
emergency circumstances such as special events, flooding, fires, and other weather-related events.
The drones will be available to other City departments for use.
5
RESOURCE RECOVERY
One Year Anniversary of Drop-Off Recycling: The Resource Recovery Plant’s self-service
recycling center celebrated its first year of operation at the end of December. The program offers
24/7 drop-off recycling for cardboard, mixed paper, glass, certain plastics, metals, and food waste.
The facility is located on the north side of the Resource Recovery Plant at 420 N. Second Street.
Recycling Numbers for
Drop-Off Recycling
January 1 –
December 9, 2024
Cardboard 85 tons
Plastics 9 tons
Mixed Paper 23 tons
Food Waste 29.5 tons
Glass 222 tons