HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - July 11, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE AMES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION (AAMPO) TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JULY 11, 2023
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Policy Committee
meeting was called to order by Ames Mayor and voting member John Haila at 6:00 p.m. on the
11th day of July, 2023. Other voting members present were: Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, City of
Ames; Amber Corrieri, City of Ames; Tim Gartin, City of Ames; Rachel Junck, City of Ames;
Anita Rollins, City of Ames; and Linda Murken, Story County Board of Supervisors.
IOWA DISTRIBUTION FORMULA FOR METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION (MPO) PLANNING FUNDS: Transportation Planner Kyle Thompson
explained that the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) distributes federal funding to all the
Iowa MPOs for transportation planning work and activities each year. With every census, the
IDOT reviews the distribution methodology, and this year the IDOT has proposed a different
allocation formula. Planner Thompson discussed how the current formula compared to the
proposed formula, highlighting that the AAMPO would expect an approximate $2,000 increase in
funding in FY 2025 if the proposed PL funding allocation methodology were used.
Council Member Gartin inquired about the potential downsides of the proposed formula. Planner
Thompson noted that there were no apparent downsides, sharing that the impacts on funding are
minor for most Iowa MPOs. He explained that the main function of the proposal is to protect MPOs
from potential rapid population declines. Public Works Director John Joiner agreed, adding that
the proposed formula also protects MPOs from extreme changes in funding levels that could also
be due to a rapid increase in population of another MPO.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Murken, to support the proposed Iowa distribution formula for
MPO transportation PL funds.
Vote on Motion: 7-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON FINAL FY 2024-2027 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM: Transportation Planner Thompson shared that there were no substantial
amendments to note. He furthered that there were no public comments received by staff during the
public comment period; however, staff received and addressed one minor comment from the
IDOT.
Ames Mayor John Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Murken, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-393 approving FY 2024-
2027 Transportation Improvement Program.
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Vote on Motion: 7-0. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the Chair, and hereby made a portion
of these Minutes.
POLICY COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Director Joiner shared that the next meeting of the
AAMPO would be Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. during which time the consultants from
the 190th Street Corridor Study and S. Duff Avenue Interchange and Corridor Study would be in
attendance to present the findings.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Murken, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 6:06 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 7-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JULY 11, 2023
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:07
p.m. on the 11th day of July, 2023, 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 Tabitha Etten was also present. Council
Member Gloria Betcher was absent.
PROCLAMATION FOR “PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH,” JULY 2023: Mayor
Haila proclaimed July 2023 Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting that parks and recreation
promotes health and wellness and encourages physical activities by providing a space for
recreation. Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham accepted the proclamation with
Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort. Director Abraham shared his gratitude for the Mayor,
City Council, and community in supporting the goals of the Ames Parks and Recreation
Department. He noted that the National Parks and Recreation Association conducts an agency
performance review every year and he discussed the available statistics:
• The national average residents per park is approximately 2,300; in Ames, there are 1,600
residents per park
• The national average residents per playground is roughly 3,800; in Ames, there are 1,800
residents per playground
• The national average of acres of parkland per 1,000 residents is 10.8 acres, while the
average in Ames is 19.2 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents
• The national average operating expenditure per capita is almost $95, while the average
operating expenditure per capita in Ames is less than $80
Mr. Abraham emphasized that Ames performs better than the national average in all areas while
doing so at a lower operating cost. Superintendent Kort shared that the theme for Parks and
Recreation Month is “Where Community Grows,” which celebrates the vital role parks and
recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and
fostering the growth of communities. She highlighted the calendar of events to celebrate the month
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and encouraged the community to get out and enjoy the many parks and facilities that Ames has
to offer.
PRESENTATION COMMEMORATING AMES’ 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A
SISTER CITY WITH KOSHU CITY, JAPAN: Cindy Hicks, Chair of the Ames International
Partner Cities Association, provided the presentation along with Eric Smidt, Vice President of
Marketing and Communications for the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hicks noted that in
1993 the City of Ames signed an agreement with Koshu to embark on a friendship that would be
based on cultural and educational exchanges. Since that time, hundreds of Ames residents and
Ames middle school students have made the journey to Koshu and have in return hosted Koshu
residents and Koshu middle school students in their homes. She furthered that this connection has
created opportunity for Ames citizens, children, and City officials to experience and explore other
cultures. This type of person-to-person diplomacy is especially beneficial for Ames youth,
teaching them to respect and celebrate the differences in all people.
In June, a delegation of 10 people traveled to reconnect and celebrate the 30-year milestone. Ms.
Hicks noted that each delegate added value to the trip, asked questions, and looked for new
opportunities for the City of Ames. She furthered that on the trip the delegates took the time to
examine the sister city relationship and determine if it was worth maintaining. The answer was a
resounding “yes.” Ms. Hicks said that the delegation discovered the desire to broaden the goals of
the connection. Mr. Smidt elaborated upon this desire, highlighting that one of the goals is to raise
awareness across the community about the relationship and partnership. Mr. Smidt noted that to
accomplish this, he is dedicating a spread in the Ames Chamber of Commerce magazine to sharing
this story.
Ms. Hicks presented the Japanese Hanging Dolls that were gifted to the City of Ames from Koshu.
She shared that the hanging dolls were a tradition that started in the Edo period when Japanese
farmers would hang the dolls outside of their windows to ensure good weather. She elaborated that
this gift is a symbolic well wish for good weather for the City of Ames, adding that it seems
appropriate from one agricultural community to another. The Mayor the presented a
commemorative plaque gifted to the City that highlighted the 30th anniversary milestone. He
shared that both the Japanese Hanging Dolls and plaque would be added to the Sister City display
case, which is available for public viewing. Ms. Hicks announced the plan of events for AIPCA
for the coming year before closing the presentation.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila noted that the agenda had been amended to include an
Additional Item setting July 27, 2023, as a Regular City Council Meeting. He also stated that staff
had requested to pull Item No. 7.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the consent agenda as amended less
Item No. 7.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
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4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Special Meeting on June 20, 2023, and Summary
of Regular Meeting on June 27, 2023
5. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period June 16 – 30, 2023
6. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
Additional Item: Motion setting July 27, 2023, as an additional Regular City Council meeting
beginning at 6:00 p.m.
7. Motion approving new Special Class C Retail Alcohol License – Alluvial Brewing Company,
3715 West 190th Street, Pending Dramshop Review
8. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License – Rinconcito Hispano Tienda Y
Taqueria, 838 Wheeler Street Suite #1
9. Motion approving ownership updates for Class F Retail Alcohol License – Green Hills
Residents’ Association, 2200 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
10. Motion approving five-day license (July 24 – 28, 2023) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
– Thirsty Pigs, LLC, 3600 University Boulevard, Pending Favorable Inspection
11. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Class C Liquor License – Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 105 Chestnut Street
b. Class C Liquor License with Living Quarters – Sportsman’s Lounge, 123 Main Street
c. Class E Liquor License – AJ’s Liquor II, 2515 Chamberlain Street
d. Special Class C Liquor License – Huhot Mongolian Grill, 703 S. Duff Avenue
Suite#105
e. Class C Liquor License – 313 Bar, 115 5th Street
12. RESOLUTION NO. 23-394 authorizing the expenditure of $5,000 ($4,000 Council Operating
Budget and $1,000 Ames Human Relations Commission) in support of the 2023 Symposium
on Building Inclusive Organizations
13. RESOLUTION NO. 23-395 approving contract renewal for the purchase of oils, lubricants,
and fluid analysis with Diamond Oil Company of Des Moines, Iowa for the Fleet Services and
Transit in accordance with unit prices bid for FY 2023/24
14. RESOLUTION NO. 23-345 approving contract renewal with Pioneer Industrial Corporation,
Kansas City, Missouri, for the Valve Maintenance, Related Services and Supplies Contract in
an amount not to exceed $85,000
15. RESOLUTION NO. 23-396 approving contract renewal with MPW Industrial Water Services,
Inc. of Hebron, Ohio for Bottle Exchange Program and Related Services Contract for the
Power Plant, for one year period from date of award through June 30, 2024, in an amount not
to exceed $50,000
16. RESOLUTION NO. 23-397 approving Change Order 2, the balancing Change Order, for the
2020/21 Right of Way Restoration (Standard Vegetation), a contract reduction in the amount
of $42,408.46
17. Water Pollution Control Facility Biosolids Disposal
a. RESOLUTION NO. 23-398 accepting completion of the FY 2022/23 biosolids contract
in a final amount of $89,200.30
b. RESOLUTION NO. 23-399 awarding the FY 2023/24 contract for biosolids disposal
to Wulfekuhle Injection and Pumping, Peosta, Iowa, with payment based on the unit
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prices bid of $5,000.00 lump sum for mobilization/demobilization and $0.0275/gallon
for biosolids hauling operations, with the total contract amount not to exceed
$92,187.50
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Rick Exner, 1014 Murray Drive, Ames, spoke in regard to the proposed Minimum Property
Maintenance Ordinance, sharing his support to lower the 10-foot clearance above the sidewalk.
He shared that each day on his walk he enjoys a charming bower of small trees arching over the
sidewalk at the corner of Northwestern Avenue and 24th Street. He noted that the lowest branches
of the arbor are about eight feet of the ground and the property owner shared with him that every
year the City received one complaint about the property. He added that thus far, the property owner
had been able to work with the City Forester to avoid removal of the vegetation. He encouraged
the City Council to consider action other than the “one size fits all” leeway that would rise the
overhead clearance requirement to 10-feet.
Ken Platt, 3620 Woodland Street, Ames, shared his concern regarding the removal of the stop
signs at the intersection of Woodland Street and West Street. He presented a visual aid to illustrate
the issue, walking the members of the City Council through the dangerous situations that he had
observed since the removal of the stop signs. He noted that the Ames Police Department has sent
officers to monitor traffic speeds in the area, with the police cars prominently visible, drivers
tended to slow down. He concluded by urging the City Council to consider reinstallation of the
stop signs to ensure pedestrian safety.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR RAGBRAI ON MAIN ON TUESDAY,
JULY 25: Crystal Davis of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Kevin Bourke of Discover Ames
were available for questions.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve a blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for
closed area.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to approve 5-day (July 25-29) Class C Liquor
Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service for Ames Main Street for closed area.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-400 approving closure of
the following: Main Street, from just east of the Wells Fargo drive through entrance to the east
entrance to the CBD lot on the 100 Block; Burnett Avenue, from Main Street to the U.S. Bank
drive-through entrance; Kellogg Avenue, from the CBD lot to Main north to 5th Street; Douglas
Avenue, between Main Street and 5th Street; Tom Evans Plaza.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-401 approving closure of
147 metered parking spaces, suspension of parking regulations and waiver of fees within closed
area form 6:00 a.m. Tuesday July 25, until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday July 26.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-402 approving usage and
waiver of electrical fees for event.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-403 approving waiver of
enforcement of Section 17.16 of Municipal Code related to minors prohibited on certain premises
with respect only to proposed downtown entertainment area for event.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-404 approving
waiver of enforcement of Section 17.17 of Municipal Code related to alcohol consumption in parks
with respect only to Tom Evans Plaza for event.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A SEWER REVENUE LOAN AND
DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT TO BORROW MONEY THEREUNDER IN A
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,150,000: Mayor Haila opened and closed the
Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-405 instituting proceeding
to take additional action for the authorization of a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and the
issuance of not-to-exceed $2,150,000 Sewer Revenue Bonds (SRF Loan).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
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Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-406 approving final plans
and specifications and awarding contract to Jet Drain Services, LLC in the amount of
$1,353,819.00 for the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation – US HWY 69 Spot Repairs.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-407 approving contract
and bond with Jet Drain Services, LLC.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO VACATE THE EXISTING FIFTEEN FEET (15’) PUBLIC
UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS TWO (2) AND THREE (3), NORTH
DAYTON INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION, FIRST ADDITION, AMES, IOWA: The Public
Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-408 approving vacating
Public Utility Easement.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING OF 314 BORNE AVENUE FROM GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
(GI) TO GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT DISTRICT (S-GA): Mayor Haila opened the Public
Hearing.
Rod Mumm, 5620 McFarland Avenue, Ames, shared his concerns as the property owner of an
adjacent parcel regarding water runoff. He explained that from his understanding it is the intent of
the City to add a third building to the property, and with the lack of storm sewers along Borne
Avenue and E. 2nd Street, he wondered where the water runoff would go. He further discussed
pollution and litter from the Resource Recovery Plant, which he urged the City Council to address.
Ralph Goebel, 1518 Wilson Avenue, Ames, stated that he was also a property owner of an adjacent
parcel, and he had similar concerns regarding water runoff and land damage from erosion. He
emphasized that there is a tremendous water runoff problem on the east side of his lot , where the
water flows off of E. 2nd Street. He also expressed similar concerns regarding pollution and litter
from the Resource Recovery Plant. Mr. Goebel concluded by asking the question as to why the
rezoning is happening. From his understanding, uses of the City are GI use in nature, and he
wondered that if the City would be held to the same development standards as private contractors
with the flexible use of S-GA.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
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The City Council discussed the concerns expressed during the Public Hearing and asked questions
of the two speakers to better understand the feedback received. Planning and Housing Director
Kelly Diekmann explained the motivation for the rezoning, highlighting that most of the Electric
Services facilities are zoned S-GA. He noted that the goal of S-GA is to be as consistent with the
GI zoning as practical. In regard to stormwater runoff, Director Diekmann explained that those
concerns would be addressed at the time of the site plan. The City Council reviewed the mandatory
compliance required for GI as well as the requirements for partial improvements for non-
conforming properties with Director Diekmann, also discussing the utility infrastructure for older
industrial areas in Ames.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning 314
Borne Avenue from General Industrial (GI) to Government/Airport District (S-GA).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE PARKING STANDARDS FOR
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES-GENERAL TO TWO SPACES PER 1000 SQUARE
FEET: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Council Member Rollins noted that one individual had provided feedback to staff on this item and
inquired about that. Director Diekmann noted that the individual was concerned that by requiring
less parking, there was the potential for demand to exceed supply which could infiltrate into
neighborhoods.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on first reading an ordinance on a Zoning
Text Amendment to the parking standards for retail sales and services -general to two spaces per
1000 square feet.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ZONING AGREEMENT FOR 4098 E 13TH STREET: Director Diekmann shared that the
agreement was consistent with the original proposal and staff was recommending approval.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-409 approving
Zoning Agreement for adoption of the Master Plan for 4098 E 13th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4505 ON REZONE WITH
MASTER PLAN FOR 4098 E 13TH STREET (JT WAREHOUSE): Moved by Gartin,
seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4505.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted there were nine
items to consider.
The first was a letter from Ken Platt, Ames Resident, about safety concerns regarding removal of
stop sign.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A letter from Bill Zinnel, Erich Kretzinger, and Shawn Bryant, Boone County Board of
Supervisors, was the second item regarding diverting construction and demolition waste from the
Boone County landfill. Mayor Haila noted that the item was for information only.
The third item was a letter from Sam Stagg and Crystal Davis of Ames Main Street regarding
Design Services for Downtown Enhancements Partnership.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda with additional
information from staff outlining the scope of services and requested funding amount.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
An email from Richard Gladon of Ascension Lutheran Church regarding the installation of traffic
light at Hyde Avenue and Bloomington Road was the fourth item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The fifth item was a memo from Director Diekmann regarding the presentation of feedback of
Downtown Public Input Meetings on August 22, 2023. Mayor Haila noted that the item was for
information only and no action was needed at this time.
A letter from Ana McCracken, Ames Writers Collective requesting an Amendment to Art Capital
Grant was the sixth item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The seventh item was an email from Dévon Lewis, Dennis and Carol Barrick, Helen Jensen, and
Robert Ewald regarding an application for the National Register of Historic Places for the
Chautauqua Park and Brookridge Addition Neighborhood.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to direct the Planning and Housing Director to respond to
the email requesting an update be provided to the City Council when the neighborhood had
completed outreach.
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Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Chief of Police Geoff Huff regarding Urination and Defecation in Public was the
eighth item.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to request the City Attorney return with the proposed
changes as outlined in an ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The last item was a memo from Director Diekmann regarding a request for a waiver to subdivide
land in Story County within the Ames Urban Fringe.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 4-1, Corrieri dissenting. Motion declared carried.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Gartin requested action on two items related to the
proceedings of the City Council.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to designate a City staff member to serve in lieu of the
appointed member of the City Council for the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority and
Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to place discussion of a sidewalk maintenance policy on
a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 4-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Council Member Gartin also mentioned how proud he is of the Ames Public Library and the effort
from staff to offer summer enrichment activities and free lunches. He shared that he was able to
attend the program today to help with the setup and see the efforts from Library staff firsthand. He
noted that many of the children attending the program had backpacks full of books and were
enjoying the healthy meals that were prepared in conjunction with the school district. He concluded
that this experience was a moment of great pride seeing how the City acted on what the Ames
community valued.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting at
7:28 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk