HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 22, 2022, Special Meeting of the Ames City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 22, 2022
The Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 8:34 a.m. on the 22nd day of
January, 2022, in the Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 401 East 20th Street. City Council
Members present were Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, and Anita Rollins.
Gloria Betcher and Rachel Junck joined the meeting electronically. Ex officio Council Member
Trevor Poundstone was absent. City Manager Steven Schainker, City Attorney Mark Lambert,
Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, and Assistant City Manager Deb Schildroth were also
present.
COUNCIL GOAL UPDATE:
Mayor John Haila welcomed everyone to the goal-update retreat and reviewed the agenda. Mayor
Haila led the Council through a discussion of apprehensions the Council Members had when they
were first elected, and how they addressed them. Mr. Schainker led the Council Members through
a review of effective decision-making practices. Mayor Haila discussed the roles of the City
Council in interacting with various groups. Mr. Schainker then reviewed what the staff can do to
help the City Council be more effective.
The meeting recessed at 10:23 a.m. and resumed at 10:33 a.m.
Assistant City Managers Brian Phillips and Deb Schildroth reviewed the previous values, goals,
and tasks, the Planning Department program of work, and the referrals to City staff.
Council Members each shared what they believed to be the critical issues facing the community.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m. and resumed at 12:19 p.m.
The Council Members discussed the issues submitted, organized them into groups, and agreed
upon the following draft list of values and goals:
WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC
GOAL 1: By the end of 2023, develop, test, and evaluate strategies to improve
community engagement, particularly with underrepresented groups
WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY
GOAL 1: Prioritize and complete the tasks outlined in Ames Plan 2040 that
affect housing availability and affordability
WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS
AND RETAINS PEOPLE
GOAL 1: Implement City programs (parks and recreation, library, etc.) and
initiatives (partnerships with others) that educate, train, and engage
regarding mental and physical wellness
GOAL 2: Establish a task force with community partners to identify steps each
partner can take to improve workforce recruitment/retention
WE VALUE A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
GOAL 1: Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that identifies
definitions and actionable strategies by the end of 2023
GOAL 2: Implement additional accessible and equitable transportation
options for the community (transit, bike, pedestrian, micromobility,
rideshare, and others)
WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GOAL 1: Receive the Climate Action Plan and prioritize and implement
Council-approved tasks from it to maintain progress towards the
adopted climate goal, and continue pursuing targets of opportunity
to achieve greenhouse gas reduction
Mr. Schainker noted that City staff would develop proposed tasks to complete the goals, which
will be presented to the City Council for approval at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager John A. Haila, Mayor
____________________________________
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk