HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 11, 2025, Special Meeting of the Ames City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 11, 2025
The Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 8:34 a.m. on the 11th day of
January, 2025 in the Water Treatment Plant Conference Room, 1800 East 13th Street. City
Council Members present were Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. City Manager Steven Schainker, Assistant City
Manager Brian Phillips, and Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck were also present.
COUNCIL GOAL UPDATE:
Mayor Haila welcomed those present and outlined the purpose of the retreat. He invited feedback
regarding how the City Council is interacting with the public, each other, and staff.
Assistant City Manager Goldbeck reviewed the policy drafted to address referrals to staff from
non-agenda communications. Mayor Haila noted that he would like to gather information in
advance of the Council meeting regarding what the staff time implications would be for referring
each non-agenda item.
The Council Members reviewed the status of the existing values, goals, and tasks.
The meeting recessed at 10:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:42 a.m.
The discussion of the values, goals, and tasks resumed. The Council Members offered
suggestions to refine the tasks.
Mayor Haila asked staff to report regarding any other items of discussion. He further requested
that the City Council receive a quarterly report regarding the status of the goals and tasks. Staff
will also ensure the Council receives the Monthly Project Highlights, status of the Planning
Workplan, and the Council Referrals report on a monthly basis.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Betcher expressed concern about the stewardship of natural resources in light
of climate change and the wildfires in California.
Council Member Gartin stated that there are challenges with budgeting and planning in light of
state and federal efforts to constrain government spending.
ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.