HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 25, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Minutes1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 25, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:08
p.m. on the 25th day of February, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria
Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on February
11, 2025, and Special City Council Meetings on February 4, 5, 6, and 18, 2025
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period February 1-15, 2025
4. Motion approving new 5 - Day (March 20 - March 24, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, 2601 East 13th Street
5. Motion approving 14 - Day (March 23 - April 5, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License -
Apres Bar Co., 2321 North Loop Drive
6. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Campus Cheers, 131 Welch
Avenue, Pending Favorable Inspection
7. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - The Dot,
127 Dotson Drive, Pending Dramshop Review
8. Motion approving Ownership Updates for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Sam's Club
#6568, 305 Airport Road
9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Coldwater Golf Links, 1400 S. Grand Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service
b. Kum & Go #1113, 2801 E 13th Street, Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. Kum & Go #227, 2108 Isaac Newton Dr, Class E Retail Alcohol License
d. Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas Avenue, Class F Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor
Service
e. Homewood Golf Course, 401 E 20th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
f. The Spice Thai Cuisine, 402 Main Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol License,
Pending Dramshop Review
g. Casey's General Store #2905, 3612 Stange Road, Class E Retail Alcohol License
h. Pizza Pit Extreme, 207 Welch Ave., Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
i. Sams Club #6568, 305 Airport Rd, Class E Retail Alcohol License
j. BN'C Fieldhouse, 206 Welch Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
k. The Angry Irishmen, 119 Main Street, Class C Liquor License with Outdoor
Service, Pending Dramshop Review
10. Motion accepting Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
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11. Requests from Ames Main Street for 4th of July activities on July 4, 2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending
License in Central Business District
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-051 approving waiver of Vending License fee
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-052 approving closure of portions of Main Street,
Northwestern Avenue, Fifth Street, Douglas Avenue, Burnett Avenue, Kellogg
Avenue, Clark Avenue, Allan Drive, and Pearle Avenue from 6:00 a.m. until end
of parade
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-053 approving closure of Parking Lot MM and south
portion of Lot M from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-054 approving Change Order #2 to Waste Management of Ames,
IA, for Hauling Services to the Boone County Landfill in the amount $19.50/ton, up to
$95,123
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-055 approving the plans and specifications for 2024/25
Intelligent Transportation System Program (Phase 4), setting March 18, 2025, as the bid
due date through the Iowa DOT and March 25, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-056 setting date of public hearing for March 11, 2025, to
consider 30-year lease agreement with Ames Youth Sports Complex for City property
located south of U.S. Highway 30 and west of the South Skunk River
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-057 accepting completion of the third year of the four-year
Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements for Domani 1st Addition and
reducing the financial security to $7,033.50
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-058 accepting 2024/25 Clear Water Diversion as completed by
Iowa Water & Waste Systems, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $72,848
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-059 accepting 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements
#1 as completed by Manatt's, Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,809,153.37
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-060 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Kum & Go, 4506 Lincoln Way
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-061 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Elder Corporation: U-Haul, 720 S. Duff Avenue
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-062 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Fareway, 619 Burnett Avenue
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-063 approving completion of Stormwater installation and
releasing financial security in full for Wheelock Subdivision
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Council Member Amber Corrieri entered the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
Lynn Ballard conveyed a request for extended parking/storage of recreational vehicles on the
former Haunted Forest property.
Julieanne Brimmer and Dianne Burt shared the efforts of the Ames Interfaith Refugee Alliance
to support refugees seeking shelter and safety in Ames.
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Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PUBLIC CAMPING: City
Attorney Mark Lambert outlined points for discussion and engaged with the City Council
Members in robust conversation.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Jesse Knapp shared his frustration with the proposed ordinance, advocating for dignified
responses to the homelessness crisis.
John Christiansen opposed policies that would criminalize homelessness and encouraged the
City Council to await the results of the County-wide Action Plan for recommended practices.
Ianka Mitchell-Conway suggested designating a camping area for those experiencing
homelessness that could be maintained by a community organization, highlighting her opposition
to the proposed ordinance.
Sondra Wilson detailed her personal experience of homelessness and recommended the
implementation of a homeless village that created community ties for its residents.
Nicole Leibold discussed the behind-the-scenes issues surrounding homelessness, highlighting
pollution of waterways and City parks as well as the need for a swift solution.
Eric Charter encouraged a solution that addressed both aesthetic and safety concerns involving
homelessness, noting that safety concerns should be addressed rapidly.
Shari Reilly, The Bridge Home, highlighted the barriers to transitioning individuals experiencing
homelessness to permanent housing, noting opportunities for the City to address funding issues
and pet care needs.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to request the City Attorney provide a draft ordinance
that incorporates best practices around public camping with the understanding that adoption of
the ordinance would involve a prolonged public input process.
Vote on Motion: 1-5, Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins dissenting. Motion
failed.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request the City Attorney or Chief of Police
provide a memo on barriers to enforcing the current ordinances and policies in place that aim to
address public camping.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to request staff provide a memo that recommends
proactive actions that could be implemented in the near-term to create a more positive
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environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and other individuals that may be
impacted.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR THE 2025 RESIDENT
SATISFACTION SURVEY: Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda
presented the survey and requested direction on revisions desired by the City Council.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to add a question to the survey regarding indoor
and outdoor aquatic use as a subcategory of Parks and Recreation services.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to add a question regarding Board and Commission
participation to the Community Involvement section of the survey and revise the language about
involvement on a Board of Directors for clarity purposes.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to add a question to the survey asking residents to
prioritize investment for human services and remove the question related to the health of the
survey taker.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to add an additional response to the section on
Preferences for City Communication to include “Other” with a write in option.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to add a question to the survey under the Sense
of Community section that asks if the respondents or someone the respondent knows finds their
language to be a barrier to participation in the community.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 2025
WORK PLAN: Planner Ray Anderson and Historic Preservation Commission Chair Scott
Huffman presented the accomplishments and proposed work plan.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-064 approving Historic
Preservation Commission 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Work Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION: Director of Planning and Housing Kelly
Diekmann discussed the applications received requesting abatement.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-065 certifying property
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tax abatement applications.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-066 authorizing staff
to submit property tax abatement applications to the City Assessor for determination of abated
value.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to notify the purchaser of 2011 Ada
Hayden Drive to file the application for abatement in 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR A WAIVER OF CITY SUBDIVISION CODE FOR TWO SITES
WITHIN THE AMES URBAN FRINGE AREA NEAR 280TH STREET IN STORY
COUNTY: Director Diekmann presented the plats and reviewed the request for a waiver.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-067 approving request
for waiver of City review for a Plat of Survey for site partially within the Fringe Area.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. Resolution declared adopted
unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-068 approving waiver
of standards for a Plat of Survey to create a new parcel for an existing home site.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. Resolution declared adopted
unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 5119 AND 5001 LINCOLN WAY FROM
AGRICULTURAL (A) TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (FS-RL) WITH
A MASTER PLAN: Planner Anderson reviewed the area for rezoning and detailed the Master
Plan.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Danny Householder, Ames Lutheran Church of Hope Lead Pastor, shared the desire of the
Church to be good neighbors to the community members residing near the building site.
Erin Ollendike, Principal Professional Engineer with Civil Design Advantage, discussed the site
plan for the project and the anticipated phasing for construction.
Samuel Piccone presented environmental concerns and advocated for the preservation of wildlife
in and around the area.
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Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance Rezoning
Property at 5119 and 5001 Lincoln Way from Agricultural (A) to Suburban Residential Low
Density (FS-RL) with a Master Plan and direct staff to provide the finalized traffic impact study
prior to third reading and approval of the zoning agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 29 OF THE AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE TOWNHOME BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS :
Director Diekmann discussed the standards presented, noting the support of staff to continue the
hearing in order to clarify the standards for corner lots.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to continue the hearing to March 11th.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 8:54 p.m. and reconvened at 8:59 p.m.
HEARING ON 2023/24 STORMWATER EROSION CONTROL (COLLEGE CREEK
BANK STABILIZATION - HEMINGWAY DRIVE): The Public Hearing was opened and
closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-069 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Jackson Contracting LLC, of Des Moines,
Iowa, in the amount of $95,143.17.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/25 ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(HYLAND AVE): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-070 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to All Star Concrete LLC, of Johnston,
Iowa, in the amount of $1,696,869.05.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
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HEARING ON 2024/25 SHARED USE PATH SYSTEM EXPANSION - SKUNK RIVER:
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-071 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Howrey Construction Inc., of Bondurant,
Iowa, in the amount of $249,649.25.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO VACATE EASEMENTS LOCATED AT PT. WILLOW
CREEK ESTATES 2ND ADDITION: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when
no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-072 approving
vacation of the following:
• Existing 20-foot Water Main Easement located at east 10-foot of Lot 1 and west 10- foot
of Lot 2
• Existing Sanitary Sewer Easement located at part of Lot 2
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2.45 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, DUTIES AND
POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER, TO AUTHORIZE DELEGATION OF DUTIES
AND POWERS: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on First reading an ordinance amending
Section 2.45 of the Municipal Code, Duties and Powers of the City Manager, to Authorize
Delegation of Duties and Powers.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4548 ON TEXT
AMENDMENT MODIFYING PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
BY AMENDING CHAPTERS 20 AND 29 OF MUNICIPAL CODE: Director Diekmann
clarified the intent of the ordinance and discussed courtesy notices with the City Council.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to continue the third reading and to direct staff to draft a
policy on courtesy notices for consideration to be placed on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION ON ORDINANCE NO. 4549 ON TEXT
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 12 FLOATING ZONES LOT AND
BLOCK DESIGN: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on Third reading
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and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4549 concerning text amendments to Chapter 29 Article 12
Floating Zones Lot and Block Design.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were five items to consider.
The first item was from Lynn Ballard requesting extended gameday parking at the former
Haunted Forest property.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to respectfully decline the request.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for a code amendment to authorize the use of utility task vehicle travel on City streets
from Cullen Anderson was the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to respectfully decline the request.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was a memo from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer responding to a request for
a crosswalk at Lincoln Way and Wilmoth Avenue.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request that Traffic Engineer Pregitzer respond to the
original requestor with the contents of the memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Correspondence from Finance Director Corey Goodenow concerning the insert to accompany the
property tax notices was the fourth item and was noted to be for information only.
The last item was a memo from Director Diekmann regarding a request for zoning changes for
an apartment building on Oakland Street and Hyland Avenue.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on the March 11th City
Council meeting agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Mayor and City Council Members provided
highlights from their attendance at various board and commission meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various events
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff provide regular updates on
changes to federal funding and grants as formal notification is provided of such.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked Attorney Lambert if there was a legal reason to go into
Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section 21.5(1)(c), Code of
Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent and Section
21.5(1)(j), Code of Iowa, to discuss purchase of particular real estate.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to go into Closed Session at 9:35 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 10:18 p.m.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-073 approving
Worker’s Compensation settlement agreement as discussed in Closed Session.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-074 approving
settlement agreement with Hubbard Harvest and Flynn Family Farms in the amount of $41,250.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to proceed with the acquisition of real
estate as discussed in Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19
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