HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - March 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA MARCH 11, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:0 2
p.m. on the 11th day of March 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. Present were City Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri,
Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present. Council
Member Gloria Betcher joined the meeting telephonically.
Mayor Haila noted the City Council was working from an amended agenda with Item No. 6
withdrawn from consideration, Item No. 10 being presented on behalf of the Ames Regional
Economic Alliance (AREA), the addition of an item regarding the CBDG Infrastructure program
to consent, and a date change for Item No. 36.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to approve the consent agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting on February 25,
2025, and Special Meeting on February 21, 2025
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period February 16-28, 2025
4. Motion approving Premise Update for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Levy @ Scheman
Building, 1805 Center Street
5. Motion approving new 5-Day (April 11 - April 15, 2025) License for Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Mucky Duck, 3100 South Duff Avenue, Pending
Dramshop Review
6. Motion approving new 5-Day (April 4 - April 8, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License,
Mucky Duck Pub, 2601 East 13th Street, Pending Dramshop Review
7. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. Kwik Spirits #530, 204 S. Duff Ave, Class E Retail Alcohol License
b. Wal-Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Ave, Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. World Liquor & Tobacco + Vapors, 111 Duff Ave, Class E Retail Alcohol License
d. SipN'Smoke, 4518 Mortensen Road Suite #109, Class E Retail Alcohol License
8. Motion approving the Ames Police Department's application for, and participation in,
the 2026 Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) Enforcement Grant Program
9. Requests for Greek Week Olympics, Saturday, April 5, 2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the closed area
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-075 approving the closure of Ash Avenue, Lynn Avenue,
Sunset Drive, Gray Avenue, Greeley Street, and Pearson Avenue from 8:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. on April 5, 2025
10. Requests from Ames Main Street for the Ames Summertime Series - Campustown on
June 18, 2025:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving Blanket Vendor Permit
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-076 approving closure of Campustown Lot Z and 26 on-
street metered parking spaces
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d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-077 approving waiver of fees for Blanket Vendor Permit
(Loss of $50 to the City Clerk’s Office)
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-078 approving/motion denying waiver of parking fees and
enforcement ($175 Loss to the Parking Fund)
11. Requests for Midnight Madness on July 18, 2025:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-079 approving partial street closures of Kellogg Avenue
from 12th Street to 5th Street, 11th and 12th Street from Burnett Avenue to Kellogg
Avenue, 5th Street from Kellogg Avenue to Pearle Avenue, Main
Street/Northwestern Avenue from Pearle Avenue to 9th Street, 9th Street from
Northwestern Avenue to Hodge Avenue, Hodge Avenue from 9th Street to 7th Street,
and 7th Street from Northwestern Avenue to Hodge Avenue for the race route
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-080 approving closure of Burnett Avenue from 5th Street to
6th Street for post-race activities
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-082 approving appointments to various Boards and Commissions
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-081 approving Letter of Intent with Greenfield Wind Farm
Developer
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-083 setting the date for Public Hearings on proposals to enter
into a General Obligation Loan Agreements and to borrow money thereunder
15. Skill-Based Pay Program for Certain City Positions:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-084 approving the Skill-Based Pay Plan
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-085 amending the 2024/25 Pay Plan to incorporate Utility
Maintenance I and Utility Maintenance II class specifications and rates of pay
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-086 awarding contract to Ring Central, Inc. of Belmont,
California, for a Hosted Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone System in an amount
not to exceed $143,824
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-087 awarding contract to Workspace, Inc. (Iowa Office Interiors),
of Ames, IA, in the amount of $130,170.89 for new office furniture for various City
departments
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-088 awarding contract to Southwest Electric Company of
Oklahoma City, OK, for substation transformer maintenance and repair services for the
Electric Department's Technical Services Division in the amount of $98,820.92
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-089 awarding contract to Play-Pro Recreation, of Clive, IA, for
Playground Equipment and Installation for the Park at Baker Subdivision in the amount of
$68,220 with funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-090 awarding contract to Boland Recreation, Inc., of
Marshalltown, IA, for Playground Equipment for Christofferson Park in the amount of
$67,000
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-091 awarding contract to Boland Recreation, Inc., of
Marshalltown, IA, for Playground Equipment for Patio Homes West Park in the amount of
$67,000
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-092 awarding contract to Van Wall Equipment of Madrid, IA, for
one (1) fairway mower with sun canopy for $68,848
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-093 awarding contract to Deyarman of Ames, IA, for the purchase
of one (1) 2024 RAM 2500 Tradesman crew cab 4WD with EBY aluminum utility body
for the Electric Meter Division in the amount of $58,590.00
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24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-094 approving Electric Utility Easement on State of Iowa Property
25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-095 approving preliminary plans and specifications for an
Emergency Generator System for the Power Plant, and setting April 23, 2025, as the bid
due date, and May 13, 2025, as date of Public Hearing and award of contract
26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-096 approving preliminary plans and specifications for 69kV
Transmission Line Reconstruction and setting April 9, 2025, as the bid due date, and April
22, 2025, as date of Public Hearing and award of contract
27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-097 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the Low
Point Drainage Improvements, setting April 2, 2025, as the bid due date and April 8, 2025,
as the date of Public Hearing
28. RESOLUTION NO. 25-098 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2024/25 Pavement Restoration -Slurry Seal Program setting April 2, 2025, as the bid due
date and April 8, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing
29. RESOLUTION NO. 25-099 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 Stormwater
Erosion Control Program (College Creek Bank Stabilization - Hemingway Drive) with
Jackson Contracting, LLC, of Des Moines, Iowa
30. RESOLUTION NO. 25-100 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Arterial Street
Pavement Improvements (Hyland Ave) project with All Star Concrete LLC, of Johnston,
Iowa
31. RESOLUTION NO. 25-101 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 Shared Use Path
System Expansion (Skunk River) with Howrey Construction, Inc., of Bondurant, Iowa
32. RESOLUTION NO. 25-102 approving Change Order No. 2 to Ritts Law Firm, PLLC, of
Alexandria, Virginia, for Legal Services for the Power Plant, in the amount of $25,000
Additional Item: RESOLUTION NO. 25-111 approving preliminary plans and specifications
for the 2023/24 CDBG Infrastructure Program (N Russell Avenue - N 2nd Street to N 4th Street)
project, setting April 2, 2025, as the bid due date and April 8, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. 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.
Charles Pearson, President of Experience Black Iowa, expressed his hope to collaborate with the
Ames Human Relations Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission to identify Civil
Rights stops throughout the City.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one came forward to speak.
UPDATE ON APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR NORTH AMES VOLUNTARY
ANNEXATION OF MULTIPLE PROPERTIES GENERALLY BETWEEN GEORGE W.
CARVER AVENUE AND HYDE AVENUE: Planner Amelia Schoeneman and Director of
Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann provided a history of the item, which was initiated by
the submittal of voluntary annexation applications from seven property owners in north Ames
along George Washington Carver Avenue to Hyde Avenue, as detailed in the Council Action
Form (CAF). Staff noted that the Borgmeyer properties represented the largest share of property
ownership within the annexation area and a new development opportunity once annexed.
Director Diekmann reviewed that to prevent the creation of islands and to exercise provisions of
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existing covenants for annexation of several nearby properties, the City Council chose to initiate
one annexation of the entire potential annexation territory, including non-consenting properties
and properties with which the City holds annexation agreements. These properties included the
Ames Golf and County Club (AGCC) and The Irons subdivision, from whom staff had not
received sufficient applications from to proceed with the voluntary annexation. He noted that
staff had held an informational meeting in February, where staff discovered a misconception that
utility services would be available prior to annexation.
Staff requested further direction from the City Council on its preferred option to proceed and
noted that while some property owners were unaware of the covenants, the Legal Department
determined that the covenants were valid and enforceable, thus requiring the property owners to
fulfill the voluntary annexation at direction of the City Council. Enforcement of the covenants
would require a court order if property owners continued to refuse to file which would result in
a longer timeframe for the annexation. Director Diekmann stated that City Council could choose
to maintain the previous direction and annexation territory boundary, split the voluntary territory
annexation from the AGCC and Irons Subdivision but proceed with both, or could maintain the
current annexation territory boundary and offer City property tax abatement if applications were
received before March 31st. Additionally, Director Diekmann noted that the City Council had
received correspondence from the AGCC regarding the legality of the covenants and specific
concerns with services provided to the AGCC, specifically sufficient availability of water
pressure in case of an emergency.
The City Council and staff engaged in conversation regarding the history of the AGCC and Irons
Subdivision waivers of subdivision requirements that were approved in 2017. These waivers
allowed the Irons Subdivision to be built with the the provision that the properties would be
annexed at a future date when it was in the City’s best interest. Concerns with how covenants
were communicated to property owners were noted. Council Member Betcher inquired of City
Attorney Mark Lambert if the letter from the legal representative of AGCC would have any
bearing on the discussion of the annexation proceedings. City Attorney Lambert presented his
legal opinion that the covenants were valid and legitimate, contrary to the claims asserted by the
legal representation of the AGCC.
Council Member Gartin wondered if there was any possibility of flexibility on the City’s part to
reach a compromise. Director Diekmann noted that there were two aspects of the agreement to
consider. The timeline of when the properties were brought into the City and the connecting to
sanitary sewer and utilities were the main divides. He furthered that the more costly
consideration was the extension of sanitary sewer, which was deferred to allow the development
to proceed, and that the timeline for connecting to City utilities was discretionary on behalf of
the City Council up until septic systems needed to be replaced. In response to an inquiry from
Mayor Haila about the adequacy of water and fire service, Director Diekmann stated that the
water infrastructure would remain, as it was installed to City standards, but would be connected
to City water in the future.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Daryle Vegge shared his opposition to the annexation and concern with the proposed timeline.
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He encouraged the City Council to delay the annexation of the AGCC and Irons Subdivision
until the properties became islands that required annexation.
Ron DeJongh shared his opposition to annexation and agreement with Mr. Vegge’s comments.
He noted that he was on the AGCC Board of Directors, and that the neighborhood was united
against annexation. He detailed the sufficient providers of services to the residents of the affected
area and the AGCC.
Chris Gardner, Bella Homes, the developer of the Irons Subdivision, stated that notification of
the covenants was completed and included in the deeds and title work of property owners in the
Irons Subdivision. He shared his understanding had been that annexation would take place after
utilities were available.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Rollins inquired of staff what additional options could be considered. Director
Diekmann explained that Alternative #2 did not delay the process but was discretionary to the
direction of the City Council. He noted that the arguments against annexation did not go away
and if the refusals to sign voluntary annexation applications persisted, the City would still need
to pursue court action. In response to a question on needed information before proceeding from
Council Member Corrieri, Director Diekmann stated that decision making could be delayed until
the next Regular Meeting of the City Council to allow for formal opinions from the City Attorney
and Fire Chief Rich Higgins to assertions from the AGCC and Irons Subdivision around the
legality of City action and adequate water pressure in case of emergency.
Council Member Gartin requested clarification that sanitary sewer service was not designated
as the trigger for enactment of the annexation agreement. Director Diekmann emphasized that
the agreements were structured consistently with other covenants around the community.
Planner Schoenman clarified that the Infrastructure Installation Agreement stated that water
service and sanitary sewer service would be provided after annexation. Mayor Haila inquired
about who was responsible for the costs to install the sanitary sewer main, to which Director
Diekmann stated that the property owners had the responsibility to facilitate a special assessment
in exchange for the City to install, or the owners had the options to pursue installation
themselves. Mayor Haila questioned if the City Council had the option to delay connection to
sanitary sewer until the end of life for the first septic system. Director Diekmann responded that
the sanitary sewer would need to be constructed at one time, and per State Code Story County
would not be able to issue septic permits if there was a sanitary sewer line within 2 00 feet, a
requirement that would not be applicable if the sanitary sewer line was not in place. He furthered
that sanitary sewer presented less of an environmental risk than individual septic systems, which
would be critical to ensure the water quality of the lake Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve Alternative #2a: initiate an 80/20 annexation
of the approximately 238 acres along George W. Carver and Hyde related to the Borgmeyer
application.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to request the City Attorney provide a memo responding
to correspondence received from the Ames Golf and Country Club and ask the Fire Chief to
evaluate existing water pressure in the annexation area to be discussed at the March 25, 2025,
Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
JT WAREHOUSE SUBDIVISION ON E 13TH STREET AGREEMENT CHANGES: Director
Diekmann updated the City Council that a memo was placed on the dais explaining slight changes
to the agreement attached to the Council Action Form (CAF) and emphasized that the performance
date had not been altered. Additionally, he noted that review of the bond on file was underway with
the Legal Department. Due to these changes, staff modified the recommended alternative to be
contingent upon the satisfaction of the bond by the City Attorney. He stated that staff was supportive
of the request to release the site from the previous “Regional Mall” Development Agreement as the
area had been rezoned to General Industrial to create clarity of the standards the property was subject
to under the prior development agreement.
Council Member Betcher stated that she did not have the memo provided and would abstain from
the vote due to not having the complete information.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-103 Amending
Public Improvements Agreement to extend it until September 27, 2026, contingent upon acceptance
of the current financial security or updated financial security to the satisfaction of the City Attorney
as it relates to the amended agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Betcher abstaining due to lack of information. 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. 25-104
Acknowledging Release from Prior Development and Contract Rezoning Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Betcher abstaining due to lack of information. Resolution declared adopted
unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST FOR ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGES TO STANDARDS RELATED TO
PROPERTY ZONED RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY WITH THE WEST UNIVERSITY
IMPACTED OVERLAY AT OAKLAND STREET AND HYLAND AVENUE: Director
Diekmann presented the policy support from Ames Plan 2040 for the aforementioned area being
designated as a Walkable Neighborhood adjacent to Iowa State University (ISU) Property that
provided rationale to support the request from the developer to create higher density on the
proposed site than what was currently allowable with a reduction in parking requirements. Staff
presented and discussed the four alternatives detailed in the Staff Report. Director Diekmann
reported that if the City Council wanted to prioritize the project Option #1: Neighborhood Plan
and Rezoning for Sheldon and Hyland corridors with lower parking standards and higher
densities and Option #2: Create New Overlay for individual property rezonings that allow lower
parking and higher densities on a project-specific basis would be the most appropriate. He
explained that Option #1 would be a more time intensive process that would likely not meet the
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requested timeline. The developer had shown preference for Option #2. Director Diekmann
reiterated that the upcoming City Council Workshop on the Zoning Ordinance update would
detail an extensive work item for staff.
The City Council and staff engaged in conversation on the value of balancing density and parking,
current parking standards and its effectiveness, and the changing demographic of the area.
Current parking trends and parking available nearby were also discussed.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Justin Dodge, Hunziker Companies, shared support for Option #2 and stated the developer was
looking forward to the challenge of achieving the desired level of density for the proposed
project.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Option #2: Direct staff to create a new overlay
for individual property rezonings that allow lower parking and higher densities on a project-specific
basis.
The City Council and staff explored in discussion if Option #2 would meet the needs of the
developer if staff was not able to initiate the overlay immediately due to current workload and
emphasized that staff may not be able to meet the requested timeline. Mr. Dodge stated that
Option #2 remained the preference of the developer. Council Member Junck shared her support
for Option #1 to develop a Neighborhood Plan and evaluate the overlay to have a standard
framework for future projects.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, and Gartin. Voting Nay: Junck
and Rollins. Motion declared carried.
REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR 515 DAYS ON MAY 15-16, 2025: Assistant
City Manager Brian Phillips reviewed the event proposal and highlighted that the 515 Days event
request included allowing alcohol to be permitted throughout the entire event area. He detailed that
historically the City has required a beer garden area to be designated with specific criteria, treating the
area as a bar. He provided criteria that had been developed to evaluate the request to suspend
enforcement of Municipal Code Section 17.16 relating to Minors on Premises, and others like it in the
future, such as being a daytime event, entertainment being provided for a family friendly event, and an
established local entity putting on the event with experience hosting alcohol in the area.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Travis Toliver, Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS), shared excitement over the
event and safety measures AMS would have in place for the event. He stated that allowing the
extension of alcohol premises would bring the event in line with other events in the region and
allowed AMS to demonstrate how festival streets may be used in the future. Mr. Toliver
highlighted the outreach that was done to businesses in the impacted area to inform them of the
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event and changes.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri to approve Requests from Ames Main Street for 515 Days
on May 15-16, 2025:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for Thursday, May 15
b. Motion approving Blanket Vending License for Thursday, May 15
c. Motion approving street closures of 5th Street from Burnett Avenue through
Douglas Avenue, Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street, Douglas Street from
Main Street to 5th Street
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-105 approving waiver of parking meter fees and
enforcement for portions of 5th Street, Kellogg Avenue, and Douglas Avenue on
Thursday, May 15
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-106 approving waiver of Vending License fee for Thursday,
May 15-16
f. RESOLUTION NO. 25-107 approving usage of electricity and waiver of fees for
electricity for Thursday, May 15
g. RESOLUTION NO. 25-108 approving suspension of enforcement of Municipal
Code Section 17.16 related to minors on premises on Thursday, May 15
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
DISCUSSION ON CONSIDERING A MICROMOBILITY ORDINANCE: Assistant City
Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck and Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan presented the findings of
their research into micromobility. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted that guidelines
varied greatly by state which led staff to focus their research on peer cities in Iowa. One of the key
components to the potential ordinance would be the definition of micromobility, explained Assistant
City Manager Vang Goldbeck. The recommendation from staff after reviewing peer cities, was to
adopt the definition of the Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of a personal
transportation device, which states “A mobility device under 150 pounds, which may be equipped
with an electric motor for assistance or sole propulsion, designed for conveying the operator, with
speeds of less than 20 miles per hour, but excluding a bicycle or low-speed electric bicycle.”
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck noted that staff had reviewed Ames Municipal Code Chapter
4 on bicycles and that staff recommended adding personal transportation devices as well. She added
that the Parks and Recreation Commission were evaluating park rules and regulations that may
impact future micromobility discussions.
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck presented three guiding questions for consideration by the
City Council, which included:
1. Where should bicycles and personal transportation devices be allowed or not allowed?
2. Should there be speed limits? If so, where? What?
3. Should exceptions be allowed?
The City Council engaged in thorough discussion with staff to determine existing best practices,
what would be the best fit for the community, priorities for the draft ordinance, and regulations
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currently in place.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Jeri Neal highlighted that bicycles could also be four wheels which should be reflected in the
definition. She provided suggestions for enforcement, encouraged the City Council to consider user
conflicts in the park system, and emphasized the importance of public outreach and education.
Kevin Bourke, Discover Ames, encouraged the City Council to proceed with the ordinance, noting
that Discover Ames had been approached by different groups who were interested in renting scooters
or e-bikes which was important to consider.
Ronn Ritz, Skunk River Cycles, encouraged adequate signage and that regulations would be
evolutionary after implementation. In response to the request from Council Member Gartin for his
input on areas bikes should be prohibited, Mr. Ritz noted that there was no blanket answer.
Travis Toliver shared that operators were incentivized not to operate their devices at maximum speed
as it allows the battery life to last for longer periods of time.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen discussed the importance of signage to communicate expectations
and partnering with ISU to have both City and ISU regulations regarding personal transportation
devices on the City website. Ex officio Boland clarified that personal transportation devices were
restricted on campus with most paths designated for pedestrian use only. Council Member Beatty-
Hansen proposed finetuning the ordinance in the future after adopting general guidelines initially.
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck highlighted for the City Council that the recommendation
from staff was to include exceptions for ADA devices and parades through a permitting process. She
asked the City Council to provide input on identifying additional restrictions for personal
transportation devices than the existing areas where bicycles were restricted after detailing the
current restrictions in Municipal Code Chapter 4.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to maintain current rules governing where bicycles
are allowed and not allowed to operate and extend those guidelines to other mobility devices.
Council Member Gartin expressed his reservations of broadly including parks in the motion due to
concerns of how personal transportation devices would impact pedestrian safety. Director of Parks
and Recreation Keith Abraham provided input on device usage issues staff were aware of, the need
to keep safety as the driving force for guidelines, and that the Parks and Recreation Commission
were reviewing parks rules and ordinances. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission
could establish park rules while any changes to an ordinance would come before the City Council
and a report of the recommendation from the Commission would come before the City Council in
the coming months.
Council Member Betcher shared her concerns focused on smaller personal transportation devices
such as one-wheels and skateboards, that she observed operators did not view themselves as needing
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to adhere to rules of the road and stated she would not be supporting the motion based on that
concern.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen amended the motion to exclude City parks and refer considerations
of micromobility in parks to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck and Rollins. Voting Nay:
Betcher. Motion declared carried.
Director Abraham affirmed that speed limits would be included in the recommendation from the
Parks and Recreation Commission.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to proceed with a 20-mph speed limit,
except in City parks.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to include staff recommendations of exceptions for
parades and ADA devices.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck stated that staff would draft a proposed ordinance based
on the direction of the City Council, and present the draft ordinance for public feedback, and the
Parks and Recreation Commission would evaluate bicycle and personal transportation devices in
the parks, after which the draft ordinance would be brought back to the City Council.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request staff include signage concepts with the
future draft ordinance on micromobility.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council recessed at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened at 8:38 p.m.
ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI): Assistant Director of Electric
Services Curtis Spence shared that the project would be performed in three phases. The equipment
replacement that would take place was originally intended to be completed by staff, but the
timeline of that course of action would delay the actualization of benefits to consumers. He stated
that the Electric Fund available balance contained sufficient funding to accomplish the purchase
in one fiscal year as opposed to spreading the purchases over several years, which made staff
supportive of advancing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds into FY 2025/26. City Manager
Steve Schainker clarified that the change would not affect rates to customers.
In response to Mayor Haila’s question on the versatility of the system to be updated in the future
with a different vendor, Assistant Director Spence assured the City Council that the meters were
universal to avoid reliance on a single vendor and were under warranty for four years. After that
time staff would provide maintenance. He furthered that benefits to consumers would be realized
as the system would be more efficient, reduce staff time, provide more intelligent and precise data,
and allow for staff to reduce peak energy alerts by shifting usage. Reducing the risk of a new peak
energy need would save the utility millions of dollars that would otherwise be directed towards
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increasing capacity for the limited time frame where peak energy demands occurred. Assistant
Director Spence stated that replacing the meters was necessary, and was a question of when, not
if. Additionally, the new meters would help the utility to provide accurate time of use rates to
customers.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-109 to award a
contract to Aclara Technologies, Inc, of Shelton, Connecticut, for Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) System for the City of Ames, in the not-to-exceed amount of $7,668,293.89,
including taxes for Phases 1 & 2.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 30-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AMES YOUTH SPORTS
COMPLEX, INC. FOR CITY PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 30
AND WEST OF THE SOUTH SKUNK RIVER: Assistant City Manager Phillips reviewed
how the lease agreement allowed land not useful for development to provide valuable
programming to the community at a lower cost than could otherwise be provided by the City,
enhanced the ability of the City to attract and retain residents, and the economic development
impacts generated by the services of the Ames Youth Sports Complex.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-110 approving
lease agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 29 OF THE AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE TOWNHOME BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS:
Director Diekmann presented changes made to the Zoning Text Amendment to address the design
standards for multiple frontage or corner lots and giving the Planning Director discretion on how
design standards would apply.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on first reading a Zoning Text
Amendment to Chapter 29 of the Ames Municipal Code to create Townhome Building Type
Standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2.45 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE, DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER, TO AUTHORIZE
DELEGATION OF DUTIES AND POWERS: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-
Hansen, to pass on second reading an amendment to Section 2.45 of the Municipal Code, Duties
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and Powers of the City Manager, to authorize delegation of duties and powers.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 5119 AND 5001 LINCOLN WAY
FROM AGRICULTURAL (A) TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (FS-
RL) WITH A MASTER PLAN: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on
second reading to rezone property at 5119 and 5001 Lincoln Way from Agricultural (A) to
Suburban Residential Low Density (FS-RL) with a Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
five items for the City Council to review, starting with a Notice of Upcoming Construction on I-35
from IA 5 Interchange to Co. Road C-47 from Jeremy Vortherms, Iowa Department of
Transportation Assistant District 1 Engineer. City Manager Steve Schainker stated the item was for
information only.
The next item was from David Cornelison, Des Bike Pedicab, requesting Safety Regulations for
Bicycle Taxi Services.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for City Council to conduct reevaluation of front yard parking regulations submitted by
Jake Hanson, Ames Homebuilders Association President, was considered.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Building Official Sara Van Meeteren regarding carbon monoxide alarms in rental
properties was presented.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to develop a draft ordinance on the
inclusion of carbon monoxide alarms to bring back to the City Council for consideration.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The final item to be evaluated was an email with suggestions regarding Special Use Permit
requirements from Kate Gregory.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Beatty-Hansen reported that AREA
announced that the new Daisy plant was moving forward. Council Member Betcher shared that
AREA had sent out email communication regarding a tour of recreation centers in the area. Other
items of interest included the future appearance of Ames on the RV There Yet Discovery Channel
series, updates on changes to the AREA website, a new podcast, and Council Member Betcher
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requesting input from AREA regarding those who have been impacted by homelessness in the
community.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland reminded the City Council that the Joint Meeting
with ISU Student Government was Wednesday, March 26th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Memorial
Union Sun Room. She noted that she would be sending out the results of a survey regarding
Downtown Ames that ISU Student Government recently conducted of its members. She shared
updates to ISU Student Government positions and that inauguration for student representatives
would be Monday, April 21st.
Council Member Junck stated her interest in encouraging new applicants to City boards and
commissions.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from the Mayor and staff about
application data and information about average term lengths for the different boards, ordinance
or legal requirements the City must follow for certain boards, feedback from staff representatives
or liaisons to the boards and commissions and provide the City Council with recommendations
for various options the City Council has to alter term lengths or selection processes for different
boards to encourage participation.
Council Member Betcher proposed a friendly amendment to include reappointment eligibility
after a certain number of years. Council Member Junck accepted the friendly amendment.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin wished the ISU Cyclone Men’s Basketball Team luck in Big 12
Tournament.
Council Member Rollins extended wishes for safety for all students going on spring break.
Council Member Betcher announced that she would not be able to attend the Joint Meeting with
ISU Student Government due to a conflict with her teaching schedule and expressed her hope to
be back in person soon.
Mayor Haila brought attention to the inactivity of the Campus and Community Commission and
his desire to have a discussion on providing direction or suspending the commission.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to place the discussion of providing direction to,
or suspension of, the Campus and Community Commission on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at
9:20 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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_______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk