HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - April 22, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Minutes1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 22, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:00
p.m. on the 22nd day of April, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria
Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins.
PROCLAMATION FOR "ARBOR DAY," APRIL 25, 2025: Mayor Haila proclaimed April
25, 2025, as Arbor Day and City Forester Gabriele Edwards accepted the proclamation alongside
City Arborist Matt Rochford.
PROCLAMATION FOR "MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH," MAY 2025:
May 2025 was proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month by Mayor Haila. The proclamation
was accepted by Mental Health Advocate Julie Saxton with leaders of local mental health care
organizations.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH," MAY
2025: Mayor Haila proclaimed May 2025 as National Historic Preservation Month, which was
accepted by Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission Dévon Lewis.
PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS: Mayor Haila shared that
the Ames Historic Preservation Commission annually recognizes preservation activities within
Ames to highlight, honor, and promote preservation efforts. The 2025 Renewing the Past award
was presented to Casie Vance and Jason Dietzenbach, who were in attendance on behalf of the
Ames Historical Society, for the rehabilitation of the Ames Pantorium building, which was now
part of the Ames History Museum at 416 Douglas Avenue.
Awards were then presented for the 2025 Keeping the Past Alive award for two single-family
homes in the Old Town Neighborhood. The first was awarded to Shellie Orngard, while the
second was awarded to Karen Lashe for the historic preservation of the single-family homes
located at 928 and 911 Burnett Avenue, respectively.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Gartin requested to pull Item No. 16: Requests from
Ames Patriotic Council for Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve the consent agenda less Item No. 16.
5. Motion approving payment of claims
6. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of Regular City and Tax Levy Council Meeting
on April 8, 2025, and Special Meeting on April 15, 2025
7. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Crown Liquor, 113 Welch
Avenue, Pending Favorable Inspection
8. Motion approving extension of Outdoor Service (May 17 - May 18, 2025) for Class C
Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Tip Top Lounge, 201 E. Lincoln Way,
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Pending Dramshop Review
9. Motion approving Temporary License Transfer for Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service on May 27, 2025 - Iowa State Center - CY Stephens
10. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor
Licenses:
a. The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., 129 Main Street, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
b. Walgreens #12108, 2719 Grand Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. El Jefe Mexican Cuisine, 5244 Lincoln Way, Class C Retail Alcohol License,
Pending Dramshop Review
d. Mother's Pub, 2900 West Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering
Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
e. Wasabi Somerset, 2707 Kent Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License
f. Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh #1, 4018 West Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
g. Jeff's Pizza Shop LLC, 2402 Lincoln Way, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License, Pending Dramshop Review
11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-167 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending
March 31, 2025
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-168 correcting subdivision reference in Resolution No. 25-072,
which vacated certain easements
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-169 approving encroachment permit for sign at 300 Main Street,
2nd level
14. Requests for Ames on the Half Shell:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-170 approving waiver of enforcement of Municipal Code
Section 17.17 related to alcohol consumption in City parks with respect only to
Bandshell Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays May 30-June 30
b. Motion approving 5-Day License - Special Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service - Ames on the Half Shell, Bandshell Park, for:
i. May 29 - June 02, 2025
ii. June 05 - June 09, 2025
iii. June 12 - June 16, 2025
iv. June 19 - June 23, 2025
v. June 26 - June 30, 2025
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-171 approving request from Good Neighbor Emergency
Assistance to close Clark Avenue between 6th and 7th Street from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on
Sunday, May 18, 2025, for the Annual Street Party Celebration
16. Requests from Ames Patriotic Council for Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26,
2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for closed area
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-172 approving closure of Pearle Avenue and 5th Street
from east of Pearle Avenue through Clark Avenue intersection from 9:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m. for parade line-up
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-173 approving temporary closure of Clark Avenue from
5th Street to 9th Street between 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for movement of the
parade
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d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-174 approving temporary closure of 9th Street between
Clark Avenue and Maxwell Avenue from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for movement
of the parade
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-175 approving temporary closure of 6th Street at Clark
Avenue and Duff Avenue at 9th Street, as parade moves through those
intersections
17. Requests from Ames Pride for Pridefest on October 11, 2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending
License
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-176 approving closure of Douglas Avenue from Main
Street to 6th Street and 5th Street between Kellogg Avenue and the alley east of
Adams Family Funeral Home from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-177 approving waiver of parking meter fees and
enforcement
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-178 approving waiver of fee for blanket Vending License
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-179 approving relinquishing & return of original bond for JT
Warehouse Subdivision East 13th Street upon receipt of the replacement bond
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-180 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2024/25 Collector Street & Water System Improvements (Oakland Street - Oliver
Avenue to Hawthorne Avenue) project, setting May 21, 2025, as the bid due date and
May 27, 2025, as the date of Public Hearing
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-181 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2024/25 South 16th Street Roadway Widening and establish May 20, 2025, as the date of
letting and May 27, 2025, as the date for report for bids
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-182 approving a contract renewal with HTH Companies, Inc., of
Union, MO, for the Non- Asbestos Insulation and Related Services and Supply Contract
at the Power Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an
amount not-to-exceed $150,000
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-183 approving contract renewal with Integrated Global Services,
Inc., Richmond, VA, for the Boiler Tube Spray Coating and Related Services and
Supplies Contract for Power Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2025 through June
30, 2026 in an amount not-to-exceed $590,000
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-184 approving contract renewal with Tri-City Electric Company
of Iowa, Davenport, IA, for the Electrical Maintenance Services Contract for Power Plant
for the one-year period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not-to-
exceed $120,000
24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-185 approving contract renewal with Waldinger Corporation, of
Des Moines, IA, for the Power Plant Maintenance Services Contract for the one-year
period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not-to-exceed $135,000
25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-186 approving contract and bond for the 2023/24 CDBG
Infrastructure Program (N Russell Avenue - N 2nd Street to N 4th Street) with Iowa Water
& Waste Systems of Boone, Iowa, in the amount of $346,858.50
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUESTS FROM AMES PATRIOTIC COUNCIL FOR MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
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ON MONDAY, MAY 26, 2025: Council Member Gartin shared that he would be abstaining
from the vote due to conflict of interest.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the requests from Ames Patriotic
Council for Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for closed area
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-172 approving closure of Pearle Avenue and 5th Street from east
of Pearle Avenue through Clark Avenue intersection from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for
parade line-up
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-173 approving temporary closure of Clark Avenue from 5th
Street to 9th Street between 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for movement of the parade
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-174 approving temporary closure of 9th Street between Clark
Avenue and Maxwell Avenue from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for movement of the parade
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-175 approving temporary closure of 6th Street at Clark Avenue
and Duff Avenue at 9th Street, as parade moves through those intersections
Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1; Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. 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.
Daryle Vegge spoke in opposition to the annexation of The Irons Subdivision, citing the
financial obstacles of increased taxes and connecting to sanitary sewer services.
Collin Larter discussed pedestrian safety at crosswalks and proposed the addition of four
ordinances to the Municipal Code that protect the pedestrian right of way.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
HEARING ON CITY OF AMES BUDGET: Director of Finance Corey Goodenow and
Budget Manager Nancy Masteller gave a brief description of the budgets presented for approval.
The Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Adjusted Budget was opened and closed by
Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Mayor Haila then opened and closed the Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget
when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-187 authorizing and
approving the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Adjusted Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. 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. 25-188 authorizing and
approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget.
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 PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING
BILLBOARD STANDARDS AND CREATING NEW DIGITAL DISPLAY STANDARDS:
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann reviewed the proposed standards and permitted
locations for digital billboards.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Lorna Carroll advocated against permitted digital billboards, citing the importance of eliminating
light pollution to protect migratory birds.
Lori Biedermen shared opposition to the digital billboard and discussed the negative impacts of
off road lighting for drivers that have difficulty navigating the roadway at night.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Council Member Gartin summarized the concerns on light pollution and shared that he was in
favor of delaying action on the Zoning Text Amendment until more information could be
gathered.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to delay consideration of the proposal in order to
consult further with Lamar of Des Moines to investigate flexibility with the proposed lighting
standards and invite a local expert on the subject to attend the meeting with guidance on the
luminance of the billboard.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to amend the motion to clarify that delay of
consideration would continue the hearing to the next Regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Haila reopened the Public Hearing.
Jason Pomrenke, Real Estate Manager with Lamar of Des Moines, discussed the luminance
levels of the proposed billboard, highlighting the lowest luminance levels available to maintain
the integrity of the content readability.
Mayor Haila then announced that the Public Hearing would be continued to the next Regular
City Council meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2024/25 AIRPORT ENTRYWAY IMPROVEMENTS (ENTRY ROAD):
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Per the request of the Mayor, Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer reviewed the project
specifications and detailed the plans. He highlighted that construction would be phased in order
to maintain access to the airport.
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Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-189 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract for the base bid and bid alternate to TK
Concrete, Inc. of Pella, Iowa, in the amount of $554,055.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON 69KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION: Mayor Haila opened
and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-190 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Ward Electric Company of Longmont,
Colorado, in the amount of $2,228,648.92.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER MONTHLY UPDATE: Director of Parks
and Recreation Keith Abraham, Story Construction Senior Project Manager Troy Turner, and
RDG Planning and Design Architect Brad Rodenburg presented the update.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic
Center monthly update.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF DRIVEWAY REGULATIONS: Director
Diekmann highlighted that it was the request of the City Council to provide the Ames Home
Builders Association (AHBA) with the opportunity to present information regarding a request for
changes to driveway standards.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Jake Hanson, President of the AHBA, presented changes to the current driveway standards that
would eliminate the restriction at the property line, allow a maximum curb cut of 30 feet with
three-to-five-foot flares, and permit driveways leading to the same lot or serving the same
property at least 20 feet apart.
Justin Dodge, Project Manager with Hunziker Companies, agreed with the proposed changes
presented by the AHBA and discussed how adoption of the changes would improve aesthetics
and safety.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
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Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to authorize the Ames Home Builders Association to
submit a Zoning Text Amendment application regarding driveway regulations consistent with
the proposal discussed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 8:31 p.m. and reconvened at 8:37 p.m.
REVIEW OF NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Director Diekmann reviewed
notification procedures beyond the requirement outlined by the Code of Iowa for consideration.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Kate Gregory advocated for consistent and transparent notification systems that alerted residents
to issues that impact the community.
Shellie Orngard highlighted residents’ desire to be informed and discussed the benefit of
multiple notification systems.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to create a Major Projects
Notification webpage and authorize staff to develop a matrix for posting content.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to expand mailed notice distance requirement from
200-feet to 400-feet.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to continue with the third reading of the Major
Site Development Plan and public hearings text amendment at the next Regular City Council
meeting as originally proposed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to begin using the 400 -foot mailed notice
distance requirement immediately, prior to the passing of the ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY AT 57258 220TH STREET: Director
Diekmann recommended initiation of the voluntary annexation consistent with the annexation
application received by staff.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to initiate voluntary annexation of property at 57258
220th Street (East 13th Street).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FIRE STATION NO. 2: Fire Chief Rich Higgins summarized
the terms and anticipated outcomes for the architectural and engineering services contract to
construct a new Fire Station No. 2.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-191 awarding
contract to Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, of College Station, Texas for Architectural and
Engineering Services to construct a New Fire Station No. 2 in the amount not-to-exceed $78,800.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
LEASE AGREEMENT FOR WELCH LOT T IN CAMPUSTOWN: Interim Public Works
Director Justin Clausen and Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer presented options for continuing
the lease agreement.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to enter into a two-year lease
agreement at the existing terms with increased rates of approximately $1.50/hour for metered
stalls and $80/month for reserved stalls for Welch Lot T in Campustown.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request that the Legal Department review the
tax treatment for the Welch Lot T property.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MARKETING AND EDUCATION FUNDS FOR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR
NEW AMES ANIMAL SHELTER: Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda
was available for questions.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-192 allocating
$10,000 in marketing and education funds for fundraising campaign for new Ames Animal
Shelter.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 28.201 TO INCREASE DRINKING WATER RATES BY 3.5% AND
SECTION 28.304(3) TO INCREASE SANITARY SEWER RATES BY 5.5% FOR
CHARGES TO BE BILLED ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2025: Mayor Haila opened and closed
the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an Ordinance amending Chapter
28 of the Municipal Code Section 28.201 to increase drinking water rates by 3.5% and Section
28.304(3) to increase sanitary sewer rates by 5.5% for charges to be billed on or after July 1,
2025.
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING RELATING TO ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES: Moved by Beatty-Hansen,
seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an Ordinance relating to regulations for carbon
monoxide alarms in rental properties.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to suspend the rules.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4554 relating to regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were five items for consideration. Three items were from Chief Huff regarding false alarm
billing, proposed pet licensing program, and special penalty enforcement areas for Game Day
Parking respectively.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to place the item regarding false alarm billing
on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item regarding the proposed pet
licensing program on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item regarding the special penalty
enforcement areas for Game Day Parking on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The fourth item was from Nichole Flippen, General Counsel with Horizon Land Management,
requesting the extension of public sanitary sewer services to Maple Grove Mobile Home Park.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request from Jacque Pfaffle for an exemption to allow for awnings and a covered porch in a
residentially zoned area was the final item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer to staff for a memo.
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.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various events
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting at
9:57 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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Renee Hall, City Clerk