HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - June 10, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JUNE 10, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on the 10th day of June, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515
Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen,
Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Council Member Gloria
Betcher and ex officio Emily Boland joined the meeting electronically.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of May 16 -31, 2025
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Ames City
Council on May 27, 2025, and Special Meeting on June 4, 2025
4. Motion approving New Special Class C Retail Alcohol License - Ichiban Ames LLC,
117 Welch Avenue
5. Motion approving new 5-Day (June 16 - June 21, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Thirsty Pigs, LLC, 2320 Chamberlain
Street, Ames Summertime Series
6. Motion approving new 5-Day (June 26 - June 30, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Apres Bar, 1930 East 13th Street
7. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and
Liquor Licenses:
a. Iowa State @ Fisher Theater Class C Retail Alcohol License
b. Iowa State @ Scheman Building Class C Retail Alcohol License
c. Texas Roadhouse, 519 S Duff Ave Class C Retail Alcohol License
d. Courtyard by Marriott, 311 S. 17th St Class C Retail Alcohol License
e. Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, 111 Main St Class C Retail Alcohol License
f. Main 3326 LW (Board & Brush) 3326 Lincoln Way Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
g. Jethro’s BBQ, 1301 Buckeye Ave Class C Retail Alcohol License
h. 313 Bar, 115 5th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License
8. Motion approving requests from Octagon Arts Center for Octagon Art Festival on
September 28, 2025:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-278 approving closure of the following streets from
5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.:
i. Main Street, east of Clark (not blocking Wells Fargo Driveway) to just
west of Duff Avenue (allowing traffic to access parking lot behind
businesses
ii. Douglas Avenue, 5th Street to Main Street
iii. Kellogg Avenue, south of alley to Main Street
iv. Burnett Avenue, south of alley to Main Street
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-279 approving waiver of costs for electricity during
the event ($10 estimated loss)
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c. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Central
Business District
d. Motion approving Blanket Vending License for duration of the event
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-280 approving waiver of fee for Blanket Vending
License ($50)
9. Ansley Subdivision, Third Addition Final Plat
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-281 approving Public Improvement Agreements
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-282 approving Final Plat
10. RESOLUTION NO. 25-283 approving Ames Regional Economic Alliance
agreement for FY 2025/26
11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-284 approving Professional Services Agreement with
Olsson, Inc. of Des Moines, IA, for the creation of a Traffic Systems Management
and Operations (TSMO) Plan in an amount not to exceed $149,950
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-285 approving Cooperative Services Agreement with
Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC & D (PRI) for the implementation of the 2021 -2030 Story
County Water Monitoring and Interpretation Plan in the amount of $56,740
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-286 approving Property Brokerage Agreement with Willis
Towers Watson in the amount of $57,750 for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-287 approving renewal of Property Insurance Coverage for
FY 2025/26 at a combined quoted premium of $1,000,963
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-288 accepting renewal quote of the City's membership in
the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) in an amount not to exceed
$838,675.52
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-289 approving contract renewal with ABM Industry Groups,
LLC, of Des Moines, IA for Custodial Services for Ames Public Library for the
period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 in an amount not -to-exceed
$98,184
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-290 awarding contract to InfoSend Inc. of Downers Grove,
IL, for print to mail services in the amount of $216,500
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-291 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and authorizing City staff to enter into FY 2025/26 software
maintenance contract with Superion, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, at an
estimated cost of $261,081.67
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-292 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding a five-year contract with MCG Energy Solutions,
LLC, Minneapolis, MN, for MISO Market Participant Services for the period of July
1, 2025 through June 30, 2030 in the amo unt of $635,181.84
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-293 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding contract to Marshall County Landfill,
Marshalltown, IA, for landfill tipping fees for ash disposal for the Power Plant in the
amount of $100,000
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-294 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding single source contract to Seiler Instrument &
Manufacturing Co. of Urbandale, IA, in the amount of $59,016.50 for purchase of
Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanner and Tridone RCV Remote Survey Boat
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-295 approving contract and bond for 2024/25 Accessibility
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Enhancement Program with TK Concrete, Inc. of Pella, IA, in the amount of
$88,250
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-296 approving contract and bond for 2024/25 Airport
Entryway Improvements with TK Concrete, Inc. of Pella, IA, in the amount of
$554,055
24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-297 approving contract and bond for 2024/25 South 16th
Street Roadway Widening with Con-Struct, Inc. of Ames, IA, in the amount of
$3,625,832.10
25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-298 approving contract and bond for the Emergency
Generator System for the Power Plant with Van Maanen Electric, Inc. of Newton,
IA, in the amount of $310,670
26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-299 accepting completion of the FY 2024/25 biosolids
disposal contract with Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping of Peosta, IA, in the final
amount of $106,626.61
27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-300 accepting Dedication of Right of Way for 24 th Street
and Hoover Avenue with a Plat of Survey
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.
Paul Larson addressed the proposed annexation of the Irons Subdivision, discussing
variances held by some homes relating to septic systems, the topography of the area,
and possible impacts to the golf course from the requirement to connect to the City
sanitary sewer system.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
HEARING ON ANNEXATION OF FORMER BORGMEYER FARM PROPERTY AND
OTHER PROPERTIES ALONG GEORGE W. CARVER AND HYDE AVENUE, NORTH
OF AMES’ CORPORATE LIMITS: Planner Amelia Schoeneman reviewed the proposed
annexation, which had been separated from the annexation of the Irons Subdivision. She
noted that state law allows voluntary annexations to include up to 20% nonconsenting
properties to avoid islands and jurisdictional gaps, and this action included approximately
10% of the territory from nonconsenting properties. Staff recommended deferral of the
development agreement until to the time of rezoning to allow discussions with the
developer about incentives and pioneer infrastructure to be completed.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to approve Alternative 1: defer the development
agreement until the time of rezoning and adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-301 approving
Annexation.
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 PROPOSAL TO VACATE EXISTING ELECTRIC UTILITY EASEMENT
AT 2125 ISAAC NEWTON DRIVE: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor
Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-302 approving
vacating Electric Utility Easement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR AMES SUMMERTIME SERIES –
CAMPUSTOWN: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips explained that this request related
to a previously-approved special event organized by Ames Main Street (AMS). Following
approval, AMS approached staff about the possibility of suspension of enforcement of
Section 17.16 related to minors on premises following the success of an event as part of
515 Days which received a similar waiver. Staff reviewed the request and recommended
approval.
Council Member Betcher inquired about fencing requirements. Assistant City Manager
Phillips clarified that additional fencing was only required in areas where permanent
fencing was not present.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-303 approving
suspension of enforcement of Municipal Code Section 17.16 related to minors on
premises on June 18, 2025, for Ames Summertime Series – Campustown.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
SPRING FY 2024/25 DOWNTOWN FAÇADE GRANTS: Planner Benjamin Campbell
reviewed the three requests received for 136 and 138 Main Street, 202 Main Street, and
313 Main Street. All three projects involved maintenance to the exterior of contributing
structures to the National Historic District, and 202 Main Street also included rehabilitation
of historically significant features in the restoration of windows on the front façade.
Planner Campbell noted that there was sufficient funding for all three requests and that
staff recommended approval.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-304
approving Spring FY 2024/25 Downtown Façade Grants.
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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FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE TO COMPLY WITH NEW STATE LAW
REGARDING CITIZEN REVIEW BOARDS OF POLICE AND REPEAL AMES
RESIDENT POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ARPAC): City Attorney Mark Lambert
stated that Senate File 311, which had recently been signed into law, prevented any city
with a Civil Service Commission from having a citizen board that reviewed police actions.
As the City had a Civil Service Commission, the proposed ordinance repealed the code
sections related to ARPAC to comply with the law.
Council Member Gartin asked Chief of Police Geoff Huff to explain the context of the
creation and purpose of ARPAC. Chief Huff stated that, following the events in
Minneapolis, MN, in 2020, City Manager Steve Schainker led an effort to compile a report
about policing in Ames with input from staff and the NAACP. The report included a
recommendation to create a citizen advisory board, which was established in 2021. The
volunteers on the board committed significant time to learning about polices, procedures,
and legal principles related to policing in Ames. Beyond providing additional perspectives
to the Ames Police Department and making suggestions, the members of ARPAC had
participated in community outreach events like National Night Out and Shop with a Cop.
Council Member Gartin inquired about options moving forward following the elimination
of ARPAC. Chief Huff shared that an informal committee could still provide input to the
department and participate in education and outreach. He noted that he had spoken with
each outgoing member of ARPAC and all were willing continue in some capacity. Council
Member Gartin commended City Manager Schainker and Chief Huff for their work in
tailoring ARPAC to be an effective resource for the Ames community and expressed
gratitude for the hard work of the ARPAC volunteers.
Council Member Betcher shared her impression that the majority of the work of ARPAC
did not involve review of officer conduct. Chief Huff noted that the new state law was
written with broad language making it impossible for ARPAC to continue in its current
form. Council Member Betcher stated that she was glad to hear that the volunteers were
wiling to continue in a different capacity so that their expertise and community
connections would not be wasted.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance to comply
with new state law regarding citizen review boards of police and repeal Ames Resident
Police Advisory Committee (ARPAC).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING GAME DAY AND SPECIAL EVENTS
PARKING PENALTY: Chief Huff reviewed the proposed fine increase from $40 to $75.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
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speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance amending
Game Day and Special Events Parking Penalty.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to suspend the rules to allow Second and Third
reading and adoption of ordinance amending Game Day and Special Events Parking
Penalty.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to pass on second reading an ordinance amending
Game Day and Special Events Parking Penalty.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4557 amending Game Day and Special Events Parking Penalty.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE RELATING TO FIREWORKS: Fire Chief Rich
Higgins reviewed the proposed ordinance with support from Chief Huff and City Attorney
Lambert, noting that changes in state law eliminated the ability of the City to prohibit
exploding of fireworks on private property on July 3, July 4, and December 31. He shared
that staff was preparing for extensive outreach to Ames landlords regarding the changes,
given that renters would not be allowed to explode fireworks on rental property without
permission from the property owner. Chief Huff noted that exploding of fireworks on public
property, including streets and parks, would remain illegal, and coordination was
underway with Parks and Recreation staff to keep City parks safe from fireworks damage.
Chief Higgins stated that staff was also coordinating with Iowa State University and the
Ames Community School District.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired whether a county burn ban based on safety
considerations would supersede this change in state law. City Attorney Lambert replied
in the negative.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance relating to
Fireworks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to suspend the rules to allow Second and Third
reading and adoption of ordinance relating to Fireworks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance
relating to Fireworks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4558 relating to Fireworks.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE RELATING TO ESTABLISHING THE URBAN
REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR 329 SOUTHEAST 5TH STREET: Moved by Gartin,
seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance relating to establishing the
Urban Revitalization Plan for 329 Southeast 5th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING 113 NORTH DAKOTA FROM
RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (RL) TO RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (RM) WITH
A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY (RM PUD): Moved by Gartin, seconded
by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning 113 North Dakota from
Residential Low Density (RL) to Residential Medium Density (RM) with a Planned Unit
Development Overlay (RM PUD).
Roll Call Vote: Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, and Rollins. Voting
Nay: Betcher. Motion declared carried.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4556 RELATING TO A
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING BILLBOARD STANDARDS AND
CREATING NEW DIGITAL DISPLAY STANDARDS: Moved by Beatty-Hansen,
seconded by Gartin, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4556 relating
to a Zoning Text Amendment modifying Billboard standards and creating new Digital
Display standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were three items to consider.
The first item from Water and Pollution Control (W&PC) Director John Dunn reported on
Ada Hayden Water Quality Monitoring. Mayor Haila noted the item to be for information
only. Council Member Gartin encouraged residents to read the report, which could be
found on the W&PC Department webpage.
A request for deer hunting in Munn Woods from Max Rothschild was the second item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from Chief of Police
Geoff Huff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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The third item, from Taylor Francis of Wasker, Dorr, Wimmer, & Marcouiller, P.C.,
presented a request for a Zoning Text Amendment regarding common open space.
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann shared the support of staff to place the
item directly on a future agenda.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Betcher reported that the Ames
Regional Economic Alliance board heard a report from the developer of The Linc
regarding ongoing efforts to move the project forward.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Rollins encouraged residents to attend the
Juneteenth celebration at Bandshell Park on Saturday, June 14, from 12:30 -5:00 p.m.
Council Member Gartin commended the Ames Police Department for its involvement with
a recent Boys and Girls Club of Story County event. He also recognized the passing of
Dr. Jack Swanson, who had been an important physician in the community for decades.
Council Member Gartin then stated his desire for staff to discuss purchase of the property
at 117 Kellogg Avenue with the owners.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to initiate a dialogue with the owners
of 117 Kellogg Avenue to purchase the property for the purpose of creating additional
public parking.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Junck expressed a desire to conduct a more detailed review of the
contract with the Ames Regional Economic Commission in future years.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place discussion of the Ames Regional
Economic Alliance contract for FY 2026/27 on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Junck also recognized that Council Night at the Bandshell would be
Thursday, June 12, with ice cream at 7:00 p.m. and a concert starting at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Haila noted that representatives from the Animal Shelter would be joining the City
Council at Council Night at the Bandshell to promote the capital campaign for the new
Animal Shelter. He also invited residents to attend an open house at the solar farm on
Wednesday, June 18, at 4:00 p.m.
Ex officio Boland shared her regrets for not being able to attend Council Night at the
Bandshell and her hope to return in person for the City Council meeting on June 24.
Mayor Haila also shared that he had attended a ribbon -cutting event at Chevron
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Renewable Energy Group and expressed appreciation for the company’s investment in
the Ames community.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 6:51
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Jeramy Neefus, Principal Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk