HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Full Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JULY 8, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:04 p.m. on the 8th day of July, 2025. Present were Council Members Bronwyn
Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita
Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present.
Mayor Haila announced that it was impossible to hold an in-person City Council meeting
due to an electric panel malfunction eliminating power to City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue.
Thus, this meeting was held as an electronic meeting as allowed by Section 21.8 of the
Code of Iowa. He then provided information regarding how the public could participate
in the meeting electronically.
It was also noted by Mayor Haila that the City Council would work from an amended
agenda due to the electronic meeting format. He highlighted that three items would be
tabled to a future meeting, including Climate Action Plan update, Nuisance Ordinance
Update, and Renewable Energy Program modifications. He explained that these items
were being deferred to allow for in-person discussion and public input.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of June 16 -30, 2025
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
June 24, 2025, and Special AAMPO Meeting on June 17, 2025, and Special City
Council Meeting on June 17, 2025
4. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
5. Motion approving new 5-Day (August 19-23, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Apres Bar Co., 1930 E 13th Street
6. Motion approving Premises Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Kum &
Go #0217, 3111 South Duff Avenue
7. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Liquor License with
Outdoor Service - Sips and Paddys, 126 Welch Avenue on:
a. August 28 - September 1, 2025
b. September 4 - September 7, 2025
8. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service - Torrent Brewing Company, LLC, 504 Burnett Avenue,
Midnight Madness
9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and
Liquor Licenses:
a. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 105 Chestnut, Class C Retail
Alcohol License
b. Sportsman's Lounge, 123 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Living Quarters
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c. AJ's Liquor II, 2515 Chamberlain Street, Class E Retail Alcohol License
d. Huhot Mongolian Grill, 703 S. Duff Ave. Suite #105, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
e. Rinconcito Hispano Tienda y Taqueria, 823 Wheeler Street Suite #1,
Class C Retail Alcohol License
f. Northcrest Inc, 1801 20th Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service
10. RESOLUTION NO. 25-341 approving Professional Services Agreement with
Stanley Consultants, of Des Moines, IA, for 2025/26 Collector Street Pavement
Improvements (Bloomington Road) in an amount not to exceed $72,000
11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-342 approving Professional Services Agreement with
Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, of Cedar Rapids, IA, for the Duff Avenue
Corridor Study in an amount not to exceed $100,000
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-343 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
2024/25 Multi-Modal Roadway Improvements (6th Street, North of City Hall),
setting August 6, 2025, as the bid due date and August 12, 2025, as the date of
Public Hearing
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-344 approving contract renewal with EMC Claims
Solutions, LLC, of Des Moines, IA, to provide third -party administration of the
City's Workers' Compensation and Municipal Fire and Police "411 System"
claims for the term of August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-345 approving contract renewal for the purchase of oils,
lubricants, and fluid analysis for Fleet Services and Ames Transit Agency
(CyRide) to Heritage Petroleum, LLC of Evansville, IN, for the one -year period
from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not -to-exceed $49,300.00
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-346 awarding contract to Wulfekuhle Injection and
Pumping of Peosta, IA, for FY 2025/26 WPC Biosolids Disposal Contract using
unit prices as bid in a total amount not to exceed $104,687.50
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-347 approving third amendment to 28E Funding
Agreement with Story County Edge of Field Project
17. Prairie View Industrial Center Utility Extension Project
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-348 approving Change Order No. 4 with Keller Excavating
of Boone, IA, for the Prairie View Industrial Center Utility Extension Project, a
deduction in the amount of $298,239.42
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-349 approving Change Order No. 5 with Keller Excavating
of Boone, IA, for the Prairie View Industrial Center Utility Extension Project, a
deduction in the amount of $147,984.88
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-350 accepting Prairie View Industrial Center Utility
Extension Project as completed by Keller Excavating of Boone, IA, in the amount
of $8,269,896.42
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-351 approving Change Order No. 4 with Keller
Excavating, Inc. of Boone, IA, for the North River Valley Well Field and Pipeline
Project, in the amount of $47,336
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-352 approving Change Order No. 4 to 2022/23 Airport
Improvements Program (South Apron Rehab), the balancing change order, a
deduction in the amount of $35,531.35
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20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-353 approving partial completion of public improvements
and reducing the financial security on file for North Dayton Industrial Park
Subdivision to $173,250
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-354 approving partial completion of public improvements
and reducing the financial security on file for North Sunset Ridge 1st Addition to
$385,150.13
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-355 approving partial completion of public improvements
and reducing the financial security on file for Sunset Ridge 11 th Addition to
$28,220.00
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-356 approving partial completion of public improvements
and reducing the financial security on file for Ansley 3rd Addition Subdivision to
$405,659.50
24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-357 approving completion of public improvements and
releasing in full the financial security on file for Sunset Ridge 10th Addition
25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-358 approving completion of public improvements and
releasing in full the financial security on file for Hayden's Ridge - Townhome
Community
26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-359 approving Minor Final Plat for Hy-Vee Subdivision
Second Addition
27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-360 approving consent of assignment of cellular antenna
site lease from Verizon Wireless to VB Acquisitions, LLC
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.
Max Rothschild addressed deer population control in the Munn Woods area, requesting
that urban deer hunting be allowed for a short period in the winter months to help
reduce the population.
Grant Olson spoke about concerns and provided recommendations regarding the
current Request for Proposals (RFP) for roadway improvements to the Stange Road
corridor through the Somerset area.
Kate Gregory discussed concerns relating to the request from Mary Greeley Medical
Center for a Zoning Text Amendment that would allow for an expansion of its campus.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
FY 2024/25 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE: This item was tabled to a future
meeting.
NUISANCE ORDINANCE UPDATE: This item was tabled to a future meeting.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AGREEMENT: Public Works Director Justin Clausen
presented the proposed terms of the Solid Waste Disposal Agreement with Carroll
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County, detailing that the term of the agreement would be 20 years, which aligned with
the anticipated debt service term for the Resource Recovery Recycling Campus (R3C)
project. The agreement included a per tonnage fee and provisions for coordinating
material transport, benefiting both Carroll County and Ames by enabling marketing of
recyclables closer to the Des Moines metro area.
The City Council members engaged in discussions about the duration of the agreement
and potential future membership status on the commission. Assistant City Manager
Brian Phillips clarified that the agreement in its current form did not include membership
rights but secured the disposal of Story County waste in the Carroll County landfill. He
explained that if Ames seeks and is granted membership at a later time, the agreement
would transition to a membership agreement addressing all relevant provisions.
Assistant City Manager Phillips also explained that time was of the essence in finalizing
the proposed agreement to ensure that waste disposal operations could smoothly
transition by the time the solid waste disposal agreement with the Boone County Landfill
ends in 2027. He highlighted that if Carroll County acquired property adjacent to its
current site, it may be able to accept solid waste from Ames earlier. This would
potentially save on costs associated with current burning of refuse derived fuel at the
Ames Power Plant, which is dependent on fluctuating natural gas prices.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Further discussions highlighted that the 20 -year term of the agreement was carefully
negotiated to match the debt service timeline, though both parties remain open to
reassessing the terms if the relationship proves mutually beneficial over time.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-361 approving
Solid Waste Disposal Agreement with Carroll County, Iowa, Solid Waste Management
Commission.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
CLASS C RETAIL LICENSE - LA CASA MAYA: Chief of Police Geoff Huff shared that
in the past 12 months, La Casa Maya has failed two out of three compliance checks.
The first failure occurred on November 22, 2024, when a minor aged 20 was served
alcohol despite the employee checking their ID. A similar incident happened on May 2,
2025. After each incident, the establishment was notified, and the Police Department
encouraged attendance at ID training and utilize the Iowa age to purchase app.
However, no employees attended the police-offered trainings or the quarterly bar
meetings. He noted that it was his recommendation as the Chief of Police to deny the
renewal application.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
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Laura Hernandez, wife of La Casa Maya owner Juan Hernandez, spoke to the efforts
taken by the restaurant to adhere with laws involving alcohol service and the intent of
staff to attend bilingual training offered by the Police Department.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council members noted the significance of the compliance issues, particularly
as the establishment was relatively new. They discussed the option of denying the 12 -
month renewal application, emphasizing the importance of establishing responsible
practices early on. The alternative to apply for an 8-month license with demonstrated
changes, including completed training, was considered a path forward. Chief Huff
mentioned that if La Casa Maya applied for an 8-month license with evidence of
improvements, it would be considered favorably by staff.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to deny renewal of a Class C Retail License -
La Casa Maya, 631 Lincoln Way, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON FIRE ALARM UPGRADE FOR THE POWER PLANT: The Public
Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-362
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Van Maanen Electric
Inc. of Newton, IA, in the amount of $359,895.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING TO VACATE RIGHT-OF-WAY ON LOT ‘J’ OF BLOOMINGTON HEIGHTS
WEST PLAT 3: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-363 approving
vacating right-of-way on Lot 'J'.
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 Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-364 approving
establishment of 5-foot public utility easement on the easterly property line of said
parcel.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 57258 220TH STREET
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(EAST 13TH STREET) FROM AGRICULTURAL (A) TO GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI)
UPON ITS FINAL APPROVAL OF ANNEXATION BY THE STATE: The Public Hearing
was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an ordinance
rezoning property located at 57258 220th Street (East 13th Street) from Agricultural (A)
to General Industrial (GI) upon its final approval of annexation by the State.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 29 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE
FOR DRIVEWAY ZONING STANDARDS: Planning and Housing Director Kelly
Diekmann provided an overview of the proposed changes to driveway zoning
standards. The changes included increasing the maximum width of driveways based on
the width of the garage and altering the measurement standards to the curb line.
Additionally, the requirement for lot width for second driveways would be reduced from
150 feet to 100 feet, with a minimum spacing of 34 feet between the loops. Director
Diekmann noted that these changes were in line with the original request of the Ames
Home Builders Association and that staff was supportive of the amending the Municipal
Code.
The discussion extended to a request for a paving exemption for long driveways.
Council Member Gartin inquired about the commonality of having a 300-foot driveway in
Ames, acknowledging it as rare and more typical in county zones. Director Diekmann
noted that though some specific lots, especially those from annexed county areas, could
feature such lengths, most standard subdivision lots in Ames fall well below that
threshold.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Alex Wickenkamp shared support of the changes presented by staff, specifically
concerning paving exemptions for long driveways. He highlighted the importance of
allowing gravel for longer sections of driveway while maintaining paved surfaces nearer to
the road, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and necessary access for safety vehicles.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
The City Council considered how such exceptions could be administratively managed ,
debating whether approvals should be handled by staff or by involving the Zoning Board
of Adjustment (ZBA), which would involve a more formal process and allow public input.
Director Diekmann advised that enlisting the ZBA could provide a balance of interests
between property owners and community standards.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance regarding
amendments to Chapter 29 of the Ames Municipal Code for Driveway Zoning
Standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to draft ordinance to create
paving exception for long driveways to be approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
BUYBACK PROGRAM: This item was tabled to a future agenda.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4563 TO COMPLY WITH
THE NEW STATE LAW REGARDING CITIZEN REVIEW BOARDS OF POLICE AND
REPEAL AMES RESIDENT POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ARPAC): Moved by
Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO.
4563 to comply with the 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.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were six items to consider. The first was from Rick Sanders, Iowa State University
Research Park President, regarding a request for a Zoning Text Amendment.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A response from Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson concerning a request from
Maple Grove Mobile Home Park for municipal sanitary sewer service was the second
item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The next three items were from Director Diekmann regarding a request for Zoning Text
Amendment for Regulations in the South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed -Use District (S-SMD),
a request for a Zoning Text Amendment to Hospital/Medical Design District (S -HM), and
a status update to the Planning Work Plan. The status update was noted to be for
information only.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the request for Zoning Text
Amendment for Regulations in the South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed -Use District (S-SMD)
on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to place the request for a Zoning Text
Amendment to Hospital/Medical Design District (S-HM) on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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An update from Chief Huff concerning a request to expand the urban deer hunting
program to include Munn Woods was the final item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer the request to the Parks and
Recreation Commission along with the correspondence with the Munn Woods
neighbors concerning the request for consideration.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Betcher provided details from the
recent meeting of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). A significant
discussion took place regarding housing development in the region, highlighted by a
presentation from the CEO of Cading Properties. She shared that Brenda Dryer from
AREA has been engaging with Cading Properties, potentially exploring the developer’s
interest in expanding into Ames. Council Member Betcher further emphasized the
discussion regarding commuting patterns, specifically noting the movement of labor in
and out of Boone. This data signified a broader regional labor shed dynamic that Ames
must consider as part of its workforce planning and economic strategies. Council
Member Betcher concluded that AREA's internship program saw a substantial increase
in participation, expanding from 13 interns the previous year to 90 participants this year.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The City Council members expressed appreciation for the
organizers and volunteers that made the Fourth of July celebration a success. Mayor
Haila also commended City staff for their efficient response to the unexpected power
outage at City Hall, noting the impressive coordination and planning demonstrated in
the Emergency Operations Center. Additionally, ex officio Boland announced that the
joint meeting of the City Council and Iowa State University Student Government was
scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the
meeting at 7:48 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