HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Extended Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council August 26, 20251
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA AUGUST 26, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on the 26th day of August, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall,
515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Gloria Betcher,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily
Boland was also present. Council Member Rachel Junck was absent.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher pulled Item No. 12.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the consent agenda less Item No. 12.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of August 1-15, 2025
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
August 12, 2025, and Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on August 19,
2025
4. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Hy-Vee
Food and Drugstore #1, 3800 W. Lincoln Way
5. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Hy-Vee
Food and Drugstore #2, 640 Lincoln Way
6. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Ames
Fast and Fresh #1, 4018 Lincoln Way
7. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Ames
Fast and Fresh #2, 636 Lincoln Way
8. Motion approving Premises Update for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Levy @
Scheman Building, 1805 Center Street
9. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service - BN'C Fieldhouse, 206 Welch Avenue until March 3, 2026
10. Motion approving new 5-Day (September 2-6, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Apres Bar Co, 2120 Lincoln Way, Pending
Dramshop Review
11. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and
Liquor Licenses:
a. Cyclone Liquors, 626 Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol License
b. Heartland Senior Services, 205 South Walnut Avenue, Special Class C
Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service
c. The Recipe, 412 Burnett Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License
d. Wallaby's Grille, 2733 Stange Road, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
e. Whiskey River, 132 - 134 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege
12. Motion approving request for Fireworks Permits for display from Jack Trice
Stadium for 2025 ISU Home Football Games on the following dates:
a. Saturday, August 30, 2025
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b. Saturday, September 6, 2025
c. Saturday, September 27, 2025
d. Saturday, October 25, 2025
e. Saturday, November 1, 2025
f. Saturday, November 22, 2025
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-418 approving Memorandum of Understanding with
Judicial Branch, Second Judicial District, Story County for court services in City
Hall
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-419 approving letter of support for Main Street Iowa
Challenge Grant
15. Appointments to Watershed Management Authorities:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-420 appointing Dustin Albrecht as representative
and Noel Steckelberg as alternate representative to the Ioway Creek
Watershed Management Authority
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-421 appointing Noel Steckelberg as alternate
representative to the Headwaters of the South Skunk River Watershed
Management Authority
16. Requests from Ames High School for Homecoming Parade on September 29,
2025:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-422 approving closure of City Parking Lot MM,
southern three aisles of City Parking Lot M, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for
parade staging
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-423 approving closure of Pearle Avenue, Burnett
Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, and Clark Avenue (all from Main Street to 5th
Street), Main Street from Pearle Avenue to Duff Avenue, and 5th Street from
Grand Avenue to Clark Avenue, from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7:45 p.m.
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-424 approving closure of 219 metered parking
spaces along the parade route from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and waiver of
fees (Loss of $750 to the Parking Fund)
e. RESOLUTION NO. 25-425 approving waiver of parking meter fees and
enforcement from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 19 metered parking spaces in
Lot N (Loss of $9.50 to the Parking Fund)
17. Police firearms and related equipment purchase:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-426 awarding a contract to Sioux Sales Company,
of Sioux City, IA, for 60 Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 handguns, related
holsters, optic plates with trade in credit for a total of $33,628
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-427 awarding a contract to Arms Unlimited Inc., of
Henderson, NV, for magazines and optics for a total of $23,800
18. Water Treatment Plant Well Rehabilitation Program:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-428 accepting Year Three of the five-year Water
Plant Well Rehabilitation Contract as completed by Northway Well and
Pump Company, of Waukee, IA, in the amount of $145,446.04
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-429 awarding Year Four of the five-year Water Plant
Well Rehabilitation Contract to Northway Well and Pump Company of
Waukee, IA, in the amount of $126,472.94 for mobilization and rehabilitation
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of four wells in FY 2025/26
19. Water Meters and Related Accessories Supply Contract
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-430 waiving competitive bidding requirements for
water meters and related accessories
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-431 approving contract with Badger Meter,
Milwaukee, WI, to purchase water meters and related accessories for the
one-year period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not-
to-exceed $249,509
20. Lime Sludge Disposal Contract:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-432 accepting Year Two of the five-year Lime
Sludge Disposal Contract as completed by Wulfekuhle Injection and
Pumping of Peosta, IA, in the amount of $504,952.30
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-433 awarding Year Three of the five-year Lime
Sludge Disposal Contract to Wulfekuhle Injection and Pumping of Peosta,
IA, in an amount not-to-exceed $392,140
21. FY 2025/26 Airport Facility Improvements Program (Jet Fuel Farm Replacement –
Jet A):
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-434 approving State of Iowa Airport Improvement
Program Grant Agreement
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-435 allocating $12,500 from the Airport
Improvement Fund for the project
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-436 approving contract renewal with GHD Services Inc, of
Niagara Falls, NY, for Regulatory Compliance Monitoring at the Ash Pond in an
amount not-to-exceed $80,000
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-437 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
2025/26 Shared Use Path Maintenance Contract No. 1, setting September 17,
2025, as bid due date and September 23, 2025, as date of Public Hearing
24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-438 approving Plat of Survey (Boundary Line Adjustment)
for 22171 and 22085 580th Avenue
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
FIREWORKS PERMITS FOR DISPLAY AT JACK TRICE STADIUM FOR 2025 ISU
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES: Council Member Betcher stated that she pulled the item to
allow public input on the topic. She also noted her preference for limiting late night
fireworks while acknowledging that these displays were scheduled for earlier in the
evening. Council Member Gartin expressed support for fireworks displays as an important
part of the game day experience.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to approve request for Fireworks Permits for
display from Jack Trice Stadium for 2025 ISU Home Football Games on the following
dates:
a. Saturday, August 30, 2025
b. Saturday, September 6, 2025
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c. Saturday, September 27, 2025
d. Saturday, October 25, 2025
e. Saturday, November 1, 2025
f. Saturday, November 22, 2025
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila noted that an item related to the Ames High School Homecoming Parade
was approved as part of the Consent Agenda and invited the applicant to address the
City Council.
Sarah Higgins, Ames High School Homecoming Parade Co -Chair, invited everyone to
attend the parade on September 29 and emphasized that the event brings the community
together.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Karen Sevde provided an update on the grants program of the Story County Community
Foundation, inviting nonprofit organizations and government agencies to apply by the
deadline of September 30.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
8-MONTH CLASS C RETAIL ALCOHOL LICENSE WITH OUTDOOR SERVICE FOR
LA CASA MAYA, 631 LINCOLN WAY: Chief of Police Geoff Huff reviewed that the City
Council denied an application from La Casa Maya for renewal of a 12-month alcohol
license based on failing two of three compliance checks in the past year. Since that time,
all restaurant employees completed the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training
(I-PACT) online certification, and the restaurant hosted a training session by Ames Police
Department as well. Staff recommended approval of the 8-month license, which allowed
a shorter license period to monitor compliance.
Council Member Betcher noted that the business owner had expressed a concern about
staff being able to access training in Spanish. Chief Huff shared that one of the officers
who provided the training session is bilingual and was able to provide training in both
English and Spanish.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve an 8 -month Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service for La Casa Maya, 631 Lincoln Way.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FROM ISU RESEARCH PARK TO INITIATE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
TO STANDARDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OF OFF-STREET PARKING AREAS AND
DRIVEWAYS FOR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT: Planning and Housing Director Kelly
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Diekmann presented the request from the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park for
an exemption from paving requirements for an agricultural equipment maneuvering area.
Director Diekmann noted that staff have not received requests for similar exemptions,
although it is possible that other industrial users could find such an exemption useful. He
noted that most of the Research Park land abutting residential zones was already
developed, so this exemption would not be expected to impact residential uses. He also
explained that paving requirements are designed to preserve compatibility with
surrounding uses, mitigating noise and trackout on public streets.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Council Member Betcher observed that future requests for similar exemptions would be
easier to manage with an approval process routed through the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. Council Members Gartin and Beatty-Hansen expressed a preference for a
narrower exemption.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative 1: Within the
Research Park Innovation District (RI), exclude agricultural equipment areas from paving
requirements, as an accessory function and for areas behind a principal building, subject
to approval by the Planning Director.
Vote on Motion: 4-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, and Gartin. Voting
Nay: Rollins. Motion declared carried.
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER MONTHLY UPDATE: Parks and
Recreation Director Keith Abraham, Story Construction Senior Project Manager Troy
Turner, and RDG Planning and Design Architect Brad Rodenburg presented the updat e.
Highlights included completion of one pool basin, framing of the locker rooms, and
upcoming landscaping. The project was progressing and was on track for substantial
completion in January 2026 with opening in March 2026.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to accept the Fitch Family Indoor
Aquatic Center monthly update.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON REZONING PROPERTY AT 3220 CAMERON SCHOOL ROAD FROM
“A” (AGRICULTURAL) TO “CGS” (CONVENIENCE GENERAL SERVICE) AND “FS-
RM” (FLOATING SUBURBAN MEDIUM-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) ZONE WITH
MASTERPLAN: Planner Justin Moore and Director Diekmann reviewed the rezoning
request for small-scale commercial and medium-density residential development, noting
that the request is consistent with the land use plan for the area in Ames Plan 2040. A
convenience store was planned for the north section of the site, and an assisted living
and memory care facility was intended for the south. Director Diekmann reviewed that
assisted living uses require a Special Use Permit with approval by the Zoning Board of
Adjustment.
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Council Member Gartin inquired about the capacity of utilities serving the site, and
Director Diekmann explained that the density of the overall development was designed
within the limits of the sanitary sewer capacity.
Council Member Betcher inquired about how adding an assisted living community in this
area of Ames would affect emergency response times. Fire Chief Rich Higgins explained
that assisted living facilities comprised 10% of total call volume and 20% of medical calls
responded to by the Fire Department. The proposed facility would be located outside of
the current 5-minute response time radius. A fourth fire station was expected to be located
in the north part of Ames in the future, which would mitigate challenges to response times.
Chief Higgins noted that staff was exploring the possibility of constructing a fire house
rather than a full fire station, which would be significantly less expensive.
Mayor Haila invited the applicant to address the City Council. Kurt Friedrich, President of
Friedrich Land Development, shared an update on the development of The Bluffs at
Dankbar Farms subdivision and the vision for incorporating a convenience store and
assisted living and memory care community into the overall project. He emphasized that
assisted living projects stimulate the local housing economy by opening up existing
housing stock for younger families. On the topic of emergency services, he acknowledged
the challenges and offered the possibility of locating a fire house in the Greenbriar
development nearby. Friedrich then introduced Patrick Anton of Dover Companies to
share more about the assisted living facility. Anton explained that Cedarhurst Senior
Living would be an 87-unit assisted living and memory care community. Dover
Companies currently operated 50 similar communities in the Midwest. The goal would be
to break ground in spring 2026 and to be fully operational in spring 2029. Anton noted
that a quarter of the other communities managed by Dover Companies were more than
five minutes from the nearest fire station, and that drive time had not caused concerns.
He shared statistics about unmet demand for assisted living facilities in the Ames area
and expressed confidence in the ability of Dover Companies to hire quality staff and
provide a needed service to the community.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative 1: pass on first reading an
ordinance rezoning property at 3220 Cameron School Road from “A” (Agricultural) to
“CGS” (Convenience General Service) and “FS-RM” (Floating Suburban Medium-Density
Residential) Zone with Masterplan and to finalize a Zoning Agreement for the Master Plan
prior to the third reading of the rezoning ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON GRANTING GAS PIPELINE EASEMENT ON CITY OF AMES
PROPERTY AT 601 S. MAPLE AVENUE: Public Works Director Justin Clausen was
available for questions.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
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to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-439 approving
easement creating legal access for Alliant Energy to construct and maintain the proposed
gas main.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON TEXT AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 23 CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE: City Attorney Mark Lambert explained that an incorrect version of the
Conservation Subdivision ordinance had been adopted and signed due to human error.
The ordinance presented would repeal the incorrect version and adopt the correct
version.
Mayor Haila and Council Member Betcher expressed a desire for policies to be developed
to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future. Council Member Gartin expressed
confidence in staff. Attorney Lambert emphasized that this was a rare occurrence and
staff would be vigilant to prevent future errors.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance
relating to a Text Amendment to Chapter 23 Conservation Subdivision Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to suspend the rules and allow for second and
third reading and adoption of ordinance relating to a Text Amendment to Chapter 23
Conservation Subdivision Ordinance.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance
relating to a Text Amendment to Chapter 23 Conservation Subdivision Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
No. 4568 relating to a Text Amendment to Chapter 23 Conservation Subdivision
Ordinance.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct the City Attorney and City Clerk to
develop a policy to improve the ordinance review process to prevent future errors.
Vote on Motion: 1-4. Voting Aye: Betcher. Voting Nay: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin,
and Rollins. Motion declared failed.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND
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THE PUD OVERLAY OPEN SPACE STANDARD FOR INFILL SITES: Moved by Rollins,
seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance on Zoning Text
Amendment to amend the PUD Overlay Open Space Standard for Infill Sites.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2715
DAYTON AVENUE FROM AGRICULTURAL (A) TO GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT
DISTRICT (S-GA): Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second
reading an ordinance rezoning Property located at 2715 Dayton Avenue from Agricultural
(A) to Government/Airport District (S-GA).
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE FOR 400 SOUTH 4TH STREET PUD OVERLAY
WITH SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to
pass on second reading an ordinance for 400 South 4th Street PUD Overlay with Site
Development Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Beatty-Hansen shared a report from
the Ames Regional Economic Alliance meeting about a new BioMADE facility coming to
the Ames area in partnership with Iowa State University. Council Member Betcher stated
that a report on the use of historic tax credits for the renovation of the Ingersoll Theater
was also presented.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were two items to consider.
The first item was an email from Ames Regional Economic Alliance Business Director
Dylan Kline regarding a development opportunity at 13th Street and Interstate 35.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request an update from the City
Manager’s Office on the progress being made on this topic.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The second item was a memo from Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer relating to Game
Day Parking by Stuart Smith Park. City Manager Steve Schainker noted that staff would
be utilizing the enforcement tools already in place to address the concerns and no action
was needed at this time.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland noted that the joint meeting of the ISU Student
Government and the City Council was scheduled for October 22.
Council Members Gartin, Rollins, and Betcher welcomed students back.
Council Member Betcher shared that there have been some reports of vehicles on shared
use paths. Director Clausen spoke to the efforts of staff to deter this behavior.
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Mayor Haila invited everyone to attend the 35th Anniversary of City Hall Open House on
August 28.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the
meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Jeramy Neefus, Principal Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk