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Home My WebLink AboutA010 - Resolution approving the Updated City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025ITEM #:13 DATE:09-23-25 DEPT:CMO SUBJECT:UPDATED CITY COUNCIL VALUES, GOALS, AND TASKS COUNCIL ACTION FORM BACKGROUND: On August 19, 2025, the City Council met to review its values, goals, and tasks for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025. Staff provided a written status update on the goals . At the August meeting, the only proposed changes discussed related to items affected by House File 856 which was signed into law in late May 2025. This law prohibits "public entities from engaging in certain activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a private cause of action, and including effective date provisions." To ensure compliance with the law, the updated City values, goals and tasks eliminates the sections under "We Value Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Community." Only one task from that section ("develop additional ways in which funds can be collected for scholarships for participation in City programs") remains and is now proposed to move under "C. We Value a Fun, Vibrant, and Healthy Community that Attracts and Retains People" as C3.T.1. Attached are two versions of the updated goals: Attachment A is the proposed updated language and Attachment 2 shows the previous goal language and illustrates what has changed. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the Updated Council Values, Goals and Tasks for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025. 2. Do not approve the Updated Council Values, Goals and Tasks for January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is important to update the City Council values, goals, and tasks to reflect the current state. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 above. ATTACHMENT(S): Attachment A: City Council Values Goals Tasks - Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 - September 2025.pdf Attachment B: City Council Values Goals Tasks - Jan 2024- Dec 2025 - September 2025.pdf 1 1 City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025 VALUES - GOALS - TASKS Updated: September 2025 A. WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC A1. Increase public feedback on proposed major projects, studies, and policy changes prior to City Council making final decisions. A1.T1. Utilize non-traditional, creative, innovative ways to improve community engagement, particularly underrepresented groups. • Implement at least one new technique for obtaining public feedback with special emphasis on engaging our under-represented residents. • Staff will report to Council some creative software and services that exist to collect feedback, and the Council will consider adopting one or more programs (Polco software for example). • Use targeted emails on specific issues of interest (for example NAACP, Latino, Asian American communities, etc.). A1.T2. Highlight outreach efforts in a more standardized format on staff reports, CAFs, and other reports to Council. A1.T3. Develop performance measures and metrics that staff will report regularly to the Council/public regarding issues such as permit process timing, etc., including the efficacy of public outreach efforts. A1.T4. Develop an outreach policy setting expectations for the types of outreach that should be used for various types of activities. B. WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY B1. Increase quantity and variety of single and multi-family housing units at various price points or rental rates related to new construction and rehabilitation of existing. B1.T1. Adopt Council approved items included in AEDC housing document. • Explore how to get the existing land within City to move forward with development. 2 2 • Review/consider incentive options and development requirements to spur on more housing (tax abatement, TIF, sharing in infrastructure costs off site, etc.). • Analyze resident demographics (including income), target housing price points and possible incentives to “match” income. B1.T2. Explore opportunities to partner with groups such as the ISU Design College, College of Engineering, Construction Management, etc. and/or IEDA and enter into, at least, one partnership involving an innovative research project that focuses on lowering housing costs and are both sustainable and affordable. B1.T3. Explore, support, and pursue a creative housing development with a public partner (ISU, ISU Foundation, Ames & Gilbert CSD). Similar to the Purdue University Foundation housing development project or school district building rental units for school staff. B1.T4. Engage with United Way of Story County, Story County Housing Trust, other community partners in the following ways: • Study, review, evaluate existing strategies and programs of the other entities related to diverse housing needs. • Develop joint (City/other entity) strategies that complements, builds on and/or leverages these existing initiatives. • Consider/evaluate/study options for the City to financially support affordable housing rehabilitation, with the understanding that the City shall not become the sole funder of this initiative. • Continue discussions with Polk County regarding a possible partnership in a grant application for an owner-occupied, income-based retrofit program. Note: The above task also would positively impact the Council’s carbon reduction plan goals. C. WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS PEOPLE C1. Plan, budget, and initiate construction of multiple new City owned projects. C1.T1. Complete the planned Splash Pad, Agility Course, Schainker Plaza, and Mini-Pitch Field. C1.T2. Complete the face lift of City Hall interior with new carpet, base, paint, signage/wayfinding, and ceiling tiles when needed. Consider installing LED lighting in public areas to start, and within three years replace all lighting with LED in building. 3 3 C1.T3. Prioritize, schedule, conceptually design, and determine funding strategy for: • Replacement of existing Animal Control Shelter • Relocation and construction of a new Fire Station #2 (Campustown) • New privately or City owned Indoor Recreation Center with walking track, basketball/pickleball courts, soccer pitch, and multi-purpose space. (Note: Initially meet with private developers to ascertain viability and potential for a private indoor complex.) • New Community Park along Ontario Road in west Ames • New Fire Station #4 C1.T4. Receive the Main Street Improvements Study, adopt the Council-approved recommendations, and develop a plan for financing the City-supported components in the CIP. C1.T5. Engage the Ames Regional Economic Alliance to develop a Campustown- focused effort akin to the Downtown Master Plan process. C2. Support arts and culture in the community, including community celebrations, festivals and/or events. C2.T1. Ask Board and Commissions to identify ways in which they can support or partner with outside community groups (such as Ames Main Street, Campustown Action Association, cultural and international organizations) to host new or existing events in the community that celebrate arts and culture, with the goal of holding two new annual events. C3. Develop additional ways in which funds can be collected for scholarships for participation in City programs. C3.T1. Staff will identify a list of opportunities such as rounding up recreation registration fees, contributing to purchase transit passes, etc., which will be used to finance reduced cost programs and services for low-income residents. D. WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY D1. Adopt a new plan for collection and disposal of waste and recyclable items. D1.T1. Decide how to handle the disposal of solid waste. In accordance with Goal A1, engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision -making process. 4 4 D1.T2. Make decision on organized collection of residential waste and recyclable items. Here again, engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision- making process in accordance with Goal A1. D1.T3. Educate the public on what has changed from past communications over the decades where “throw everything in your trash” is no longer the case. Cast vision for waste reduction, recycling, and reuse opportunities for the future. D1.T4. Identify a specific schedule and steps required for this new plan and explain how each step integrates with the Climate Action Plan. D2. Pursue initiatives that use new and emerging technologies or processes to assist in meeting the Climate Action Plan. D2.T1. Explore with ISU, ISURP, Chevron REG, and others on what opportunities may exist to serve as a test case (For example the REG/Biodiesel/Optimus test using city heavy truck fleet or an ISU a researcher studying how to turn plastics into fuel.) D3. Increase use of public transit and active transportation. D3.T1. Encourage the Transit Board to pursue going “fare free” for the current system. D3.T2. Engage in a more aggressive marketing plan and strategy promoting public use of CyRide. D3.T3. Explore options and support initiatives to increase transportation availability for those unable to get to work, school, or other desired destinations within Ames. 5 1 City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025 VALUES - GOALS - TASKS Updated: September 2025 A. WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC A1. Increase public feedback on proposed major projects, studies, and policy changes prior to City Council making final decisions. A1.T1. Utilize non-traditional, creative, innovative ways to improve community engagement, particularly underrepresented groups. • Implement at least one new technique for obtaining public feedback with special emphasis on engaging our under-represented residents. • Staff will report to Council some creative software and services that exist to collect feedback, and the Council will consider adopting one or more programs (Polco software for example). • Use targeted emails on specific issues of interest (for example NAACP, Latino, Asian American communities, etc.). A1.T2. Highlight outreach efforts in a more standardized format on staff reports, CAFs, and other reports to Council. A1.T3. Develop performance measures and metrics that staff will report regularly to the Council/public regarding issues such as permit process timing, etc., including the efficacy of public outreach efforts. A1.T4. Develop an outreach policy setting expectations for the types of outreach that should be used for various types of activities. B. WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY B1. Increase quantity and variety of single and multi-family housing units at various price points or rental rates related to new construction and rehabilitation of existing. B1.T1. Adopt Council approved items included in AEDC housing document. • Explore how to get the existing land within City to move forward with development. 6 2 • Review/consider incentive options and development requirements to spur on more housing (tax abatement, TIF, sharing in infrastructure costs off site, etc.). • Analyze resident demographics (including income), target housing price points and possible incentives to “match” income. B1.T2. Explore opportunities to partner with groups such as the ISU Design College, College of Engineering, Construction Management, etc. and/or IEDA and enter into, at least, one partnership involving an innovative research project that focuses on lowering housing costs and are both sustainable and affordable. B1.T3. Explore, support, and pursue a creative housing development with a public partner (ISU, ISU Foundation, Ames & Gilbert CSD). Similar to the Purdue University Foundation housing development project or school district building rental units for school staff. B1.T4. Engage with United Way of Story County, Story County Housing Trust, other community partners in the following ways: • Study, review, evaluate existing strategies and programs of the other entities related to diverse housing needs. • Develop joint (City/other entity) strategies that complements, builds on and/or leverages these existing initiatives. • Consider/evaluate/study options for the City to financially support affordable housing rehabilitation, with the understanding that the City shall not become the sole funder of this initiative. • Continue discussions with Polk County regarding a possible partnership in a grant application for an owner-occupied, income-based retrofit program. Note: The above task also would positively impact the Council’s carbon reduction plan goals. C. WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS PEOPLE C1. Plan, budget, and initiate construction of multiple new City owned projects. C1.T1. Complete the planned Splash Pad, Agility Course, Schainker Plaza, and Mini-Pitch Field. C1.T2. Complete the face lift of City Hall interior with new carpet, base, paint, signage/wayfinding, and ceiling tiles when needed. Consider installing LED lighting in public areas to start, and within three years replace all lighting with LED in building. 7 3 C1.T3. Prioritize, schedule, conceptually design, and determine funding strategy for: • Replacement of existing Animal Control Shelter • Relocation and construction of a new Fire Station #2 (Campustown) • New privately or City owned Indoor Recreation Center with walking track, basketball/pickleball courts, soccer pitch, and multi-purpose space. (Note: Initially meet with private developers to ascertain viability and potential for a private indoor complex.) • New Community Park along Ontario Road in west Ames • New Fire Station #4 C1.T4. Receive the Main Street Improvements Study, adopt the Council-approved recommendations, and develop a plan for financing the City-supported components in the CIP. C1.T5. Engage the Ames Regional Economic Alliance to develop a Campustown- focused effort akin to the Downtown Master Plan process. C2. Support arts and culture in the community, including community celebrations, festivals and/or events. C2.T1. Ask Board and Commissions to identify ways in which they can support or partner with outside community groups (such as Ames Main Street, Campustown Action Association, cultural and international organizations) to host new or existing events in the community that celebrate arts and culture, with the goal of holding two new annual events. D. WE VALUE A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY HS 856 was signed into law in late May 2025. It prohibits public entities from engaging in certain entities from engaging in certain activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Per guidance from the City Attorney, departments are working through ensuring we are compliant with the new law. D1. Further diversify membership on City Boards and Commissions. D1.T1. Identify the barriers to increased diversity and participation on boards and commissions (e.g., childcare, transportation, virtual meetings). Include evaluation of best practices from other communities who are successful in achieving diverse membership. 8 4 D1.T2. Adopt solutions that are within the Council’s control to improve diversity and participation. D2. Consider pursuing a Community-wide Inclusion plan. D2.T1. Initially, review research performed by City staff regarding what other cities’ plans look like and accomplish. D3 is being moved to become C3. D3. Develop additional ways in which funds can be collected for scholarships for participation in City programs. D3.T1. Staff will identify a list of opportunities such as rounding up recreation registration fees, contributing to purchase transit passes, etc., which will be used to finance reduced cost programs and services for low-income residents. ED. WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ED1. Adopt a new plan for collection and disposal of waste and recyclable items. ED1.T1. Decide how to handle the disposal of solid waste. In accordance with Goal A1, engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision-making process. ED1.T2. Make decision on organized collection of residential waste and recyclable items. Here again, engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision-making process in accordance with Goal A1. ED1.T3. Educate the public on what has changed from past communications over the decades where “throw everything in your trash” is no longer the case. Cast vision for waste reduction, recycling, and reuse opportunities for the future. ED1.T4. Identify a specific schedule and steps required for this new plan and explain how each step integrates with the Climate Action Plan. ED 2. Pursue initiatives that use new and emerging technologies or processes to assist in meeting the Climate Action Plan. ED2.T1. Explore with ISU, ISURP, Chevron REG, and others on what opportunities may exist to serve as a test case (For example the REG/Biodiesel/Optimus test using city heavy truck fleet or an ISU a researcher studying how to turn plastics into fuel.) ED 3. Increase use of public transit and active transportation. ED3.T1. Encourage the Transit Board to pursue going “fare free” for the current system. 9 5 ED3.T2. Engage in a more aggressive marketing plan and strategy promoting public use of CyRide. ED3.T3. Explore options and support initiatives to increase transportation availability for those unable to get to work, school, or other desired destinations within Ames. 10