HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - October 28, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1.Proclamation for "National Community Planning Month," October 2025
2.Motion approving payment of claims
3.Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of October 1-15, 2025
4.Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on October
14, 2025, and the Special City Council Meeting on October 21, 2025
5.Motion approving a new 5-Day (November 13-17, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License -
Sports Bowl, 2321 North Loop Drive
6.Resolution approving encroachment permit for The Coop sign at 2420 Lincoln Way Suite
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7.Resolution approving request from Story County Auditor for parking waiver(s) for election
day related parking on November 4, 2025
8.Resolution waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirements for competitive bidding and
awarding a contract to Sentry Aquatic Innovations, of Woodward, IA, for the Furman
Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater Replacement Project in the amount of $297,600.30
9.Resolution awarding contract to Logan Contractor Supply of Grimes, IA, for the purchase
of a 2025 CrafCo SS125D Trailer Mounted Sealant Melter-Applicator with Toolbox for the
Public Works Street Maintenance Division in the amount of $56,360.62
10.Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 with Petrotech Inc., of New Orleans, LA, for
Combustion Turbine Controls Upgrade in an amount of $174,300.86
11.Resolution approving Change Order No. 8 with Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co., of
Waukee, IA, for the 2021/22 Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program -
(Northridge Heights Pond) in the amount of $23,843.50
12.Resolution setting November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing to consider vacation of
the existing electric easement at 1411 S Grand Avenue
13.Resolution setting November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing to transfer Vacated
Alley to Alpha Iota Association of Phi Gamma Delta (325 Ash Avenue)
14.Resolution certifying Annexation Area Populations to State Treasurer
15.Resolution approving Major Final Plat for South Fourth Commons Subdivision at 400
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
OCTOBER 28, 2025
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Mayor and City Council welcome comments
from the public during discussion. The Standards of Decorum, posted at the
door and available on the City website, define respectful conduct for public
participation. If you wish to speak, please fill out the form on the tablet outside
the door to the Council Chambers or scan the QR Code to the right to fill out
the same form on a personal device. When your name is called, please step to
the microphone, state your name for the record, and keep your comments brief so that others
may have the opportunity to speak.
CALL TO ORDER : 6:00 p.m.
PROCLAMATIONS:
CONSENT AGENDA : All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one
motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to
the time the Council members vote on the motion.
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South 4th Street
16.Motion accepting the Building Energy Audit Report
17.Presentation of Resident Satisfaction Survey 2025
18.Motion approving the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
19.Resolution approving Major Site Development Plan within a PUD Overlay for 3200
University Boulevard (ISU Research Park)
20.Resolution approving Residential Preliminary Plat for 3200 University Boulevard Planned
Unit Development
21.Fiscal Year 2025/26 First Quarter Financial Update
22.Resolution approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending September 30, 2025
23.Resolution approving lease agreement with the Board of Regents, State of Iowa for
University property located on State Avenue for the relocation of Ames Fire Station No. 2
24.First reading of an Ordinance establishing a Pet Licensing Program
25.Second reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the Ames Municipal Code
Adjusting Electric rates by 1.5%
a. Motion to suspend the rules and allow for third reading and adoption of
ORDINANCE NO. 4575
26.Third reading and adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 4574 regarding Establishment of
Nonresident Sanitary Sewer Rates and certain Water & Pollution Control fees
27.Hearing on Lease of City Property located East of 731 Billy Sunday Road now known as
Lot 3 of Billy Sunday Subdivision to Lamar Advertising Company
a. Motion to continue Public Hearing to November 18, 2025
28.Hearing on Zoning Text Amendment to amend material standards for off-street parking
areas and driveways for agricultural equipment in the Research Park Innovation District
Zone
a. First reading of ordinance
29.Hearing on 2025/26 Traffic Signal Program
a. Motion accepting report of bids
b. Resolution approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa
Signal Inc. of Grimes, IA, in the amount of $75,423.95
30.Hearing on 2024/2025 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER)
a. Resolution approving the submittal of the City's 2024/25 CAPER
PUBLIC FORUM: This is a time set aside for comments from the public on topics of City
business other than those listed on this agenda. Please understand that the Council will not
take any action on your comments at this meeting due to requirements of the Open Meetings
Law, but may do so at a future meeting.
ADMINISTRATION:
PARKS AND RECREATION:
PLANNING & HOUSING:
FINANCE:
FIRE:
ORDINANCES:
HEARINGS:
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31.Participation with agencies, boards and commissions:
a. Discover Ames (ACVB)
b. Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)
c. Story County Emergency Management Agency (SCEMA)
d. Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees
32.Motion to hold Closed Session as provided by Section 20.17(3), Code of Iowa, to discuss
collective bargaining strategy
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL :
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY:
COUNCIL COMMENTS :
CLOSED SESSION:
ADJOURNMENT:
Please note that this agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as
provided by Section 21.4(2), Code of Iowa.
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To:Mayor & City Council
From:Renee Hall, City Clerk
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Report of Contract Change Orders
Item No. 3
MEMO
The Report of Change Orders for the period of October 1-15, 2025, is attached
for the City Council's review and consideration.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Change Order Report - October 1-15, 2025.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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REPORT OF
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
Department
General Description
of Contract
Contract
Change
No.
Original Contract
Amount Contractor/ Vendor
Total of Prior
Change Orders
Amount this
Change Order
Change Approved
By
Purchasing
Contact
(Buyer)
Public Works 2023/24 Stormwater
Erosion Control (College
Creek Bank Stabilization -
Hemingway Drive)
1 $95,143.17 Jackson Contracting LLC $0.00 $4,120.00 M. Bryngelson KS
Public Works FY2023/24 Airport
Improvement Program
(Wildlife Fence Project)
2 $2,616,005.00 Minturn, Inc. $-(13,378.00) Extend
Completion
Date to
9/26/25
D. Pregitzer KS
Public Works 2023/24 Water System
Improvements (Kellogg
Ave - 7th -13th & 11th Street
- Burnett to Kellogg)
2 $808,389.46 Jet Drain Services, LLC $12,525.00 $8,254.36 M. Bryngelson KS
Public Works 2021/22 Stormwater
Detention/Retention
Maintenance Program
(Northridge Heights Pond)
5 $111,600.00 Tallgrass Land
Stewardship Co.
$4,650.00 $-(4,385.00) M. Bryngelson KS
Public Works 2021/22 Stormwater
Detention/Retention
Maintenance Program
(Northridge Heights Pond)
6 $111,600.00 Tallgrass Land
Stewardship Co.
$265.00 $4,050.00 M. Bryngelson KS
Public Works 2021/22 Stormwater
Detention/Retention
Maintenance Program
(Northridge Heights Pond)
7 $111,600.00 Tallgrass Land
Stewardship Co.
$4,315.00 $9,100.00 M. Bryngelson KS
Period: 1st – 15th
16th – End of Month
Month & Year: October 2025
For City Council Date: October 28, 2025
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Department
General Description
of Contract
Contract
Change
No.
Original Contract
Amount Contractor/ Vendor
Total of Prior
Change Orders
Amount this
Change Order
Change Approved
By
Purchasing
Contact
(Buyer)
Public Works 2023/24 Stormwater
Erosion Control (College
Creek Bank Stabilization -
Hemingway Drive)
1 $95,143.17 Jackson Contracting LLC $4,120.00 $14,893.46 M. Bryngelson KS
Public Works 2023/24 CDBG
Infrastructure Project ( N
Russell - N 2nd to N 4th)
2 $346,858.50 Iowa Water & Waste
Systems
$13,475.00 $17,356.65 B. Phillips KS
Public Works 2023/24 Water System
Improvements (Kellogg
Ave - 7th - 13th & 11 Street
- Burnett to Kellogg)
3 $808,369,46 Jet Drain Services, LLC $20,779.36 $27,787.50 B. Phillips KS
Electric
Services
Cable, 750 KCMIL, COMPT
CU 220 MIL, 15KV
1 $179,439.00 WESCO Distribution, Inc. $0.00 $3,588.78 C. Spence JB
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
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To:Mayor & City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Approval of Minutes
Item No. 4
MEMO
Attached are the minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting on October 14,
2025, and the Special City Council Meeting on October 21, 2025.
ATTACHMENT(S):
C25-1014 Summary.pdf
C25-1021 Summary.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 14, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on the 14th day of October, 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, and Rachel Junck. Ex officio Emily
Boland was also present.
PROCLAMATION FOR "THE AMES FOUNDATION DAY," OCTOBER 18, 2025:
Mayor Haila stated that the Proclamation for “The Ames Foundation Day” ha d been
pulled from the agenda as the individual who was supposed to receive it was unable to
attend the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 12: Requests
from ISU Homecoming Central Committee for ISU Homecoming Events on Friday,
October 24, 2025.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent agenda less Item No.
12.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of September 16 -30, 2025
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
September 23, 2025
5. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
6. Motion approving Ownership Update for Special Class C Retail Alcohol License -
AW Group LLC (Board and Brush), 405 Northwestern Avenue
7. Motion approving new 5-Day (October 20-24, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co, 2321 North Loop Drive
8. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege -
Schonert's Corporate Catering, 2801 Grand Avenue Unit #1290
9. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service -
Daisy's, 1620 South Kellogg Avenue Ste. 108, Pending Favorable Inspection
10. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Crown Liquor, 4518
Mortensen Road Suite 109, Pending Favorable Inspection.
11. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits &
Liquor Licenses:
a. AJ's Liquor III, 2401 Chamberlain Street Ste. A, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
b. London Underground LLC, 212 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol
License
c. Potter's Shoppe & Eatery, 330 5th Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service
d. Sams Place, 125 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License
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e. Southgate Ames Iowa, 110 Airport Road, Class E Retail Alcohol License
f. Target Store T-1170, 320 S Duff Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol License
g. Wasabi Ames, 926 S. 16th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
12. Requests from ISU Homecoming Central Committee for ISU Homecoming
Events on Friday, October 24, 2025:
a. ExCYtement in the Streets:
i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 25-501 approving closure of portions of Sunset
Drive, Ash Avenue, Gray Avenue, and Pearson Avenue from 4:00
p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 25-502 approving suspension of parking
regulations for closed areas from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday,
October 24, 2025
b. Central Campus Events:
i. Motion approving Fireworks Permit for Friday, October 24
beginning at 11:59 p.m. for Central Campus Mass Campaniling
(pending ISU approval)
13. Requests for the Story County Mental Health Expo on Thursday, October 16,
2025:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving blanket Vending License
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-503 approving closure of 23 metered spaces along
the north side of 5th Street from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday,
October 16, 2025
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-504 approving waiver of parking meter fees
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-505 approving waiver of parking enforcement in Lot Q
from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ames United Church of Christ for the
Theologian in Residence Program on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and requiring
reimbursement for lost parking meter revenue
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-506 approving appointments to Ames International
Partner Cities Association, Historic Preservation Commission, and Library Board
of Trustees
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-507 authorizing the expenditure of $5,000 ($4,000 from
the City Council operating budget & $1,000 from AHRC budget) to support the
annual Building Community Breakfast
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-508 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding a contract to MoboTrex, LLC of Davenport, IA,
for Emergency Vehicle Preemption systems in the amount of $84,135 for Phase
1 of the 2025/26 Traffic Signal Program - EVP Upgrades
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-509 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Henderson Products, Inc., of
Manchester, IA, for the upfitting of four snowplow trucks in the amount of
$770,104
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-510 approving Professional Services Agreement with
Strand Associates, Inc., of Ames, IA, for the 2025/26 Multi -Modal Roadway
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Improvements (Wilder Boulevard Mini-Roundabout Corridor) in an amount not to
exceed $58,800
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-511 approving Professional Services Agreement with HR
Green, Inc., of Cedar Rapids, IA, for the 2025/26 Asphalt Street Pavement
Improvements project, in an amount not-to-exceed $302,000
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-512 awarding contract to CTM Services, Inc., of Lonsdale,
MN, for a utility tractor and pull-behind ice resurfacer for Steven L. Schainker
Plaza in the amount of $54,536
22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-513 awarding a contract to Tjaden Electric Company,
LLC, of Badger, IA, for City Hall Auditorium A/V panel and electrical outlet
installation in the amount of $58,830.95
23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-514 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
Load Center Replacement at the Power Plant, and setting November 12, 2025,
as the bid due date, and November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing
24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-515 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
Homewood Hole #9 Crossing Improvements, and setting November 12, 2025, as
the bid due date, and November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing
25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-516 approving contract and bond for the 2025/26 Shared
Use Path Maintenance Contract No. 1 with TK Concrete, Inc., of Pella, IA, in the
amount of $135,384
26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-517 approving Change Order No. 6 with Woodruff
Construction of Ames, IA, for the Water Pollution Control Facility Nutrient
Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project in the amount of $71,844.57
27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-518 approving Change Order No. 7 with Van Maanen
Electric of Newton, IA, for installation of an ICN Fiber Optic Line at Fitch Family
Indoor Aquatic Center, in the amount of $9,040
28. RESOLUTION NO. 25-519 approving three Electric Utility Easements on State of
Iowa Property (ISU) at:
• University Boulevard and Haber Road Subdivision for CyRide fiber optic
cable
• Hyland Avenue between Sheldon Avenue and 13th Street for buried
electric facilities on the east side of Hyland Avenue
• Ironwoood Court for overhead electric facilities and street lighting
29. RESOLUTION NO. 25-520 approving Minor Final Plat at 1420 East 13 th Street
for JT Warehouse Subdivision, Plat 2
30. RESOLUTION NO. 25-521 approving partial completion of public improvements
and reducing financial security on file for Ansley Subdivision 1st Addition to
$109,669.25
31. RESOLUTION NO. 25-522 accepting completion of the 2023/24 CDBG Water
System Improvements (N Russell Avenue - N 2nd Street to N 4th Street) project
by Iowa Water & Waste System, LLC of Boone, IA in the amount of $377,690.15
32. RESOLUTION NO. 25-523 accepting completion of the 2023/24 Stormwater
Erosion Control (College Creek Bank Stabilization - Hemingway Drive) project by
Jackson Contracting LLC, of Des Moines, IA, in the amount of $114,156.63
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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REQUESTS FROM IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU) HOMECOMING CENTRAL
COMMITTEE FOR ISU HOMECOMING EVENTS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025:
Council Member Betcher pulled this item to allow discussion about the fireworks permit.
She explained that she routinely raises concerns about the midnight fireworks because
residents in the South Campus area have reported disruption.
Jacob Thomas, Abby Golembiewski, and Chris Barrett from Homecoming Central
Logistics Committee explained that the midnight fireworks pairs with the tradition of
mass campaniling, which holds special meaning for alumni who met their spouses while
attending ISU. The committee shared the other events planned for the celebration of
homecoming and invited all in the community to attend, highlighting that the events
were family-friendly.
Council Member Rollins entered the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the following requests from ISU
Homecoming Central Committee for ISU Homecoming events on Friday, October 24,
2025:
a. ExCYtement in the Streets:
i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 25-501 approving closure of portions of Sunset Drive,
Ash Avenue, Gray Avenue, and Pearson Avenue from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59
p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 25-502 approving suspension of parking regulations
for closed areas from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025
b. Central Campus Events:
i. Motion approving Fireworks Permit for Friday, October 24 beginning at
11:59 p.m. for Central Campus Mass Campaniling (pending ISU approval)
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Betcher dissenting. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted,
signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: The Public Forum was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no
one came forward to speak.
URBAN DEER HUNTING IN MUNN WOODS AND EMMA MCCARTHY LEE PARK:
Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham and Chief of Police Geoff Huff presented
information on the urban deer hunt ing program, emphasizing that the City Council was
being asked to consider adding a 5.39-acre section of Munn Woods as eligible hunting
grounds.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Dylan Kline, 3329 Canterbury Ct., expressed support for mitigation of the deer
population in the Munn Woods area, highlighting safety concerns with recent deer-
vehicle collisions. He emphasized property damage associated with the deer and
encouraged a more accurate deer census.
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Diane Burt, 303 Hickory Dr., described regularly seeing deer in her yard and the
resulting damage to landscaping. She also expressed concerns about unhealthy deer
populations and highlighted the issue of deer spreading invasive species, affecting the
health of local woodlands.
Kay Meyer, 1020 Mesa Verde Pl., shared her experience of contracting Lyme disease,
likely from deer ticks. She expressed personal discomfort with bowhunting but
acknowledged the need for population control and suggested public education on Lyme
disease to help protect hikers, children, and others working in wild areas.
Mary Bernard, 3511 Oakland St., recounted an instance where she counted over two
dozen deer in her front yard and conveyed her concern over their unhealthy appearance
and the potential health risks posed by deer waste. She mentioned that removing deer
manure before mowing her lawn is a frequent necessity, affecting her enjoyment of
once-admired wildlife.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve Option 4: Proceed with a
combination of Options 1 & 3 by approving hunting only in the 5.39-acre area in Munn
Woods as shown in Attachment D and referring back to staff to convene the Special
Urban Deer Task Force to offer recommendations regarding this issue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK PATH REPLACEMENT PROJECT : Director
Abraham explained that the path from the Harrison Road parking lot to the main loop
was specified to be 12 feet wide in the plans but was poured at 10 feet wide . He
reviewed the alternatives available to address the issue and requested City Council
direction.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative 1: Leave the ten-foot-
wide path as it is currently installed and authorize the Mayor to sign a five -year
agreement with the contractor allowing the City to require replacement of the path with
the specified width by the contractor at no cost to the City, if the City determines the
wider path is necessary.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
2026/27 ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT:
Transportation Planner Kyle Thompson and Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer
presented the East Lincoln Way study recommendation, which proposed converting the
current four-lane undivided roadway to a three-lane section with one travel lane in each
direction plus a center two-way left turn lane.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
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Tim Rasmussen, 2808 Northridge Ln., opposed the project, arguing that reducing lanes
would increase congestion and create safety issues. He cited examples from Colorado
where separate bike trails are built alongside arterial roads to ensure proper traffic
capacity.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to utilize the E Lincoln
Way (Duff Avenue to S Skunk River) Corridor Study recommended improvements when
proceeding with final design of the 2026/27 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements
project.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
TEXT AMENDMENT RELATED TO ROCK MULCH WITHIN REQUIRED
LANDSCAPING AREAS: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann reviewed a
request from the ISU Research Park to consider changing the landscaping
requirements to allow rock mulch in required planter areas. He presented several
options, including allowing rock in just front yards, in all planter areas, or through
specific plan approvals.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Dylan Kline, Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) Director of Business
Development, spoke on behalf of the ISU Research Park and AREA in support of
allowing rock mulch more broadly, noting that it helps prevent erosion, improves safety
by mitigating water and ice issues, and reduces long -term maintenance costs compared
to organic mulch.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to allow the text amendment
application related to rock mulch with required landscaping areas.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR THE BLUFFS SUBDIVISION AT 3220 CAMERON
SCHOOL ROAD: Director Diekmann noted that there were no significant changes to
the project since the City Council approved the rezoning and master plan. He was
available for questions.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-524 approving
a preliminary plat for The Bluffs Subdivision at 3220 Cameron School Road.
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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2028 INTERNATIONAL TOWN & GOWN ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: City
Manager Steve Schainker explained that the City was being asked to commit $10,000
as part of an application to host the 2028 International Town & Gown Association
Conference in partnership with Discover Ames and ISU.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Kevin Bourke, President and CEO of Discover Ames, noted that Ames had previously
hosted the conference and was asked to host again because of the positive experience.
He mentioned that the conference typically attracts 300-350 attendees who stay for
three nights.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-525
approving $10,000 expenditure from the City Council Contingency Account for host bid
fee to sponsor 2028 International Town & Gown Association Conference , contingent
upon Ames being selected to host this conference .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
FY 2025/26 ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES EVALUATION TEAM (ASSET)
FUNDS: Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck presented a request to use
unallocated and reserved ASSET funds to support six different social service-related
activities.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-526 authorizing
the use of unallocated and reserved FY 2025/26 Analysis of Social Services Evaluation
Team funds.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
UPDATES TO CHAPTER 28, ELECTRIC RATE MODIFICATIONS: Director of Electric
Services Donald Kom discussed the first reading of an ordinance to increase electric
rates by 1.5%, noting that the last rate increase was in 2017.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance
amending Chapter 28 of the Ames Municipal Code.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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HEARING ON LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY LOCATED EAST OF 731 BILLY
SUNDAY ROAD NOW KNOWN AS LOT 3 OF BILLY SUNDAY SUBDIVISION TO
LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY: The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to continue the Public Hearing to October 28,
2025.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON TRANSFER OF VACATED ALLEY LOCATED AT 325 ASH AVENUE
TO ALPHA IOTA ASSOCIATION OF PHI GAMMA DELTA: Mayor Haila opened and
closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-527 approving
vacating alley for no additional consideration by Quit Claim deed.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025 BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS FACILITY IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one
came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to accept the report of bids and direct staff to
delay award for additional time for review.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2024/25 CDBG INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (S RUSSELL
AVENUE - S 4TH ST TO LINCOLN WAY) PROJECT: Mayor Haila opened and closed
the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-528 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Water & Waste Systems,
of Boone, IA, in the amount of $484,024.40 .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/25 CDBG INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (S RIVERSIDE DRIVE
- S 4TH ST TO LINCOLN WAY) PROJECT: The Public Hearing was opened and closed
by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-529
15
9
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Water & Waste
Systems, of Boone, IA, in the amount of $559,321.30.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ASSIGNING NEW ANNEXATIONS TO
WARDS AND PRECINCTS: City Attorney Mark Lambert explained that three recent
annexations needed to be assigned to wards and precincts for election purposes . He
noted that suspending the rules for second and third reading and adoption was
requested so the affected residents could vote in the upcoming City election.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance
assigning new annexations to wards and precincts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to suspend the rules and allow for
second and third reading and adoption.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on second reading an ordinance
assigning new annexations to wards and precincts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4573 assigning new annexations to wards and precincts.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF
NONRESIDENT SANITARY SEWER RATES AND CERTAIN WATER & POLLUTION
CONTROL FEES: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to pass on second reading
an ordinance regarding establishment of nonresident Sanitary Sewer Rates and certain
Water & Pollution Control fees.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were two items for consideration. The first was a request for reductions and deferrals
related to landscaping requirements from representatives of JT Logistics.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to refer the item to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A response to Jamie Beyer regarding Emerald Ash Borer Treatments from Director
Abraham was the second item.
16
10
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to ask staff to send the response to the
requesting party.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Members of the City Council and Mayor
provided highlights from their attendance at various board and commission meetings.
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 8:21 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
17
1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 21, 2025
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 5:59 p.m. on the 21st day of October, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall,
515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Anita Rollins, and Rachel Junck. Council Member
Amber Corrieri joined the meeting electronically. Ex officio Emily Boland was absent.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Beatty-Hansen pulled Item No. 4, Contract to
Sargent & Lundy LLC, of Chicago, IL, for Engineering Services for Reciprocating Internal
Combustion Engine (Rice) Electric Generation Facility.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the consent agenda less
Item No. 4.
1. RESOLUTION NO. 25-530 awarding contract to NAI Electrical Contractors, of
Ames, IA, for CyRide 2025 Battery Electric Bus Facility Improvement Project in the
amount of $77,300
2. RESOLUTION NO. 25-531 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 CDBG
Infrastructure Improvements Program (S Russell Ave - S 4th Street to Lincoln Way)
with Iowa Water & Waste Systems, of Boone, IA, in the amount of $484,024.40
3. RESOLUTION NO. 25-532 approving contract and bond for the 2024/25 CDBG
Infrastructure Improvements Program (S Riverside Ave - S 4th Street to Lincoln
Way) with Iowa Water & Waste Systems, of Boone, IA, in the amount of
$559,321.30
4. RESOLUTION NO. 25-386 awarding contract to Sargent & Lundy LLC, of Chicago,
IL, for Engineering Services for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE)
Electric Generation Facility, in an amount not-to-exceed $6,885,000
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
CONTRACT TO SARGENT & LUNDY LLC, OF CHICAGO, IL, FOR ENGINEERING
SERVICES FOR RECIPROCATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (RICE)
ELECTRIC GENERATION FACILITY: Electric Services Director Donald Kom and
Assistant Director Curtis Spence presented the contract for design of the new power
plant.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 25-386
awarding contract to Sargent & Lundy LLC, of Chicago, IL, for Engineering Services for
Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) Electric Generation Facility, in an
amount not-to-exceed $6,885,000.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
18
2
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various
events attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila inquired whether there was a legal reason to enter
Closed Session. City Attorney Mark Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section
21.5(1)(c), Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to enter closed session at 6:12 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 7:54 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting
at 7:54 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Jeramy Neefus, Principal Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
__________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
19
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:New 5-Day (November 13-17, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License -
Sports Bowl, 2321 North Loop Drive
Item No. 5
MEMO
Please see the attached documentation for a motion approving a new 5-Day
(November 13-17, 2025) Class C Retail Alcohol License - Sports Bowl, 2321
North Loop Drive.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Sports Bowl Application
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
20
Page 1 of 2
Applicant
NAME OF LEGAL ENTITY
DOYOUBOWL2, LC
NAME OF BUSINESS(DBA)
Sports Bowl
BUSINESS
(651) 775-1861
ADDRESS OF PREMISES
2321 North Loop Drive
PREMISES SUITE/APT NUMBER CITY
Ames
COUNTY
Story
ZIP
50010
MAILING ADDRESS
2321 North Loop Drive
CITY
Ames
STATE
Iowa
ZIP
50010
Contact Person
NAME
Scott Walkner
PHONE
(515) 382-2500
EMAIL
scott@doyoubowl.com
License Information
LICENSE NUMBER LICENSE/PERMIT TYPE
Class C Retail Alcohol License
TERM
5 Day
STATUS
Submitted
to Local
Authority
TENTATIVE EFFECTIVE DATE
Nov 13, 2025
TENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE
Nov 17, 2025
LAST DAY OF BUSINESS
SUB-PERMITS
Class C Retail Alcohol License
PRIVILEGES 21
Page 2 of 2
Status of Business
BUSINESS TYPE
Limited Liability Company
Ownership
Individual Owners
NAME CITY STATE ZIP POSITION % OF OWNERSHIP U.S. CITIZEN
Scott Walkner Nevada Iowa 50201 OWNER 49.00 Yes
Jessica Walkner Nevada Iowa 50201 oWNER 51.00 Yes
Insurance Company Information
INSURANCE COMPANY
Illinois Casualty Co
POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE
Nov 13, 2025
POLICY EXPIRATION DATE
Nov 18, 2025
DRAM CANCEL DATE OUTDOOR SERVICE EFFECTIVE
DATE
OUTDOOR SERVICE EXPIRATION
DATE
BOND EFFECTIVE DATE TEMP TRANSFER EFFECTIVE
DATE
TEMP TRANSFER EXPIRATION
DATE
22
ITEM #:6
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR SIGN AT 2420 LINCOLN WAY SUITE 103
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The tenant in the building at 2420 Lincoln Way, Suite 103, The Coop, is seeking approval for a
sign outside the building that is 20 inches high and 40 inches wide. An Encroachment Permit
is necessary to allow this sign to be installed over the right-of-way.
Chapter 22.3(3) of the Ames Municipal Code requires approval of the Encroachment Permit
Agreement by the City Council before the Permit can be issued. By signing the Agreement,
the applicant and owner agree to hold harmless the City against any loss or liability as a result
of the encroachment, to submit a certificate of liability insurance that protects the City in case
of an accident, and to pay the fee for the Encroachment Permit. The applicant and owner also
understand that this approval may be revoked at any time by the City Council. The fee for this
permit was calculated at $25, and the full amount has been received by the City Clerk’s Office
along with the certificate of liability insurance.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request for an encroachment permit
2. Deny the request for an encroachment permit
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The application meets the criteria for the approval of an Encroachment Permit, and the
required fee and insurance have been received by the City Clerk's Office. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Certificate of Inspection.pdf
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24
25
26
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ITEM #:7
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUEST TO PROVIDE FREE PARKING FOR POLLING PLACES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Story County Auditor supervises the election process, including all 20 polling places within
Ames. Two of these City polling locations (Ames Public Library and Collegiate United
Methodist Church) use metered parking as the primary public parking resource. The other 18
locations in the City have private parking associated with the facility or, in the case of Iowa
State University, already allocate parking for poll workers and voters.
The next local election is on November 4, 2025. The Story County Auditor has requested the
following allocation of 29 parking spaces and the waiver of meter fees, as done in previous
election years.
Up to 20 parking meters on Douglas Avenue between 5th St. and 6th St.
Up to nine parking meters on the south side of Lincoln Way in front of Collegiate
Methodist Church
These waivers result in an estimated loss of $75.38 to the Parking Fund. While there is no
statutory requirement to provide parking, meter fees may serve as a potential barrier to voting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request from Story County Auditor for Election Day-related allocations for
parking spaces and waiver of fees at the locations noted above for November 4, 2025,
election only.
2. Do not approve the waiver of fees for election-related parking spaces.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The allocation of parking spaces and the waiver of meter fees will assist in making
polling places accessible for Ames voters. The total estimated loss of meter revenues
will not have a significant impact on the health of the Parking Fund. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that that City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted
above.
28
ITEM #:8
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER POOL BASIN HEATER REPLACEMENT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Furman Aquatic Center opened to the public in summer 2010. The facility just completed its
15th season (did not open in 2020) and averages over 89,000 visits per year. The three basin,
718,000-gallon facility has a water heating system that includes 20 natural gas fired heaters
that heat glycol. The heated glycol is then pumped through heat exchangers which are
positioned in the surge tanks for each pool. Heat is transferred from the heat exchangers to
the surrounding water, which is then pumped out to each pool basin.
The current heaters and heat exchangers are original to the construction of the facility. The
approximate lifespan of this equipment is ten to twelve years, but since the Aquatic Center is
only used approximately 100 days per year, the heaters and heat exchangers have held up
well. However, over the last couple of seasons, staff has had to make multiple repairs in order
for the system to function properly throughout the entire season. The heaters and heat
exchangers are now past their useful lives. Since parts are no longer available, the equipment
needs to be replaced before the 2026 swimming season. Additionally, the pumps that circulate
the glycol through the system will be rebuilt as part of this project.
Besides the equipment being past its life expectancy, the new heaters will have a higher
efficiency rating. The current heaters have a rated efficiency of 80%, while the new heaters will
have an efficiency of 98%. Because of the increase in efficiency, the quantity of heaters will be
reduced from 20 to 14. This reduction will also result in lower natural gas and electricity
consumption.
The water heating system (heaters, heat exchangers, valves, pumps, piping, etc.) for the pool
basins was specifically designed for the facility. Except for the heaters, the heat exchangers,
and the pumps, the rest of the system functions properly and is in good working order. Since
the entire system is not being replaced, it is necessary to purchase heaters and heat
exchangers that are compatible with the rest of the system. The only available equipment
that is compatible with the current system is available through Sentry Aquatic
Innovations, of Woodward, Iowa. The City's Purchasing Department has reviewed the
information from the heater manufacturer and deems it is a sole source product.
PROJECT COST AND FUNDING :
New heaters, heat exchangers, and installation have been quoted at $297,600.30. This
amount may ultimately be reduced, as staff is working with Alliant Energy to determine if this
project is eligible for a rebate. The FY 2022/23 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) allocated
$100,000 to replace the necessary equipment which proved to be insufficient. As a
result, an additional $231,500 was allocated as part of the FY 2025/26 CIP. Therefore,
the total funds available to complete this project is $331,500.
29
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Waive the City's Purchasing Policy requirements for competitive bidding procedures and
award a sole source contract to Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, in the
amount of 297,600.30 for the Furman Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater Replacement
Project.
2. Do not proceed with this project at this time.
3. Refer back to staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Furman Aquatic Center is a very popular amenity for over 89,000 individuals each
year since 2010. The pool basin heaters and heat exchangers are an important part of
the operation of the facility. The current heaters and heat exchangers are original to the
facility have served their purpose, and need to be replaced prior to the 2026 season.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as described above.
30
ITEM #:9
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:FLEET
SUBJECT:FLEET REPLACEMENT PROGRAM - TRAILER MOUNTED SEALANT
MELTER-APPLICATOR
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Street Maintenance Division of Public Works diligently works to preserve the integrity and
safety of the City’s roadways. Their efforts include patching and crack-sealing of road
surfaces. A trailer-mounted sealant melter, equipped with an applicator wand, is used
regularly to dispense hot sealant into cracks in the pavement. This practice extends the life of
the road by deterring the damaging effects of freeze-thaw conditions in cold weather and
expansion in summer heat.
The City’s current sealant melter, a 2019 Cimline model, has been approved for early
replacement in FY 2025/26. The current unit has added features that are problematic,
resulting in downtime and costly repairs. In response, street maintenance staff has
recommended replacing the current unit with a simplified unit capable of meeting the
necessary requirements for crack sealing roadways. Bids were solicited for a basic trailer-
mounted sealant melter-applicator. The City’s current unit was offered for optional trade-in.
Bidder Make / Model Base Bid Toolbox
Option
Total w/
Toolbox
Optional
Trade-In
Logan Supply
of Grimes
Crafco Inc,
SS125D $56,235.00 $125.62 $56,360.62 -$2,500.00
Star Equipment
of Ames Cimline, M1ADH $58,759.16 $350.00 $59,109.16 -$12,000.00
Stepp Mfg.
of N. Branch,
MN
Stepp
Manufacturing
Company Inc.,
OJK-V125
$69,352.00 $609.00 $69,961.00 -$12,000.00
Staff reviewed the bids and trade-in offers and determined that the best value would be to
accept the bid from Logan Contractors Supply and then sell the existing unit on public auction.
The low bid from Logan Contractors Supply of Grimes, IA for a 2025 CrafCo SS125D Trailer-
Mounted Sealant Melter-Applicator with optional toolbox for a total of $56,360.62 is acceptable
and meets the City’s minimum specification.
31
Cost for 1 trailer mounted sealant melter-applicator :
2025 CrafCo SS125D from Logan Supply, of Grimes $56,235.00
With optional toolbox 125.62
$56,360.62
Funding available for purchase as follows :
Replacement funds on 9/30/2025 $73,496.78
Estimated minimum salvage value of current unit 9,500.00
Total available funding $82,996.78
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to Logan Contractors Supply of Grimes, IA for one 2025 CrafCo Trailer
Mounted Sealant Melter-Applicator with optional toolbox for a total of $56,360.62.
2. Award the contract to one of the other bidders.
3. Reject all bids and rebid the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Fleet Director and Public Works staff agree the 2025 CrafCo SS125D with toolbox
for a total of $56,360.62 from Logan Contractor Supply of Grimes, IA will provide the
City’s street maintenance workers with a reliable trailer mounted sealant melter-
applicator at the best price. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
32
ITEM #:10
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:COMBUSTION TURBINE CONTROLS UPGRADE - CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The existing controls systems on Combustion Turbines 1 (CT1) and Combustion Turbine 2
(CT2) are outdated and are in need of replacement. The hardware, software, system
architecture, and several pieces of instrumentation are antiquated; replacements are difficult to
find; and generally the systems no longer reflect best industry practices. Electric Department
staff worked with AP4 Energy Services, LLC to develop a specification for acquiring a
combined, updated controls system for both combustion turbines.
During the development of the specification and review of the existing infrastructure, it was
also determined the existing motor control center (MCC) for CT1 must be updated. The
existing MCC utilizes a proprietary communications protocol that is no longer supported by the
manufacturer and replacement parts are difficult to acquire, with only used parts available.
The most effective method of replacement is by swapping out the electrical "buckets".
Replacement buckets were obtained from the OEM, Eaton, following approval of City Council
at the February 13, 2024 meeting. These buckets have been received and will be installed
concurrently with the controls update to CT1. With the buckets and supporting documentation
delivered, the specification was finalized and prepared for the proposal process.
On August 12, 2025, City Council awarded a contract to Petrotech Inc., of New Orleans, LA,
for the Combustion Turbine Controls Upgrade project in the amount of $1,213,252.67.
THIS ACTION:
The following additional beneficial changes to the proposed combustion turbine controls
system have been identified as the project entered initial design.
1) Petrotech has identified additional controls equipment that should be replaced
during this project, including remote Input/Output equipment inside a cabinet located
on the engine enclosure. Replacement of this equipment will ensure additional
reliability of the entire system. This addition will cost an extra $34,980.44, inclusive of sales
tax.
2) Petrotech has also proposed that the controls systems for both CT1 and CT2 will
function more effectively in a centralized network architecture. A centralized network
architecture will provide: 1) improved generating asset reliability by employing a redundant
server in case of primary server failure, 2) better security and access control by centrally
managing user permissions, 3) enhanced performance by reducing local workstation
processing, and 4) simpler system maintenance by hosting all applications on a single server
that is accessible at any workstation.
33
The servers for this centralized architecture will be hosted in the CT2 control room. Locating
the servers in the CT2 control room will enable the Combustion Turbine site to operate locally
in case of communication loss with the Steam Electric Plant control room and continue the
functionality of the data historian. This addition will cost an extra $139,320.42, inclusive of
sales tax.
Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $174,300.86, will be necessary to implement these
improvements. The current CIP includes a total of $2,850,000 in funds available to perform
the combustion turbine controls upgrades. There is currently $1,218,293 available to fund this
change order. Staff does not foresee additional expenses for the project at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 1 with Petrotech Inc., of New Orleans, LA, for Combustion
Turbine Controls Upgrade in an amount of $174,300.86.
2. Do not approve the change order.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Change Order No. 1 consists of two changes to the proposed combustion turbine
controls system. The additional controls equipment for CT2 will ensure higher reliability
of the entire system. A centralized network architecture will enable Electric Department
staff to more effectively control and maintain Combustion Turbines 1 and 2. The
centralized network architecture will increase reliability of the CTs, improve system
security, enhance controls system performance, allow for simpler controls system
maintenance, and enable greater controls system functionality during emergency
situations. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
34
ITEM #:11
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2021/22 STORMWATER DETENTION/RETENTION MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM - (NORTHRIDGE HEIGHTS POND)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This annual program provides for long-term maintenance of stormwater detention facilities
within the City of Ames. These facilities provide regional stormwater detention and retention
across the community.
As a standard provision of developers' agreements, the City of Ames has responsibility
for the long-term maintenance of many of these facilities in residential areas. As these
facilities age, sediment accumulates, volunteer vegetation becomes more prevalent, erosion
occurs, and structures need to be improved. The program location for this project is the
Northridge Heights Pond.
On April 9, 2024, City Council awarded the contract to Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co., of
Waukee, Iowa in the amount of $111,600. To date, staff has administratively approved seven
change orders totaling $13,415. Change Order No. 8 (this Council action) in the amount of
$23,843.50 includes costs for the disposal of unsuitable materials, additional required
drainage pipe, and tied concrete block matting for erosion control. This change order
requires City Council approval because the change is over 20% of the original contract
value.
Additional project revenue is required to fund Change Order No 8. Staff has identified
$50,000 in project savings in the available Stormwater Utility Fund that can be utilized
to cover this expense.
Revenue and expenses associated with this program are as follows:
Funding Source Available Revenue Estimated Expenses
21/22 Stormwater Detention/Retention
(Stormwater Utility Fund)$150,000.00
Stormwater Utility Fund $ 50,000.00
Construction (As Bid) $ 111,600.00
Change Orders (previously approved by
staff) $ 13,415.00
Change Order 8 (this Council action) $ 23,843.50
Engineering/Administration (est.) $ 35,000.00
TOTAL $ 200,000.00 $ 183,858.50
35
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 8 to Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co., of Waukee, Iowa, in
the amount of $23,843.50 for the 2021/22 Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance
Program - (Northridge Heights Pond).
2. Direct staff to pursue changes to the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This change order is necessary to address site conditions and provide necessary
quantity adjustments to ensure proper project completion and compliance with design
requirements. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Project Map.pdf
CO 8, Unsigned, 2021-22 Stormwater Facility Rehab (Northridge Heights).pdf
36
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LANDSCAPE
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80'40'120'
Clapsaddle-Garber Associates, Inc
1523 S. Bell Ave. Suite 101
Ames, Iowa 50010
Ph 515-232-1784
www.cgaconsultants.com
SHEET NO.
DRAWN:
CHECKED:
DATE:
DATE:
APPROVED:DATE:
PROJECT NO.DESIGNED:DATE:REVISIONNO.DATEBY DATEBYREVISIONNO.
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CGA NORTHRIDGE HEIGHTS STORM WATER FACILITY REHAB
C.201
23-WR-0073
AMES, IOWA CONSTRUCTION BOUNDARY
JMG
JMG
MMB
TSM ----
----
----
----
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE. TO BE RESTORED AFTER PROJECT
COMPLETION.
CONSTRUCTION LIMITS.
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
GENERAL NOTES:
ALL AREAS WITHIN CONSTRUCTION LIMITS SHALL BE RESTORED TO
ORIGINAL CONDITIONS OR BETTER.
THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED IN A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION COMMON
PROPERTY. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL USE CAUTION TO NOT DISTURB
INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY OUTSIDE OF THE PROJECT
LIMITS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC DURING
CONSTRUCTION.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
STABILIZED CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCEC.501
3
C.501
3
5.00'
35.00'
37
Date 21-Oct-25
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER # 8 P.O.#63112
ACCT#Various
CONTRACTOR CHANGE ORDERS APPROVED TO DATE:
1 $3,700.00 11 PREVIOUS APPROVED
2 12 CHANGE ORDERS
3 $950.00 13 $13,415.00
ORIGINAL CONTRACT:
5 ($4,385.00)15 $111,600.00
CURRENT ADJUSTMENT
7 $9,100.00 17 $23,843.50
8 18 CUMULATIVE CHANGE
9 19 ORDER AMOUNT
10 20 $46,028.50
$22,185.00 ADJUSTED CONTRACT
$148,858.50
The contract is hereby modified and amended as follows:
ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL
Add 7 2" River Stone Ton $130.00 25.60 $3,328.00
It is mutually agreed that the contract price is increased/decreased by:Total:$23,843.50
0 days.
Contractor/Owner Date Municipal Engineer Date
Public Works Director Date City Manager Date
Page 1 of 1
For the City of Ames:
(Address)
Waukee, IA 50263
(City, State, Zip)
2021/22 Stormwater Facility Rehab (Northridge Heights)
Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co.
(Name)
PO Box 938
PROJECT:
CI TY OF AMES PUBLI C WORKS - ENGI NEERI NG DI VI SI ON
CC: Project Engineer, PW Mgmt. Asst., Finance, Contractor 10/21/2025 | 9:21 AM 38
ITEM #:12
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:EASEMENT VACATION AT 1411 S GRAND AVE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
During approval of the final plat for Grand Aspen 3rd Subdivision in 2009, an electrical
easement was established at 1411 S. Grand Avenue for an electric service line.
In 2012, a new electrical easement was created at 1411 S. Grand Avenue and the electrical
service line was relocated to this new easement. This change was made to accommodate a
change in the building location on the site. During the creation and recording of this new
electrical easement, the original easement from 2009 was intended to be vacated once
the service line was relocated.
The purpose of this Council action is to complete the vacation of the 2009 easement. No
electric service is located within the easement area.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Set November 18, 2025, as the date of public hearing for vacation of the electrical
easement.
2. Direct staff to make further changes to the easement area.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The easement to be vacated does not follow the current alignment of the electrical line
on the property. The electrical line was relocated on the property, and a new easement
was created for the relocated line. The easement to be vacated contains no electric
utility. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Easement to be Vacated - Exhibit A.pdf
Grand Aspen 3rd Final Plat.pdf
39
40
41
ITEM #:13
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:TRANSFER OF VACATED ALLEY TO ALPHA IOTA ASSOCIATION OF PHI
GAMMA DELTA (325 ASH AVENUE)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In 1917, the Ames City Council passed Ordinance No. 294, which vacated a north-south alley
located within Lot 4 of Parker ’s Addition to Ames. The ordinance annulled the City’s
interest in the alley but did not result in the formal transfer of the vacated land to the
adjoining property owners. As a result, the vacated alley remained in the City’s name
and is still carried as public property on the Story County records.
The property surrounding this vacated alley, now legally described as Parcel “F”, is entirely
owned by the Alpha Iota Association of Phi Gamma Delta, including:
Lot 4 in Little’s Subdivision
Lot 6 and the South 20 feet of Lot 7 in Gray & Cessna’s Subdivision
A Plat of Survey recorded on February 12, 2025 (Instrument No. 25-00967) shows the subject
alley as part of Parcel “F” with an electric easement accommodating the overhead electric in
the area. However, no quit claim deed has been executed to formally transfer title of the
vacated alley to the Alpha Iota Association of Phi Gamma Delta. A recent title opinion dated
April 24, 2025, confirms that the City of Ames is still listed as the legal titleholder and
recommends finalizing the transfer pursuant to Iowa Code Section 364.7.
To address this, staff proposes transferring the vacated alley to the adjoining property owner
by quit claim deed, consistent with previous actions for similar alley segments. Other
examples include:
A 1993 transfer to First Baptist Church (Instrument No. 13108)
A 2006 transfer to Iowa Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi (Instrument No. 2006-0003922)
A 2011 transfer to the Iowa Farm House Association (Resolution No. 11-440)
Per City policy, the value of vacated right-of-way is based on the average assessed value of
the adjoining properties, reduced by 10% for the use of a quit claim deed and 15% for
retaining public utility easements. Based on this formula, the estimated value of the
vacated alley parcel is $92,742.
However, staff recommends that this transfer be completed at no cost to the property owner,
as the Alpha Iota Association of Phi Gamma Delta has maintained the alley area for many
years at no cost to the City and paid property taxes on the vacated alleyway since at least
1948, despite the City retaining legal title since the 1917 vacation. The City will retain all
necessary public utility easements as documented in the recorded Plat of Survey or as
otherwise required.
42
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Set November 18, 2025, as the date of public hearing to consider conveying the
previously vacated alley within Lot 4 of Parker ’s Addition at no cost to Alpha Iota
Association of Phi Gamma Delta by quit claim deed with the release of the deed to the
property owner for recording contingent upon receipt of the overhead electrical
easement.
2. Do not proceed with setting a public hearing, leaving the vacated alley in City ownership.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This alley was vacated by ordinance over a century ago and is now encompassed entirely by
property held under common ownership. Finalizing the transfer is consistent with City
precedent, clarifies legal title, and supports responsible land management. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Memo - Public hearing on 325 Ash Ave.pdf
Vacation of Alley_1917.pdf
325 Ash Ave Plat of Survey.pdf
43
44
45
46
47
48
OED1N.1 ().
An ordinance vacating the
heretofore plotted in lot four
aile
(•1)
Parker's addition to the city o.
Ames, Iowa.
Be it ordained by the-city council
of the city of Anics, Iowa.
Section 1.' Tlct the alley hereto
fore platted and dedicated to the city
of Ames, Iowa, in lot four .(4), Par
ker’s addition to the city of Anics, be,
and the same is hereby declared va-
cated and the city’s interest therein
"annulled. X
Section 2. This ordinance is to
take effect and be in full force from
and after its passage and publication
as provided by law.
G. E. BAKER,
A. B. MAXWELL,Mayor.
City Auditor and Clerk.
1
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/917
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49
50
ITEM #:14
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:CERTIFYING ANNEXATION AREA POPULATIONS TO STATE TREASURER
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Iowa Code Section §312.3(4) requires a city to certify to the State Treasurer the increased
population from an annexation. The requirement relates to the distribution of Road Use
Tax. The population is to be based upon the Census Block population from the most recent
Census.
Three annexations have been completed since City Council last certified annexation area
populations in July of this year. An item on the October 14, 2025, City Council agenda
assigned these areas to voting precincts.
Two areas (Borgmeyer annexation with properties along Hyde Avenue and JT Warehouse
annexation) include an addition population of 23 people based upon the 2020 Census Block
information. As the Borgmeyer annexation area is made up of portions of several census
blocks, staff has apportioned out the population based upon the number of households in the
block and the number of households annexed by the City within each particular block.
The ISU Research Park annexation did not contain any households and thus no population
was assigned.
An attached map shows the relationship between the annexation areas and Census
Blocks. Table 1 includes the populations of the three areas.
Table 1: Population of Annexation Area Since July of 2025
Property Acres Census Block ID #100% Block(s)
Population
Proportional
Annexation Area
Population
Borgmeyer and
Area Along Hyde 235 3006, 3009, 3007, 3002,
& 1012 123 20
ISU Research
Park 37 1079 0 0
JT Warehouse 1 2063 33 3
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the estimated population (23) for the approved annexations and direct staff to
provide the population estimates to the State Treasurer per Iowa Code 312.3.
2. Modify the estimated populations and approve the estimated populations for the
transmittal to the State Treasurer.
51
3. Direct staff to provide more information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff proposes to proportionally divide the census populations based upon the number
of households annexed within a block. This is the method used previously to certify the
population of annexation areas. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council approve Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Map.pdf
52
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Location Map
0 0.75 1.50.38
Miles ¯Legend
Annexation Areas 2025
Census Blocks
Ames Corporate Limits
22171 580th
Borgmeyer
JT Warehouse
ISURP
53
ITEM #:15
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:MAJOR FINAL PLAT FOR SOUTH FOURTH COMMONS SUBDIVISION AT
400 SOUTH 4TH STREET
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
JJR Holdings, LLC and SRM Holdings, LLC are requesting approval of a Final Plat for South
4th Commons Subdivision. The land is located on the south side of South 4th Street. The
proposed Final Plat totals 1.27 acres (see Attachments A & B – Location Map & Proposed
Final Plat). This is the final plat for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Major Site
Development Plan that received approval with a Preliminary Plat on August 12.
The Final Plat will create 16 lots for single-family attached housing in pairs with a shared
common wall. The subdivision will be served by a private street, Juniper Street and take
access from South 4th Street at the intersection of South 4th and Washington Avenue. Water,
Sanitary Sewer and Electric Easements are being dedicated with this plat in accordance with
City requirements and the Preliminary Plat. This Final Plat creates all of the lots in the
subdivision.
The required public utilities have been installed and inspected. The developer is also being
required to repair existing curb cuts along South 4th Street that are no longer necessary. No
financial security is provided as it is a condition of constructing the new private street driveway
intersection. A Sidewalk Agreement has been signed and provided without financial security
per City standards.
The private street creation will be supported by the Covenants for the Subdivision as a
maintenance obligation of the owners of the properties in the subdivision. As a private street,
the engineer of record must certify its final construction as complying with the approved plans.
The Final Plat complies with the Preliminary Plat and the PUD Major Site Development
Plan that was approved this past summer.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Final Plat for the South 4th Commons Subdivision as conforming to all
requirements of Chapter 23 Subdivision Code of the Ames Municipal Code.
2. Deny the Final Plat for South 4th Commons Subdivision at 400 South 4th Street, based
on a finding that the proposed subdivision does not comply with applicable ordinances,
standards or plans.
3. Refer this request back to staff or the applicant for additional information.
54
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City staff has reviewed the proposed Final Plat for the South 4th Commons Subdivision
and determined that the Plat meets the City's Subdivision Standards. No public
improvements agreement is required as the water and sewer lines have been installed
and the remaining improvements do not necessitate financial security. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A- 400 S 4th Street Location Map.pdf
Attachment B- 400 S 4th Street Final Plat.pdf
55
S 4TH ST
S 3RD ST
S WALNUT AVE
WASHINGTON AVE
400 South 4th Street Loca tion Map´
400 South 4th Street Location
Le gend
PARCELS
City Limits
AMES INCORPORATED LIMITS
STREET LABELS - ALL @ 50000FT
Private
ISU Road
City Road
County Secondary
County Hwy
State Hwy
US Hwy
US Interstate Hwy 56
S 4TH STREETS89°47'47"E 299.79'(M)
S89°37'14"E 300.00'(R)
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S89°57'37"W 184.68'(M)
N89°53'08"W 185.05'(R)
N89°36'13"W 114.91'(M)
N89°26'51"W 114.96'(R)
JUNIPER STREET (PRIVATE)
JUNIPER STREET (PRIVATE)
JUNIPER STREET (PRIVATE)
S 4TH STREET
SOUTH 4TH COMMONS FINAL PLAT
CITY OF AMES, STORY COUNTY, IOWA
SOUTH 4TH COMMONS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS LAND SURVEYING DOCUMENT WAS
PREPARED AND THE RELATED SURVEY WORK WAS PERFORMED
BY ME OR UNDER MY DIRECT PERSONAL SUPERVISION AND THAT
I AM A DULY LICENSED PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR UNDER
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
_______________________________________________________
MICHAEL D. LEE, P.L.S. IA. LIC. NO. 16747 DATE
MY LICENSE RENEWAL DATE IS DECEMBER 31, 2026
ADDITIONAL PAGES OR SHEETS COVERED BY THIS SEAL (NONE
UNLESS INDICATED HERE):_________________________________
________________________________________________________
MICHAEL
16747
D. LEE
IOWA
LICENSEDPROFESSIONAL
SURVEYOR
DNAL
1609 N Ankeny Blvd, Ste 230 - Ankeny, IA 50021 - Phone: 515-259-1133
57
ITEM #:16
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:BUILDING ENERGY AUDIT REPORT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
A key strategy established in the community-wide Climate Action Plan, accepted by
City Council in June 2023, is to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy into
municipal buildings. These strategies not only reduce carbon emissions but also result in
long-term energy cost savings.
In November 2024, an RFP was issued involving energy auditing services at 15 City-owned
buildings. An evaluation team reviewed 10 proposals and conducted interviews. In January
2025, City Council awarded the contract to Resource Consulting Engineers, LLC (RCE), of
Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $102,600. The Electric Administration building was
later added to the original scope through a change order of $1,000.
The scope of work included the following services for 16 City-owned buildings.
Data gathering and analysis of building plans, utility bill data, and interviews with staff.
On-site facility inspections.
Detailed energy analyses.
Developing specific and impactful recommendations for energy efficiency measures
(EEMs), including capital improvement measures and changes to operations and
maintenance.
RCE's approach to the project involved three methods: energy modeling, benchmarking, and
manual calculations. A detailed energy model was generated for larger or more complex
buildings to allow for more customized results (e.g., City Hall). Benchmarking was performed
for smaller or more typical building types (e.g., Electric Administration), which allows for useful
information to be projected about energy use without the more involved and detailed energy
model. Finally, manual calculations were completed for facilities that might be difficult to fully
model and where appropriate benchmarking data was not available (e.g., Ames/ISU Ice
Arena).
Generally, recommended improvements include installation of new HVAC systems,
lighting, water heating, windows, and roof insulation. Each EEM provides detailed
information regarding capital costs and savings, including energy, emissions, cost, and simple
payback.
EEMs include fuel switching from natural gas to electricity where possible, to align with CAP
goals. Recommendations for implementation are included in the report, and for many EEMs, it
is recommended that implementation occur at the end of the useful life of the existing
equipment. Some EEMs are bundled together, where it makes logistical sense to complete
multiple projects at one building simultaneously.
The report also contains a solar feasibility assessment for five City buildings, and an electric
58
vehicle charging assessment for 15 buildings. The results of the solar assessment indicate
that most City buildings would not be suitable for solar, primarily due to roof age. The Fitch
Family Indoor Aquatic Center, Schainker Plaza, and the new site of the Ames Animal Shelter
may be suitable candidates for solar. Results from the electric vehicle charging assessment
indicates adequate electric service size and demand capacity to accommodate expanded
charging at most City facilities.
This report will help prioritize projects and inform decisions related to facility planning
and investments to continue moving the City towards achieving the Climate Action
Plan goals.
Resource Consulting Engineers, LLC (RCE) will be presenting an overview of the Energy
Audit Report.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the attached City of Ames Energy Audit Report.
2. Refer this document to City staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It should be emphasized that the Energy Audit Report is not expected to be adopted as
a formal policy document or plan. Instead, it provides information for the City to
consider as it works towards energy efficiency improvements of City buildings.
Furthermore, the report recommends that many of the energy efficiency upgrades be
considered for implementation at the end of the useful life of the existing equipment.
Accepting this report does not adopt it as a formal policy document or plan. Therefore,
it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative No. 1
and accept the attached Building Energy Audit report.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2025-1015 City of Ames Energy Audit Report.pdf
59
City of Ames Energy Audit Report
October 2025
60
3City of Ames Energy Audit
Table of Contents
Introduction
Project Team 3
Executive Summary 4
Building Energy Audits 11
Energy Model Analysis
Technical Services Complex 13
City Hall 31
Ames Public Library 49
Fire Station 1 65
Benchmarking Analysis
Fire Station 3 81
Public Works and Fleet 93
Electric Distribution 105
Electric Administration 117
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse 129
Parks and Recreation Administration 141
Airport Terminal 155
Manual Calculation Analysis
CyRide Transit 167
Ames Intermodal Facility 179
Furman Aquatic Center 187
Ames/ISU Ice Arena 197
Water Treatment Plant 209
Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment 219
Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment 227
B3 Benchmarking Facility Comparison 231
This page was intentionally left blank
61
Introduction4 5City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditIntroduction
Project Team
Owner
City of Ames Pa Vang Goldbeck, Assistant City Manager
515 Clark Avenue Nolan Sagan, Sustainability Coordinator
Ames, Iowa 50010 Corey Mellies, Fleet Services Director
MEPT Engineer
Resource Consulting Engineers, LLC Corey Metzger, Principal, Project Manager & Mechanical Engineer
301 Alexander Avenue, Suite C James Deeds, Principal, Electrical Engineer
Ames, Iowa 50010 Scott Jasper, Mechanical Engineer
515.509.8905 Jenny Olson, Electrical Engineer
Architect
OPN Architects Joe Feldmann, Principal
100 Court Avenue, Suite 100 Rebecca Riss, Performance Director
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
515.309.0722
Energy Analyst
Willdan Joel Logan, Energy Analysis Manager
10858 Meredith Drive KC Reed, Energy Modeler
Urbandale, IA 50322 Aidan Vaughan, Energy Analyst
515.271.9923
12
13 14
5
2
15 16
1
3
6 7 8 9
4
10
11
1 Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse
2 Furman Aquatic Center
3 Fire Station 1
4 Water Treatment Plant
5 CyRide Transit
6 Ames City Hall
7 Ames Public Library
8 Technical Services Complex
9 Electric Administration
10 Public Works
11 Electric Distribution
12 Ames Intermodal Facility
13 Ames Ice Arena
14 Parks and Recreation Admin Office
15 Airport Terminal
16 Fire Station 3
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Introduction6 7City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditIntroduction
Executive Summary
large database of similar facilities, was completed for smaller or more typical facility types. The benchmarking
approach identifies estimated energy consumption by end use without detailed energy modeling. This allows for
useful information to be projected for smaller or more typical facility types that do not justify the more involved
and costly process of a detailed energy model. Finally, manual calculations were completed for facilities that might
be difficult to fully model and where appropriate benchmarking data was not available. This process focuses on
specific components or systems that represent significant energy consumption or potential savings, which is more
appropriate for facilities with unique or process-driven loads.
For the financial analysis, approximate expected costs were identified for each measure. The expected costs are
identified in the report as incremental costs in comparison to a baseline scenario cost. These costs were used
to determine simple payback for each strategy along with expected cost per unit of emissions saved (in kilogram
of carbon dioxide equivalent). These values can be used to compare strategies, both on a per-building basis and
across buildings to understand the potential savings in cost and emissions for each strategy.
Photovoltaic Array Assessment
The potential impacts of photovoltaics (PV, or solar panels) have been considered for five buildings, including:
• City Hall
• Water Treatment Plant
• Public Works and Fleet
• Electrical Distribution
• Animal Shelter
This information is presented separately from the individual building reports to provide all information related to
photovoltaics in one section of the report.
Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment
An assessment of the feasibility for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging was completed for 15 of the 16 buildings in
the energy audit, as well as the Animal Shelter. The Furman Aquatic Center was not considered a recommended
candidate for EV charging infrastructure since the facility is only used 3 months per year. The EV assessment is
based on current electrical system capacity to accommodate EV charging and considerations associated with
installing charging infrastructure.
Recommendations
The potential impact of identified strategies can be compared quickly based on the analysis providing simple
payback and cost per unit of emissions saved. While this provides an easy high-level comparison for strategies, it
is important to consider other factors, like ease of implementation, impact to facilities, and condition of existing
systems or components. Recommendations for implementation are included in the report, and for many systems or
components it is recommended that implementation occur at the end of the useful life of the existing equipment.
While this may delay direct energy and emissions savings, considerations related to embodied carbon in existing
equipment and new equipment is not accounted for in the analysis presented and would significantly change
some results and recommendations for equipment being replaced prior to the end of its useful life. There are
some strategies included that do not demonstrate a simple payback from a financial standpoint. Some of these
strategies don’t demonstrate a payback due to work associated with initial implementation compared to the
baseline option, but the strategies have been included as they may prove beneficial in meeting CAP goals.
The cumulative impact of implementing the recommended energy efficiency measures for the sixteen buildings
in the energy audit and installing PV on City Hall, Water Treatment Plant, Public Works and Fleet, and Electrical
Distribution is shown in the following graphs. Overall, these strategies have the potential to reduce net annual
energy use by 39%, reduce annual energy cost by 37% and reduce annual carbon emissions by 39%.
Executive Summary
Overview
The City of Ames has a demonstrated history of using resources responsibly and planning for sustainability and
efficiency. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) completed in 2023 sets targets for community greenhouse gas emission
reductions of 70% by 2030 and 94% by 2050. To achieve these targets, specific strategies are necessary to
reduce energy consumption, transition loads away from fossil fuels where appropriate, and deploy renewable
energy generation. The results of the Energy Audit Project should help inform decisions related to investments on
the path toward the CAP goals. While the Energy Audit Report does not include specific steps necessary to hit
these goals, it provides information related to expected energy and emissions reductions, along with comparisons
of expected cost-benefit for implementation of considered strategies. This information may be used to prioritize
strategies for implementation on the path toward emission reductions.
Building Energy Audit Process
The energy audit process completed as part of this project included multiple team members and consisted of
several steps. City of Ames personnel were critically important in data gathering and offering information related
to operational capabilities and issues for each facility. The Energy Audit Team (Resource Consulting Engineers,
LLC, OPN Architects, and Willdan) collected and analyzed information to provide the results included within this
document. Some city buildings were excluded from the study due to planned vacancies or minor energy use. These
include the Resource Recovery Plant, Fire Station #2, Cemetery Office, and Parks & Recreation Maintenance.
Energy Analysis Methodology
1. Detailed energy models were
completed for:
• Technical Services
Complex
• City Hall
• Ames Public Library
• Fire Station 1
2. Benchmarking analyses were
completed for:
• Fire Station 3
• Public Works and Fleet
• Electric Distribution
• Electric Administration
• Homewood Golf Course
Clubhouse
• Parks and Recreation
Administration
• Airport Terminal
3. Manual calculations were used
to analyze strategies for:
• CyRide Transit
• Ames Intermodal Facility
• Furman Aquatic Center
• Ames/ISU Ice Arena
• Water Treatment Plant
Initial Data Collection & Building Walkthroughs
Existing documentation for each facility was obtained by City of
Ames personnel and shared with the Energy Audit Team. This
documentation primarily consists of existing drawings. Energy
information was also shared by City of Ames personnel to inform the
energy analysis processes.
Site visits to observe existing conditions for each building were
completed by key City of Ames personnel along with members of
the Energy Audit Team (typically OPN Architects and Resource
Consulting Engineers).
Analysis of Recommended Energy Efficiency Measures
An analysis was completed for each facility based on the information
gathered from existing documentation, energy use data, and site
visits. A set of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) was developed
for each facility based on apparent opportunities to reduce energy
consumption. With these EEMs in mind, an analysis process was
completed for each building.
To both be efficient with City resources and to provide an adequate
level of analysis to properly inform the process, different approaches
were used for different facilities, as noted to the right. A detailed
energy model was generated for larger or more complex buildings
to allow for more customized results. The detailed energy modeling
process involves developing custom model components and
calibrating the model to available building energy consumption data
to identify expected energy consumption by end use (each building
system or component). A benchmarking analysis, informed by a
63
Introduction8 9City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditIntroduction
Executive Summary
Cumulative Annual Net Energy Use for Energy Audit Buildings
Cumulative Annual Energy Cost for Energy Audit Buildings
Cumulative Annual Carbon Emissions for Energy Audit Buildings
26%39%
16%37%
24%39%
Executive Summary
The total potential savings for implementing the proposed EEMs across all buildings is shown in the table below.
Total Potential Savings for EEM Implementation Across All Buildings
Building Potential Annual Savings Notes
Electric
Consumption
(kWh)
Natural Gas
(therms)
Energy Cost
($)
Emissions
(kgCO2e/yr)
Technical Services Complex 204,178 5,721 $13,995 120,129 EEMs 1A, 2-6, 7A & 8
City Hall 826,418 5,534 $86,568 461,360 EEMs 1A, 2-4 & 5A
Library -116,218 11,543 $(2,047)44,261 EEMs 1, 2 & 3A
Fire Station 1 -17,995 3,093 $812 18,699 EEMs 1B, 2, 3A & 4
Fire Station 3 -16,321 4,154 $1,902 29,195 EEMs 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A & 4
Public Works and Fleet -96,266 18,156 $650 131,008 EEMs 1-4
Electric Distribution 136,068 0 $14,079 70,783 EEMs 1-3, 4A & 5
Electric Administration 11,862 0 $1,227 6,171 EEMs 1-3 & 4A
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse 1,313 297 $393 3,565 EEMs 1-3
Parks and Recreation Administration -11,019 2,725 $1,216 20,706 EEMs 1B & 2-7
Airport Terminal -8,064 1,774 $699 13,013 EEMs 1-3
CyRide Transit 17,682 7,862 $8,627 88,262 EEMs 1 & 2
Ames Intermodal Facility 0 0 0 0 -
Furman Aquatic Center -20,932 7,898 $4,662 65,738 EEMs 1 & 2
Ames/ISU Ice Arena 10,302 3,006 $3,665 34,523 EEMs 1 & 2
Water Treatment Plant 100,858 0 $10,436 52,466 EEM 1
Total Across All Facilities 1,021,866 71,763 $146,884.00 1,159,879
1 Includes natural gas and waste oil savings, in therms.
How to Use this Study
This report includes a section for each building energy audit, consisting of the following subsections:
• Facility Description: provides general building information along with system descriptions and photos.
• Notable Conditions Observed: includes the date of the site visit, key observations by system, and additional
photos.
• Utility Bill Analysis: provides historical data on energy consumption by source (electricity or natural gas) along
with associated costs and approximate equivalent carbon emissions.
• Benchmarking: where applicable for the building type, provides a high-level comparison of how the facility
performs compared to others in the dataset. (It is noted for some buildings that this comparison may
not be representative of high performance, as some operational deficiencies can lead to reduced energy
consumption.)
• Energy Analysis: describes the type of energy analysis (e.g., energy model, benchmarking, or manual
calculations), as well the building's energy end use characterization, where applicable.
• Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs): describes each proposed EEM, along with information on the existing
condition and recommendations for implementation. Also includes tables describing incremental cost and
estimated savings for each EEM. The information included in these tables is for individual measures only
and does not account for combinations of measures. For select buildings, this section also includes graphs
showing combinations of strategies to demonstrate the results if multiple measures were incorporated
together.
• Appendix: for buildings with detailed energy modeling, an Appendix is included listing energy analysis inputs for
the facility.
64
11City of Ames Energy AuditIntroduction10City of Ames Energy Audit
Executive Summary
If looking only at one building, it is recommended that all sections be reviewed to get a full understanding of existing
conditions, current energy and emissions performance, possible EEMs, and associated considerations. This
includes the review of implementing multiple EEMs for most facilities.
When looking at all or multiple buildings, it may be most efficient to look at the Estimated Costs for Individual
EEMs and Estimated Savings for Individual EEMs tables in the Energy Efficiency Measures section of the report
for each building. These tables provide an understanding of approximate incremental costs for implementation of
the strategies and provide common data points through which measures for different buildings may be compared.
Specifically, the incremental costs per carbon dioxide equivalent emissions column in the Estimated Savings for
Individual EEMs table provides an approximation of the return on investment for reducing emissions, with lower
costs in this column representing a better return on investment.
Information in the Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment and Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment sections
provides a more direct means for comparing the feasibility of implementing either of these strategies for each
building. These strategies should be considered along with other strategies being considered in more detail for
each building prior to implementation to ensure expected strategies are compatible and do not result in unintended
consequences.
Energy Audit Assumptions
The information and analyses presented in this report are based on building walk-through observations, information
from City staff, available drawings, and standard design practices based on building vintage and program type.
Utility Rates
The energy rates used in the analyses are noted below:
Energy Source Utility Rate Source
Electric $0.103/kWh City of Ames Energy Star Portfolio Manager average rate
Natural Gas $0.8645/Therm City of Ames Energy Star Portfolio Manager average rate
Carbon Emissions Rates
The carbon emissions rates used in the analyses are noted below:
Energy Source Carbon Emissions Intensity Factor Source
Electric 0.5202 mt CO2e/MWh Ames Municipal Electric Utility
Natural Gas 20 lb CO2e/Therm Nationwide value
Waste Fuel 892 lbCO2e/MWh ICC Green Construction Code
Estimated Costs
Base costs have been identified for each energy efficiency measured based on high-level analysis of the strategy.
Incremental costs are premiums compared to the base costs, and are presented with a range of low to high
expected incremental costs. Available utility rebates have been identified where applicable and are factored into
the incremental costs. Available tax credits are not factored into the financial analysis, but have been identified for
applicable systems. Due to the nature of the project, the base costs do not represent detailed or exhaustive cost
estimates, and more consideration is likely necessary to confirm costs for larger or more complex projects.
Baseline and incremental costs provided in this report and used in the analyses are estimated based on 2025 cost
information available during the energy audit exercise. Impacts of inflation are not included.
Building Energy Audits
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13City of Ames Energy Audit
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Technical Services Complex
66
Technical Services Complex14 15City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Technical Services Complex
Address 300 E 5th St #2
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Jake Sisson, Water Meter Supervisor
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1993
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 9,450 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 9,450 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 3, plus mechanical mezzanine
Conditioned floors above grade: 2, plus mechanical mezzanine
Conditioned floors below grade: 1
Use Type
Primary building use type: Office
Secondary building use type: Lab
Major Renovations
2014 Replaced ballasted EPDM roof with a ballasted rubber roof.
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The typical composition of the above-grade exterior wall is 4” face brick,
2” rigid insulation, 8” concrete masonry unit, 6 mil poly vapor barrier, and
1/2” gypsum board. Spandrel panels appear to be uninsulated. The below-
grade exterior walls are concrete with a waterproofing membrane and a
2” insulated drainage panel. The first floor slab-on-grade includes sand, a
poly vapor barrier and granular fill below the concrete slab. The basement
floor includes a 2” insulated drainage panel, a waterproofing membrane, and
granular fill below the concrete slab.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 16% and the windows are original
to the building. The windows are aluminum framed with double-pane tinted
glazing. Windows into administrative office areas and the lab meter room
have an operable component, while the remaining windows are fixed. Main
building entrances include glazed entry doors that enter into vestibules, and
the garage is equipped with insulated sectional overhead garage doors.
There are two primary roof systems for the building: a flat ballasted
membrane roof and a pitched standing seam copper roof. The flat roof
system includes 4” of rigid insulation over the 12” precast concrete core
slab. The majority of the pitched roof includes 6” of batt insulation in
between ceiling joists, with the exception of the pitched roof over the
mechanical mezzanine, which includes 6” of batt insulation in between the
rafters of the light gauge metal truss.
Lighting System
Building lighting systems typically consist of fluorescent fixtures. Storage
and maintenance areas appear to utilize T12 fluorescent lamps, while other
areas appear to use more efficient lamps (though less efficient than LED).
No automatic lighting controls, dimming capabilities, or daylighting control
were observed.
HVAC Systems
The building HVAC system generally consists of a central plant producing
heating and chilled water, paired with two (2) constant-volume multi-zone
air handling units. Exhaust fans serve dedicated loads for both general
and process exhaust. With the exception of the two (2) boilers, equipment
typically appears to be original to the building.
The air-cooled chiller includes a remote-mounted condenser at grade, with
the compressor, heat exchanger, and other components located in the lower-
level mechanical room. The chilled water pump is also located in this space.
The chiller appears to be original to the building.
West Elevation
East Elevation
Roof
T12 Fluorescent Lamps (34W)
Existing Boilers
67
Technical Services Complex16 17City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
Facility Description
Two (2) heating hot water boilers serve the building. One boiler is a high-
efficiency condensing type boiler, while the other is a standard efficiency
boiler. The boilers serve the two air handling units along with a domestic hot
water heat exchanger and storage tank. Perimeter heat in six (6) zones is
also served by hot water from the boilers.
Air handling unit AHU-1 serves seven zones, each equipped with a dedicated
multi-zone damper assembly (mixing air from the hot and cold decks of the
AHU). AHU-1 serves all spaces on the first floor of the building (four zones),
apart from the garage area (Room 112). AHU-1 also serves three zones on
the second floor of the building. All but one of the zones served by AHU-1
also have perimeter hot water heating.
Air handling unit AHU-2 serves three (3) zones, each equipped with a
dedicated multi-zone damper assembly. AHU-1 serves the laboratory
spaces on the second floor of the building. None of these zones are
equipped with perimeter heating.
A small general exhaust fan serves restrooms in the building. Dedicated
exhaust fans serve fume hoods and other dedicated/process exhaust in the
laboratory areas of the building.
Plumbing Systems
Building domestic hot water is provided by a heat exchanger and storage
tank, heated by the building heating hot water loop. Compressed air and
vacuum for the laboratory space are provided by equipment in the building
as well.
Existing Air-Cooled Chiller
Existing Air Handling Unit
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 11, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Multiple windows had a broken seal.
• Multiple windows had a broken lever, impacting operability of the window.
• Garage ceiling is not insulated, but adding insulation would be difficult
with current piping configuration. Garage is heated to prevent freezing of
exposed pipes.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting is typically fluorescent, including some areas with T12
lamps (inefficient by modern standards) - newer LED technology is
more efficient, may provide better lighting quality, and requires less
maintenance to operate.
• There are no automatic lighting controls, dimming, or daylighting controls
– automatic controls (occupancy/vacancy) and daylighting controls are
required by modern energy codes.
HVAC Systems
• System components are mostly original and have exceeded their
expected useful lives.
• Multi-zone air handling units are no longer allowed by code due to their
inherently high energy consumption.
• There is limited redundancy for key building components (heating water
being an exception).
• There is significant exhaust from the lab area – energy recovery would be
ideal to incorporate where feasible.
Plumbing Systems
• Source of heating coming from boilers likely prevents condensing boiler
from achieving target efficiency, as higher supply water temperature will
be necessary with heat exchanger to generate domestic hot water.
Window with broken seal
Window with broken lever
Garage with exposed piping
68
Technical Services Complex18 19City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the summer than in the
winter due to cooling loads.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter than in the
summer due to natural gas serving the heating loads. Natural gas consumption remains high during the summer
due to water heating and process loads.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through November 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building uses a significant amount of energy due to the type and age of the building
systems, significant process loads in the laboratory, and ventilation requirements. Due to the high energy use and
age of the building systems, the building is a high priority for retrofits to reduce energy consumption.
Natural gas makes up approximately 60% of the energy use, but only about one third of the energy cost of the
building. The energy related carbon emissions of the building are roughly split between natural gas and electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
251.6
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 251.6
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 63% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to natural gas, while
the remaining 37% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas
12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 20240
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
0
100
200
300
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $39,505. 33% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to natural gas, while the
remaining 67% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity. The annual energy cost between
December 2023 and November 2024 was slightly less than annual energy costs in 2021 through 2023, when
annual energy costs exceeded $40,000.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is approximately 227 mt-CO2e/yr. About 42% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to
natural gas, and 58% is attributed to electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
$39,505/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
100
200
300
2021 2022 2023
0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
69
Technical Services Complex20 21City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
The building ranks in the 23rd percentile to 66 other peer laboratory buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (77%
of laboratory buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good candidate for reducing
energy use through retrofits.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
2 8 14 20 26 32 38 45 51 57 63 69 75 82 88 94 100
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
Peer Rating
0
1
3
2
4
5
Methodology
The energy use of the building and the energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a detailed energy model
and tuned to the actual overall energy consumption of the facility. The detailed energy model models the hourly
energy use of all components of the building over a year. The inputs to the energy model were obtained through
conversations with city staff, the facility walk through, and documents provided by the city staff. When information
was not available through these methods, building characteristics were assumed based on building vintage and
engineering judgment.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled annual energy use of the existing building broken down by end use.
Heating energy is the dominant energy use, followed by process load in the laboratory.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2
/
y
r
Existing
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Total 262.8
Process Loads 60.5
Interior Equipment 22.6
Interior Lighting 24.3
Domestic Hot Water 4.2
Pumps 3.4
Fans 19.9
Cooling 20.2
Heating 107.5
70
Technical Services Complex22 23City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1A: HVAC System Retrofit with DOAS and FCUs
• Existing Condition: HVAC systems have exceeded expected useful life and have very high energy consumption –
additionally, current system configuration is antiquated and not recommended for continued use.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Retrofit building HVAC system with new central plant including air-to-
water heat pump(s) to produce chilled or heating water, new piping, one new DOAS air handling unit to serve all
building spaces along with fan coil units (FCUs) to condition to each space, new perimeter heating equipment,
and new exhaust systems – consideration for energy recovery included where believed to be feasible.
• Recommendation for Implementation: To be implemented when determined to be feasible for full retrofit,
which will significantly impact building operations – if addition or other modifications are considered for the
building, different equipment configurations or applications should be considered.
EEM 1B: HVAC System Retrofit with VAV AHU and Terminal Units
• Existing Condition: HVAC systems have exceeded expected useful life and have very high energy consumption
– additionally, current system configuration is antiquated and not recommended for continued use.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Retrofit building HVAC system with new central plant including air-to-
water heat pump(s) to produce chilled or heating water, new piping, new variable air volume (VAV) air handling
unit (AHU) to serve all building spaces along with terminal equipment to control airflow to each space, new
perimeter heating equipment, and new exhaust systems – consideration for energy recovery included where
believed to be feasible.
• Recommendation for Implementation: To be implemented when determined to be feasible for full retrofit,
which will significantly impact building operations – if addition or other modifications are considered for the
building, different equipment configurations or applications should be considered.
EEM 2: Lighting System Retrofit to LED
• Existing Condition: Fluorescent lighting throughout most of building and only manual control.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace all lighting with LED fixtures (unless needed for specific
process or operations) and controls, including occupancy/vacancy, dimming, and daylighting.
• Recommendation for Implementation: To be implemented when determined to be feasible for full retrofit,
which will significantly impact building operations. It should be noted that the simple payback presented in the
Estimated Savings for EEMs table is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost only, and does not
account for maintenance costs associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent fixtures. Accounting for
these maintenance costs would improve the payback associated with this strategy, but to maintain consistency
across the simple payback calculations presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table, the life cycle cost
savings associated with lamp replacement were not included.
EEM 3: Dimming Daylighting
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add daylighting controls to adjust lighting levels (dim lighting) based on
available ambient lighting levels.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Likely not feasible with existing fluorescent fixtures without replacing
the existing ballasts, which is not recommended.
Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM 4: Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor Controls
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add occupancy- or vacancy-based lighting controls to occupied spaces
wherever appropriate or required by code.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementation at time of other improvements/retrofit
work to prevent re-work and impact to building operations.
EEM 5: Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Hot water generated at heat exchanger served by boiler system.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Standalone water heater – recommend considering hybrid heat pump
water heater if capacity meets building demands.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Can replace existing water heater/storage tank and will need electrical
circuit and review of impact on adjacent space (lower-level mechanical room) - may be implemented prior to
other changes if determined to be appropriate – don’t recommend doing so unless needed for other reasons (if
water heater is in need of replacement).
EEM 6: Night Temperature Setback
• Existing Condition: No setback.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add setback controls to reset temperature setpoints for unoccupied
hours.
• Recommendation for Implementation: To be included in EEM 1A or 1B – consider implementation prior if
existing systems will continue to operate for longer period.
EEM 7A & 7B: Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The existing windows are original to the 1993 building and are approaching their useful
end of life. The aluminum framed double-glazed windows are experiencing issues with broken window seals and
operability.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 7A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 7B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing as part of a full building retrofit, since
replacing windows will significantly impact building operations. EEM 7A is recommended as a higher-
performance option, provided that the cost difference between the two options is minimal.
EEM 8: Roof Insulation Increase
• Existing Condition: The existing sloped roofs have an approximate R-value of R-14, below the current energy
code minimum requirements for thermal performance.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: In areas with sloped roofs and batt insulation in between the ceiling
joists, add additional insulation to increase the overall thermal performance to R-30.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementation at time of other improvements/retrofit
work to reduce impact to building operations.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Technical Services Complex24 25City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate EEM Incremental Cost
Low High
1A HVAC System Retrofit with DOAS and
FCUs
Direct replacement of existing system
with modern controls/components
$756,000 $0 $189,000 $330,750
1B HVAC System Retrofit with VAV AHU and
Terminal Units
Direct replacement of existing system
with modern controls/components
$756,000 $0 $94,500 $283,500
2 Lighting System Retrofit to LED Existing lighting to remain $0 $0 $28,173 $47,250
3 Dimming Daylighting No changes to lighting controls $0 $0 $1,999 $9,450
4 Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor
Controls
No changes to lighting controls $0 $0 $5,704 $18,900
5 Heat Pump Water Heater Replacement with standard efficiency
natural gas-fired water heater
$3,000 $400 $5,350 $6,100
6 Night Temperature Setback No control changes for current system $0 $0 $2,812 $5,000
7A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Replacement with energy code-compliant
window
$57,458 $- $5,746 $24,707
7B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Replacement with energy-code compliant
window
$57,458 $- $- $11,492
8 Roof Insulation Increase No changes to roof insulation $0 $- $4,056 $6,995
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1A HVAC System Retrofit with
DOAS and FCUs
HVAC
System
(22,682) 10,532 $6,758 83,747 $0.11 -
$0.20
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible (existing sys-
tems have exceeded
useful life) depending
on building needs
1B HVAC System Retrofit with
VAV AHU and Terminal Units
HVAC
System
(22,016) 10,532 $6,827 84,094 $0.06 -
$0.17
N/A
2 Lighting System Retrofit to
LED
Lighting 21 53,723 (765) $4,902 21,010 $0.07 -
$0.11
7.7 Implement as soon as
feasible (existing sys-
tems have exceeded
useful life) depending
on building needs
3 Dimming Daylighting Lighting 12 19,380 (390) $1,676 6,547 $0.02 -
$0.07
3.4
4 Lighting Occupancy and
Vacancy Sensor Controls
Lighting 4 17,791 (291) $1,592 6,615 $0.04 -
$0.14
7.7
5 Heat Pump Water Heater Plumbing
System
(2) (2,457) 399 $91 2,342 $0.23 -
$0.26
N/A Implement at end of
system life
6 Night Temperature Setback HVAC System (0) 3,231 265 $563 4,083 $0.07 - $0.12 6.9 Implement as soon as feasible
7A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
2 1,057 581 $612 5,821 $0.03 -
$0.14
24.9 Implement as soon as
feasible (existing sys-
tems have exceeded
useful life) depending
on building needs
7B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Building
Envelope
1 351 494 $462 4,668 $0 - $0.08 12.4
8 Roof Insulation Increase Building
Envelope
1 278 133 $145 1,347 $0.10 -
$0.17
N/A Implement with other
major improvements
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings For Bundled EEMs
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 2-5, 7A, and 8 to improve lighting, building envelope and domestic
hot water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A: Implement EEM 1A by replacing the existing mechanical system with a system
comprised of fan coils and a dedicated outdoor air system.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1A, 2-6, 7A, and 8 to improve
mechanical, lighting, building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B: Implement EEM 1B by replacing the existing mechanical system with a multizone
variable air volume system.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1B, 2-6, 7A, and 8 to improve
mechanical, lighting, building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
HVAC Controls
Operations
Program Type & Building Geometry
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Energy analysis inputs and assumptions are described below. This information is based on building walk-through
observations, information from City staff, available drawings, and standard design practices based on building
vintage and program type.
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Technical Services Complex28 29City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditTechnical Services Complex
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Ventilation Requirements
Lighting
Service Hot Water & Other Loads
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Fenestration
Envelope
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31City of Ames Energy Audit
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City Hall
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City Hall32 33City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name City Hall
Address 515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Corey Mellies, Fleet Services Director
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1939
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 90,000 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 90,000 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 3
Conditioned floors above grade: 2
Conditioned floors below grade: 1
Use Type
Primary building use type: Office
Secondary building use types: Theater/Auditorium & Gymnasium
Major Renovations
1988 Major renovation and addition to convert the building from a junior high
school to City Hall
2014 Major renovation, Phase 2
2015 Roof renovation
2025 Auditorium HVAC improvements
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 5:00 pm
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The building features brick masonry walls original to the 1938 building.
As part of the 1988 renovation, new ⁵/₈” gypsum board was added with
2” of rigid in-between 2-1/₂” metal studs spaced 16” on center. The 1988
addition also introduced areas of spandrel panel, consisting of a double-pane
insulated glazing unit, 2” of rigid in-between 2-1/₂” metal studs spaced 16”
on center, and ⁵/₈” gypsum board. The 1988 addition for the MEP room used
uninsulated walls with 4” face brick and 8” concrete masonry units. Below-
grade walls are concrete foundation walls, with 1-5/8” metal studs with rigid
insulation and 5/8” gypsum board for office areas.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 20%. The majority of the windows
were installed in 1988 and feature aluminum frame, tinted double pane
glazing assemblies. Some windows on the basement level were replaced
as part of the 2014 renovation. The majority of the windows in office
areas feature an operable component for natural ventilation. Main building
entrances include wood doors that enter into vestibules, and the garage is
equipped with an insulated sectional overhead garage door.
The roof was renovated in 2015. As part of the renovation, a new black
EPDM roof membrane, gypsum cover board and polyiso insulation was
installed. Existing EPS insulation and fiberboard insulation was repaired
as needed and remained in place. The amount of insulation varies across
the roof and the roof assembly performance ranges from approximately
R-20 to R-35, with the majority of the roof assemblies achieving thermal
performance of R-30 to R-35.
Lighting System
Many fixtures have been upgraded to LED or retrofitted with LED lamps,
however lighting controls are typically manual throughout occupied building
areas.
HVAC Systems
The building HVAC system generally consists of a central plant providing
heat pump loop water to water-source heat pumps. There are two (2) air
handling units (or large blower coils) serving the gymnasium and new air
handling units are currently being installed to serve the auditorium. An
energy recovery ventilator and a dedicated outdoor air system rooftop unit
provide ventilation to the office portion of the building.
The central plant consists of two (2) closed-circuit cooling towers (fluid
coolers), electric steam boilers, a steam-to-water heat exchanger, pumps,
valves, controls, and accessories. The auditorium HVAC improvements
project currently underway will add air-to-water heat pumps to provide dual-
East Elevation
Roof
Corridor Lighting
Gymnasium Lighting
Historic Lighting
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City Hall34 35City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Facility Description
temperature water (chilled water or heating water) to new auditorium air
handling units, and will also provide heat to the heat pump loop during the
heating season (serving as the first stage of heat with the electric steam
boilers serving as the second stage of heat). A new water-to-water heat
pump will provide reheat water to the auditorium air handling units.
The packaged water-source heat pumps throughout the building either pull
or reject heat from/to the heat pump loop. The single dedicated outdoor air
system rooftop unit is equipped with natural gas-fired heating and an air-
cooled direct-expansion (DX) cooling system.
The air handling units serving the gymnasium are served by DX condensing
units located at grade on the west side of the building for cooling, and are
served by steam for heating. The units are not connected to a central
control system, but do appear to have economizer capabilities.
The new auditorium air handling units have dual-temperature water coils
for primary heating or cooling, along with reheat coils to prevent subcooling
during cooling mode operation. The larger unit serving most of the space
provides all normal ventilation and is equipped with an energy recovery wheel
and an electric heating coil in the return section of the unit.
Some pneumatic controls remain and the central plant control system is
antiquated. These components will be replaced as part of the auditorium
HVAC improvements project, with new direct digital controls serving the
entire central plant and connecting this system to the existing controls
for heat pumps throughout the building. This project does not bring the
gymnasium air handling units onto the common control system for the
remainder of the building.
Plumbing Systems
Building domestic hot water is provided by a standard efficiency natural
gas-fired domestic hot water heater (tank-type). The water heater is newly
installed as part of the Auditorium HVAC System Improvements project.
Electric Boiler
Fluid Coolers and Electrical Gear
Gymnasium AHU
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on February 27, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Majority of exterior doors have insufficient weatherstripping and
noticeable gaps that contribute to unwanted infiltration. Recommend
replacing with higher-performance, better-fitted doors as soon as
feasible. Insulated non-wood doors with glazed lites are preferred
if allowed by historical criteria. In the interim, recommend fixing the
weather stripping to reduce infiltration.
• Building staff noted issues of condensation and thermal discomfort
with existing windows. Condensation was not observed the day of the
walkthrough, but thermal bridging issues were observed.
• Portion of basement wall appeared to missing insulation, as indicated
by dark blue surface in the corresponding thermal image. Recommend
insulating this area during the next opportunity for renovation of this
room.
Lighting Systems
• Manual lighting controls provide significant opportunity for energy
savings.
HVAC Systems
• Heat pump loop piping is not insulated – this will limit allowable operating
temperatures to prevent condensation during the cooling season,
particularly if chilled water or ground-source loop water are introduced
into this system.
• The building does not have ventilation complying with modern code
requirements.
• Building controls for most areas (serving water-source heat pumps and
associated components) are nearing the end of their expected useful
lives.
• Building water-source heat pump units are nearing the end of their
expected useful lives (over ten years out of a fifteen to twenty year
useful life).
Plumbing Systems
• Standard efficiency natural gas-fired water heater is new as part of
Auditorium HVAC Project.
Entry door with visible gaps
Uninsulated wall in basement office
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City Hall36 37City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the winter due to electricity being the
primary heating energy source.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the winter due to heating loads. The
summer natural gas consumption is attributed to domestic water heating.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through November 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The energy use of the City Hall is dominated by electricity due to electricity being the primary
heating energy source. The age and type of the building’s mechanical systems make it a good candidate for
improving energy efficiency.
Utility Bill Analysis
67.2
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024 the
building has an energy use intensity of 67.2
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 91% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to electricity, while
the remaining 9% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to natural gas.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 20240
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
0
50
100
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $170,975. 97% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 3% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to natural gas. The annual energy cost in 2022 was
higher than in 2021 or 2023, when total energy costs exceeded $195,000.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is 902 mt CO2e/yr. About 96% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions is attributed to electricity
and about 4% is attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$170,975/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
500
1,000
2021 2022 2023
0
$50,000
$100,000
$200,000
$150,000
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City Hall38 39City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
The building ranks in the 52 percentile to 3,840 other peer office buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (48% of
office buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good candidate for reducing energy
use through retrofits.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
Peer Rating
0
1
3
2
4
5
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
Methodology
The energy use of the building and the energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a detailed energy model
and tuned to the actual overall energy consumption of the facility. The detailed energy model models the hourly
energy use of all components of the building over a year. The inputs to the energy model were obtained through
conversations with city staff, the facility walk through, and documents provided by the city staff. When information
was not available through these methods, building characteristics were assumed based on building vintage and
engineering judgment.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled energy use of the building broken down by end use. Heating energy is the
dominant energy use, followed by cooling load. Reducing heating and cooling loads and installing more efficient
HVAC systems show the largest opportunity for saving energy.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural
Gas
EUI
(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2
/
y
r
Existing
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
0
10
20
40
50
60
70
Total 67.4
Interior Equipment 10.1
Interior Lighting 8.1
Domestic Hot Water 1.6
Pumps 1.3
Fans 9.7
Heat Rejection 0.8
Cooling 10.5
Heating 25.2
30
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City Hall40 41City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1A - Mechanical System Replacement with Ground-Source Heat Pumps
• Existing Condition: Water-source heat pump system, using electric boilers and closed-circuit cooling towers to
serve water-source heat pumps (will soon incorporate air-to-water heat pumps to supplement heating).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Provide ground-coupled heat exchanger to replace or supplement
boilers and cooling towers for distributed water-source heat pumps in building.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when water-source heat pumps are scheduled
for replacement (requires additional review to determine best course of action). At time of implementation,
consider the potential federal government incentive for ground-coupled (geothermal) systems, which is
currently a 30% incentive under Section 48 of the tax code. This incentive is available to public entities in the
form of direct payment and is scheduled for phase out between 2033-2035.
EEM 1B - Mechanical System Replacement with Air-to-Water Heat Pump
• Existing Condition: Water-source heat pump system, using electric boilers and closed-circuit cooling towers to
serve water-source heat pumps (will soon incorporate air-to-water heat pumps to supplement heating).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Provide additional air-to-water heat pump capacity to provide all heating
for heat pump loop and to supplement cooling for loop if needed (this would be in place of a ground-coupled
system).
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when water-source heat pumps are scheduled
for replacement (requires additional review to determine best course of action).
EEM 2 - Dimming Daylighting
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add daylighting controls to adjust lighting levels (dim lighting) based on
available ambient lighting levels.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation schedule to limit impact to building, but will
have benefit as soon as it is implemented (may depend on implemented technology for lighting control).
EEM 3 - Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor Controls
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add occupancy- or vacancy-based lighting controls to occupied spaces
wherever appropriate or required by code.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation schedule to limit impact to building, but will
have benefit as soon as it is implemented (may depend on implemented technology for lighting control).
EEM 4 - Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Hot water generated by tank-type standard efficiency water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater (expected to meet building demands).
• Recommendation for Implementation: When current water heater replacement is necessary, utilize heat pump
water heater as appropriate (may work well in current space due to higher summer temperatures in area – need
to verify there won’t be issues during heating season with reducing space temperature).
Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM 5A & 5B - Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The majority of the existing windows were installed as part of the 1988 renovation and are
approaching their useful end of life. The aluminum framed double-glazed windows are experiencing issues with
condensation and thermal comfort.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace 1988 windows with a high-performing thermally-broken
window assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 5A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 5B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38. EEM 5A is recommended as a
higher-performance option, provided that the cost difference between the two options is minimal.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing at end of window life and preferably as
part of a larger building retrofit, since replacing windows will significantly impact building operations. The
performance of EEM 5B is typical of a high-performing double-pane window, while the performance of EEM 5A
is achievable with either a higher-performing double-pane window or a triple-pane window.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate EEM Incremental Cost
Low High
1A Mechanical System Replacement with Ground Source Heat Pumps
Direct system replacement addressing ventilation deficiencies $4,500,000 $84,000 $1,206,000 $1,656,000
1B Mechanical System
Replacement with Air to Water Heat Pump
Direct system replacement addressing
ventilation deficiencies
$4,500,000 $0 $450,000 $900,000
2 Dimming Daylighting No changes to lighting controls $0 $0 $67,500 $90,000
3 Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor Controls No changes to lighting controls $0 $0 $135,000 $180,000
4 Heat Pump Water Heater Replacement with standard efficiency
natural gas-fired water heater
$3,000 $400 $3,100 $3,850
5A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Replacement with energy code-compliant
window
$417,448 $0 $37,950 $163,184
5B Window Replacement: U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38 Replacement with energy code-compliant window $417,448 $0 $0 $75,890
Energy Efficiency Measures
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City Hall42 43City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1A Mechanical System
Replacement with Ground
Source Heat Pumps
HVAC
System
0 665,695 5,534 $73,666 396,499 $0.203 -
$0.278
19.4 Implement at end of
system life (approxi-
mately 5-7 years)
1B Mechanical System
Replacement with Air to
Water Heat Pump
HVAC
System
0 505,060 5,534 $57,045 312,937 $0.096 -
$0.192
11.8
2 Dimming Daylighting Lighting 0 23,551 0 $2,438 12,251 $0.367 -
$0.490
32.3 Implement when
other major work is
completed (HVAC)3 Lighting Occupancy and
Vacancy Sensor Controls
Lighting (2) 32,868 0 $3,403 17,098 $0.526 -
$0.702
46.3
4 Heat Pump Water Heater Plumbing
System
(7) (9,054) 1,479 $341 8,708 $0.024 -
$0.029
10.2 Implement at end of
system life
5A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
36 60,990 (141)$6,189 30,451 $0.042 -
$0.179
16.2 Implement at end of
system life
5B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Building
Envelope
27 44,278 (141)$4,463 21,757 $0 -
$0.116
8.5
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 2-4 and 5A to improve lighting, building envelope, and domestic
hot water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A: Implement EEM 1A to improve mechanical systems by installing ground source heat
pumps.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1A, 2-4, and 5A to improve
mechanical, lighting, building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B: Implement EEM 1B to improve mechanical systems by installing air source heat pumps.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1B, 2-4, and 5A to improve
mechanical, lighting, building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
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City Hall44 45City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Energy analysis inputs and assumptions are described below. This information is based on building walk-through
observations, information from City staff, available drawings, and standard design practices based on building
vintage and program type.
Program Type & Building Geometry
Operations
HVAC Controls
Ventilation Requirements
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
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City Hall46 47City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCity Hall
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Lighting
Service Hot Water & Other Loads
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Envelope
Fenestration
83
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Ames Public Library
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Ames Public Library50 51City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Ames Public Library
Address 515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Bo Duckett, Library Building Maintenance Supervisor
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1904
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 101,800 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 101,800 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 2
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Library/Assembly
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
1907 Expansion/addition
1940 Expansion/addition
2014 Renovation and significant addition
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls have varying levels of thermal performance, as to be
expected given the various vintages ranging from 1904 to 2014. Both the
existing brick and existing precast walls dating back to the 1904 and 1940’s
construction include concrete masonry units and were renovated in 2014
with new 2” rigid insulation and new gypsum wall board. The 2014 exterior
walls include metal panels and cast stone cladding with rigid insulation levels
varying from R-18.6 to R-21.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 27%, and there are four primary
window types. The 1904 windows are single-glazed wood-framed double-
hung windows with storm windows; although they previously were operable,
they now function as fixed windows. The 1940 windows are single-glazed
steel-framed fixed windows. The 2014 windows and curtain wall system are
double-glazed aluminum-framed fixed windows. The main entries are glazed
doors, while the garage has an opaque insulated sectional overhead door.
The existing roof was renovated in 2014 to align with the performance of
the new addition roof. Both the renovated and new roof include a white TPO
membrane and rigid insulation with R-value performance of R-37.2 on top of
the roof sheathing, air barrier, and roof deck.
Lighting System
Lighting systems throughout the building are LED, utilizing modern lighting
controls. A variety of fixture types include suspended direct-indirect
fixtures, troffer (lay-in) ceiling fixtures, and various others. Lighting control
capabilities include daylighting, scheduling, occupancy/vacancy, and
dimming.
HVAC Systems
The building HVAC systems generally consist of a central plant serving air
handling units, chilled beams, and blower coils. Heating water, chilled water,
and chilled beam water provide conditioning to the equipment.
The central plant provides chilled water from an air-cooled chiller mounted
on the roof of the building. Two (2) high-efficiency natural gas-fired boilers
provide heating hot water to the building. A water-to-water heat pump is
used to generate reheat water (hot water) during the cooling season. The
central plant also includes pumps, piping accessories, and controls. Both
heating and chilled water systems utilize a 30-percent glycol solution for
freeze protection.
North Elevation
East Elevation
Roof
Interior Lighting
Networked Lighting Control
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Ames Public Library52 53City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
Facility Description
The majority of the addition area (south portion of the building) is served
by chilled beams to provide terminal heating and sensible cooling. Latent
cooling and primary air for this area are provided by a dedicated outdoor
air system (DOAS) unit on the roof, which is equipped with energy recovery
and provides low dew point supply air. The larger gathering spaces in the
addition are served by blower coils fed with outdoor air from the DOAS unit.
Chilled water and heating water serve the DOAS unit and blower coils, and
chilled beam water and heating water serve the chilled beams.
A variable-air-volume (VAV) air handling unit generally serves the original
portion of the building (north portion of the building). Chilled water and
heating water serve the air handling unit and heating water provides reheat
for terminal units (VAV boxes).
Unit heaters serve support spaces, including storage areas, library bus
parking, etc.
The entire building is served by a direct digital control (DDC) building
automation system.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water for the building is provided by two (2) on-demand natural
gas-fired water heaters serving a storage tank.
Chilled Water Pumps
Air Handling Unit
DOAS and Air-Cooled ChillerGas-Fired Boilers
Gas-Fired Water Heaters
Heat Recovery Chiller
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 19, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The new vestibule door experiences issues due to building
pressurization; recommend resolving this issue through building control
system.
• 1904 wood windows must remain in place given the historic
preservation requirements. The storm windows help improve the thermal
performance of the window assembly.
• 1940 steel windows experience noticeable thermal bridging. Caulk
condition also appears to be poor.
• Several cloudy windows with condensation were observed in the 2012
addition. These IGUs should be replaced over time as needed to maintain
window performance.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting system is modern and does not have meaningful opportunity for
efficiency improvement – consideration of replacement scheduling may
be appropriate.
HVAC Systems
• Building is configured well for future flexibility due to operating
temperatures and DOAS unit.
• Building is not a likely candidate for geothermal (ground-coupled heat
exchanger) due to limited site size.
Plumbing Systems
• Depending on hot water needs, storage tank may provide more capacity
than required.
Typical Wood and Storm Window
Typical Steel Window
Cloudy Aluminum-Framed Window
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Ames Public Library54 55City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the summer than in the
winter due to cooling loads.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter than in the
summer due to natural gas serving the heating loads. Natural gas consumption in the summer is attributed to
domestic hot water heating.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through November 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building is operating efficiently, and there are limited opportunities for reducing energy
consumption. However, the building uses natural gas for heating and water heating, and there are opportunities to
reduce carbon emissions through converting the systems to efficient electric systems.
Utility Bill Analysis
38.4
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on the measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 38.4
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 76% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to electricity, while
the remaining 24% is attributed to natural
gas.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline
1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 20240
50,000
100,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
0
20
40
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $98,243. 92% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 8% is attributed to natural gas. Energy costs have fluctuated only slightly over the past few years.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is approximately 463 mt-CO2e/yr. About 87% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to
electricity, 13% is attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$98,243/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
200
400
600
2021 2022 2023
0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
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Ames Public Library56 57City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
The building ranks in the 83rd percentile to 657 other peer library buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (17%
of library buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is performing well from an energy
efficiency perspective.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
Methodology
The energy use of the building and the energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a detailed energy model
and tuned to the actual overall energy consumption of the facility. The detailed energy model models the hourly
energy use of all components of the building over a year. The inputs to the energy model were obtained through
conversations with city staff, the facility walk through, and documents provided by the city staff. When information
was not available through these methods, building characteristics were assumed based on building vintage and
engineering judgment.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled energy use of the building broken down by end use. The heating and
cooling systems demonstrated efficient operation, and lighting and equipment are the dominant energy uses in the
building.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2
/
y
r
Existing
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
0
5
10
15
25
40
45
Total 41.8
Interior Equipment 9.0
Interior Lighting 12.2
Domestic Hot Water 1.4
Pumps 1.4
Fans 2.7
Cooling 4.7
Heating 10.3
20
30
35
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Ames Public Library58 59City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1 - Replace Air-Cooled Chiller with Air-to-Water Heat Pump(s)
• Existing Condition: Air-cooled chiller provides chilled water for building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-to-water heat pump(s) provide chilled water for building during
the cooling season, and provide heating water for building during heating season (become primary source of
heating with boilers serving as secondary source of heating).
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider utilizing new equipment configuration when air-cooled chiller
replacement is required – expected to be approximately ten years.
EEM 2 - Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Domestic hot water generated by on-demand natural gas-fired water heaters.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater (may still serve storage tank if determined to
be necessary for capacity).
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when replacement of water heaters is necessary.
EEM 3A & 3B - 1940 Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The 1940 steel-framed single-glazed windows in the north vestibule are not energy efficient.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace the 1940 steel-framed windows with a high-performing
thermally-broken window assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 3A evaluates the
impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while
EEM 3B evaluates the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend replacing the windows the next time window repair is
required. EEM 3A is recommended as a higher-performance option, provided that the cost difference between
the two options is minimal. Additionally, further review is required to confirm that these windows are not subject
to historic preservation requirements. If historic preservation requirements are applicable, consider installing a
storm window instead.
Estimated Costs For Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate EEM Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Mechanical System Replacement with Air
to Water HP
Direct air-cooled chiller replacement $570,000 $0 $285,000 $570,000
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Direct water heater replacements $7,500 $800 $1,000 $3,500
3A 1940 Window Replacement: U-factor 0.29,
SHGC 0.32
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$16,740 $0 $1,672 $7,191
3B 1940 Window Replacement: U-factor 0.36,
SHGC 0.38
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$16,740 $0 $0 $3,344
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Replace Air-Cooled Chiller
with Air-to-Water Heat
Pump(s)
HVAC
System
0 (141,185) 11,543 $(4,630) 31,274 $0.456 -
$0.911
N/A Reevaluate options
prior to end of system
life (in approximately
5-10 years)
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Plumbing
System
(4)(8,602) 1,095 $57 5,459 $0.018 -
$0.064
N/A Implement at end of
system life
3A 1940 Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
1 643 118 $170 1,405 $0.040 -
$0.171
26.1 Implement at end of
system life
3B 1940 Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Building
Envelope
1 495 88 $131 1,056 $0 -
$0.106
12.8
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 2 and 3A to improve the building envelope and domestic hot
water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1: Implement EEM 1 to improve mechanical systems by installing an air-to-water-heat-
pump.
• Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1, 2 and 3A to improve mechanical,
building envelope, and domestic hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Ames Public Library60 61City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
HVAC Controls
Operations
Program Type & Building Geometry
Energy analysis inputs and assumptions are described below. This information is based on building walk-through
observations, information from City staff, available drawings, and standard design practices based on building
vintage and program type.
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Ames Public Library62 63City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Public Library
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Ventilation Requirements
Lighting
Service Hot Water & Other Loads
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Fenestration
Envelope
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Fire Station 1
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Fire Station 166 67City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Fire Station 1
Address 1300 Burnett Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Dave Folkmann, Fire Department Shift Commander
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1980
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 12,602 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 12,602 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 2
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Fire Station
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
~2010 Roof renovation
2010s to 2020s Second floor interior renovation
2021 HVAC modifications
2025 Roof repairs and additional insulation
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: 7 days/week, 24-hours per day
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls are concrete masonry units with face brick cladding. The
walls in the living areas are finished with gypsum board and there appears to
be batt insulated between furring behind the gypsum board.
The windows are double-glazed aluminum-framed assemblies that are
original to the building. The punched windows in the living areas have a fixed
lite at the top and an operable lite at the bottom, while other windows are
fully fixed. The main entrance features a glazed entry door, and the app bay
features opaque insulated sectional doors to the north, and glazed sectional
doors to the south. The glazed sectional doors were installed around 2015
to provide more visibility between the fire station and the community.
The roof is a flat membrane roof with approximately 3.5” of rigid insulation
above the roof deck.
Lighting System
Lighting systems throughout the building utilize LED fixtures. Lighting
controls are provided for daylight dimming and occupancy/vacancy as
required by code.
HVAC Systems
Occupied areas of the building (areas other than the apparatus bay) are
served by residential-style natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled
condensing units. These furnaces are equipped with zoning controls. A
single return fan serves all furnaces. Outdoor air is introduced to furnaces
through a gravity intake, but units do not have economizer capabilities.
Dedicated exhaust fans serve select areas of the building.
The apparatus bay is equipped with dedicated exhaust and heating systems.
Engine exhaust is provided along with gas detection. Heat for the space is
provided by natural gas-fired unit heaters and natural gas-fired furnaces.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by a high-efficiency natural gas-fired water
heater.
South Elevation
Apparatus Bay Lighting
Exhaust Capture System
Exterior Lighting
Gas-Fired FurnacesHorizontal Furnace in Bay In-Line Return Fan
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Fire Station 168 69City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 11, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• After the walkthrough, the roof experienced leaking in 2025 due to
the rubber shrinking and pulling from the parapet walls. The roof was
repaired.
• The windows are approaching their end of life, but appear in adequate
condition considering their age.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting system is modern and does not have meaningful opportunity for
efficiency improvement.
HVAC Systems
• Appears that there may be building pressure control issues with
difference between listed outdoor air and exhaust air flow rates (likely
results in fairly negative building).
• Appears sizing of some units should require economizer based on
current energy code requirements.
Plumbing Systems
• Condensing water heater is appropriate given expected hot water usage
for facility.
Typical Window
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the summer than in the
winter due to cooling loads. The increase in the summer is not pronounced due to only a portion of the building
being cooled.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter than in the
summer due to natural gas serving the heating loads. Natural gas consumption in the summer is due to hot water
heating.
Overview
Metered energy use from February 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The apparatus bays are heated only, and natural gas used for heating is the dominant energy
source of the building.
Utility Bill Analysis
54.1
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
June 2023 and May 2024, the building has
an energy use intensity of 54.1 kBtu/sq.ft./
yr. 41% of the building’s annual energy use
is attributed to electricity and the remaining
59% of the budling’s annual energy use is
attributed to natural gas.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jan 2023-Dec 2023 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Jan 2023-Dec 2023 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Jun 2023-May 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric1//23-12/23
Electric Baseline1/21-12/21
kW
h
Natural Gas6/23-5/24
Natural Gas Baseline
1/21-12/21
Th
e
r
m
s
Jun 2023 - May 2024
Jan 2023 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 Jul2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 20230
5,000
0
500
1,000
1,500
0
20
60
40
10,000
Jan 2023 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 Jul2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023
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Fire Station 170 71City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between June 2023 and May 2024, the building’s annual energy
cost is $11,874. 71% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the remaining 29%
of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to natural gas. Electric energy costs have been consistent over
the past several years, while natural gas costs were approximately 50% higher in 2022, bringing the total annual
energy cost to $16,130.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is 69.6 mt-CO2e/yr. About 63% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to natural gas,
and 37% is attributed to electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
$11,874/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Jun 2023-May 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
20
60
80
2021 2022 2023
0
$5,000
$10,000
$20,000
$15,000
40
The building ranks in the 83 percentile to 1000 other peer fire station buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (17%
of fire station buildings have better performance). This indicates that the fire station has good energy efficiency
performance.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
95
Fire Station 172 73City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Methodology
The energy use of the building and the energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a detailed energy model
and tuned to the actual overall energy consumption of the facility. The detailed energy model models the hourly
energy use of all components of the building over a year. The inputs to the energy model were obtained through
conversations with city staff, the facility walk through, and documents provided by the city staff. When information
was not available through these methods, building characteristics were assumed based on building vintage and
engineering judgment.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled energy use of the building broken down by end use. Heating energy makes
up 56% of the energy use followed by fans and lighting. The high proportion of heating energy use is due to the
significant heating loads of the apparatus bay, and that the apparatus bay has no cooling. Reducing the heating
energy will have the biggest impact on the building’s energy consumption.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2
/
y
r
Existing
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
0
10
30
50
50
Total 56.7
Interior Equipment 3.1
Interior Lighting 6.2
Domestic Hot Water 2.9
Fans 11.2
Cooling 1.7
Heating 31.6
20
40
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1A - Air-source heat pump and electric resistance heat
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units (air conditioners).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with residential-style air handlers with
supplemental electric heating coils.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing furnaces or condensing units
require replacement.
EEM 1B - Air-source heat pump and natural-gas heat
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units (air conditioners).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with high-efficiency natural gas-fired
furnaces.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing furnaces or condensing units
require replacement.
EEM 2 - Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Domestic hot water generated by standard efficiency natural gas-fired water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Install hybrid heat pump water heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider installation when existing water heater requires replacement.
EEM 3A & 3B - Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The double-glazed aluminum-framed windows are original to the building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 3A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 3B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing when windows reach their end of life, in
approximately 5 to 10 years. EEM 3A is recommended as a higher-performance option, provided that the cost
difference between the two options is minimal. The performance of EEM 3B is typical of a high-performing
double-pane window, while the performance of EEM 3A is achievable with either a higher-performing double-
pane window or a triple-pane window. Triple pane windows offer additional acoustic advantages and could be
considered for the dorm rooms.
EEM 4 – Increase Roof Insulation
• Existing Condition: The existing roof was renovated around 2003 and has approximately 3.5” of rigid insulation.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add additional insulation to increase the overall thermal performance to
R-30.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementation when the roof membrane reaches its end
of life, in approximately 10 years. Based on information provided, an additional 1” to 2” of polyiso insulation
in the roof assembly could achieve R-30 performance. Existing insulation thickness and condition should be
further reviewed and confirmed prior to the roof upgrade to verify additional insulation levels to meet R-30
performance.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Fire Station 174 75City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate EEM Incremental Cost
Low High
1A Air-source heat pump and electric
resistance heat
Direct replacement of existing furnace
and condensing unit.
$45,000 $60,000 $12,000 $27,000
1B Air-source heat pump and natural-gas heat Direct replacement of existing furnace
and condensing unit.
$45,000 $52,500 $4,500 $12,000
2 Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater Direct replacement of existing natural
gas-fired water heater.
$3,000 $400 $5,350 $6,100
3A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$30,132 $0 $3,013 $12,957
3B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$30,132 $0 $0 $6,026
4 Roof Insulation Increase Replace roof membrane without adding
insulation
$23,001 $0 $16,109 $28,374
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1A Air-source heat pump and
electric resistance heat
HVAC
System
(61,326) 4,347 $(2,589) 7,534 $0.106 -
$0.239
N/A Implement at end of
system life
1B Air-source heat pump and
natural-gas heat
HVAC
System
(29,218) 2,977 $(450) 11,808 $0.025 -
$0.068
N/A
2 Hybrid Heat Pump Water
Heater
Plumbing
System
(2) (2,765) 368 $33 1,900 $0.282 -
$0.321
N/A Implement at end of
system life
3A Window Replacement: U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32 Building Envelope 0 449 419 $404 4,034 $0.025 - $0.107 19.8 Implement at end of system life
3B Window Replacement: U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38 Building Envelope 0 186 364 $334 3,403 $0 - $0.059 9.0
4 Increase Roof Insulation Building
Envelope
0 50 119 $104 1,102 $0.487 -
$0.858
N/A Implement at end of
system life
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 2, 3A, and 4 to improve the building envelope and domestic hot
water systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A: Implement EEM 1A by installing air-source heat pumps and electric resistance heat to
replace furnaces and condensing units.
• Mechanical Strategy 1A Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEM 1A by installing air-source heat
pumps with electric resistance heat plus EEMs 2, 3A and 4.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B: Implement EEM 1B by installing air-source heat pumps and natural gas-fired furnaces
to replace furnaces and condensing units.
• Mechanical Strategy 1B Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEM 1B by installing air-source heat
pumps and natural gas-fired furnaces plus EEMs 2, 3A, and 4.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
97
Fire Station 176 77City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
HVAC Controls
Operations
Program Type & Building Geometry
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Energy analysis inputs and assumptions are described below. This information is based on building walk-through
observations, information from City staff, available drawings, and standard design practices based on building
vintage and program type.
98
Fire Station 178 79City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 1
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Ventilation Requirements
Lighting
Service Hot Water & Other Loads
Appendix: Energy Analysis Inputs
Fenestration
Envelope
99
81City of Ames Energy Audit
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Fire Station 3
100
Fire Station 382 83City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 3
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Fire Station 3
Address 2400 S Duff Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Dave Folkmann, Fire Department Shift Commander
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2002
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 7,599 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 7,599 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Fire Station
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
2024 Partial mechanical system renovation
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: 7 days/week, 24-hours/day
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls of the apparatus bay are concrete masonry units with face
brick cladding. The exterior walls for the living areas appear to be stud walls
with batt insulation, with face brick cladding and gypsum board interior finish.
The windows are double-glazed aluminum-framed assemblies that are
original to the building. The majority of windows are operable, with the
exception of the glazed corner of the day room and vestibule windows. The
main entrance features a glazed entry door, and the app bay features opaque
insulated sectional doors to the east, and glazed sectional doors to the west.
The glazed sectional doors were installed around 2015-2016 to provide
more visibility between the fire station and the community.
The roof is a flat black membrane roof, assumed to have rigid insulation
above the roof deck as typical of design and construction practices in the
early 2000’s.
Lighting System
Lighting systems throughout the building utilize LED fixtures. Lighting
controls are provided for daylight dimming and occupancy/vacancy as
required by code.
HVAC Systems
Occupied areas of the building (areas other than the apparatus bay) are
served by residential-style natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled
condensing units. An energy recovery ventilator provides outdoor air and
exhaust to the furnaces. Dedicated exhaust fans serve select areas of the
building.
The apparatus bay is equipped with dedicated exhaust and heating systems.
Engine exhaust is provided along with gas detection. Hydronic in-floor heat
is the primary source of heating for the space, with hot water generated by a
natural gas-fired boiler. Secondary heat for the space is provided by natural
gas-fired unit heaters.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by a standard efficiency natural gas-fired
water heater.
Typical Exterior Wall and Window
Energy Recovery Ventilator
Exhaust Capture System
Exterior Lighting with LED Lamp
Gas-Fired Unit Heaters
Kitchen Lighting
101
Fire Station 384 85City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 3
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 11, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The seal was broken on a window in the day room, causing a cloudy
window.
• Condensation on the glazed sectional doors of the app bay was
observed and should be further monitored. This condition can be caused
by warmer, more humid indoor conditions during cold, low-humidity days.
Recommend replacement if condensation appears within the IGU.
• Noticeable thermal bridge where roof structure of living quarters
intersects with wall of apparatus bay, as shown by dark purple band in
corresponding image.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting system is modern and does not have meaningful opportunity for
efficiency improvement – consideration of replacement scheduling may
be appropriate.
HVAC Systems
• Only one of two heating water boilers is currently operational for in-floor
heating system.
Plumbing Systems
• Because of residential, cooking, and laundry operations in building, more
significant impact to energy use from standard efficiency water heater
than for many other City facilities.
Day Room Window, Broken Seal
Condensation on App Bay Doors
Thermal Bridge in Apparatus Bay
Boilers (One Disabled)
Water Heater
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows higher usage in the winter, indicating use of electric heat.
However, the implementation of a project to eliminate electric heat that was implemented after June 2024 likely
has reduced the winter electricity consumption.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter than in the
summer due to natural gas serving the heating loads. Natural gas consumption in the summer is due to domestic
hot water heating.
Overview
Metered energy data from December 2019 through June 2024 was collected during the audit and is documented
below. The City staff shared that a project was completed after June 2024 to reduce electric heating in the
building, however utility following the completion of the project was not available.
Utility Bill Analysis
72.6
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
June 2023 and May 2024, the building has
an energy use intensity of 72.6 kBTU/sq.ft/
yr. 34% of the building’s annual energy use is
attributed to electricity, while the remaining
66% is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jun 2023-May 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Jun 2023-May 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Jun 2023-May 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
6/23-6/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas6/23-5/24
Natural Gas Baseline
1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Jun 2023 - May 2024
4,000
6,000
0
500
1,000
1,500
0
50
100
2,000
0 Jun 2023 Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024
0 Jun 2023 Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024
102
Fire Station 386 87City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 3
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between June 2023 and May 2024, the building’s annual energy
cost is $8,850. 65% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the remaining 35% of the
building’s annual energy cost is attributed to natural gas. Electricity costs have stayed stable over the base several
years, but natural gas costs were significantly higher in 2022 bringing the total annual energy cost to $11,880.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is approximately 52.4 mt-CO2e/yr. About 55% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to
electricity and 45% is attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$8,850/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Jun 2023-May 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
20
40
60
2021 2022 2023
0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
The building ranks in the 77 percentile to 1000 other peer fire station buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (23%
of fire station buildings have better performance). This indicates that there are moderate opportunities for reducing
energy consumption.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
103
Fire Station 388 89City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 3
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled energy use of the building broken down by end use. Heating energy use is
dominant making up 61% of the building’s energy use. Cooling energy makes up a small proportion of the energy
use due to only a portion of the building being cooled. The baseloads are made up of lighting, fans, water heating,
and equipment and is relatively constant throughout the year.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 72.6
Baseload 25.4
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 2.9
Heating 44.3
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1A: Office/Dorm Air-Source Heat Pump and Electric Resistance Heat
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units (air conditioners) in the office and
dorms.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with residential-style air handlers with
supplemental electric heating coils in the office and dorms.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing furnaces or condensing units
require replacement.
EEM 1B: Apparatus Bay Heat Pumps
• Existing Condition: Hydronic in-floor radiant heat provided by gas boilers and natural gas-fired hanging unit
heaters.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-water heat pumps serve in-floor radiant heat with electric resistance
hanging unit heaters for back-up.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing equipment requires
replacement.
EEM 2A: Condensing Natural Gas-Fired Hot Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Standard efficiency natural gas-fired water heater serves building loads.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Install a condensing (high-efficiency) natural gas-fired water to serve
building loads.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider installation when current water heater requires replacement.
EEM 2B: Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Standard efficiency natural gas-fired water heater serves building loads.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Install a hybrid heat pump water heater to serve building loads.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider installation when current water heater requires replacement.
EEM 3A & 3B: Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The double-glazed aluminum-framed windows are original to the building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 5A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 5B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing when windows reach their end of life, since
replacing windows will significantly impact building operations. The performance of EEM 5B is typical of a
high-performing double-pane window, while the performance of EEM 5A is achievable with either a higher-
performing double-pane window or a triple-pane window. Triple pane windows will offer additional acoustic
advantages, particularly for the dorm rooms. EEM 5A is recommended as a higher-performance option,
provided that the cost difference between the two options is minimal.
Energy Efficiency Measures
104
Fire Station 390 91City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 3
Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM 4 - Roof Insulation Increase
• Existing Condition: The existing roof is original to the building and is assumed to have an overall thermal
performance of R-15, which is typical of design and construction practices in the early 2000’s.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add additional insulation to increase the overall thermal performance to
R-30.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementation when the roof membrane reaches its end
of life, in approximately 10 years. Based on initial assumptions, an additional 2” to 3” of polyiso insulation in the
roof assembly is expected to achieve R-30 performance. Existing insulation thickness and condition should
be further reviewed and confirmed prior to the roof upgrade to verify additional insulation levels to meet R-30
performance.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1A Air-source heat pump and electric resis-
tance heat
Direct replacement of existing furnace
and condensing unit.
$30,000 $40,000 $8,000 $18,000
1B Apparatus Bay Heat Pumps Direct replacement of natural gas-fired furnaces and unit heaters.$20,000 $2,000 $21,000 $36,000
2A Condensing Natural Gas-Fired Hot Water
Heater
Direct replacement of standard efficiency
natural gas-fired water heater.
$3,000 $0 $2,000 $7,000
2B Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Heater Direct replacement of standard efficiency
natural gas-fired water heater.
$3,000 $400 $5,350 $6,100
3A Window Replacement: U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32 Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-placement $16,071 $0 $1,607 $6,910
3B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$16,071 $0 $0 $3,214
4 Roof Insulation Increase Replace roof membrane without adding
insulation
$18,792 $0 $21,074 $30,295
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Simple
Average
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1A Air-source heat pump and
electric resistance heat
HVAC
System
(32) (13,537) 2,972 $1,169 19,920 $0.027 -
$0.060
11.1 Implement at end of
system life
1B Apparatus Bay Heat Pumps HVAC
System
(6) (6,782) 1,085 $236 6,315 $0.222 -
$0.380
N/A
2A Condensing Natural Gas-
Fired Hot Water Heater
Plumbing
System
- - 74 $57 674 $0.297 -
$1.038
N/A Implement at end of
system life
2B Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Heater Plumbing System (1) (1,963) 398 $33 2,590 $0.207 - $0.236 N/A
3A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
2 1,006 792 $698 7,704 $0.007 -
$0.030
6.1 Implement at end of
system life
3B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Building
Envelope
1 363 673 $558 6,294 $0 - $0.017 2.9
4 Roof Insulation Increase Building
Envelope
0 110 185 $155 1,738 $0.404 -
$0.581
N/A Implement at end of
system life
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: Implement EEMs 2B, 3A and 4 to improve building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
• Air Source Heat Pump Office/Dorm: Implement EEM 1A by installing air-source heat pumps and electric
resistance heat to replace furnaces and condensing units.
• Air Source Heat Pump Office/Dorm +: Implement EEM 1A by installing air -source heat pumps with electric
resistance heat for apparatus bay plus EEMs 2B, 3A, and 4.
• Air Source Heat Pump Apparatus Bay: Implement EEM 1B by installing air-source heat pumps and electric
resistance heat to replace furnaces and unit heaters in apparatus bay.
• Air Source Heat Pump Apparatus Bay +: Implement EEM 1B by installing air-source heat pumps and electric
resistance heat in apparatus bay plus EEMs 2B, 3A, and 4.
• Air Source Heat Pump (all): Implement EEMs 1A and 1B by installing air-source heat pumps and electric
resistance heat for full building.
• Air Source Heat Pump (all)+: Implement EEMs 1A and 1B by installing air-source heat pumps and electric
resistance heat for full building plus EEMs 2B, 3A, and 4.
Energy Efficiency Measures
105
93City of Ames Energy AuditFire Station 392City of Ames Energy Audit
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Public Works and Fleet
106
Public Works and Fleet94 95City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditPublic Works and Fleet
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Public Works and Fleet
Address 2207 Edison Street
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Corey Mellies, Fleet Services Director
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1970
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 34,115 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 34,115 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Maintenance Shop and Office
Secondary building use type: Storage/Warehouse
Major Renovations
1980 10,400 sq.ft. addition
1990 3,200 sq.ft. addition
2014-2016 Roof renovation
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls are concrete masonry units with fill insulation. The window
to wall ratio is approximately 1%. The south-facing windows and glazed entry
door (which account for the majority of the fenestration area) were replaced
around 2024. The windows are double-glazed aluminum frame fixed
windows. The garage is equipped with insulated sectional overhead garage
doors that have two rows of IGUs to allow for views outdoors and some
daylight access in the service bays. There are also skylights with translucent
glazing and a wood frame in the 1977 addition, which account for about 1%
of the building’s total roof area.
The roof was renovated in between 2014 and 2016. As part of the
renovation, a new EPDM roof membrane was installed over 5” of new polyiso
insulation and the existing metal deck.
Lighting System
Lighting includes both LED and fluorescent fixtures. Most LED lamps are
replacements in fluorescent fixtures, though some LED high-bay fixtures
have been installed to replace fluorescent fixtures. There are remaining
fluorescent lamps in a number of areas. Lighting controls are typically
manual, line-voltage type. No occupancy/vacancy or dimming controls were
observed.
HVAC Systems
Several HVAC systems serve the City of Ames Public Works and Fleet
Building. Natural gas-fired furnaces with associated condensing units and
cooling coils serve office, common, and conference room areas. Natural
gas-fired unit heaters, waste oil heaters, and dedicated exhaust systems
serve maintenance and storage areas. The break room and office area is
served by a natural gas-fired unit heater. Dedicated source capture exhaust
is provided at locations throughout the maintenance garage. Some heat for
garage/shop areas is provided by a waste oil-burning heater.
Plumbing Systems
Normal domestic hot water is provided by an electric resistance, tank-type
hot water heater. A specialty high-temperature, high-pressure cleaning
system is provided in the maintenance garage for vehicle washing (Hotsy
unit).
East Elevation
Energy Recovery Ventilator
Conference Room Lighting
Snorkel Exhaust System + Lighting
Water Wash System
Waste Oil Heater
107
Public Works and Fleet96 97City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditPublic Works and Fleet
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on May 22, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Several overhead garage doors have condensation inside the insulated
glazing unit. Recommend IGU replacement.
• Multiple exterior doors have visible rust. Rusting was noted as a frequent
issue in this building given the presence of salt in facility operations.
• Regularly occupied administrative areas are located in the center of
the building and do not have direct contact with the exterior walls.
Administration areas have little access to daylight.
• Multiple gaps are present around overhead garage doors. Recommend
improved weatherstripping to reduce infiltration.
• The exterior surface of the concrete masonry units is deteriorating in
several locations. Recommend monitoring and repair as needed.
• The skylights have accumulated dirt, resulting in reduced visible light
transmittance. General condition of the skylights also appears to be
poor. Recommend cleaning and further inspection; replace skylights if
needed upon further review.
Lighting Systems
• Mixture of lamps and fixture types throughout the facility – many
converted to LED, but there are a number of fluorescent lamps
remaining and all interior lighting is controlled manually.
HVAC Systems
• Some occupied areas may not be provided with adequate ventilation
(particularly breakroom/office area on first floor). Consideration should
be given to addressing this when improvements are made to the building.
• Long-term use of the waste-oil heater is not recommended due to likely
high rate of emissions and potential operational and safety issues. It is
likely appropriate to replace this equipment with either natural gas-fired
heaters or air-source heat pump equipment when feasible. This has not
been presented as an energy efficiency measure due to several factors
that complicate the analysis compared to use of other energy sources
for both cost and emissions.
Plumbing Systems
• Existing water heater is adequate for hand-washing and other normal
building usage, but does not have capacity to provide tempered water
to emergency fixtures. City does not anticipate need for emergency
shower in the near future for this facility.
Condensation Within IGU
Interior Office Admin Space
Visible Gap Under Garage Door
Skylight
Deteriorating CMU Surface
Electric Water Heater
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows an increase in both the summer due to cooling and an increase in
the winter due to heating.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter than in the
summer due to natural gas serving the heating loads. Natural gas consumption in the summer is due to heating hot
water.
Overview
Metered energy data for electricity and natural gas from December 2019 through December 2024 was collected
during the audit and is documented below. In addition to using metered electricity and natural gas, waste oil is
burned for heating in the vehicle areas. The quantity of waste oil burned is unknown; the estimated values for waste
oil shown in this section are an educated guess.
Utility Bill Analysis
70.4
kBtu/ft2/yr*
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024 for
electricity and natural gas, and an estimated
energy use for waste oil, the building has
an estimated energy use intensity of 70.4
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. About 24% of the building’s
annual energy use is attributed to electricity,
about 51% of the building's energy use is
attributed to natural gas, and about 25% of
the building’s annual energy use is attributed
to waste oil.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jun 2023-May 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Estimated Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
6/23-6/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas
6/23-5/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
10,000
20,000
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
0
10
60
5,000
0 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
15,000
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
20
30
40
50
70
80
Waste Oil
*Quantity of waste oil burned is unknown. The estimated value for waste oil shown here is an educated guess.
108
Public Works and Fleet98 99City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditPublic Works and Fleet
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $28,377. 63% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 37% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to natural gas. Both electricity and natural gas
costs have remained consistent over the past few years.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use for electricity and natural gas between January 2023 and December 2023, as
well as estimated energy use for waste oil, the building’s estimated annual carbon emissions is 235.6 mt-CO2e/yr.
About 39% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to electricity, about 31% is attributed to natural
gas, and about 30% is attributed to waste oil.
Utility Bill Analysis
$28,377/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Estimated Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
50
150
250
2021 2022 2023
0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
100
$40,000
Waste Oil
200
The building ranks in the 20 percentile to 126 other peer vehicle repair services buildings in the B3 Benchmarking
tool (80% of vehicle repair services buildings have better performance). This indicates that there are good
opportunities for reducing the building’s energy use.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings. Given the relatively poor performance of this facility compared to others,
it appears that the 5 star rating for this facility type may be misleading. As noted above, this facility has good
opportunity for reducing building energy use.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
109
Public Works and Fleet100 101City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditPublic Works and Fleet
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the modeled energy use of the building broken down by end use. Heating energy is the
dominant energy use in the building, making up 72% of the energy use. Cooling energy is small compared to other
loads due to only a portion of the building being cooled. Baseload energy uses, including lighting, water heating,
equipment and fans make up 25% of the energy use and remain relatively constant year-round.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 53.2
Baseload 13.2
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 1.5
Heating 38.5*
*Does not include energy use of waste oil.
Oil
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1 - Replace Condensing Units with Air-Source Heat Pumps
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces with air-cooled condensing units.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with air handling units with supplemental
electric heating coil – may consider natural gas-fired furnace depending on replacement timing and expected
emissions rate from electric utility.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Implement when equipment replacement is required.
EEM 2 - Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Electric resistance tank-type water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when existing water heater requires replacement (likely
requires smaller circuit).
EEM 3 - LED Lighting Upgrades
• Existing Condition: Some fixtures remain fluorescent.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Convert or replace all fixtures to LED.
• Recommendation for Implementation: As soon as feasible. It should be noted that the simple payback
presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost
only, and does not account for maintenance costs associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent
fixtures. Accounting for these maintenance costs would improve the payback associated with this strategy,
but to maintain consistency across the simple payback calculations presented in the Estimated Savings for
EEMs table, the life cycle cost savings associated with lamp replacement were not included.
EEM 4 - Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy Controls
• Existing Condition: Manual lighting controls throughout the building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add automatic lighting controls where suitable for safety.
• Recommendation for Implementation: As soon as feasible.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Public Works and Fleet102 103City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditPublic Works and Fleet
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Replace Condensing Units with Air-Source
Heat Pumps
Direct replacement of existing furnace
and condensing unit
$45,000 $60,000 $12,000 $27,000
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Direct replacement of existing electric
water heater
$3,000 $400 $3,100 $3,850
3 LED Lighting Upgrades Do nothing $0 $0 $34,115 $51,173
4 Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy Controls Do nothing $0 $0 $12,793 $17,058
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved2
($/kgCO2e)
Simple
Average
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms1 Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Replace Condensing Units
with Air-Source Heat Pumps
HVAC
System
(107,817) 18,156 $(545) 124,999 $0.006 -
$0.014
N/A Implement when
equipment replace-
ment is required
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Plumbing
System
3 5,477 - $926 2,849 $0.109 -
$0.135
3.8 Implement when
equipment replace-
ment is required
3 LED Lighting Upgrades Lighting 2 5,806 (110) $466 2,023 $0.843 -
$1.265
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible
4 Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy
Controls
Lighting 4 15,758 (335) $1,092 5,159 $0.124 -
$0.165
13.7 Implement along with
other lighting or build-
ing improvements
1 Estimated annual therm savings includes natural gas and waste oil.
2 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: Implement EEMs 2-4 to improve lighting and domestic hot water systems.
• Air Source Heat Pump: Implement EEM 1 by replacing the existing HVAC system with air-source heat pumps.
• Air Source Heat Pump +: Implement EEM 1 by replacing the existing HVAC system with air-source heat pumps
plus implement EEMs 2-4.
Energy Efficiency Measures Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
111
105City of Ames Energy Audit
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Electric Distribution
112
Electric Distribution106 107City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Electric Distribution
Address 2220 Edison Street
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Corey Mellies, Fleet Services Director
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1980
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 27,322 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 27,322 sq.ft. heated, approximately 5,000 sq.ft. cooled
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Warehouse and Office
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
2016 Roof renovation
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The typical exterior wall is an insulated precast assembly with 2” of rigid
insulation sandwiched between 3” of precast concrete on both sides. At the
office areas, a hollow metal insulated infill wall panel is located below the
windows with 2” of rigid insulation and ½” M.D.O. plywood.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 4%, with the windows located
in the office administration area of the building. These fixed windows are
original to the 1978 building, with a tinted double-glazed steel-frame
assembly. The main building entrance has a storefront system with a glazed
entry door that enters into a vestibule. The garage is equipped with insulated
sectional overhead garage doors that have small glazed openings.
The roof was renovated in 2016. As part of the renovation, a new white TPO
roof membrane, over 5” of rigid polyiso insulation and the existing metal
deck.
Lighting System
Lighting throughout the building is typically LED, with a mixture of fixture
types. Interior lighting controls are manual, with no occupancy/vacancy
or daylight dimming controls. Exterior lighting appears to have photocell
control.
HVAC Systems
Air-source heat pumps paired with air handling units having supplemental
electric heat serve the front office area, break room, and restrooms/locker
rooms. A split system provides cooling to the computer room space, with
the condensing unit located in the truck bay area. Bay areas have partially
functional in-floor electric resistance heating along with hanging electric
heaters. Dedicated exhaust fans serve restrooms and similar spaces. Bay
areas and parts warehouse have exhaust fans and gravity intakes.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is produced by an electric hot water heater and the
system is equipped with a domestic hot water recirculation pump.
South Elevation
Interior Lighting and Exhaust
Horizontal AHU with Electric Coil
Roof
Electric Heaters
Typical window and infill wall panel
113
Electric Distribution108 109City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on May 22, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Weatherstripping on bottom of an overhead garage doors requires repair.
• Several overhead garage doors have condensation inside the insulated
glazing unit due to broken seals.
• The condition of the windows and infill wall panels in the office area is
poor and provides little thermal insulation. Staff reported using electric
heaters in offices during the winter to improve thermal comfort.
Lighting Systems
• LED lighting systems are modern, but updated controls would be
appropriate for building systems.
HVAC Systems
• Appears ventilation may not be adequate for normally occupied areas
served by air handling units/air-source heat pumps.
Plumbing Systems
• Electric water heater is likely adequate for building needs/usage.
Other
• Mold was present on acoustic ceiling tiles. The mold appears to be due
to condensation from ductwork above the ceiling tiles. Recommend
further investigation into this issue and insulating ductwork.
Garage Door with Gap at Bottom
Condensation within Garage Door IGU
Window and Infill Panel
Mold and Water Damage on Ceiling
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electricity consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the winter due to electricity serving
heating loads.
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between January 2021 and December 2023 the annual energy
cost has varied between about $32,000 and $38,000.
Overview
Metered energy data from November 2019 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building is all electric, and much of the building is heated but not cooled.
Utility Bill Analysis
35.4
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 35.4
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 100% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Electric12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Jun 2023 - May 2024
40,000
60,000
0
20
40
20,000
0 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
$35,046/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Energy Costs
Oct 2021 - Sep 2022
Electric
Electric
Co
s
t
2021 2022 2023
0
$10,000
$30,000
$40,000
$20,000
114
Electric Distribution110 111City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use from January 2023 to December 2023, the building’s annual carbon emissions
are 174 mt CO2e/yr. 100% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions are attributed to electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Electric
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
2023
0
50
150
200
100
The building ranks in the 62nd percentile to 563 other peer warehouse buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool
(38% of warehouse buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good candidate for
energy reduction strategies through retrofits.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
115
Electric Distribution112 113City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the benchmarked energy use of the building broken down by end use. Approximately
60% of the energy use in the building is for heating, 3% is for cooling, and 37% is for other uses including lighting,
equipment, and water heating. The cooling energy is small for the building due to a significant proportion of the
building is not cooled.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 35.4
Baseload 13.2
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 1.1
Heating 21.1
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: Air Source Heat Pumps for Garage and Shop Areas
• Existing Condition: Electric unit heaters serve garage and shop areas.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps with supplemental electric heat serve garage
and shop areas.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when unit heaters require replacement.
EEM 2: Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy Controls
• Existing Condition: Manual lighting controls throughout interior of building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add occupancy/vacancy sensors for appropriate areas throughout the
building.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Implement as soon as feasible.
EEM 3: Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Electric resistance tank-type water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when replacement is required.
EEM 4A & 4B: Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The existing windows are original to the building and have reached the end of their useful end
of life. The steel framed double-glazed windows do not have thermal breaks and contribute to thermal discomfort.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 4A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 4B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38. EEM 4A is recommended as a
higher-performance option, provided that the cost difference between the two options is minimal.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend replacing windows as soon as possible. While replacing
the windows, also replace the infill wall panels below the windows. The existing infill wall panels are in poor
condition and not energy efficient, as the steel frame contributes to high levels of thermal bridging and thermal
discomfort. Recommend replacing the existing infill wall panels with a metal stud wall with continuous insulation
to achieve higher levels of thermal performance, up to R-20.
EEM 5: Overhead Sectional Door Replacement
• Existing Condition: The existing overhead sectional doors in the service bay are showing signs of age. The
glazed openings in the door are not providing useful levels of daylight due to the small opening size, and multiple
insulated glazing units have condensation in between the two panes of glass.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace the existing doors with ones that have a higher R-value of R-15.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend replacing the overhead sectional doors with a higher
performance option when the overhead doors reach the end of their useful life. When installing a higher
performance door, pay special attention to detailing and around all sides of the door to limit infiltration.
Additionally, consider introducing larger areas of glazing in the doors than the current condition, to allow for
more views and daylight in the service bay. Additional glazing will reduce the overall R-value of the door, so the
glazed area vs. performance trade-offs should be further considered.
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Electric Distribution114 115City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Air Source Heat Pumps for Garage and
Shop Areas
Replace with electric resistance unit
heaters
$60,000 $4,000 $16,000 $36,000
2 Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy Controls Do nothing $0 $0 $10,245 $13,661
3 Heat Pump Water Heater Direct replacement of existing electric
water heater
$3,000 $400 $3,100 $3,850
4A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$23,300 $0 $2,328 $10,009
4B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Energy Code-Compliant Window Re-
placement
$23,300 $0 $0 $4,655
5 Overhead Sectional Door Replacement Replacement with standard overhead
insulated sectional door
$88,958 $0 $8,899 $11,865
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Simple
Average
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Air Source Heat Pumps for
Garage and Shop Areas
HVAC
System
1 84,028 - $8,695 43,711 $0.024 -
$0.055
3.0 Implement when
equipment replace-
ment is required
2 Lighting Occupancy/Vacancy
Controls
Lighting (1) 5,501 - $419 2,862 $0.179 -
$0.239
N/A Implement along
with other building
improvements
3 Heat Pump Water Heater Lighting 0 3,181 - $394 1,655 $0.187 -
$0.233
8.8 Implement when
equipment replace-
ment is required
4A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
19 13,844 - $1,539 7,202 $0.011 -
$0.046
4.0 Implement as soon as
feasible
4B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Building
Envelope
14 8,998 - $1,127 4,681 $0 - $0.033 2.1
5 Overhead Sectional Door
Replacement
Building
Envelope
10 12,252 - $1,349 6,373 $0.047 -
$0.062
7.7 Implement at end of
system life
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: Implement EEMs 2, 3 ,4A, and 5 to improve lighting and building envelope systems.
• Air Source Heat Pump: Implement EEM 1 to improve the mechanical systems.
• Air Source Heat Pump +: Implement EEMs 1-3, 4A, and 5 to improve the mechanical, lighting and building
envelope systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
117
117City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Distribution116City of Ames Energy Audit
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Energy Efficiency Measures
Electric Administration
118
Electric Administration118 119City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Administration
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Electric Administration
Address 502 Carroll Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Robb Chapman, Utility Engineer
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1979
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 4,241 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 4,241 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Office
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
2009 Building updates
2016 Roof renovation
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks per year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior of the building features wood siding and brick veneer. The walls
with wood siding utilize wood studs spaced 24” on center with batt insulation
between the studs. There are two types of walls with brick veneer: one type
that utilized wood studs spaced 24” on center with batt insulation between
the studs, and another that utilizes 6” concrete masonry units with 1.5” rigid
insulation. All wall types have gypsum board as the interior finish.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 15%. The windows are original to
the building and most of them are double-glazed aluminum-framed with an
operable circular vent. A couple of windows and exterior glazed doors are
single-glazed with aluminum frames.
The roof was renovated in 2016. The renovation includes a new tan TPO roof
membrane and 5” of rigid polyiso insulation over the existing metal deck.
Lighting System
The building is equipped with a mixture of LED and fluorescent light fixtures.
The lighting controls are all manual, with no occupancy/vacancy controls or
dimming capabilities.
HVAC Systems
HVAC systems serving this facility primarily consist of air-source heat pumps
paired with residential-style air handling units including electric resistance
heating coils. Units are equipped with zoning dampers for different zones
within spaces served by a single unit. Outdoor air is introduced to the air
handling units through direct ducted intakes to the exterior of the building.
Small, dedicated exhaust fans serve restrooms and custodial space.
Plumbing Systems
A small-volume tank-type electric resistance water heater provides domestic
hot water to the building.
East Elevation
Air Handler with Electric Coil
Air Source Heat Pumps
Corridor Lighting
Electric Water Heater
119
Electric Administration120 121City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Administration
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on June 3, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Building staff have installed make-shift opaque panels out of rigid
insulation in several offices to improve thermal comfort. The insulation
has been placed behind the bottom lites of the windows.
• A couple of windows are doors are single-glazed, contributing to heat
loss and thermal discomfort.
• Several areas of brick require repointing.
• Condensation is present inside a window IGU. Recommend replacement.
Lighting Systems
• Opportunity for electrical savings and demonstration of appropriate
technology by incorporating modern lighting controls in building.
HVAC Systems
• Outdoor air intakes appear unlikely to provide code-required ventilation
to all occupied spaces.
• Concerns about comfort related to zoning/system operation.
Plumbing Systems
• Small electric hot water heater is adequate for hand-washing and similar
usage. This unit would not be adequate for showering or higher-use
fixtures.
Added Rigid Insulation at Windows
Brick Repointing Needed
Typical Zoning Bypass
HVAC Zoning Controls
Incandescent Lamp
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electricity consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the winter due to electricity serving the
heating loads.
Energy Cost
Energy cost data was not available.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use from January 2023 to December 2023, the building’s annual carbon emissions
are 24.9 mt CO2e/yr. 100% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions are attributed to electricity.
Overview
Metered energy data from October 2019 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building is all electric with relatively efficient systems.
Utility Bill Analysis
35.7
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use
between December 2023 and
November 2024, the building has an
energy use intensity of 35.7 kBtu/sq.ft./
yr. 100% of the building’s annual energy
use is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Electric
12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
5,000
10,000
0
20
40
0
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Electric
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
2023
0
10
20
30
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
120
Electric Administration122 123City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Administration
The building ranks in the 73rd Percentile to 3,099 other peer Office buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (27%
of office buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a decent performer, and there are
opportunities for moderate energy reduction savings.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures was analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the benchmarked energy use of the building broken down by end use. Approximately
46% of the energy use in the building is for heating, 8% is for cooling, and 46% is for other uses including lighting,
equipment, and water heating.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 35.7
Baseload 16.6
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 2.7
Heating 16.4
121
Electric Administration124 125City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Administration
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1 - Energy Recovery Ventilator
• Existing Condition: Outdoor air is introduced directly into return air of each air handling unit.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add energy recovery ventilator to provide continuous outdoor and
exhaust air while limiting energy consumption.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Depending on plans for building, wait if major improvements are planned
– if not, implement as soon as feasible.
EEM 2 - Replace Fluorescent Lighting
• Existing Condition: A portion of remaining lighting is fluorescent.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace remaining fluorescent fixtures with LED fixtures.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Unless changes are planned for the building soon, replace fluorescent
fixtures as soon as feasible. It should be noted that the simple payback presented in the Estimated Savings
for EEMs table is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost only, and does not account for
maintenance costs associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent fixtures. Accounting for these
maintenance costs would improve the payback associated with this strategy, but to maintain consistency
across the simple payback calculations presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table, the life cycle cost
savings associated with lamp replacement were not included.
EEM 3 - Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor Controls
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add occupancy- or vacancy-based lighting controls to occupied spaces
wherever appropriate or required by code.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation schedule to limit impact to building, but will
have benefit as soon as it is implemented (may depend on implemented technology for lighting control).
EEM 4A & 4B - Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The double-glazed and single-glazed aluminum-framed windows are original to the building.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. EEM 4A evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.29 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.32, while EEM 4B evaluates
the impact of a window assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing as soon as feasible. EEM 4A is
recommended as a higher-performance option, provided that the cost difference between the two options is
minimal. When replacing windows, also consider an option for insulated spandrel panels in the lower section of
the rough opening to further improve performance and thermal comfort.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Energy Recovery Ventilator Do nothing $0 $0 $5,000 $10,000
2 LED Lighting Retrofit Remaining Fixtures Do nothing $0 $0 $1,000 $3,000
3 Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor
Controls
Do nothing $0 $0 $6,362 $8,482
4A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Energy Code-Compliant Window
Replacement
$28,956 $0 $2,896 $12,451
4B Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38
Energy Code-Compliant Window
Replacement
$28,956 $0 $0 $5,791
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Energy Recovery Ventilator HVAC
System
3 676 - $126 351 $0.711 -
$1.422
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible
2 LED Lighting Retrofit Remaining Fixtures Lighting 0 1,282 - $113 667 $0.075 - $0.225 17.7 Implement as soon as feasible
3 Lighting Occupancy and
Vacancy Sensor Controls
Lighting - 2,458 - $188 1,279 $0.249 -
$0.332
N/A Implement with light-
ing fixture replace-
ments
4A Window Replacement:
U-factor 0.29, SHGC 0.32
Building
Envelope
9 7,336 - $919 3,816 $0.025 -
$0.060
8.3 Implement as soon as
feasible
4B Window Replacement: U-factor 0.36, SHGC 0.38 Building Envelope 8 6,177 - $749 3,213 $0 - $0.711 3.9
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Energy Efficiency Measures
122
Electric Administration126 127City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Administration
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: implement EEMs 1-3 and 4A to improve the mechanical, lighting, and building envelope systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Energy Efficiency Measures
123
129City of Ames Energy Audit
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Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse
124
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse130 131City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditHomewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Address 401 E 20th Street
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Nate Pietz, Recreation Manager
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2020
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 5,106 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 3,263 sq.ft. heated and cooled (main level)
1,843 sq.ft. heated only (basement level)
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 1
Use Type
Primary building use type: Park/Recreation
Secondary building use type: Warehouse
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Late Spring to Early Fall, Sunday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: Approximately 28 to 30 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
There are three primary types of above-grade exterior walls on the main
floor. All three wall types have similar levels of thermal performance with
2x6 metal studs at 16” on center (o.c.) with batt insulation between the
studs, as well as a vapor barrier and 5/₈” gypsum board. The exterior cladding
varies among the three wall types: one wall type uses cedar siding, another
wall type uses vinyl siding, and a third wall type uses a stone veneer with 1/2”
cement board.
The basement level uses reinforced concrete foundation walls with 1/2”
gypsum board on 2” of rigid insulation inboard of the foundation wall.
Outboard of the foundation wall on the west, south, and portion of the east
facade, there is stone veneer with ¹/₂” cement board, sheathing, and 2x3
furring at 16” o.c. with rigid insulation. Outboard of the foundation wall on the
north and majority of the east facade, there is vinyl siding, OSB sheathing,
and 2x3 furring at 16” o.c. with 1-1/2” rigid insulation. The basement
floor includes a 4” reinforced concrete floor slab over a vapor barrier and
compacted granular fill.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 24% and the windows are original
to the building. The windows are aluminum storefront systems with double-
pane insulated glazing units. Main building entrances include glazed entry
doors that enter into vestibules, and the garage is equipped with an insulated
sectional overhead garage door.
The roof system is comprised of an 8-¹/₄” structural insulated panel (SIP) with
metal shingles on the exterior and a wood shiplap ceiling on the interior.
Lighting System
Lighting systems are LED throughout the building. All areas appear to be
equipped with appropriate lighting controls to meet code requirements.
HVAC Systems
The HVAC system for the upper floor of the building generally consists of
ground-coupled (geothermal) water-source heat pumps. Local exhaust fans
serve a few spaces, and outdoor air is introduced directly to the return of the
heat pumps.
The lower floor of the building is equipped with a natural gas-fired unit heater,
with heating only.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by a high-efficiency natural gas-fired tank-
type water heater.
Boiler and Water Heater
Gas-Fired Unit Heater
Ground Source Loop Pumps
Interior Lighting
Water-Source Heat Pumps
South Elevation
125
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse132 133City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditHomewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 14, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The exterior walls on the main floor were not designed with continuous
insulation. Despite this omission, issues with thermal comfort were not
noted by building occupants.
• Weather seals at the bottoms of the doors are compromised and lead to
increased infiltration. Recommend installing door sweep.
• Areas of caulk around windows are in need of repair.
Lighting Systems
• Modern system uses appropriate controls.
HVAC Systems
• There may be issues with getting adequate outdoor air flow to the
building as there is less exhaust than there is required outdoor air and
outdoor air is not introduced with positive pressure.
• There may be benefit to adding an energy recovery ventilator to the
building.
• Appears that exhaust may be appropriate from concessions area.
caption
Caulk around Window
Door without Door Sweep
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electricity consumption pattern shows a peak in the summer months due to cooling and electric
charging loads. There is another slight peak in the winter months due to heating loads from heat pumps.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption shows a peak in the winter months which can be attributed to heating loads
in the lower level and backup heating supply in the main level.
Overview
Metered energy data from May 2021 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is documented
below. Electricity is the dominant energy use, and golf cart charging is a significant energy use in the building.
Utility Bill Analysis
44.4
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 44.4
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 84% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to electricity, while
the remaining 16% is attributed to natural
gas.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jun 2021-May 2022, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jun 2021-May 2022, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline6/21-5/22
kW
h
Natural Gas12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline
6/21-5/22
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
4,000
6,000
0
50
100
150
0
20
60
2,000
0 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
40
126
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse134 135City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditHomewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $6,112. The electricity cost attributes 95% of the building’s annual energy cost, while the
remaining 5% is attributed to natural gas. The Annual Energy Cost was slightly higher in 2022 than in 2023 due to
higher natural gas usage.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use from January 2023 to December 2023, the building’s annual carbon emissions
are 30.87 mt CO2e/yr. 94% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions are attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 6% can be attributed to gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$6,112/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
10
30
40
2021 2022 2023
0
$2,000
$6,000
$8,000
20
$4,000
The building ranks in the 60th percentile to 1,041 other peer Park/Recreation buildings in the B3 Benchmarking
tool (40% of Park/Recreation buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good
candidate for energy reduction strategies through retrofits; however, the benchmark results may be skewed due to
high electric golf cart charging loads.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
127
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse136 137City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditHomewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the benchmarked energy use of the building broken down by end use. Approximately
13% of the energy use in the building is for heating, 14% is for cooling, and 73% is for other uses including lighting,
equipment, and water heating. It is estimated that about half of the energy use in the building is for golf cart
charging and other equipment.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 44.4
Baseload 32.4
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 6.2
Heating 5.8
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1 - Mechanical System Replacement with Geothermal Heat Pump (Lower Level)
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired unit heater serves cart storage area.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add either air-source or water-source heat pump to replace natural gas-
fired unit heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider replacing when unit heater reaches end of useful life. At
time of implementation, consider the potential federal government incentive for ground-coupled (geothermal)
systems, which is currently a 30% incentive under Section 48 of the tax code. This incentive is available to
public entities in the form of direct payment and is scheduled for phase out between 2033-2035.
EEM 2 - Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace with hybrid heat pump water heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider installing heat pump water heater when current unit requires
replacement.
EEM 3 - Energy Recovery Ventilator
• Existing Condition: Unconditioned outdoor air is introduced directly to heat pump return ducts.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add energy recovery ventilator to pre-condition outdoor air and to
recover energy from exhaust air.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Add whenever feasible if determined to be appropriate – particularly if
any indoor air quality or humidity issues are identified with the building.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Mechanical System Replacement with
Geothermal Heat Pump (Lower Level)
Replace with natural gas-fired unit heater.$3,000 $1,000 $6,000 $26,000
2 Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater Replace with natural gas-fired water
heater.
$3,000 $400 $5,350 $6,100
3 Energy
Recovery Ventilator
Do nothing.$0 $0 $5,000 $10,000
Energy Efficiency Measures
128
Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse138 139City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditHomewood Golf Course Clubhouse
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Mechanical
System
Replacement with
Geothermal Heat Pump (Low-
er Level)
HVAC
System
- - 297 $351 2,881 $0.139 -
$0.602
N/A Consider when unit
heater replacement is
required
2 Hybrid Heat Pump Water
Heater
Plumbing
System
(0) (326) 297 $35 2,712 $0.197 -
$0.225
N/A Consider when re-
placement required
3 Energy
Recovery Ventilator
HVAC
System
- 486 14 $44 389 $0.858 -
$1.715
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: Implement EEMs 2 and 3 by adding a hybrid heat pump water heater and energy recovery ventilator.
• GSHP (Warehouse): Implement EEM 1 by replacing natural gas-fired unit heater with ground-coupled water-
source heat pump.
• GSHP (Warehouse) +: Implement EEMs 1-3 to improve mechanical and domestic hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
129
141City of Ames Energy Audit
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Parks and Recreation Administration
130
Parks and Recreation Administration142 143City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Parks and Recreation Administration
Address 1500 Gateway Hills Park Drive
Ames, IA 50014
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1930s
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 9,850 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 9,850 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 1
Use Type
Primary building use type: Office
Secondary building use type: Assembly/Activity
Major Renovations
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The main level exterior walls have batt or blown insulation between wood
studs, 1” to 2” of rigid insulation, and a gypsum board interior finish. The
exterior features new vinyl siding and a new vapor barrier from around 2023.
The basement walls are a mix of uninsulated block and brick, with a stucco
exterior finish.
The window to wall ratio is around 8% and has decreased over time as
windows have been boarded up and enclosed. The windows on the main level
were replaced in 2009 with double-glazed wood-framed operable windows.
The basement has fixed single-glazed wood-framed windows, with storm
windows on 3 of the 4 south facing windows.
The majority of the roof is a pitched roof with asphalt shingles, assumed to
have insulation between ceiling joists based on information shared by staff. A
major renovation in 1982 replaced areas of roof shingles, and additional roof
repairs were conducted around 2005-2006. An addition to the building has
a flat black membrane roof, with two 1” insulation boards and batt insulation
between 2x10 wood joists.
Lighting System
LED replacement lamps have been installed for fluorescent fixtures
throughout most of the space. Lighting controls are typically manual.
HVAC Systems
Building HVAC primarily consists of residential-style natural gas-fired
furnaces with associated air-cooled condensers (air conditioners) providing
cooling. Furnaces do not appear to be provided with outdoor air. Small,
dedicated exhaust fans are provided for restrooms and custodial space.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by a standard efficiency tank-type natural
gas-fired water heater.
South Elevation
Typical Window on Main Level
Condensing Unit and Gas Service
Multi-Purpose Room Lighting
Typical Furnace
131
Parks and Recreation Administration144 145City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Water Heater
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on June 3, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• One basement window was missing a storm window. Basement windows
appear to be in poor condition.
• The wood fascia board on the south side is detaching from the building.
Recommend securing the board.
• Stucco finish on basement walls has deteriorated. Recommend repair.
• Roof appears to be approaching or at the end of useful life, though roof
was not accessible during the walk through for further review. Occupant
also noted prior leaks at flat roof location. Recommend further review
of membrane and shingle condition and potential replacement in near
future.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting controls should be updated to more modern types.
HVAC Systems
• No ventilation is apparent in the facility, and there have been moisture
issues in the lower level – when on site, the air quality in the lower level
appeared to be of concern.
Plumbing Systems
• Better efficiency for water heater can be achieved with different
technology.
Basement Missing Storm Window
Detached Wood Fascia Board
Deteriorating Stucco
Basement Moisture Remediation
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electricity consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the summer due to cooling loads.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption shows a pattern of higher usage in the winter due to heating loads. The
relatively small natural gas consumption in the summer is attributed to domestic water heating.
Overview
Metered energy data from May 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is documented
below. The building uses both electricity and natural gas, and natural gas is the dominant energy source. Due to
the age of the building and issues identified during the walk-through, the building is a good candidate for energy
efficiency retrofits.
Utility Bill Analysis
30.4
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 30.4
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 73% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to natural gas, while
the remaining 27% is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric12/23-11/24
Electric Baseline1/21-12/21
kW
h
Natural Gas12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/21-12/21
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
2,000
3,000
0
200
600
800
0
40
1,000
0 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
20
400
132
Parks and Recreation Administration146 147City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $4,338. The electricity cost attributes 56% of the building’s annual energy cost, while the
remaining 44% is attributed to natural gas. The annual energy cost in 2022 exceeded $5,500 which is higher than
in 2021 or 2023.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use from January 2023 to December 2023, the building’s annual carbon emissions
are 23.09 mt CO2e/yr. 62% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions are attributed to electricity and 38% are
attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$4,338/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
20
30
2021 2022 2023
0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
10
The building ranks in the 77th percentile to 1,041 other peer Park/Recreation buildings in the B3 Benchmarking
tool (23% of Park/Recreation buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good
performer, and there is opportunity for moderate energy reduction through retrofits.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings. While building energy performance is good in comparison to similar facilities,
there are several deficiencies that should be addressed that will negatively impact building energy consumption
(particularly the addition of outdoor air ventilation). This should be considered when prioritizing facility needs.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
133
Parks and Recreation Administration148 149City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the benchmarked energy use of the building broken down by end use. Approximately
74% of the energy use in the building is for heating, 5% is for cooling, and 21% is for other uses including lighting,
equipment, and water heating.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 30.4
Baseload 6.2
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 1.6
Heating 22.6
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1A - Mechanical System Replacement with Air Source Heat Pump
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units (air conditioners).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with high-efficiency natural gas-fired
furnaces.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing furnaces or condensing units
require replacement.
EEM 1B - Mechanical System Replacement with Ground Source Heat Pump
• Existing Condition: Natural gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units (air conditioners).
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Provide ground-coupled (geothermal) heat pumps to replace existing
furnaces and condensing units (preliminary site review appears feasible).
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation when existing furnaces or condensing
units require replacement. At time of implementation, consider the potential federal government incentive
for ground-coupled (geothermal) systems, which is currently a 30% incentive under Section 48 of the tax
code. This incentive is available to public entities in the form of direct payment and is scheduled for phase out
between 2033-2035.
EEM 2 - Energy Recovery Ventilator
• Existing Condition: Building is not provided with outdoor air.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add energy recovery ventilator to provide outdoor air and exhaust air,
while limiting energy consumption.
• Recommendation for Implementation: As soon as possible (may increase energy consumption, but will help to
address indoor air quality concerns in space).
EEM 3 - Dimming Daylighting
• Existing Condition: Building odes not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add daylight dimming lighting controls wherever appropriate or required
by code.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Coordinate with lighting replacement. Will have immediate benefit, but
will be appropriate to coordinate replacement of lighting and controls together.
EEM 4 - Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor Controls
• Existing Condition: Building does not have any automatic lighting controls.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Add occupancy- or vacancy-based lighting controls wherever appropriate
or required by code.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Coordinate with lighting replacement. Will have immediate benefit, but
will be appropriate to coordinate replacement of lighting and controls together.
Energy Efficiency Measures
134
Parks and Recreation Administration150 151City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM 5 - Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Hot water generated by tank-type standard efficiency water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater (expected to meet building demands).
• Recommendation for Implementation: When current water heater replacement is necessary, utilize heat pump
water heater as appropriate (may work well in current space due to higher summer temperatures in area – need
to verify there won’t be issues during heating season with reducing space temperature).
EEM 6 - Increase Roof Insulation
• Existing Condition: The existing pitched roofs have insulation between ceiling joists that is expected to be below
the current energy code minimum requirements for thermal performance.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: In areas with pitched roofs, add additional insulation to increase the
overall thermal performance to R-30.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing at time of future roof renovations. Note
that drawings of the pitched roof insulation were not available and the attic was inaccessible during the site
walkthroughs, so further verification of the existing conditions should be conducted to determine the amount
of additional insulation required to achieve R-30. For the purposes of costing, the existing pitched roofs are
assumed to perform at R-14.
EEM 7 - Basement Window Replacement
• Existing Condition: The single-glazed wood-framed windows with storm windows in the basement are in poor
condition. One storm window is missing.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace windows with a high-performing thermally-broken window
assembly that is better than current energy code minimums. This EEM evaluates the impact of a window
assembly with a U-factor of 0.36 and a SHGC of 0.38.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing as soon as possible and simultaneously with
other basement renovations. If window replacement is not feasible in the near future, recommend replacing the
missing storm window as soon as possible and recaulking the basement windows.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1A Mechanical System
Replacement with Air Source Heat Pump
Direct replacement of existing system $75,000 $5,000 $7,500 $20,000
1B Mechanical System
Replacement with Ground Source Heat
Pump
Direct replacement of existing system $75,000 $6,000 $44,000 $94,000
2 Energy Recovery Ventilator Do nothing $0 $0 $5,000 $10,000
3 Dimming Daylighting Do nothing $0 $0 $3,734 $9,850
4 Lighting Occupancy and Vacancy Sensor
Controls
Do nothing $0 $0 $6,343 $19,700
5 Heat Pump Water Heater Direct replacement of existing water
heater
$3,000 $400 $3,100 $3,850
6 Increase Roof Insulation Do nothing $0 $0 $8,891 $15,332
7 Basement Window Replacement Energy Code-Compliant Window
Replacement
$3,766 $0 $0 $753
Energy Efficiency Measures
135
Parks and Recreation Administration152 153City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditParks and Recreation Administration
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Simple
Average
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1A Mechanical System
Replacement with Air Source
Heat Pump
Mechan-
ical
(51) (17,007) 2,644 $526 16,805 $0.030 -
$0.079
N/A Implement at end of
system life
1B Mechanical System
Replacement with Ground
Source Heat Pump
Mechan-
ical
(3) (12,988) 2,644 $942 18,896 $0116 -
$0.249
N/A
2 Energy
Recovery Ventilator
Mechan-
ical
- (389) 335 $249 3,048 $0.082 -
$0.164
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible
3 Dimming Daylighting Lighting 1 1,124 (19) $100 400 $0.466 -
$1.230
N/A Implement as soon as
feasible
4 Lighting Occupancy and
Vacancy Sensor Controls
Lighting 2 1,520 (28) $133 519 $0.611 -
$0.1.898
N/A
5 Heat Pump Water Heater Service
Water
Heating
(1) (230) 79 $44 647 $0.479-
$0.595
N/A Implement at end of
system life
6 Increase Roof Insulation Building
Envelope
1 249 288 $275 2,924 $0.101 -
$0.175
N/A Implement with other
major roof improve-
ments
7 Basement Window
Replacement
Building
Envelope
- 486 23 $70 476 $0 - $0.053 5.4 Implement as soon as
feasible
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the carbon
emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the purposes
of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to have a life of
10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either 15 years for
smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Existing +: Implement EEMs 2-7 to improve ventilation, lighting, building envelope, and domestic hot water
systems.
• Air Source Heat Pumps: Implement EEM 1A to improve mechanical systems.
• Air Source Heat Pumps +: Implement EEM 1A, and EEMs 2-7 to improve mechanical, ventilation, lighting, building
envelope and domestic hot water systems.
• Water Source Heat Pumps: Implement EEM 1B to improve mechanical systems.
• Water Source Heat Pumps +: Implement EEM 1B, and EEMs 2-7 to improve mechanical, ventilation, lighting,
building envelope and domestic hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Energy Efficiency Measures
136
155City of Ames Energy Audit
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Airport Terminal
137
Airport Terminal156 157City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAirport Terminal
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Airport Terminal
Address 2520 Airport Drive
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Nikki Kyle, Fixed Base Operator Manager, Central Iowa Air
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2017
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 6,973 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 6,973 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Airport terminal
Secondary building use type: Office
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls have metal panel cladding with 3” of rigid insulation. The
primary wall assembly uses 6” metal studs, with sheathing outboard and
gypsum walls inboard of the studs. The secondary wall assembly, located
below windows, uses 6” of concrete with a gypsum board interior finish.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 35%. The windows are double-
glazed aluminum-framed assemblies. Building entrances include glazed
entry doors with vestibules.
The roof is a flat white TPO membrane roof with 5” of rigid insulation above
the roof deck.
Lighting System
Lighting systems throughout the building utilize LED fixtures. Lighting
controls are provided for daylight dimming and occupancy/vacancy as
required by code.
HVAC Systems
Occupied areas of the building are served by residential-style natural
gas-fired furnaces and air-cooled condensing units. An energy recovery
ventilator provides outdoor air and exhaust to the furnaces. Dedicated
exhaust fans serve select areas of the building.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by a standard efficiency natural gas-fired
water heater.
Condensing Units
Typical Furnaces
Typical Lighting
South Elevation
Pendant Lighting
138
Airport Terminal158 159City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAirport Terminal
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 14, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Weatherstripping on vestibule doors can be improved to reduce
infiltration.
• Multiple areas of the exterior metal trim are detaching from the building.
Recommend resecuring these elements.
• The south facing roof overhang provides useful exterior shading to the
south-facing windows. Even with the exterior shading, the passenger
lounge receives strong southern light and interior shades are often
deployed halfway. Occupants noted that shades cannot be deployed fully
due to visibility and safety requirements.
Lighting Systems
• Lighting system is modern and does not have meaningful opportunity for
efficiency improvement – consideration of replacement scheduling may
be appropriate.
HVAC Systems
• Issues were identified with zoning and comfort throughout the building.
When equipment replacement or improvements are implemented,
consider changes to zoning to improve occupant comfort.
Plumbing Systems
• Better efficiency for water heater can be achieved with different
technology.
Passenger Lounge
Loose Screw and Panel
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electricity consumption pattern shows a peak in the summer and fall months due to cooling loads and
an increase in occupancy and operation.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption shows a peak in the winter months which can be attributed to heating loads.
Overview
Metered energy data from February 2023 through January 2025 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building uses both electricity and natural gas and shows moderate opportunities for
energy efficiency improvements.
Utility Bill Analysis
40.5
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
January 2024 and December 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 40.5
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 57% of the building’s annual
energy use is attributed to natural gas, while
the remaining 43% is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jan 2024-Dec 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Jan 2024-Dec 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Jan 2024-Dec 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
1/24 -12/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas1/24-12/24
Natural Gas Baseline
1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Jan 2024 - Dec 2024
4,000
6,000
0
200
400
600
0
20
60
2,000
0 Dec 2024Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
40
Dec 2024Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024
139
Airport Terminal160 161City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAirport Terminal
Energy Cost
Energy cost data was not available for the project.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use from January 2023 to December 2023, the building’s annual carbon emissions
are 18.38 mt CO2e/yr. 78% of the building’s annual CO2e emissions are attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 22% can be attributed to gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Electric
Natural GasMe
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
2023
0
5
15
20
10
The building ranks in the 78th percentile to 3,099 other peer Office buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (22%
of Office buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good performer, and there are
opportunities for moderate energy savings through retrofits.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
140
Airport Terminal162 163City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAirport Terminal
Methodology
The energy use of the building and energy efficiency measures were analyzed using a benchmarking approach that
separates the metered energy use into heating, cooling, and other end uses. A simplified energy model calculates
the savings of energy conservation measures.
Energy Use Characterization
The following graph shows the benchmarked energy use of the building broken down by end use. Approximately
56% of the energy use in the building is for heating, 23% is for cooling, and 21% is for other uses including
lighting, equipment, and water heating.
Energy Analysis
Electricity Natural GasEUI(kBtu/sq.ft./yr)
Energy Use Characterization by Energy End Use
Total 40.5
Baseload 8.5
• Interior Equipment
• Interior Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water
• Pumps
• Fans
Cooling 9.3
Heating 22.7
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: Air Source Heat Pumps
• Existing Condition: Air-cooled condensing units paired with natural gas-fired furnaces.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Air-source heat pumps paired with air handling units with supplemental
electric heating coil – may consider natural gas-fired furnace depending on replacement timing and expected
emissions rate from electric utility.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when equipment replacement is necessary.
EEM 2: Heat Pump Water Heater
• Existing Condition: Standard efficiency natural gas-fired water heater.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Heat pump water heater.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when equipment replacement is necessary.
EEM 3: Graphic Solar Film
• Existing Condition: The south-facing windows of the passenger lounge and vestibule are large contributors to
solar heat gain within the building. The passenger lounge also experiences high illuminance levels and direct
sunlight.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Apply a graphic solar film on the south-facing windows of the passenger
lounge and vestibule to reduce solar heat gain by 50% and reduce high illuminance levels that may contribute
to thermal and visual discomfort.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing only if thermal comfort issues due to
overheating are a frequent issue in the passenger lounge. The graphic solar film does not have a payback
period and also contributes to increased carbon emissions due to higher heating loads that aren’t offset by
lower cooling loads. If applied, the film must maintain sufficient visibility to the outside for airport security and
operations. The film could also function as a graphic image that welcomes arriving passengers to the airport.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Air Source Heat Pumps Direct replacement of existing furnace
and condensing unit
$15,000 $1,000 $4,000 $9,000
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Direct replacement of gas-fired water
heater
$3,000 $400 $3,100 $3,850
3 Graphic Solar Film Do nothing $0 $0 $10,499 $15,749
Energy Efficiency Measures
141
Airport Terminal164 165City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAirport Terminal
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Air Source Heat Pumps HVAC
System
(8,401) 1,652 $559 11,658 $0.023 -
$0.051
11.6 Implement at end of
system life
2 Heat Pump Water Heater Plumbing
System
(0)(558) 120 $46 874 $0.355 -
$0.440
N/A Implement at end of
system life
3 Graphic Solar Film Building
Envelope
1 782 (84) $8 (410) $(0.853) -
$(1.279)
N/A Not recommended
unless needed to
improve thermal
comfort
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 2 and 3 to improve the domestic hot water systems and building
envelope.
• Mechanical Strategy 1: Implement EEM 1 to improve mechanical systems.
• Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus Non-Mechanical Strategies: Implement EEMs 1-3 to improve the mechanical,
domestic hot water, and building envelope systems.
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Non-Mechanical Strategies Mechanical Strategy 1 Mechanical Strategy 1 Plus
Non-Mechanical Strategies
142
167City of Ames Energy Audit
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CyRide Transit
143
CyRide Transit168 169City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name CyRide Transit
Address 601 North University Boulevard
Ames, IA 50011
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact James Rendall, Assistant Director, CyRide
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 1995
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 80,021 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 80,021 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 2
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Vehicle storage and service
Secondary building use type: Office
Major Renovations
2005 Addition
2008 Addition
2014 Addition
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The exterior walls of the garage are concrete masonry units. A variety of
overhead sectional doors types of multiple vintages are located throughout
the garage, ranging from fully to partially glazed. The garage also features
skylights to bring in natural daylight. The 2008 office addition includes
precast concrete panels and metal panel cladding, with aluminum-framed
double-pane window assemblies. Multiple strategies are present for
reducing solar radiation: the lobby glazing has a film applied for solar control,
south-facing second-floor windows have horizontal exterior shades, and
east-facing second-floor windows have vertical exterior shades. One set
of double-glazed operable windows original to the 1980’s facility remains,
located in a storage room. The roof is metal deck, with insulation assumed
to meet or exceed energy code prescriptive requirements at the time of
construction, and a white membrane roof. The 2008 and 2012 roofs are
original, while the remaining roof membranes were replaced in 2017. No
additional insulation was added to the roofs during the 2017 roofing project.
Lighting System
Lighting systems throughout the CyRide Transit facility include a
combination of fluorescent and LED fixtures. Approximately two-thirds of
the office area has LED or converted fixtures, while approximately one-
third remains fluorescent. Approximately two-thirds of the bus storage and
maintenance area remains fluorescent, while approximately one-third has
been upgraded to LED. The bus storage and maintenance areas have manual
controls, with lighting generally on for all but about four hours per day. The
office areas typically have appropriate automatic controls.
HVAC Systems
The CyRide Transit facility includes several areas with different functions,
served by different HVAC systems. Heating for the building is provided by
a few sources, including a heat pump loop tied to the Iowa State University
Power Plant cooling tower system that serves as a heat sink/source for both
water-to-air (water-source) and a heat recovery chiller, two (2) natural gas-
fired boilers, and natural gas-fired unit heaters. Cooling is also provided by
multiple systems, with the heat pump loop tied to the cooling tower system
serving air-source heat pumps for office areas and packaged and split-
system refrigerant units providing cooling to individual zones.
The newer office areas in the building are served by water-source heat
pumps (each typically serving two offices) with perimeter and/or in-floor
hot water heat. Hot water heat is generated by the heat recovery chiller
connected to the power plant cooling towers. Outdoor air is introduced
through an energy recovery ventilator and the area uses a plenum return.
Vehicle Bay Lighting and Skylights
Typical Office Window and Lighting
Roof and Exterior View
Destratification and Capture Exhaust
Hydronic Pumps
Tower Water Heat Exchanger
144
CyRide Transit170 171City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit
Facility Description
The original office area in the building is served by a packaged rooftop unit,
which is approximately three to four years old. There is also an exhaust fan
serving this area.
The maintenance office and shop are served by a combination of packaged
rooftop units and split-system air conditioners. There is also an energy
recovery ventilator serving this area. Destratification fans are used in the
maintenance shop to keep heat supplied to the floor area and to prevent the
mezzanine space from overheating.
The bus storage areas are served by a combination of makeup air units and
unit heaters, with devices being a mix of hot water and natural gas-fired. This
portion of the building is equipped with gas detection and alarm systems
that will enable dedicated exhaust fans and makeup air units to remove
exhaust generated contaminants.
Controls in the building are Solidyne Controls. There are some compatibility
and reliability issues with these controls, but they generally appear
functional.
A paint booth is provided with dedicated exhaust and makeup air and is used
less than two hours per day.
Plumbing Systems
The largest load in the building for water heating and consumption is the bus
wash. The system reclaims water to the extent possible.
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on March 19, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• Weatherstripping on several overhead sectional doors should be
repaired to minimize infiltration.
• Issues with freezing pipes were reported in the women’s restroom, and
rust on the bottom of the door frame was observed. Consider opening
the wall with freezing pipes if this continues to be an issue and insulating
pipes if space allows or investigating other options for repair.
Lighting Systems
• Upgrades to LED lighting throughout should be considered as there are
several areas still utilizing fluorescent fixtures/lamps.
• Automatic daylighting controls may be appropriate for the bus storage
and maintenance areas due to skylights, but occupancy-based control is
not appropriate given space functions and potential safety concerns.
HVAC Systems
• Consideration should be given to high-temperature heat pumps to
replace the boilers providing heating to the bus storage areas.
Plumbing Systems
• The largest energy saving opportunity for plumbing is likely at the bus
wash.
Door with Gap at Floor
145
CyRide Transit172 173City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electric consumption profile shows a slight increase in usage during the winter, likely attributable to
increased operation of the bus wash as well as operation of the heat recovery chiller that produces heating water
for in-floor heat. A certain portion of electrical usage, related to lighting, equipment, and continuous maintenance
sets the baseline energy usage for the building. Most of the portion of the building with cooling, which is the
minority, is served by water-source heat pumps that utilize electricity for both heating and cooling.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
The monthly natural gas consumption profile shows a typical pattern of higher usage in the winter due to natural
gas serving heating loads, including boilers, gas-fired unit heaters, and packaged rooftop equipment.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. While energy use is split fairly evenly between electricity and natural gas, the energy cost and
carbon emissions are dominated by electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
58.0
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
January 2024 and December 2024, the
building has an energy use intensity of 58.0
kBtu/sq.ft./yr. 53% of the building's annual
energy use is attributed to electricity, while
the remaining 47% is attributed to natural
gas.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jan 2024-Dec 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric12/23 -11/24
Electric Baseline
1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas1/24-12/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
50,000
100,000
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
0
20
60
0 Nov 2024Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024
40
Nov 2024Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $93,476. 80% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 20% is attributed to natural gas. Annual energy costs have been consistent throughout the period.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions is 457 mt-CO2e/year. About 70% of the building’s annual carbon emissions is attributed to electricity
and 30% is attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$93,476yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
400
600
2021 2022 20230
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
200
146
CyRide Transit174 175City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit
The building ranks in the 30th percentile to 299 other peer transportation buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool
(70% of transportation buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a good candidate for
energy efficiency improvements.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
Methodology
Energy efficiency measures for this facility were analyzed using manual calculations. This approach was selected
due to significant process loads (bus wash, paint booth, vehicle exhaust ventilation systems) that are present in
the building. Normal building energy modeling software is not designed to model process loads, and benchmarking
data is likely unreliable for this type of facility. Manual calculations were performed for specifically identified energy
efficiency measures to determine the potential benefit of each EEM.
Energy Analysis
147
CyRide Transit176 177City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: Water-to-Water Heat Pump Replaces Boilers
• Existing Condition: Two (2) natural gas-fired boilers provide hydronic heating for make-up air units and unit
heaters.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace boilers with high-temperature water-to-water heat pumps.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when equipment replacement is necessary.
EEM 2: LED Lighting Upgrades
• Existing Condition: Fluorescent lighting remains throughout portion of both the office and bus storage/service
areas.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Replace fluorescent lighting with LED.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider maintenance costs for lamp replacements and implement
if feasible. It should be noted that the simple payback presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table
is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost only, and does not account for maintenance costs
associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent fixtures. Accounting for these maintenance costs
would improve the payback associated with this strategy, but to maintain consistency across the simple
payback calculations presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table, the life cycle cost savings associated
with lamp replacement were not included.
EEM 3: Daylight Dimming
• Existing Condition: Lighting throughout bus storage and maintenance areas is manually controlled, with no
dimming.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Provide daylight dimming for areas with skylights.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation as soon as feasible.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Water-to-Water Heat Pump Replaces
Boilers
Replace with natural gas-fired boilers.$150,000 $0 $300,000 $600,000
2 LED Lighting Upgrades Do nothing.$0 $0 $201,060 $201,060
3 Daylight Dimming Do nothing.$0 $0 $37,500 $50,000
Energy Efficiency Measures Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Water-to-Water Heat Pump
to Replace Boilers
Service
Water
Heating
(83,788) 7,862 $(1,873) 35,477 $0.282 -
$0.564
N/A Consider when
replacement is
required
2 LED Lighting Upgrades Lighting - 101,470 - $10,500 52,785 $0.190 -
$0.317
N/A Implement when
feasible
3 Daylight Dimming Lighting - 31,938 - $3,305 16,614 $0.113 -
$0.150
13.2 Implement as soon as
feasible
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Estimated energy savings from implementing the recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The
first chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third
chart shows the savings in annual carbon emissions.
148
179City of Ames Energy AuditCyRide Transit178City of Ames Energy Audit
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
Ames Intermodal Facility
149
Ames Intermodal Facility180 181City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Intermodal Facility
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Ames Intermodal Facility
Address 129 Hayward Ave #103
Ames, IA 50014
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact James Rendall, Assistant Director, CyRide
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2012
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 111,629 sq.ft. (includes parking garage)
Total conditioned area: 9,603 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 4
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Parking garage
Secondary building use type: Office
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Garage: Sunday to Saturday, 24 hours per day
Office: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The conditioned area of the building has CMU exterior walls and aluminum-
framed double-glazed IGU storefront systems. The glazed areas are in the
publicly accessible waiting area and are shaded by a deep overhang above.
The regularly occupied office areas do not have exterior glazing. A heated
detached garage also uses CMU-wall construction and has overhead
sectional doors with translucent polycarbonate panels.
Lighting System
Lighting systems typically consist of Fluorescent-type fixtures, though it
appears transition is underway to LED replacement lamps. Tenant spaces
utilize LED fixtures with line voltage switching and occupancy sensors.
Lighting controls appear to be provided as appropriate for the remainder of
the facility.
HVAC Systems
Several small HVAC systems serve the facility. A ground-coupled
(geothermal) system serves water-source heat pumps for occupied areas.
Two hydronic pumps circulate the ground-source loop fluid. Electric heaters
serve select spaces, such as stairs and storage spaces. A split-system air
conditioner serves the mechanical room. Ventilation for occupied spaces is
provided by a packaged energy recovery ventilator.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is provided by a small electric resistance tank-type hot
water heater.
Energy Recovery Ventilator
Hydronic Pumps
Office Lighting
Windows and Entrance Lighting
Typical Parking Lighting
Electric Heater
150
Ames Intermodal Facility182 183City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Intermodal Facility
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on May 22, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The doors of the detached garage have noticeable gaps that increase
infiltration and let in debris. Recommend fixing weatherstripping on the
garage doors.
Lighting Systems
• Continued replacement of fluorescent lamps with LED is recommended.
System lighting controls appear to be appropriate.
HVAC Systems
• HVAC systems serve limited portions of the building, and generally
appear to be in good condition.
Plumbing Systems
• The facility has limited domestic water supply (hot or cold) and does
not appear to be a good candidate for investments to reduce energy
consumption.
Other
• For safety, recommend diagnosing and addressing the leak in the
electrical room. The room smelled musty and the electrical cabinet had
visible rust.
• The office space was unoccupied during the walkthrough.
Gap Under Garage Door
Lighting Controls and Electrical Gear
Monthly Electric Usage
The monthly electrical consumption profile shows slightly higher usage in the winter, demonstrating electric
heating in use.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through November 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. The building is all electric.
Utility Bill Analysis
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
EUI may not be a relevant metric for this facility, given the small square footage of enclosed building area and large
square footage of open-air parking garage. 100% of the building’s annual energy use is attributed to electricity.
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Feb 2020-Jan 2021, Weather Normalized
Electric
12/23 -11/24
Electric Baseline2/20-1/21
kW
h
30,000
40,000
10,000
0 Nov 2024Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024
20,000
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Ames Intermodal Facility184 185City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes Intermodal Facility
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between December 2023 and November 2024, the building’s
annual energy cost is $22,646. 100% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity. Annual
energy costs have been consistent throughout the period.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions are 111.09 mt-CO2e/year. 100% of the building’s annual carbon emissions are attributed to electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
$22,646/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Electric
Electric
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
100
150
2021 2022 20230
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
50
Benchmarking data is unavailable for comparable project types.
Benchmarking
As no energy efficiency measures were identified for this facility, no energy analysis or manual calculations were
completed.
Energy Analysis
No energy efficiency measures (EEMs) are recommended at this time.
Energy Efficiency Measures
152
187City of Ames Energy Audit
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Furman Aquatic Center
153
Furman Aquatic Center188 189City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFurman Aquatic Center
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Furman Aquatic Center
Address 1635 13th Street
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Hugo Swanepoel, Parks and Facilities Supervisor
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2009
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 6,485 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 6,485 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 1
Conditioned floors above grade: 1
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Outdoor swimming pool
Secondary building use type: N/A
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Sunday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: ~14 weeks/year (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The above-grade exterior walls are 8” concrete masonry units, with
manufactured stone veneer included on the south facing exterior walls.
Exterior walls located above the south-facing windows of the concession
area are insulated with polyicynene insulation between 2x6 treated studs at
16” on center, with aluminum louvers on “blank-off” sheet metal. Below-grade
exterior walls are concrete foundation walls with a waterproofing membrane.
The floor is a 4” concrete floor slab on 6” compacted gravel drainage course.
The window to wall ratio is 0% for the bathhouse and approximately 7% for
the concessions/mechanical building. The windows are aluminum storefront
systems with double-pane insulated glazing units for the office and lifeguard
area and single-pane glazing units for the concession area. A variety of
exterior doors are used on the project, including hollow metal doors, glazed
doors as part of the storefront system, and uninsulated overhead metal
coiling doors.
The roof system includes asphalt shingles, roofing paper, and 5/8” OSB
attached to pre-engineered wood I-rafters 16” on center. In occupied areas,
there is also an insulated ceiling panel on suspended metal grid.
Lighting System
Lighting fixtures are a combination of fluorescent (interior and building
scale) and metal halide (exterior pole-mount) types. Lighting controls for
occupancy/vacancy control were observed in normally occupied areas.
Exterior lighting is controlled to operate from dusk to dawn.
HVAC Systems
Occupied areas are served by a combination of residential-style furnaces
and condensing units along with separate split-system cooling units (units
are cooling only as building is winterized and does not require heating).
Dedicated exhaust fans serve locker rooms and pool equipment areas.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by an on-demand, high efficiency
natural gas-fired water heater. The system was originally equipped with a
thermostatic mixing valve, which has been removed.
Pool heating is provided by eighteen (18) water heaters. These water
heaters are high efficiency natural gas-fired units.
Split System Cooling Unit
Electric Furnaces
Exterior Lighting
South Elevation
Pool Equipment
Pool Heaters
154
Furman Aquatic Center190 191City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFurman Aquatic Center
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on June 3, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The building envelope was designed with minimal insulation given the
seasonal use of the building.
• When windows reach the end of their useful life, recommend replacing
with double-pane assemblies with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
throughout.
Lighting Systems
• Given the age and type of fixtures observed, replacement with LED
may be appropriate to both improve energy efficiency and to reduce
maintenance requirements.
HVAC Systems
• Because the building is winterized, air-source heat pumps may not be
appropriate for conditioning interior building spaces.
Plumbing Systems
• Given the number of members of the public using the locker rooms,
including small children, it may be appropriate to reinstall the
thermostatic mixing valve (or to provide a similar device of a different
type).
• While representing an increase in energy consumption, it is
recommended that the supply domestic water temperature be adjusted
to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce potential for legionella growth –
this is more important for the facility due to showering and the potential
that immunocompromised individuals may be using this system.
• Due to potentially high peak domestic hot water demand, particularly
during events such as swim meets, a heat pump water heater for
domestic hot water may not be able to provide adequate capacity for
shower loads.
• Because of the low required outlet temperature for the pool heating
water, there may be opportunity to utilize air-to-water heat pumps to
heat the pools.
Single-Glazed Concession Windows
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit. Due to the
facility not operating in 2020 and some apparent anomalies with natural gas consumption in 2024, data from
2021 through 2023 was considered.
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Electricity consumption represents 56% of total building energy consumption, with gas representing 44%. EUI
may not be a relevant metric for this facility, given the small square footage of building area and the fact that
process loads drive the vast majority of energy consumption.
Monthly Electric Usage
The baseline electrical consumption throughout the year reflects the site lighting that remains operational
throughout the year, with more operation during the winter months due to the shorter periods of daylight.
Increased loads in the summer are associated with pumping energy for pool systems and cooling for conditioned
spaces.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
Natural gas usage exists only during the summer months, associated with pool and domestic water heating. The
facility is winterized, so no heating is provided outside of operating periods.
Utility Bill Analysis
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jan 2023-Dec 2023 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Jan 2023-Dec 2023 Compared to Jan 2021-Dec 2021, Weather Normalized
Electric
1/23 -12/23
Electric Baseline1/21-12/21
kW
h
Natural Gas
1/23-12/23
Natural Gas Baseline1/21-12/21
Th
e
r
m
s
50,000
100,000
0
1,000
3,000
4,000
0 Dec 2023Jan 2023 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023
Dec 2023Jan 2023 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023
2,000
155
Furman Aquatic Center192 193City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFurman Aquatic Center
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s
annual energy cost is $38,165. 84% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity, while the
remaining 16% is attributed to natural gas. Annual energy costs have been consistent throughout the period.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions are 167.68 mt-CO2e/year. About 78% of the building’s annual carbon emissions are attributed to
electricity and 22% are attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$38,165/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Jan 2023-Dec 2023
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
150
200
2021 2022 2023
0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
50
100
Benchmarking data is unavailable.
Benchmarking
Methodology
Energy efficiency measures for this facility were analyzed using manual calculations. This approach was selected
due to significant process loads (pumping, water treatment, and heating systems for outdoor pool) that are present
in the facility. Normal building energy modeling software is not designed to model process loads, and benchmarking
data is likely unreliable for this type of facility. Manual calculations were performed for specifically identified energy
efficiency measures to determine the potential benefit of each EEM.
Energy Analysis
156
Furman Aquatic Center194 195City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditFurman Aquatic Center
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Pool Heating
• Existing Condition: Pool heating is accomplished by natural gas-fired heaters.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Use air-to-water heat pumps and a heat exchanger to heat pool water.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider when pool heating system replacement is required.
EEM 2: LED Lighting Upgrade
• Existing Condition: Fluorescent and metal halide fixtures are utilized.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Provide LED fixtures to replace fluorescent and metal halide fixtures.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider in near future given the age of existing fixtures and the
potential to reduce maintenance for difficult-to-access fixtures. It should be noted that the simple payback
presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost
only, and does not account for maintenance costs associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent or
metal halide fixtures. Accounting for these maintenance costs would improve the payback associated with
this strategy, but to maintain consistency across the simple payback calculations presented in the Estimated
Savings for EEMs table, the life cycle cost savings associated with lamp replacement were not included.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Pool Heat Replace with gas-fired water heaters to match existing.$225,000 $0 $390,000 $922,500
2 LED Lighting Upgrade Do nothing.$0 $0 $182,573 $243,430
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Pool
Heat
Service
Water
Heating
(193)(50,785) 7,898 $1,573 50,208 $0.259 -
$0.612
N/A Consider when re-
placement required
2 LED Lighting Upgrade Lighting 36 29,853 - $3,089 15,530 $0.392 -
$0.522
N/A Implement when
feasible
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual energy cost and the second chart shows the savings in annual carbon emissions.
The columns are described as follows:
• Air-to-Water Heat Pump (HP): Implement EEM 1 by installing air-to-water heat pumps and a heat exchanger to
heat pool water.
• LED Lighting: Implement EEM 2 by upgrading to LED lighting.
• Air-to-Water Heat Pump (AWHP) and LED Lighting: Implement EEMs 1 and 2 to improve service water heating
and lighting systems.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
157
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena198 199City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes/ISU Ice Arena
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Ames/ISU Ice Arena
Address 1507 Gateway Hills Park Drive
Ames, IA 50014
Building Owner City of Ames and Iowa State University
Key Contact Michael Lady, Ice Arena Manager
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2001
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 44,632 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 44,632 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 2
Conditioned floors above grade: 2
Conditioned floors below grade: 0
Use Type
Primary building use type: Ice rink/arena
Secondary building use type: Support areas (locker rooms, meeting rooms)
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: Weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
There are two primary types of above-grade exterior walls: an insulated
metal building wall panel system with batt insulation and a concrete masonry
unit (CMU) wall with insulation-filled cores. The window to wall ratio is 2%.
The windows are fixed aluminum-framed double-pane insulated glazing unit
assemblies. The main entry doors are part of a glazed storefront system. The
primary roof is a standing seam metal panel room system with batt insulation
and no continuous insulation. The lower roof is an EPDM roof system with
2” of continuous rigid insulation over a metal deck. The floor is a 5” concrete
slab on a vapor barrier and 4” of porous fill.
Lighting System
Lighting fixture types and ages vary throughout the building. Fixtures above
the ice sheet were replaced approximately four to five years ago, with new
LED fixtures. Some down lights utilize compact fluorescent lamps. Existing
fluorescent fixtures have had LED tube replacements (single lamp at a time)
as lamp replacements are necessary. Exterior signage was upgraded from
neon to LED. Lighting controls throughout the building are typically line-
voltage type, with no automatic controls.
HVAC Systems
There are several unique HVAC systems serving the Ice Arena facility. The
main arena area, including the ice sheet, is served by a dedicated air handling
system with desiccant dehumidification capabilities. There are also natural
gas-fired infrared radiant heaters that provide heating for spectator and
circulation areas and wall mounted exhaust fans that operate as needed.
The air handling system and exhaust fans are original to the building, but the
radiant heaters were replaced recently.
Meeting spaces, locker rooms, and office areas are served by packaged
rooftop units, providing all heating, cooling and ventilation to these zones.
Dedicated exhaust fans serve the locker room areas, along with the
refrigeration machine room for the ice making system. Packaged rooftop
units and exhaust fans generally appear to be original to the building.
The refrigeration system for the ice sheet currently utilizes refrigerant R-22,
and consists of compressors, an evaporative condenser, heat exchanger,
evaporator, pumps, and associated accessories. The evaporative condenser
was replaced in 2016, but other components are typically original, though
some have been upgraded. There are no centralized controls optimizing
system interaction or performance between different building systems and
components.
Plumbing Systems
The building is served by three standard efficiency natural gas-fired water
heaters. These water heaters provide water for locker room usage along
with other normal plumbing loads.
Evaporative Condenser Sump & Pump
Ice System Compressors
East Elevation
Ice Rink Lighting
Ice System Heat Exchanger
Glycol System Pumps
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena200 201City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes/ISU Ice Arena
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on June 3, 2025.
Observations
Building Envelope
• The main entrance does not include a vestibule. Condensation was
present on the interior side of the entrance doors.
• Building staff noted that direct sun hits the ice from the east window
at the stairwell, contributing to localized ice melt and visual discomfort.
Recommend installing a motorized automatic interior shade, with manual
override controls.
• Building staff noted area of previous leak in office.
• Concrete spalling on exterior CMU wall. Recommend monitoring and
repair as needed.
• Recommend replacing overhead doors with insulated sectional doors at
end of life.
Lighting Systems
• Daylighting is likely not a good solution for most of this building, but there
may be opportunities at the main entrance and stair area.
• Occupancy/vacancy controls would likely be beneficial for several areas
in the building.
• Updating fixtures with native-LED devices may be a better long-term
solution than installing retrofit-style LED bulbs.
HVAC Systems
• Several HVAC systems appear to be at or near their expected useful
lives. Specifically packaged rooftop units are over twenty years old
and would be expected to last fifteen to twenty years. The air handling
Main Entrance
East Window at Stairs
Spalling CMU
system serving the arena area is also original to the building and is located outdoors. It is likely that this
unit should be expected to last twenty-five to thirty years at most, so it is likely near the end of its useful
life. Equipment replacement has not been included as an energy efficiency measure, as there aren't clear
improvements available for the current components, other than small efficiency improvements from newer
equipment or systems (the largest unit is desiccant system requiring high-temperature regeneration that can
only currently be achieved by either natural gas or electric heat.
• The lack of coordinated controls between systems likely limits the potential for improving energy efficiency,
though there are likely opportunities to shift loads between systems. Control upgrades are likely beneficial for
this facility, however there likely aren't significant opportunities for energy savings without integrating process
systems and HVAC systems to move energy back and forth between systems. This approach will require
detailed analysis and coordination between system components that is beyond the scope of this audit.
Plumbing Systems
• Efficiency and capacity of the system may be appropriate for review when replacement is required.
• Current heat pump water heater technology is likely not cost effective for the loads required for large-scale
showering needed for multiple hockey teams or similar larger groups.
Monthly Electric Usage
Monthly electric usage varies somewhat depending on season, but due to the significant portion of energy usage
attributable to the ice-making system, and the relatively constant interior temperature, there is a significant
baseline of electric energy utilization throughout the year.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
Natural gas usage varies throughout the year, with peaks during the heating season. Similar to electric usage, the
difference between summer and winter is not as great as might be expected due to the lower heating requirements
in large portions of the building and the natural gas consumption during the summer associated with regenerating
desiccant in the dehumidification unit used to control space relative humidity.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. While energy use is split fairly evenly between electricity and natural gas, the energy cost and
carbon emissions are dominated by electricity.
Utility Bill Analysis
128.7
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between
December 2023 and November 2024,
the building has an energy use intensity of
128.7 kBtu/sq.ft./yr. Electricity consumption
represents 58% of total building energy
consumption, with gas representing 42%.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Dec 2023-Nov 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Dec 2023-Nov2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
12/23 -11/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas12/23-11/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Dec 2023 - Nov 2024
50,000
100,000
0
1,000
3,000
4,000
0
20
60
0 Nov 2024Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024
40
Nov 2024Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024
2,000
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena202 203City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes/ISU Ice Arena
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s
annual energy cost is $122,244. 83% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity while the
remaining 17% is attributed to natural gas. Annual energy costs have been consistent throughout the period.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions are 550.95 mt-CO2e/year. 72% of the building’s annual carbon emissions are attributed to electricity
while the remaining 28% are attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$122,244yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Dec 2023-Nov 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
400
600
2021 2022 2023
0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
200
The building ranks in the 28th percentile to 113 other peer Ice Arena buildings in the B3 Benchmarking tool (72%
of Ice Arena buildings have better performance). This indicates that the building is a great candidate for energy
efficiency improvements.
The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is
based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating
higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars
indicates greater potential for savings.
Benchmarking
B3 Benchmarking Comparison
Be
n
c
h
m
a
r
k
i
n
g
R
a
t
i
n
g
0
1
3
2
4
5
0 4 12 20 24 32 40 44 52 56 64 68 76 80 88 92 100
Peer Rating
8 16 28 36 48 60 72 84 96
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena204 205City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes/ISU Ice Arena
Methodology
Energy efficiency measures for this facility were analyzed using manual calculations. This approach was selected
due to significant process loads (refrigeration system for ice sheet) that are present in the building. Normal building
energy modeling software is not designed to model process loads, and benchmarking data is likely unreliable for
this type of facility. Manual calculations were performed for specifically identified energy efficiency measures to
determine the potential benefit of each EEM.
Energy Analysis
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: Entry Vestibule Addition
• Existing Condition: The main entrance does not include a vestibule and entry doors have condensation on the
inside surface. The lack of a vestibule contributes to undesirable heat and humidity gain during the summer,
undesirable heat loss during the winter, and reduced thermal comfort.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Install an interior glazed storefront system with double doors at the
entrance to create a vestibule.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend implementing as soon as feasible. There is sufficient
space in the current entry to fit a vestibule up to 22’ long. Although this measure does not have a payback, it
will help improve thermal comfort and reduce infiltration.
EEM 2: Increase Roof Insulation
• Existing Condition: The primary roof is a sloped standing seam metal panel room system with batt insulation
and no continuous insulation. The lower roof is a flat ballasted membrane roof system with 2” of continuous rigid
insulation.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Increase the roof thermal performance to R-30.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Recommend further analysis of this efficiency measure as the roof
approaches its end of life. Increased roof insulation is recommended for improved energy efficiency and cost
savings, but a full structural analysis of the engineered metal building system would be required to confirm
additional roof loads are acceptable.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 Entry Vestibule Addition Do nothing $0 $0 $16,059 $19,969
2 Increase Roof Insulation Sloped roof: replace with energy
code-compliant metal building roof
system
Flat roof: replace roof membrane without
adding insulation
$598,524 $0 $32,424 $90,511
Energy Efficiency Measures
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Ames/ISU Ice Arena206 207City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditAmes/ISU Ice Arena
Energy Efficiency Measures
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 Entry Vestibule Addition Envelope - - 297 $23 95 $5.635 -
$7.007
N/A Recommend imple-
menting as soon as
feasible.
2 Increase Roof Insulation Envelope (0) 10,080 3,006 $4,049 20,276 $.053 -
$0.149
15.2 Recommend
implementing at
end of roof system
life, pending further
analysis
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• Vestibule: Implement EEM 1 to improve the building envelope by adding an entry vestibule.
• Roof Insulation: Implement EEM 2 to improve building envelope by increasing the roof's thermal performance.
• Combined Envelope: Implement EEMs 1 and 2 to improve the building envelope.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
163
209City of Ames Energy Audit
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Water Treatment Plant
164
Water Treatment Plant210 211City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditWater Treatment Plant
Facility Description
Building Contact Information
Building Name Water Treatment Plant
Address 1800 E 13th Street
Ames, IA 50010
Building Owner City of Ames
Key Contact Calvin Forte, Water Plant Superintendent
Building Characteristics
General
Year of original construction: 2017
Building Climate Zone: 5A
Gross floor area: 103,233 sq.ft.
Total conditioned area: 103,233 sq.ft.
Total number of floors: 4
Conditioned floors above grade: 3
Conditioned floors below grade: 1
Use Type
Primary building use type: Water treatment plant
Secondary building use type: Office
Major Renovations
N/A
Operations
Typical weekly occupancy: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Typical annual occupancy: 52 weeks/year
% of building owned: 100%
% of building leased: 0%
Facility Description
System Descriptions
Building Envelope
The majority of above-grade exterior walls are 12” insulated precast
concrete panels. A few wall types in administration and operations areas
include an additional 4” of sprayed insulation inboard of the precast concrete
panel, in between metal studs and finished with gypsum board. Below-grade
walls are cast-in-place concrete.
The window to wall ratio is approximately 10%. The windows are primarily
fixed aluminum-framed double-pane insulated glazing unit assemblies, with
some operable windows. Exterior shading devices are located on select
south-, west-, and east-facing windows. Overhead sectional doors range
from fully glazed to partially glazed. The roof assembly includes a white
roof membrane and 4” of continuous rigid insulation over a concrete roof
structure.
Lighting System
Interior lighting fixtures throughout the Water Treatment Facility typically
utilize fluorescent lamps. Lighting controls for occupancy/vacancy appear to
be installed throughout the building.
HVAC Systems
Several systems serve different areas of the Water Treatment facility. A
modular central plant system generates heating and chilled water to serve
the building. This central plant includes a heat recovery chiller, boilers,
pumps, heat exchangers, and a closed-circuit cooling tower. The system
can use raw water as a heat sink or source, as well as a cooling tower as
a heat sink. Natural gas-fired boilers provide heat when adequate heat is
not available from raw water. Multiple air handling units of different types
and configurations serve different areas of the building. A desiccant
dehumidification unit with a direct-fired natural gas burner regeneration
section provides dehumidification during the cooling season. Terminal
heating and cooling units provide conditioning for many spaces throughout
the facility.
Plumbing Systems
Domestic hot water is generated by two large-capacity natural gas-
fired water heaters and one water-to-water heat exchanger fed from the
heating hot water system. Recirculation pumps are provided to maintain
temperature in domestic hot water loops.
Hydronic System Controls
Water Treatment Area Lighting
Heat Recovery Chiller
East Elevation
Energy Recovery Ventilator
Entrance Stair Lighting
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Water Treatment Plant212 213City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditWater Treatment Plant
Notable Conditions Observed
Assessment Date
The building walkthrough was conducted on June 3, 2025.
Observations
Lighting Systems
• The use of fluorescent lighting throughout the facility provides the most
likely opportunity for energy savings.
HVAC Systems
• The packaged central plant system includes control capabilities for
optimizing pumping and system energy usage.
Plumbing Systems
• Because of significant loads required for emergency fixtures (showers
and eyewashes), it is likely not feasible to replace natural gas-fired water
heaters with heat pump units with currently available technology.
Monthly Electric Usage
Monthly electric usage varies somewhat depending on season, but due to the significant portion of energy usage
attributable to the water treatment process loads there is a significant baseline of electric energy utilization
throughout the year. There are increases during the summer months due to cooling load for the facility.
Monthly Natural Gas Usage
Natural gas usage varies somewhat throughout the year, with peaks during the heating season. Similar to electric
usage, the difference between summer and winter is not as great as might be expected due to the natural gas
consumption during the summer associated with regenerating desiccant in the dehumidification unit used to
control space relative humidity.
Overview
Metered energy data from January 2020 through December 2024 was collected during the audit and is
documented below. Electricity dominates the overall energy usage and energy cost for the building. Due to some
gaps in information, the information below is based on the most recent complete year of data.
Utility Bill Analysis
104.0
kBtu/ft2/yr
Energy Use
Annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Based on measured energy use between July
2023 and June 2024, the building has an
energy use intensity of 104.0 kBtu/sq.ft./yr.
Electricity consumption represents 60% of
total building energy consumption, with gas
representing 40%.
Monthly Natural Gas Use
Jul 2023-Jun 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Monthly Electric Use
Jul 2023-Aug 2024 Compared to Jan 2020-Dec 2020, Weather Normalized
Annual Energy Use Intensity
Jul 2023-Jun 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
7/23 -6/24
Electric Baseline1/20-12/20
kW
h
Natural Gas7/23-6/24
Natural Gas Baseline1/20-12/20
Th
e
r
m
s
Jul 2023 - Jun 2024
150,000
200,000
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
0
50
150
50,000
0
100
Jun 2024Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024
100,000
Jun 2024Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sep 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024
166
Water Treatment Plant214 215City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditWater Treatment Plant
Energy Cost
Annual Energy Cost
Based on the measured energy use and utility bills between July 2023 and June 2024, the building’s annual energy
cost is $233,562. 84% of the building’s annual energy cost is attributed to electricity while the remaining 16% is
attributed to natural gas. Annual energy costs have been consistent throughout the period.
Carbon Emissions
Annual Carbon Emissions
Based on the measured energy use between January 2023 and December 2023, the building’s annual carbon
emissions are 1,268.86 mt-CO2e/year. 81% of the building’s annual carbon emissions are attributed to electricity
while the remaining 19% are attributed to natural gas.
Utility Bill Analysis
$233,562/yr
Annual Energy Cost Comparison
2021-2023
Annual Carbon Emissions
2023
Annual Energy Costs
Jul 2023-Jun 2024
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Electric
Natural Gas
Me
t
r
i
c
T
o
n
s
C
O
2e
Co
s
t
2023
0
1,000
1,500
2021 2022 2023
0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
500
Benchmarking data is unavailable for this building type.
Benchmarking
Methodology
Energy efficiency measures for this facility were analyzed using manual calculations. This approach was selected
due to significant process loads (pumping and water treatment system components) that are present in the facility.
Normal building energy modeling software is not designed to model process loads, and benchmarking data is likely
unreliable for this type of facility. Manual calculations were performed for specifically identified energy efficiency
measures to determine the potential benefit of each EEM.
Energy Analysis
167
Water Treatment Plant216 217City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditWater Treatment Plant
The following energy efficiency measures (EEMs) offer opportunities to reduce the building’s energy use, operating
energy cost, and carbon emissions.
EEM 1: LED Lighting Retrofit
• Existing Condition: The building is served by mostly fluorescent fixtures for interior lighting.
• Proposed Energy Efficiency Measure: Fluorescent fixtures are replaced by LED fixtures.
• Recommendation for Implementation: Consider implementation as soon as feasible to reduce demand loads
along with electrical consumption. This strategy may be phased to align with normal lamp replacement or
other maintenance processes to avoid interruptions to operations. It should be noted that the simple payback
presented in the Estimated Savings for EEMs table is calculated based on energy cost savings and first cost
only, and does not account for maintenance costs associated with replacing lamps in existing fluorescent
fixtures. Accounting for these maintenance costs would improve the payback associated with this strategy,
but to maintain consistency across the simple payback calculations presented in the Estimated Savings for
EEMs table, the life cycle cost savings associated with lamp replacement were not included.
Estimated Costs for Individual EEMs
Incremental costs for individual EEMs were determined by comparing each proposed EEM’s estimated cost to a
baseline scenario’s estimated cost. Incremental costs listed below account for utility rebates currently available.
Actual costs will vary based on the specific design, selected equipment and manufacturers, installers, and year of
implementation.
EEM
#
EEM Description Baseline Scenario Description Baseline
Scenario
Cost
EEM Rebate Incremental Cost
Low High
1 LED Lighting Retrofit Do nothing $0 $0 $345,405 $575,675
Estimated Savings For Individual EEMs
Estimated savings and recommendations for EEMs are summarized in the table below. Calculations reflect savings
from individual measures only and assume that other measures have not been implemented. For an assessment on
the cumulative savings for bundles of EEMs, please refer to the next section.
EEM
#
EEM Description Type Annual Savings Incremental
Cost / CO2
Emissions
Saved1
($/kgCO2e)
Average
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Recommendation for
ImplementationPeak
kW
kWh Therms Energy
Cost
CO2
Emissions
(kgCO2e)
1 LED Lighting Retrofit Lighting 14 100,858 - $10,436 43,147 $0.267 -
$0.445
N/A Implement when
determined to be
feasible.
1 Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified in the Appendix. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, building envelope measures are assumed to have a life of 30 years, plumbing (water heaters) are assumed to
have a life of 10 years, lighting systems are assumed to have a life of 20 years, and mechanical equipment is assumed to have a life of either
15 years for smaller air-cooled/air-source equipment or 20 years for larger air-cooled/air-source equipment, air handling equipment, or gas-
fired equipment.
Estimated Savings for EEM Bundles
Estimated energy savings from implementing all recommended measures are shown in the following charts. The first
chart shows the savings in annual EUI, the second chart shows the savings in annual energy cost, and the third chart
shows the savings in annual carbon emissions. The columns are described as follows:
• LED Lighting: Implement EEM 1 for an LED lighting retrofit.
Energy Efficiency Measures Energy Efficiency Measures
Predicted Annual EUI Savings
kB
T
U
/
f
t
2/y
r
Predicted Annual Energy Cost Savings
Predicted Annual Carbon Emissions Savings
kg
C
O
2e
168
219City of Ames Energy Audit
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Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment
169
Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment220 221City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditSolar Photovoltaic Array Assessment
Overview
Scope of the Study
The feasibility of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) array was reviewed for the following buildings:
• City Hall
• Water Treatment Plant
• Public Works and Fleet
• Electrical Distribution
• Animal Shelter
Financial Feasibility
Installing solar PV at these facilities would have a simple payback of between 12.7 and 14.2 years with an expected
lifespan of at 20-25 years. The primary contributors to this relatively long payback period are the relatively low
electrical utility rates and inability to take advantage of renewable energy tax incentives. Other factors, such as a
hedge against energy cost inflation and reductions in carbon emissions, could be considered to justify the projects.
Another factor negatively affecting the viability of rooftop Solar PV is the age of the roof at each building. The roofs
at these buildings are between nine and ten years old, which means the PV array would only be halfway through its
expected lifespan before needing to be removed (and reinstalled) to accommodate a new roof. This additional cost
is not included in the simple payback calculations below but would add two to three years or more to the payback
period.
This financial analysis includes the rebate available from Ames Municipal Electric and excludes federal financial
incentives. Federal incentives for solar renewable energy projects are currently available under the Section 48E
tax credit, but given recent legislative changes, these credits will be phased out earlier than initially planned. To be
eligible for a 30% federal tax credit, a solar project must begin construction before July 5, 2026 or be placed into
service by December 31, 2027, and meet restrictions related to prohibited foreign entities. Given the accelerated
phase out schedule of the tax credit, these federal incentives have not been accounted for in this solar PV financial
analysis. If the City determines that solar projects can be completed before the tax credit is phased out, then a tax
consultant should be engaged to help navigate the complexities of claiming these incentives for public entities.
Analysis Methodology
1. Two years of owner-provided utility billing data were reviewed for each building to determine maximum available
energy use to offset with PV arrays. All five buildings have energy use that can be offset by installing a PV
array.
2. Ames Municipal Electric supplies power to all buildings in this study and rates are consistent across all
buildings. The electrical usage rate of $0.0653 per kWh and demand charges of $8.01 per KW ($10.71 per Kw
for summer months) combine to yield an average net rate of between $0.08 and $0.11 per kWh depending on a
particular facility’s peak demand. There are no time-of-day charges. These rates are near the average for Iowa
and significantly lower than the national average.
3. To simplify the analysis, this report excludes service charges, variable fuel cost charges, future rate increases,
costs to remove array for roof repair/replacement, and uses a simple payback calculation.
4. U.S. Department of Energy NRAL’s PVWatts Calculator was used to estimate the solar PV array’s annual
energy production. Leveraging the latest solar resource data from NREL’s National Solar Radiation Database,
the calculator uses inputs such as location, system size, module type, array configuration, tilt, azimuth, and
system losses to provide monthly and annual energy output estimates, based on 30 years of historical weather
data to account for interannual variability.
5. A cost of $2,300 per installed DC kilowatt was used for each building regardless of building, array size, or
configuration. This cost includes a $500 per kW (DC) rebate from Ames Municipal Utilities. Installation factors
for each building are similar enough that there shouldn’t be significant variations in the cost of installing each
system. Other factors such as procuring the systems individually or part of a larger project could influence the
cost and can be taken into account when a procurement strategy is developed.
6. To determine how much solar PV capacity could be installed on each building, two key factors were assessed.
First, the area suitable for an array was determined by reviewing shading from adjacent structures, trees, etc.
Second, a module layout factor was applied to account for the racking layout, clearance for maintenance,
setbacks for fire access, and obstructions like HVAC units, vents, skylights, etc. After applying these two
factors, the available roof area was divided by a typical module size (~27 square feet) to determine the quantity
of modules that could be installed.
7. General assumptions for roof mounted systems:
• Premium, monofacial PV modules
• System loss of 14.08% and inverter efficiency of 96%
• Fixed, open rack mounting at 180° azimuth and 10° tilt (typical for a ballasted roof mounting system to
minimize wind load)
• Roof mounted arrays will be a ballasted, low angle system not physically attached to the building structure.
This type of system uses the weight of brick pavers in metal pans to secure the array mounting structure.
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Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment222 223City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditSolar Photovoltaic Array Assessment
Solar PV Analysis
General Conditions
1. All buildings and sites are easily accessible to PV array installation crews and equipment. All have pavement
directly adjacent to building suitable for staging areas, delivery trucks and lifting equipment.
2. Roofs at the buildings studied are generally 9 or 10 years old and in good condition. Refer to analysis and
comment later in this report for applicability to a roof mounted array.
3. Roofs at all sites appear to be adequate for adding 5 pounds per square foot load of PV array. However, a
detailed structural analysis should be performed prior to proceeding with procurement of a new roof mounted
array.
Average Annual Energy Use
Building
Annual Electricity Usage
Consumption (kWh)Cost ($)Carbon Emissions (kgCO2e)
City Hall 1,628,640 $150,676 847,219
Water Treatment Plant 1,898,400 $158,520 987,548
Public Works and Fleet 134,250 $13,607 69,837
Electric Distribution 325,728 $33,713 169,444
Animal Shelter *n/a n/a n/a
* Data not collected due to extensive planned remodel/addition
Potential Array Size Analysis
Building
PV Array Area Proposed PV Array Size**
Gross Roof
Area (sq.ft.)
Area Suitable for Array(sq.ft.)
Module Layout
Factor
Net Area for Modules(sq.ft.)
Max Quantity
of Modules
Quantity of PV
Modules
Array Size
(kW DC)
City Hall 38,116 34,304 50% 17,152 635 635 342.9
Water Treatment Plant 63,700 47,500 55% 26,125 968 968 522.7
Public Works and Fleet 34,560 29,376 50% 14,688 544 192 103.7
Electric Distribution 24,156 21,740 55% 11,957 443 443 239.2
Animal Shelter * n/a 30,000 60% 18,000 667 200 108.0
* Ground mounted array proposed for this facility.
**Array sized to maximize energy usage offset without exceeding average annual electrical usage.
Potential Array Details
Building
PV Array Financials Emissions
Array
Size
(kW DC)
Annual
System
Output
(kWh/yr)
% of
Electric
Usage
Offset
Installed
Cost
($)
Annual
Energy
Cost
Savings
($)
% of
Electric
Cost
Offset
Simple
Payback
(years)
Annual
CO2
Savings
(kgCO2e/
yr)
% of
Electri-
cal CO2 Emis-
sions
Cost
per CO2
Emissions
Saved
($/kgCO2e)*
City Hall 343 443,652 27% $788,670 $55,613 37% 14.2 230,788 27.2%$0.142
Water Treatment Plant 523 676,307 36% $1,202,256 $84,541 53% 14.2 351,815 35.6%$0.142
Public Works and Fleet 104 134,250 100% $238,652 $17,259 127% 14.2 69,837 100.0%$0.142
Electric Distribution 239 309,508 95% $550,206 $38,798 95% 14.2 161,006 95.0%$0.142
Animal Shelter 108 151,185 n/a $248,400 $19,495 n/a 12.7 78,646 n/a $0.132
* Incremental cost per CO2 emissions saved is calculated using a fixed carbon emissions rate as identified earlier in this report. Note that the
carbon emissions rate is expected to decrease over time, so actual costs per CO2 emissions saved will be higher than what is shown. For the
purposes of this calculation, the solar PV array is assumed to have a life of 25 years.
City Hall
Existing Conditions
• The flat white membrane roof is approximately 10
years old and in good condition. It was replaced in
2015.
• The roof is largely open with a limited roof top
equipment to work around.
• Several portions of the roof are not suitable for
installing solar modules due to shading caused by
varying building heights.
• There is limited roof top equipment to work around.
Solar PV Array Feasibility
• Description: roof mounted array with a ten-degree tilt,
non-penetrating ballasted mounting system.
• The roof will accommodate an array that would
reduce electrical usage by approximately 27% with a
financial payback of just over 17 years.
Water Treatment Plant
Existing Conditions
• The flat white membrane roof is approximately 9
years old and in good condition. It is original to the
building (2016).
• Several portions of the roof are not suitable for
installing solar modules due to roof top equipment
and shading caused by varying building heights.
• The is some roof top equipment to work around.
Solar PV Array Feasibility
• Description: roof mounted array with a ten-degree tilt,
non-penetrating ballasted mounting system.
• The roof will accommodate an array that would
reduce electrical usage by approximately 36%. With
a simple payback of about 17 years.
Individual Building Information
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• The feasibility of adding a BESS to this facility was reviewed by request of city staff. A BESS collects energy
during the day to operate plant systems overnight and/or periods without significant daylight. Such a system is
typically used to offset demand or time-of-day utility charges. It can also improve resiliency by supplementing
existing diesel engine backup generators.
• A BESS is typically viable for facilities with high electricity cost or time of use rates, high demand charges, and/
or frequent utility outages. A battery system can cost between $300 and $600 per kilowatt hour.
• Adding a BESS is not recommended for this facility due to relatively low electrical consumption, low demand
rates, and a reliable utility connection.
City Hall Roof Area Suitable for PV Array
Water Treatment Plant Roof Area Suitable for PV Array
N Roof Area Suitable for PV
Roof Area
Roof Area Unsuitable for PV
N Roof Area Suitable for PV
Roof Area
Roof Area Unsuitable for PV
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Solar Photovoltaic Array Assessment224 225City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditSolar Photovoltaic Array Assessment
Public Works and Fleet
Existing Conditions
• The flat black membrane roof is approximately 9
years old and in good condition. It was replaced in
2016.
• The roof is largely open with some roof top equipment
and skylights to work around.
Solar PV Array Feasibility
• Description: roof mounted array with a ten-degree tilt,
non-penetrating ballasted mounting system.
• This building uses less electricity than a typical
commercial building of similar size due to the lack of
air conditioning and low power needs of the garage
and maintenance areas. As such, a 293.8 kW rooftop
solar PV array covering the maximum possible roof
area would yield 283% more energy than the facility
typically consumes on a yearly basis.
• Due to net-metering regulations, it generally not
advisable to install an array that produces more
than 100% of a building’s electrical consumption.
Reducing the rooftop array to 108 kW would match
the yearly array output with the average yearly
electrical consumption. In both cases the simple
payback is approximately 17 years.
Electrical Distribution
Existing Conditions
• The flat white membrane roof is approximately 9
years old and in good condition. It was replaced in
2016.
• The roof is largely open with a limited roof top
equipment to work around.
Solar PV Array Feasibility
• This building is operated by Ames Municipal Electric
and does not pay for electricity. Given that net-
metering is not a concern for the utility, the maximum
sized roof-top array was used for this study.
Individual Building Information
Public Works and Fleet Roof Area Suitable for PV Array
Electrical Distribution Roof Area Suitable for PV Array
N Roof Area Suitable for PV
Roof Area
Roof Area Unsuitable for PV
N Roof Area Suitable for PV
Roof Area
Roof Area Unsuitable for PV
Coordinating Installation of Solar PV with Existing Roofs
Consideration should be given to the condition and future replacement of existing roofs at each of the buildings.
Aligning the ages of a roof and a solar PV system is critical. Membrane roofs more than 5 years old are generally
poor candidates for rooftop solar installations, as their lifespan is likely to expire well before the 25-year lifespan
of the solar system, necessitating costly removal and reinstallation during roof replacement. Incorporating these
additional costs into the life-cycle analysis of a solar PV system often makes the overall investment financially
unviable. Conversely, roofs nearing or over 20 years old are ideal candidates for re-roofing prior to solar installation,
ensuring a synchronized lifespan and avoiding future disruption and expense.
• Roof Lifespan: Most commercial flat roofs (e.g., TPO, EPDM, or PVC membranes) have a lifespan of 20–30
years, depending on material, maintenance, and climate. At 10 years, the roof is roughly at the midpoint in its life
cycle, increasing the risk of major repairs.
• Cost of Removal and Reinstallation: the panels must be removed and reinstalled during major repairs roof
replacement, costing up to $200 per panel in today's dollars. Removing and reinstalling panels during the
system’s 25-year expected lifespan significantly alters the economics of the solar array and can extend the
payback period by two to three years or more.
• Warranty Conflicts: Solar installation warranties often require a roof with a remaining life matching the system’s
duration (20-25 years). Installing on a 10-year-old roof may void the roofing warranty or significantly complicate
claims.
It is not typically recommended to install a new rooftop solar array on a 10-year-old commercial flat roof. If the
building owner chooses to accept the financial costs and the roof is in excellent condition with proper maintenance
history, installation can still proceed with a non-penetrating ballasted system, coordinated with the roofing
warranty. Otherwise, replacing the roof first is the safer, more cost-effective approach, ensuring the solar system’s
25-year lifespan aligns with the roof’s lifespan.
Individual Building Information
Animal Shelter
Existing Conditions
• Due to extensive planned renovations and additions,
a ground mounted array was studied at this location
in lieu of a roof-top array per City’s request.
• Planned building addition and change of use will
dramatically increase energy consumption at this
facility.
Solar PV Array Feasibility
• Description: a 200-module ground mounted array
was studied to demonstrate feasibility at this site.
This size array would take up to 10,000 square feet
of ground area and would likely have a simple payback
of about 15.5 years.Animal Shelter Potential Site Area for PV Array
N Potential Site Area for PV
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Electric Vehicle Charging
Assessment
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Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment228 229City of Ames Energy Audit City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Vehicle Charging Assessment
Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment
Overview
This study reviews the feasibility and potential costs of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at select
municipal buildings to support the city's sustainability goals and growing EV adoption. While there are publicly
accessible charging stations (i.e. ChargePoint) at several city buildings, this review was limited to non-public
charging applications for city-owned vehicles.
A general analysis indicates ample electrical capacity for installing level 1 and level 2 EV charging at most city
buildings. An example case of new EV chargers at various buildings is included in Table EV2. Quantities and types
of chargers indicated in this table were developed from information provided by the utility department and general
assumptions about adding EVs to the fleet within the next few years.
Existing Public Charging Stations
For reference, the following city buildings have EV chargers available for paid public use. Reviewing potential
locations and consumer demand for additional public charging stations was outside the scope of this study.
• City Hall: 2-vehicle Level 2 charger in west parking lot (ChargePoint)
• Ames Intermodal Facility: 2-vehicle Level 2 charger lower level of structure (ChargePoint)
• Electric Power Plant: 2-vehicle Level 2 charger on E. 5th Street (ChargePoint)
• Ames Public Library: 2-vehicle Level 2 charger in north parking lot (ChargePoint)
Summary of Charging Options
Level 1 EV charging operates at 120 volts and 12–16 amps, delivering 1.4–1.9 kW and adds 3–5 miles of range per
hour. Level 1 is best suited for EVs driven less than 50 miles per day, aren’t used for long distance travel, and are
only in use 10 hours or less per day.
Level 1 key points:
• 20A circuit breaker
• Install cost of $700-1000
• Can take several days to fully charge a typical EV battery.
• Example vehicles: compact cars, light duty trucks and vans, golf carts and other low speed vehicles
Level 2 EV charging operates at 208 or 240 volts single phase and 30–40 amps, delivering 7.2–9.6 kilowatts (kW)
and adds 20–30 miles of range per hour. Level 2 is best suited for moderate to high-mileage applications, making
it ideal for vehicles with daily usage exceeding 50 miles and ability to charge for 8-10 hours between uses (e.g.
overnight).
Level 2 key points:
• 40-60A circuit breaker
• Install cost of $2,500 to $5,000.
• Can fully charge a typical EV sedan or light truck battery in about 8 hours.
• Example vehicles: light to medium-duty trucks, light duty transit vehicles, delivery vehicles, operations support
Level 3 EV charging, also known as “DC Fast Charging” (DCFC), operates at power levels from 175 kW to 500 kW,
delivering 100–250 miles of range in 20–45 minutes. It is ideal for high-mileage or rapid-turnaround applications,
where quick recharges are critical.
Level 3 key points:
• Typically requires a separate utility service and transformer to provide high capacity, 480V three-phase power
• Install cost of $40,000–$60,000 to install, plus new utility service costs
Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment
• Can fully charge a typical EV in less than 45 minutes
• Example vehicles: Heavy-duty trucks, transit vehicles, medium to heavy duty delivery vehicles, emergency
response vehicles
EV Charging at City Buildings
Feasibility Factors
• Quantity and type of charging stations
• Duration and time of day when charger will be used
• Location of charging stations
• Capacity of electrical infrastructure
Cost Factors
• Quantity and type of charging stations
• Sophistication of charging stations (i.e. networking, load management, access control)
• Distance from electrical infrastructure
• Extent of electrical infrastructure modifications, including new utility service for level 3 fast chargers
The capacity of each building to accommodate EV charging is highly dependent on the quantity of EVs and the
time of day when charging will take place. For simplicity, this study has calculated the available excess electrical
capacity at each building regardless of time of day. However, if charging can be limited to off-peak hours (i.e.
overnight, when a building is not occupied and has limited air conditioning load) the electrical infrastructure can
accommodate more charging.
For level 3 DC fast chargers, the charging station location and complexity of a new utility connection are major
cost factors. General cost and feasibility factors are discussed above. Due to the complexity of installation, further
study must be tailored to specific vehicles under consideration, the quantity and location, and their daily usage.
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231City of Ames Energy AuditElectric Vehicle Charging Assessment230City of Ames Energy Audit
Electric Vehicle Charging Assessment
Table EV1: Building Electrical Characteristics
Building Electric Service Size Total Elec. Ca-
pacity (kW)
Peak Demand
(kW)Available Capacity (kW)Potential Charging Station
Locations for Fleet EVs
Airport Terminal*800A, 120/208V-3ph 230.4 n/a n/a parking lot
Animal Shelter^tbd tbd tbd tbd parking lot
City Hall 1600A, 277/480V-3ph 1063.7 623.0 440.7 west parking lot
Ames Intermodal Facility*600A, 277/480V-3ph 398.9 n/a n/a n/a
CyRide Transit 2000A, 277/480V-3ph 1329.6 294.0 1,035.6 garage
Electrical Admin 400A, 120/208V-1ph 66.6 37.0 29.6 adjacent parking
Electric Distribution 600A, 277/480V-3ph 398.9 239.0 159.9 truck bay, East parking lot
Fire Station 1 400A, 120/208V-3ph 115.2 33.0 82.2 apparatus bay, parking lot
Fire Station 3 400A, 120/208V-3ph 115.2 20.8 94.4 apparatus bay, parking lot
Homewood Clubhouse 400A, 120/208V-1ph 66.6 19.2 47.4 maintenance garage
Ice Arena 1200A-277/480V-3ph 797.8 281.6 516.2 Zamboni
Ames Public Library 1200A-277/480V-3ph 797.8 395.2 402.6 bookmobile garage
Parks & Rec Admin 200A, 120/208V-3ph 57.6 17.1 40.5 parking lot
Public Works & Fleet 800A, 120/208V-3ph 230.4 55.5 174.9 South or North parking
Technical Services Complex 600A, 277/480V-3ph 398.9 98.4 300.5 East parking lot, garage
Water Treatment Plant 2000A, 277/480V-3ph 1329.6 380.8 948.8 South Parking lot
* Peak demand info is not available.
^ Building will be renovated and expanded in 2026.
Table EV2: Adding EV Charging at City Buildings (example case)
Building Available Capacity
(kW)
Quantity of Charging Stations for City
Power Required*
(kW)
Approximate Cost for
Level 1 & 2 Only*
($)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3*
Airport Terminal n/a 0 0 -0 $-
Animal Shelter tbd 0 1 -8.32 $3,750
City Hall 440.68 8 8 2 79.36 $36,800
Ames Intermodal Facility n/a 0 0 -0 $-
CyRide Transit 1035.6 0 4 2 33.28 $15,000
Electrical Admin 29.56 2 0 -3.2 $1,700
Electric Distribution 159.88 4 4 -39.68 $18,400
Fire Station 1 82.2 2 2 -19.84 $9,200
Fire Station 3 94.4 0 2 -16.64 $7,500
Homewood Clubhouse 47.36 1 0 -1.6 $850
Ice Arena 516.16 0 1 -8.32 $3,750
Ames Public Library 402.56 0 1 -8.32 $3,750
Parks & Rec Admin 40.46 2 0 -3.2 $1,700
Public Works & Fleet 174.89 4 8 4 72.96 $33,400
Technical Services Complex 300.48 2 2 -19.84 $9,200
Water Treatment Plant 948.8 2 2 -19.84 $9,200
*Level 3 fast charging excluded for cost and capacity analysis. Refer to report for more info.
B3 Benchmarking
Facility Comparison
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B3 Benchmarking Facility Comparison232City of Ames Energy Audit
Facilities that are eligible for a B3 Benchmark Rating are compared below. The B3 Benchmark Rating is an easy to
understand 1 to 5 star-ranking system. For the energy benchmark, it is based on the ratio of actual kBtu per square
foot compared to the benchmark kBtu per square foot model. A rating higher than 2 1/2 stars means the building is
performing better than expected. A rating less than 2 1/2 stars indicates greater potential for savings.
The B3 Peer Rating is another metric for comparing a building's energy performance to peer buildings. For example,
a building that ranks in the 85th percentile performs better than 85% of peer buildings in the B3 database by using
less energy per square foot.
The B3 Benchmarking database did not have sufficient data on certain types of peer facilities, such as parking
facilities, outdoor aquatic centers, and water treatment plants. Therefore the Ames Intermodal Facility, the Furman
Aquatic Center, and the Water Treatment Plant were excluded from the comparison below.
B3 Benchmarking Facility Comparison
B3
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B3 Benchmark Rating Comparison
B3 Percentile Rating Comparison
2.5
176
To:Mayor John Haila and the Ames City Council
From:Susan Gwiasda, Communications and Outreach Manager
Date:Oct. 28, 2025
Subject:Resident Satisfaction Survey 2025
Item No. 17
MEMO
Attached are the results of the 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey. This report
was created in partnership with the Institute for Design Research & Outreach,
College of Design, Iowa State University.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ames Resident Satisfaction Survey Report 2025.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
177
43rd Annual Report
Ames Residential
Satisfaction Survey
2025
CONDUCTED IN COOPERATION WITH INSTITUTE FOR DESIGN RESEARCH AND OUTREACH (IDRO), COLLEGE OF DESIGN, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
178
2025 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 2
2025 Ames Resident Satisfaction Survey 43rd ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT The City of Ames, Iowa, conducts an annual satisfaction survey of residents. In April 2025, the City mailed questionnaires to 1,350 city residents whose names were randomly selected from the City of Ames utility customers list (population=~20,000+). Additionally, 1,000 Iowa State University (ISU) students were randomly selected from a mailing list generated by the ISU Office of the Registrar. Stratified random sampling was used to have representation from the students based on classification (sophomore to graduate levels). First-year students were intentionally excluded from the ISU sample due to their minimal exposure to and use of the City of Ames’ services. Utility bill customers received a 12-page survey booklet via the U.S. mail. The booklet included the same standard benchmarking questions as presented in the 2024 survey. The survey was also available online. A link to the online survey was provided in the letter of introduction that was mailed out with the paper version of the survey. This link ensures that only randomly selected respondents have access to the survey. The online survey was available in five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean. The selected ISU students received the same online survey via email developed using the Qualtrics Survey Software. The analysis was completed with assistance from Nora Ladjahasan, Laurel Waterman, and Amy Logan from the Institute for Design Research & Outreach, College of Design, Iowa State University. The biggest change in this year's survey was the elimination of the section on personal mental health. This was replaced by a section on Human Services Agency Funding (ASSET); the survey asked about various ASSET funding services focused on mental health and substance use disorder needs, basic needs, and youth development services and activities. It asked respondents if they had used the various services and if the city should spend more or less on them. It also asked respondents to number which services should be the three highest priorities. Two minor changes were also made:
• Parks and Recreation section: two parks and recreation features (overall quality of indoor aquatics, and over quality of outdoor aquatics) were added to the list, and
• Sense of Community section (question C): added the following statements: “I served or considered serving on City Board or Commission,” and “Language barriers make it difficult to be involved in the community.” This statistical report summarizes results from 464 respondents who returned usable questionnaires: 232 came from Ames’s utility bill customers, referred to as non-student residents in this report (50%) and another 232 from ISU students (50%). Everybody who received a paper copy of the survey was classified and analyzed as non-student residents. Some (n=15) did not answer the question if they are full-time ISU students (missing information). Twelve percent of non-student residents (n=28) took the online survey. This is almost the same as last year (13%, or 30 non-student respondents). No one responded to the online survey using any of the other languages available. Only 232 surveys from the students were included in the analysis to have the same representation as the non-student residents. Incomplete surveys and those who had lived in Ames for a shorter period were excluded from the student samples. The response rate for the Ames residents’ group (non-student residents) was 17% and 50% for ISU students. The overall response rate for this year is 31%, which is 9% higher than last year (22%).
179
2025 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey 3
The number of questionnaires mailed or emailed included an oversampling of students in order to come up with the desired sample size that reflects target populations. The sample size needed to confidently generalize the findings was 382 for both groups (95% confidence level and a confidence interval of 5). The 464 complete surveys indicate we are over the required sample size. In other words, the findings or the data significantly reflect the responses of the total population. For more details on calculating sample size, refer to: https://www.calculator.net/sample-size-calculator.html
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4 2025 Ames Residential Satisfaction Survey
Respondents’ Personal and Social Characteristics Table 1 illustrates the personal and social characteristics of respondents who completed the questionnaire. Column 1 lists the categories of characteristics asked for in the survey. Columns 2-6 show personal and social characteristics of the individuals who completed surveys between the years of 2021 and 2025. When asked their length of residence, the most common answers were 1-3 years (26%), 4-6 years (20%), and over 10 years (42%). Over the past 5 years, these have had the highest percentages, but those who have lived in Ames over 10 years have increased and those who have lived 1-6 years have decreased. Over the past 5 years, the gender distribution of respondents has flipped every year. Last year, it was 58% female and 39% male; this year it was 38% female and 58% male. As usual, under 1% identified as non-binary or a 3rd gender and 3% preferred not to answer. Average age of the respondents in this year’s survey was 42.4 (22.1 years of age for ISU students, 57.2 for non-student residents). More than 1/3 (38%) were from 18-24 years of age (8% higher than last year’s survey. However, the 25-44 years of age was 8% lower than last year’s survey (22%). This year had the highest respondents over 75 years of age over the last five years (12%). The categories for race were White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Asian. 88% of respondents identified as White, 2% identified as Black or African American, .3% identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 5% identified as Asian. 1.8% identified as a different race and 3% preferred not to answer. This survey also asked if respondents identified as Hispanic or Latino. 5% said yes, 91% said no, and 4% preferred not to answer. For the educational attainment of respondents, <1% have had some high school education, 7% have a high school diploma, 35% have had some college education, 25% have had a college degree, 6% have had some graduate education, and 25% have a graduate degree. Over the past five years, those with some graduate education or a graduate degree have decreased, those with some college or a college degree have increased, and those with only a high school diploma have slightly increased. Of those who are not full-time Iowa State students, 42% are employed full-time, 47% are retired, 9% are employed part-time, 3% are a full-time homemaker, and 1% are unemployed. This shows an abnormally low number of those who work part-time and an abnormally high number of those who are retired compared to past years. Also, the number of unemployed respondents has decreased, and full-time respondents has increased over the years. As for the distribution of the household income of respondents, 35% had a household income of less than $25,000, 15% had $25,000 to $49,000, 15% had $50,000 to $74,999, 10% had $75,000 to $99,999, and 25% had over $100,000. Over the past 5 years, there has been an increase in respondents with a household income of $100,000+ and a decrease in those with below $50,000. Those with a household income of $50,000 to $99,999 have stayed consistent.
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Table 1. Demographic Characteristics
Characteristic 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Percent (%) Length of Residence Less than 1 year 0 1 12 <1 5 1-3 years 35 34 24 36 26 4-6 years 27 24 12 16 20 7-10 years 5 8 6 8 7 More than 10 years 33 34 46 41 42 Gender* Female 57 55 39 58 38 Male 41 42 58 39 58 Non-binary/3rd Gender 1 1 <1 <1 <1 Prefer not to answer 1 2 3 2 3 Age (18 and over)* 18-24 37 36 34 30 25-44 31 27 23 30 45-64 14 14 16 16 65-74 11 13 16 16 Over 75 7 10 10 8 Education* Some HS <1 1 <1 <1 <1 HS diploma 5 3 6 3 7 Some college 30 30 31 24 35 College degree 22 23 27 33 25 Some grad work 13 13 9 11 6 Graduate degree 30 30 27 28 25 Employment Status* Employed part-time 37 36 30 33 9 Employed full-time 35 30 31 34 42 Retired 18 23 28 24 47 Unemployed 8 10 9 7 1 Full-time homemaker 1 1 2 2 3 Household Income* Less than $25,000 40 42 34 34 35 $25,000-$49,999 19 16 15 16 15 $50,000-$74,999 15 14 12 15 15 $75,000-$99,999 8 6 10 10 10 $100,000+ 18 21 29 26 25
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Respondents who own vs rent their homes were evenly split this year with 50% owning and 50% renting. Over the past 5 years, respondents who rent have usually held a slight majority, due to about half of respondents being students. Those who rent were asked their reasoning for renting; 54% said it’s due to their short term stay in Ames, 27% said they lack adequate income, 16% said that renting has little or no upkeep, and 2% said it’s because of more security. Respondents who are homeowners differ from renters on several personal and social characteristics. Homeowners have lived in Ames longer than renters (29.1 years and 6.2 years, respectively). Of those who have lived in Ames for more than 10 years, 88% are homeowners. On the other hand, 90% of the renters have lived in Ames for less than 4 years. Not surprisingly, the average age of respondents who are homeowners (51 years old) tends to be older than renters (22 years old). Of those between 25 and 44 years old, more than half (61%) are renters, 39% are homeowners. In contrast, 96% of those under 25 years of age are renters, and 97% of full-time college students currently rent. For those with a college degree or higher, 75% are homeowners and 25% are renters. Finally, homeowners typically have higher household incomes than renters. Eighty-two percent of homeowners earn $50,000 or more, whereas only 18% of the renters earn more than $50,000. (Statistics from this paragraph are not shown in any tables.)
Table 2. Housing Characteristics
Housing Characteristics 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Percent (%) Housing type* Rent 57 53 47 52 50 Own 43 47 53 48 50 If rent, for what reason? Short-term stay in Ames 77 79 74 69 54 Lack of adequate income 37 44 45 39 27 Little or no upkeep 23 26 15 23 16 More security 6 7 8 6 2 Location of home Northwest 46 40 50 41 49 Southwest 29 34 25 33 27 Northeast 14 11 12 12 11 Southeast 11 15 12 14 13
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Respondents also were asked to identify the location of their home in Ames, as seen in Figure 1 below. Forty-nine percent of the respondents reside in the northwest part of the city (compared to 41% in 2024), Twenty seven percent (27%) are from southwest (33% in 2024), 11% from northeast (12% in 2024), and 13% from southeast side (14% in 2024). There are more respondents from northwest compared to last year and fewer from other parts of the city.
Figure 1. Geographic Sections
49% = Northwest 27% = Southwest 13% = Southeast 11% =Northeast
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Priorities for On-Going Services Survey respondents were asked to indicate their priorities for the upcoming City budget by indicating allocation levels (less, same, or more) on various services paid for by property or sales taxes. Budgeted funding amounts for each of the services were indicated. Table 3 shows the residents’ preferences about spending priorities. A majority of respondents reported that they would like the City of Ames to spend the same amount as the previous year on all 10 service priorities. Fire protection was the priority that had the highest percentage of those that believed the city budget should stay the same (82.7%), while public art programs had the lowest percentage (56.4%) of people indicating the budget should remain the same. The public arts funding is interesting because although a majority believe funding should remain the same, 18% indicated they would like less funding, and 26% would like to see additional funding for public art. On a scale of 1 to 3 (1 – less spending, 2 – same spending, and 3 – more spending), the priorities with an average closest to 2 are those that show strongest support to stay the same; this could either mean that a lot of people believe that funding should stay the same, or a fairly balanced number of people disagreed on increasing or decreasing the budget. For example, art programs had the lowest percentage to stay the same, but because many people voted both on a decreased and increased budget, the average stayed at 2.07. The higher above 2.0 means the stronger the support for increasing the budget and the lower below 2.0 means stronger support for a lower budget. Priorities with an average above 2.0 were parks activities, Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control, recreational opportunities, ASSET, CyRide, fire protection, arts programs, and Ames Public Library. Those under 2.0 were land use planning and law enforcement. The priorities with the strongest consensus for an increased budget are parks activities, Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control, recreational opportunities, and ASSET. The priority with the strongest indicator for a decreased budget was law enforcement, however it only fell below 2 by .11. These findings are in Table 3.
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Table 3. Ongoing Service Priorities, 2025
On-going Service (budgeted amount)
Should the city spend? …... Less (1) Same (2) More (3) Average Percent (%) Parks activities ($1,751,347) (n=392) 3.8 63.5 32.7 2.29 Ames Animal Shelter & Animal Control ($796,763) (n=393) 8.1 60.3 31.6 2.23 Recreational opportunities ($1,361,795) (n=391) 6.4 65.2 28.4 2.22 Human service agency funding (ASSET). ($2,020,807) (n=387) 9.6 65.9 24.5 2.15 CyRide (public transit) ($2,227,370) (n=391) 5.9 76.7 17.4 2.12 Fire protection. ($6,907,726) (n=393) 4.6 82.7 12.7 2.08 Arts programs (Public Art & COTA) ($298,978) (n=392) 18.1 56.4 25.5 2.07 Ames Public Library ($5,420,555) (n=393) 15.0 63.4 21.6 2.07 Land use planning (both current and long-term) ($1,152,104) (n=385) 14.8 71.9 13.2 1.98 Law enforcement ($12,082,884) (n=392) 23.7 63.3 13.0 1.89 Other (please specify_________________) (n=65) 3.1 64.6 32.3 2.29 “Other” Suggestions for On-Going Services
• Bike Paths and awareness.
• Building business infrastructure
• Campustown
• Climate action
• Conservation efforts and city cleanup
• Enforcing speed limits
• Erosion control
• Fire dept./EMS
• Flashing stop light
• Funding for addressing homelessness and helping affected individuals.
• Hotdogs
• Infrastructure
• Less money on law enforcement.
• Low-income housing
• More parking
• More public transport in general, Expanded Airport shuttle, more shuttles out to ISU satellite properties like research park/ASC/etc.
• Parking Enforcement
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• Protecting & creating green spaces/wildlife
• Snow plowing streets
• Streetscape 200,000-$500k
• Updating Traffic Lights Table 4 shows the five-year trends of the “spend more” responses for ongoing City services. Since 2021, the most significant increase in “spend more” responses were for recreational opportunities (19% increase from 2021), Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control (16% increase), and parks activities (13% increase). The most significant decreases in “spend more” since 2021 have been for land use planning (14% decrease) and CyRide (11% decrease). The biggest changes between 2025 and 2024 “spend more” responses were an 8% decrease for fire protection, a 6% decrease for CyRide, a 6% increase for art programs, and a 5% increase for Ames Public Library. Over the past 5 years, the ASSET (human services) funding trend has been that 25% or more respondents have indicated that Ames needs to “spend more” on these services. This trend suggests that many citizens see additional human services funding as a perennial need that requires additional funding.
Table 4. Trends in “Spend More” Responses for On-going Services (%)
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Parks activities 20 26 29 35 33 Ames Animal Shelter & Animal Control 16 25 23 29 32 Recreational opportunities 9 25 24 27 28 Human service agency funding (ASSET) 27 32 28 26 25 CyRide (public transit) 28 25 23 23 17 Fire protection 13 24 27 21 13 Arts programs (Public Art & COTA) 28 17 18 20 26 Ames Public Library 27 23 15 17 22 Land use planning (both current and long-term) 27 12 10 16 13
Law enforcement 18 21 18 16 13
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When comparing the demographics of respondents with their support of certain services some statistically significant differences have been identified. The demographic data examined included years lived in Ames, age, gender, full-time student status, home ownership, education, employment status, household income, and geographic residence in town. Level of support for increased spending for these two services (Fire protection and Recreational opportunities) were the same based on respondents’ demographic information. These groups of respondents supported increased spending on the following programs and services: • Arts Programs (Public Art &COTA)
o Short-term residents
o Younger residents (18 to 24 years of age) • Fire protection
o No demographic correlation • Human service agency funding (ASSET) agency
o Non-student residents
o Female • Law enforcement
o Homeowner
o Non-student residents
o Older respondent (older than 75 years of age) • Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control
o Female • Ames Public Library
o Short term residents • Land use planning (both current planning and long-term)
o ISU Student • Parks and amenities
o Household income of $125,000 - $149,999 • Recreational opportunities
o No demographic correlation • CyRide (public transit)
o Renter
o ISU Student
Comments on Funding Allocation for Programs and Services When asked for additional comments on funding allocation for programs and services, 45 respondents made comments. Some respondents felt like they did not have enough context or knowledge to answer the question. For example: • “I do not know. I am not informed enough to be able to offer a useful opinion.” • “I feel unqualified to answer funding allocation questions. I don't know enough. I also felt
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the questions were unfair by listing actual dollars instead of percentage of budget. I have no direct personal frame of reference to understand $12 million as anything other than more-money-than-I-understand.” • “I'm not familiar enough to comment on it.” • “This is hard since I do not know what these services need.” There were a few mixed comments on funding for police, with five respondents wanting to spend less on police and two wanting more. One specifically wanted more support for mental health services within the department. • “Ames police don't need all that money - give it to better things.” • “I made my comments on the police department before I saw these dollar amounts. It seems quite evident that a disproportionate amount is spent on law enforcement.” • “More assistance with mental health issues for police.” Other areas that respondents wanted more funding for included arts, parks and conservation, services and utilities, transportation, and homelessness. • “Arts create vibrant community, a sense of safety and place - outcomes and increased quality of life, and business, tourism!” • “I travel (the US) by Amtrak and see a lot of homelessness. We need to ensure we have cheap housing to prevent it happening here. I support that move. We need more funding for homelessness.” • “The city should beef up basic services- fire, police, water, streets, etc. Animal shelter may need extra transition funding + then hope to level off after the move.” • “More public transport and better walkable city planning, preservation of our green space and public arts and education programs and fixing those traffic lights that are unevenly timed.” • “Stop using pesticides and replace natural pest reduction techniques. Enforce on local farms, runoff reduction. Stop chemtrails from flying over Ames.” Lastly, there were some comments that mentioned overall satisfaction with funding for services and some other miscellaneous comments. • “I am pretty satisfied with things the way they are. We have only lived in Ames for 5 years, but we love it here!” • “It is important to fund certain aspects of the city so just continue to use the tax dollars to give back to the residents.” • “I would be willing to pay more taxes for increased budgets in these areas, and others if needed.” • “Land use planning appears to result in destroying the older neighborhoods of Ames and treating them as dumping ground rather than valued areas.” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Capital Improvement Priorities
Respondents were asked to prioritize seven suggested Capital Improvement Project (CIP) areas. Table 5 shows respondents’ 2025 CIP priorities. This is based on a 4-point scale (1- not very important, 2 - not important, 3 - important and 4 - very important). This year, the three highest priorities were reconstruction of existing streets (3.3 average), traffic flow improvements (3.3 avg.), and sustainable solutions to projects (3.3 avg.). The least important priorities were off street bike facilities improvements (3.0 average), energy efficient upgrades to municipal buildings (3.0 avg.), and improvements to existing recreational facilities (3.0 avg.).
Table 5. Capital Improvement Priorities, 2025
Capital Improvement Priorities
Somewhat or Very
Unimportant
Somewhat or
Very Important Average* Percent (%) Reconstructing existing streets 12 88 3.3 Traffic flow improvements 16 16 84 3.3 Sustainable solutions are incorporated into 16 84 3.3 18 82 3.1 Improvements to existing parks 17 83 3.1 Greenway Trails (recreational) improvements 20 80 3.1 Improvements to existing recreational facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.) 20 80 3.0 Energy-efficient upgrades to municipal buildings 22 78 3.0 Off-street bike facilities (commuter) improvements 26 74 3.0 Other (please specify) 26 74 3.7 *1=very unimportant; 2=somewhat unimportant; 3=somewhat important; 4=very important
Other responses: (n=17) • Apply + use grants etc. aggressively • Beautification. Get rid of junk commercial & signs & improve sidewalk safety • Generally, invest more in initial costs to avoid additional costs in upkeep/repair • Improve sidewalks • Improvement towards animal control (allowing them more funds) • Land Usage
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• Marking center lines • More parking • New animal shelter and more police officers • Parking for football games (ISU) • Please give us turning arrows on 13th/Grand East & West • Put in roundabouts • Riding the town of parking minimums • Shuttle to Ankeny/DSM • Sustainability! • We need the city to be more bike friendly on major streets • Zoning! Should not allow rentals in established neighborhoods!!!!! Table 6 shows trends in survey respondents’ views of the importance of CIP priorities in the last five years. Reconstructing existing streets and traffic flow improvements have consistently stayed at top priorities. With the addition of “sustainable solutions” and “improvements to existing parks” as options, these ended up towards the top of the list. Across all priorities, there has been an increase across the years (from 2021 to 2025) in those identifying these as important priorities. Some of the biggest increases were stormwater drainage improvements (9%), traffic flow improvements (6%), reconstructing existing streets (5%), and off-street bike facilities improvements (5%). The only priority that decreased from last year was improvements to existing recreational facilities, decreasing from 82% to 80%.
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Table 6. Trends in Capital Improvement Priorities (CIP)
Service 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Reconstructing existing streets 83 84 89 84 88 Sustainable solutions are incorporated to the above projects 84 Traffic flow improvements 78 83 82 82 84 Improvements to existing parks 83 Stormwater drainage improvements 73 75 78 76 82 Greenway Trails (recreational) improvements 77 77 76 79 80 Improvements to existing recreational facilities (e.g., aquatic center, auditorium, etc.) 78 76 76 82 80 Energy-efficient upgrades to municipal buildings 78 Off-street bike facilities (commuter) improvements 69 67 66 69 74 On-street bike facilities (commuter) improvements 66 65 62 69 Other 96 68 81 61 74 Survey respondents ranked their three highest CIP priorities. Table 7 shows the results of those rankings. Traffic flow improvements had the highest percentage in each ranked priority, followed by reconstructing existing streets. After that, sustainable solutions, improvements to existing parks, and off-street bike facilities had the next highest combined percentages. An interesting outlier was that greenway trails. It did not do well as a first priority (only received 3%) but was ranked much higher as a second (13.4%) and third priority (10.6%).
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Table 7. Ranking of Capital Improvement Priorities, 2025
Capital Improvement Priorities
1st Priority
(n=361) 2nd Priority
(n=359) 3rd Priority
(n=350) Percent (%) Traffic flow improvements 25.2 18.4 16.0 Reconstructing existing streets 23.5 11.7 13.7 Sustainable solutions are incorporated in the above projects 16.6 8.4 10.6 Improvements to existing parks 10.5 7.8 10.0 Off-street bike facilities (commuter) improvements 8.3 11.1 8.3 Improvements to existing recreational facilities (e.g. aquatic center, auditorium, etc.) 4.2 10.0 11.4
Energy-efficient upgrades to municipal buildings 3.3 7.2 10.0 Greenway trails (recreational) improvements 3.0 13.4 10.6 Storm water drainage improvements 3.0 11.1 8.9 Others 2.2 0.8 0.6
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Property Tax Adjustment
The city levy for the next year is $10.30 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. This means that the City portion of the property tax on a $100,000 home in Ames is about $489 after rollback. When respondents were asked their view about adjusting property taxes next year, 45% indicated they would prefer no change, 33% suggested decreasing property taxes, and 22% suggested an increase in property taxes. Figure 2 shows preferred property tax adjustments over the past five years. This year, the percentage of respondents indicating they would prefer a decrease in property tax increased by 4% (29% for 2024 and 33% for 2025). Twenty-two percent would accept an increase in property tax, which is also more compared to last year (18%). The percentage of “no change” decreased by 8% (from 53% in 2024 to 45% in 2025).
Figure 2. Trends in Preferred Property Tax Adjustments for Next Year
28%
30%
30%
29%
33%
54%
49%
48%
53%
45%
18%
21%
22%
18%
22%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Decrease No Change Increase
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Resident Satisfaction with City Services Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with nine services provided by the City of Ames. Responses were based on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 = “very dissatisfied”, 2 = “somewhat dissatisfied”, 3 = “somewhat satisfied”, and 4 = “very satisfied”) as well as a fifth option, “don’t know.” Figure 3 shows the level of satisfaction with city services continuing to be high. Fire & rescue satisfaction numbers climbed, but other categories remained stable or dropped slightly from 2024 results. Figure 3 shows that in the past five years, the level of satisfaction was steady with only minimal changes. In 2025, services that remained the same as 2024 survey were Parks & Rec, CyRide, drinking water system, electric services, law enforcement services (five out of nine services). The satisfaction levels of public library services, sanitary sewer services, and public nuisance enforcement were slightly lower by 0.1 compared to 2024 survey.
Figure 3. Perceived Satisfaction Levels on Services, 2021-2025
(1=very dissatisfied; 4=very satisfied)
Table 8 summarizes respondents’ satisfaction with City services. Overall, respondents are quite pleased with City services, as six of nine service areas received about 94% “somewhat or very satisfied” responses. Respondents were least satisfied with public nuisance enforcement services, with only 79% of respondents “somewhat or very satisfied,” followed by law enforcement services (89%).
3.8 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.4 3.1
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.5
Fire &Rescue Library Parks & Rec CyRide S sewer D Water Electric Law P Nuisance
20212022202320242025
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Table 8. Summary Table of Satisfaction with City Services (removing “don’t know”), 2025
City Services Dissatisfied Satisfied Percent (%) Fire & rescue services (n=311) 1.0 99.0 Library services (n=334) 1.8 98.2 Parks & recreation services (n=398) 2.3 97.7 Electric services (n=365) 3.0 97.0 Sewer system (n=367) 3.8 96.2 CyRide bus service (n==305) 3.9 96.1 Drinking water system (n=408) 5.6 94.4 Law enforcement services (n=368) 11.1 88.9 Public nuisance enforcement (e.g. noise, over-occupancy, yard upkeep) (n= 314) 21.3 78.7
Comments on City of Ames Services
Respondents made comments that generally fell into one of two categories. The first being overall satisfaction with the City’s services, and the second being critiques or improvement for specific services. Of those who claimed City services in Ames were satisfactory, comments include: • “In general, Ames provides excellent services.” • “Think we enjoy living in Ames for the City takes care of us citizens” • “I am proud to live in Ames- Ames is a great place to live and work! All my encounters with the City of Ames services have been positive.” Of those who were unsatisfied, topics they mentioned ranged from property and housing enforcement to police and emergency services. Several respondents complained about the appearance and upkeep of properties. Another mentioned the synced leases by landlords that leave people homeless for several days. Others complained about unsatisfactory services from the police or the desire for more funding for them and emergency services. Most other comments highlight a specific City service with issues or suggestions. Some respondents stated that they are mostly satisfied but still had a recommendation for improvement. Topics include streets, traffic, water, CyRide, bike trails, and other miscellaneous issues. • “CyRide that reach far west Ames (especially purple) should offer a wider variety of times in the middle of the day.” • “I don't like how we're switching four-lane roads to two to accommodate a bike line, because so few cyclists utilize them. 16th St. and Duff St. are nightmares, I go through it multiple times a day, and in all these years I have only seen 3-5 cyclists.” • “Parks + Rec. swim lessons fill quickly. Sometimes hard to get a spot.”
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• “Very concerned about people sleeping in public spaces + the safety issues that it brings.” • “We could use more paved bike trails.” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Police Department When respondents were asked if they ever interacted with the Ames police department in the last 12 months related to an investigation, traffic, accident, etc., less than a quarter (19%) said yes (n=78). Of this, 55% were non-student residents and 45% were ISU students. Respondents were presented with eight possible Ames police department outreach events and were asked to indicate if they have attended any of those events. Table 9 shows that just over a quarter (27%) have attended training or education program, followed by National Night Out (22%), and Donuts in the Park (17%). The rest were attended by less than 15% of the respondents. Comparing the non-ISU residents and ISU students, more non-ISU residents attended a Training or Education Program (32%) compared to an ISU student (10%). Only 7% of the ISU students attended the Citizen Police Academy compared to non-ISU residents (12%). There were no ISU students who reported attending National Night Out, compared to the 15% non-ISU residents who reported attending. However, there were more ISU students (33%) who attended Shop with a Cop than non-ISU residents who attended (21%). A sizeable number of respondents mentioned other events or situations where they interacted with the police that were not listed in the survey. In analyzing the responses, there may be confusion between the Ames Police and Iowa State University public safety officers. Other interactions include: • Accident • At ISU campus events • At my dorm in the past there was a donut event where the cop told us about different parts of law enforcement in Ames • College orientation • Destination Iowa State • Event planning • Events at Iowa State • Iowa State Career Fair • ISU CJ Department Events • ISUPD Dog Therapy Event • Service clubs’ presentations • Speed violation • StuGov! • Traffic stop • Trinity CHR reformed Church Trunk or Treat
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Table 9. Outreach Events interacting with Ames Police Department, 2025
Outreach Event
(n=64)
Total
Non-ISU
Resident
(n=34)
ISU Student
(n=30) Percent (%) Training or Education Program (n=17) 27 32 10 National Night Out (n=14) 22 15 Donuts in the Park (n=11) 17 21 13 Coffee with Cops (n=7) 11 12 10 Citizen Police Academy(n=6)9 12 7 Shop with a Cop (n=5) 8 21 33 Other (n=18) 28 21 37
Thinking about priorities for law enforcement, the first three priorities for the law enforcement residents would like to see emphasized were Traffic Enforcement in High Accident Areas (first priority, 67%), followed by Safety Programming and Training (Active Shooter, Scams, Alcohol regulations, etc.) (second priority, 65%), and lastly, Residential Patrolling (45%) as the third priority. (Table 10)
Table 10. Three Priorities for law enforcement, 2025
Priorities (n=441) Percent (%) Priority Traffic Enforcement in High Accident Areas (n=294) 67 1st Safety Programming and Training (Active Shooter, Scams, Alcohol regulations, etc.) (n=288) 65 2nd Residential Patrolling (n=198) 45 3rd Police Outreach (n=165) 37 Animal Control and Sheltering (n=105) 24 Business District Patrolling (n=100) 23 Retail Alcohol Monitoring/Enforcement (n=99) 22 Parking Regulations (n=29) 7
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Table 11 shows the five-year trends for Police Department activities that should receive “more emphasis/ more priority” (for 2025 survey). It is important to note that the wording and options for the Police section part of the survey was updated in 2024, so the five-year data reflects different options provided to the survey takers. The following are the noticeable changes by year.
• The two new activities added to the 2024 survey remain the highest priorities for 2025. Those two were traffic enforcement in high accident areas and safety programming and training (Active Shooter, Scams, Alcohol regulations, etc.).
• Although remaining tied for the second priority (63%) for the 2024 survey, Residential Patrolling dropped to third with a significant decrease (45% in 2025).
• Parking Regulations remained the last in the priority list, however, it still saw a decrease as a priority compared to 2024 (11% in 2024 to 7% in 2025).
Table 11. Trends in “More Emphasis” for Police Department Activities
Police Department Activity “More Emphasis” (%)
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Traffic Enforcement in High Accident Areas 11 10 17 66 67 Safety Programming and Training (Active Shooter, Scams, Alcohol regulations, etc.) 63 65 Residential Patrolling 19 13 21 63 45 Police Outreach 40 37 Animal Control and Sheltering 15 15 18 23 24 Business District Patrolling 8 8 10 22 23 Retail Alcohol Monitoring/Enforcement 19 23 22 23 22 Parking Regulations 5 5 9 11 7
Comments on Police Department
One-third of the comments revealed satisfaction with the police department with comments noting officers do a great job, are a great resource, or have had good interactions with them. A couple of comments mentioned the need for continued or increased funding.
• I view our Police as protections of our social order. They do it well in Ames.
• My experience with the Ames Police Dept. about 3 years ago when I was the victim of credit card fraud was wonderful, they helped me very much.”
• No interaction with police services for many years... yet very grateful for their services and professionalism.”
• Thank you for keeping our community safe!
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• They are very good! The Facebook page is very helpful too - w/ timely information.
• We have an outstanding police department who go way above and beyond with all that they do. They are transparent and have many outreach events. I just wish there were more of them.
• Keep it growing. Retain them and make sure your salary schedule is in line with the area. Make sure they are funded fully with the best equipment.” Some common complaints were about the need for better training, over policing or being too strict, or accounts of harmful interactions with police officers or the department.
• Community policing (I think it's called) Training in sensitivity & profiling I don't think I have seen any foot/cycle/horse patrols anywhere outside of a special city event.
• De-escalation training
• I think they focus too much on petty stuff honestly sometimes, but way better than ISU PD.
• It seems the P.D. is exceptionally large - a disproportionate amount of money is spent on it. I can't believe the number of P.D. vehicles at the lot by the station. I once assault rifles being unpacked outside the station?? Do we really need so many weapons in what seems like a safe city? Of course, safety is important, but do we need so many police?
• Mixed experiences depending on which officers respond. had a weird interaction w/ officer re: parking ticket. I wanted to take it + leave but he wanted me to answer a trivia question. Felt very condescending + kind of creepy (am female). Other complaints focused on increased enforcement and action regarding traffic (speeding and parking), drugs and alcohol, gun violence, and public safety
• Speeding on Lincoln Way, South 4th, South 16th between University + Duff, and Mortenson needs to be cracked down on whether ISU students are here.
• I'm very concerned about the current "carrying" laws and young people here, mix in booze, competitive events, etc. + trouble will follow.
• I have observed serious issues with people running red lights throughout Ames, but especially on Lincoln Way around ISU. As a high pedestrian stretch of road, I look to the Ames Police Department to do more to reduce reckless driving behavior in this part of town.
• I think they should focus less on parking issues and more on the safety of the town.
• One of my biggest concerns in the US is the potential risk of an encounter of an active shooter to any member of my family and friends. Unfortunately, I don’t know what I can do to help mitigate this problem.
• People who park in handicapped places + leave when cops come because they have no permit (pub. lib)
For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Figure 4. Comments on Police Department
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Fire Department Survey respondents reported their satisfaction with Ames Fire Department activities. Table 12 shows respondents’ satisfaction ratings. For each activity, at least 55% of survey respondents responded with “Don’t know” (which was excluded in the analysis in Table 12). All of the respondents were somewhat/very satisfied with extinguishing fires (100%), followed by emergency response time (98.4%), then Emergency medical responses (98.1%), and finally Fire prevention activities and community outreach (96.5%).
Table 12. Satisfaction with Fire Department Activities (“don’t know” removed), 2025
Fire Department Activity
Very/Somewhat
Dissatisfied
Somewhat/Very
Satisfied Percent (%) Extinguishing fires (n=130) 0 100 Emergency response time (n=186) 1.6 98.4 Emergency medical responses (n=160) 1.9 98.1 Fire prevention activities and community outreach (n=202) 3.5 96.5
Comments on Fire Department Out of the 61 respondents who left a comment on the fire department, 48% said they had never interacted or had to use the fire department’s services.
• Fortunately, we've never needed to call them!
• Haven't had to use. I hear sirens so am assuming their response time is adequate?
• I thankfully have not had to call or use the fire department.
• Thankfully, they never needed them for a real emergency. 59% had good things to say, whether there were overall satisfaction and compliments, or specific comments on fast response time or good outreach and events. There was some overlap with the comments that had never used the fire department but still had a good perception of it.
• Thankfully, I have not had to have the fire dep. come to my house. I have taken my grandkids to open house\educational events at the fire station + they loved shooting the hoses + climbing in the fire trucks. The fire people around here seem nice!
• Loved the Fire Safety event put on by the Fire Department for the community. My child was very engaged and learned a lot!
• The Ames Fire Department consistently delivers outstanding service. The leadership—Chief Higgens and his deputy chief set a strong example through their professionalism, responsiveness, and accessibility. The firefighters themselves are reliable, respectful, and bring a sense of calm competence to every interaction. This is a well-leading and well-supported department.
• Their response was excellent when a car ran into our house.
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• As an RA, I find the fire department SUPER helpful and great to work with!
• Great interactions with youth.
• I have used city ambulances a couple times and response time mostly very good. Other comments mentioned that they would like to see more stations or there should me more emphasis on outreach.
• Relocation of fire station #2 is badly needed. A fourth station in northern Ames would be great.
• See FD staff at grocery store- an opportunity for outreach.
• I would like to see more promotion for the fire/EMS here in Ames not just during fire prevention week. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 5. Comments on Fire Department
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Ames Electric Services
Survey respondents were asked questions regarding Ames Electric Services, including questions about power outages, satisfaction with various aspects of the Electric Services department, and the SunSmart Ames project. Of the 464 total respondents only 96% (n=445) respondents answered this question. Of those who responded, 23% said they don’t know (n=102). Combining the “yes” and “no” responses only, 88% of the respondents have electricity in their homes provided by the city in 2025. The number of respondents who have experienced a power outage fluctuates yearly and is nearly always connected to weather conditions. Table 13 demonstrates this fluctuation; In 2021, over 80% of those surveyed reported experiencing an outage due to the derecho in August 2020. This year marked a significant decrease in those who experienced a power outage, decreasing by 18% since 2024, down to 30%. There was a slight decrease in those who experienced a power surge, decreasing by 4% since 2024, down to 11%.
Table 13. Respondents’ Experience with Electric Service Interruption
Interruption “Yes” (%)
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Experienced power outage 80 43 53 48 30 Experienced power surge which affected computer operations 24 12 18 15 11 Table 14 shows satisfaction rates with Electric Department services. “Does Not Apply” responses were excluded in this analysis. Ninety-six percent of Ames customers were somewhat or very satisfied with the quality of power, and 97% were satisfied with the response of employees. There was also a high rate of satisfaction with ease of reporting an outage (94%), response of employees (94%), time to restore service (92%), and being informed of progress restoring services (89%). 21% of respondents reported being very/somewhat dissatisfied with electric rates.
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Table 14. Satisfaction with Electric Department Services, 2025
Electric Service
Very/somewhat
dissatisfied
Somewhat/ very
satisfied Average Percent (%) The quality of power (n=317) 3 97 3.7 Ease of reporting an outage (n=225) 6 94 3.6 Response of employees (n=204) 6 94 3.5 Time to restore service (n=232) 8 92 3.5 Being informed of progress restoring services (n=241) 11 89 3.4 Electric rates(n=313) Figure 6 shows the five-year trends in satisfaction with the Ames Electric Department. The satisfaction levels have remained constant across each category over the five-year period, with variations from year to year. Each category stayed the same in 2025, other than “ease of reporting an outage” which only increased by 0.1 point.
Figure 6. Satisfaction with City Electric Department activities, 2021-2025
Respondents were asked to gauge their interest in participating in the SunSmart Ames community solar farm (https://www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar). Ames Electric Services established a 2MW solar farm to provide renewable energy to customers. Ames Electric Services customers may purchase shares of the project at $240 per share" and receive monthly credit on their utility bill for 20 years. Only 7% of respondents indicated that they are participating in the project. The survey then asked
3.7 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.1
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.0
Quality of
power
Ease of
reporting an
outage
Time to restore
service
Response of
employees
Being informed
of progress
restoring
service
Electric rates
20212022202320242025
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for feedback on why they are not participating. Of those not participating, 50% specified that their stay in Ames is short-term, 29% responded that it was too expensive, and 8% stated they were uninterested. Other reasons (26%) for not wanting to participate in the program include not knowing enough about the project or not being aware of the program, not qualifying for the project because they are still living in an apartment, old age, not cost effective, apathy, and not thinking it’s a sound-long-term project.
Comments on Ames Electric Service Forty-one survey respondents left comments about the Ames Electric Service, with almost half being about overall satisfaction or having no issues with their electric services.
• Have always been a great service, they just helped me last night.
• I love Ames Electric Services and its solar initiative!
• I was very impressed with the customer service when setting it up for the first time.
• Love the electric price in Ames. I just hope they can meet the power demand in the next 30 years. I found out that over 10 years the power pack was too expensive for me.
• Overall good services
• I really appreciate the approach in Ames to efficient lighting! Dark sky fixtures and adding solar you folks are the best!!!
• We are so fortunate to have such a responsive crew. They are highly effective often in extremely poor weather conditions. Thank you :) Many other respondents used this question to provide comments about SunSmart, due to a previous SunSmart question being directly above. Ten respondents commented positively about the program, many saying they admire it.
• I would participate in SunSmart Ames if I knew I would be staying here after college! That is a wonderful program.
• Seems like a good opportunity
• SunSmart Ames is such a cool project, and if I were in town long-term, I would absolutely participate.
• This is so cool! There were a few complaints requested about SunSmart improvements and miscellaneous issues.
• [SunSmart] Seems somewhat expensive.
• Renewable energy initiations allow people to feel better about themselves while the only actual "Real" result they produce is increasing the cost of energy rates.
• When I first bought my Ames home, I was auto enrolled in the program where Ames can control your AC, but I knew nothing about it. Come summer my AC was switching off and it took me a while to figure it out, and it was incredibly unsettling. I called and asked for it to be disconnected--and the tech even showed me when he came out that he was completely
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cutting the wires, which made me feel back in control, but I really wish I would have been asked vs. forced. Lastly, a few people requested that Ames continue to use and improve renewable energy, specifically solar, and their trash incineration practices.
• I want more community solar.
• I would like to see solar become a larger part of electricity generation in Ames.
• Continue increasing the renewable energy in the area, though could we find a clean thing to mix with the garbage, like bio diesel from algae or hydrogen in the power plant?
• I hope City continues to provide electricity via trash incineration to reduce landfill issues, power has rarely failed here even when neighboring towns have outages. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 7. Comments on Ames Electric Services
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Drinking Water Service
Of the respondents who use City of Ames drinking water and sanitary sewer services, the majority reported never having problems such as too much pressure (93%), soft water (91%), rust (83%), disagreeable taste or odor (80%), too little pressure (74%), sediment or cloudy appearance (76%), and hard water (74%). Figure 8a shows the frequencies of water service problems as reported in 2025. Most respondents who have experienced water problems indicated they had problems once or twice in the past year. Too much pressure and soft water had the least number of reports. Sediment or cloudy appearance and too little pressure had the highest number of reports at each frequency, except at 7+ problems in the past year, where hard water had the most (10%). Figure 8b shows the percentage of respondents reporting no water problems for the past five years (2021 to 2025). Historically, Ames residents are pleased with their water, with the few issues in too much pressure and soft water, and the most within too little pressure and hard water.
Figure 8a. Frequencies of Water Service Problems, 2025
0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0100.0
Never 1-2X 3-6X 7+
Too much pressureSoft waterRustDisagreeable taste or odorSediment or cloudy appearanceToo little pressureHard water
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Figure 8b. Respondents Reporting No Water Service Problems, 2021-2025
Comments on Drinking Water Services
Most comments about drinking water indicated they were pleased with the quality and taste, with many saying it’s great, good, excellent, or the best. Others just commented on the pleasing taste of the water or reported no issues.
• Great quality!
• Ames has some of the best water. We are very satisfied with it.
• Ames has the best water. We get spoiled with how good it is.
• Award winning water!! Hooray for Ames!
• I love the quality of Ames drinking water.
• Perfect almost always
• It's the best in Iowa for a reason!
• Best tasting water, I have ever had. While there were many positive comments, respondents also shared their concerns about hard water and its residue and build-up, some who do not like the taste or believe the quality is poor,
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issues with hydrant flushing, worries about pollution, or comments about temporary issues that have been resolved.
• Although Ames has some of the best tap water/drinking water, I think it would be beneficial to test for PFAs and other potential contaminates on a regular basis at multiple locations around the city and make this data available for the public if it isn't already.
• I always have sediment in the bottom of my water bottle after filling from the tap.
• I think I'm an outlier here, but I do not like the taste of Ames water. I can't drink it unless it's been iced.
• In the last 5 years, the water in our neighborhood runs reddish/brown more often. Leaves pinkish red stains in bathtub, sinks, washer, some clothes. it keeps getting worse over time. :(
• Significant rust after hydrant flushing; had to run enough water that increased my monthly bill significantly.
• Water is really hard and builds up on our clothes. Still, we love the taste.
• We just had truly little to no water coming from the taps once and it was resolved within a day. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 9. Comments on Drinking Water Service
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Water and Pollution Control Department Survey respondents were asked to provide their level of satisfaction with water quality and rates on a scale of 1 – Very Dissatisfied to 4 – Very Satisfied. Respondents could also choose “Does not apply.” The satisfaction rates are reported in Table 15. 92% of those surveyed were satisfied with water quality, 82% with water rates, and 79% with sewer rates. Comparing this data to 2024, it remains steady but had a 3% increase in dissatisfaction with water rates and a 6% increase in dissatisfaction with sewer rates. Customer satisfaction is still very high among all three categories. Water quality ranked highest with an average score of 3.6 out of 4, indicating high satisfaction level.
Table 15. Satisfaction with Water & Pollution Control Department Services, 2025
*“Does not apply” excluded when calculating percentages for “very dissatisfied” to “very satisfied.” Figure 10 shows trends in the number of people experiencing problems related to the City’s sewer or stormwater system over the past decade. Generally, fewer than 10% of respondents experienced back-up or flooding problems. Previous major weather events have caused these numbers to change in certain years. For example, in 2017 and 2019. This year, a significant number of respondents (20%) experienced drain or sewer backup events on their property, compared to 11% in 2024. Of the 87 people with drain backup problem, only 10 reported the issue to the city. The survey also asked respondents if they had experienced stormwater flooding onto their properties from the street in the past year. Fewer (5%) reported stormwater flooding compared to backups. Only two of the 20 respondents who experienced flooding reported the problem to the City.
Service
Very/Somewhat
Dissatisfied
Very/Somewhat
Satisfied Average Percent (%) Water quality (n=402) 8 92 3.6 Water rates (n=354) 18 82 3.1 Sewer rates (n=353) 21 79 3.1
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Figure 10. Respondent’s Experience with City Sewer System Problems, 2016-2025
Comments on Water and Pollution Control There were 35 comments connected to the Water Pollution and Control section. Comments range from topics on stormwater management, satisfaction, costs, and garden watering, communication about water, and water quality. Several respondents commented that they were satisfied or had no issues. One respondent mentioned an excellent notification for hydrant flushing in their neighborhood. Another recalled when Public Works went “above and beyond” when fixing their sump pump. However, there was some concern expressed about Ames’ water rates. One comment said, “Everything is getting more expensive, and income is staying the same it’s getting harder to pay bills.” Another said, “Water rates keep increasing!” Some respondents highlighted poor stormwater drainage on or near their property, or in spots observed throughout Ames. “My back yard is next to a drainage area. I am used to occasional high-water runoff.” Another said, “Stormwater backs up on the driveway of the alley. City did some mitigation years ago when it encroached on the garage. It is only a minor nuisance now.” Some respondents reported poor water quality, “Iowa's cancer rates continue to rise. What can be done now to reduce these mortality rates? The DNR regularly reports wastewater spills. What can be done to protect our water quality safety + also reduce these spills?” A few other respondents mentioned unsatisfactory options for watering their garden or yard. Others mentioned problems with City communication about water, “Need to be more communicative about stormwater issues and why we are increasing rates - benefits of stormwater
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Drain/sewer backed upStorm water flooded property
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projects for resilience, minimizing long term & immediate risks, cumulative impacts of system improvements- be more like the electrical services.” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 11. Comments on Water and Pollution Control Services
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Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement Table 16 illustrates survey respondents’ satisfaction with the City’s neighborhood nuisance enforcement efforts for different violations. Over half of respondents reported “Don’t know” for each violation, ranging from 57% for outdoor storage and yard upkeep to 79% for over-occupancy. These individuals were excluded from the calculated satisfaction percentages. Among those who expressed opinions regarding their satisfaction, the majority reported being “somewhat satisfied” to “very satisfied” with each enforcement effort: dangerous structures (73%), front yard parking (66%), noise limits (64%), outdoor storage (64%), over-occupancy (64%), and yard upkeep (62%). When satisfaction level was compared against the respondents’ geographic residences, the level of satisfaction was the same regardless of where a respondent lives for all nuisance ordinance enforcements.
Table 16. Satisfaction in Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement, 2025
Nuisance
Very/Somewhat
Dissatisfied
Very/Somewhat
Satisfied Average Percent (%) Dangerous structures (dilapidated, unsecured, holes, collapsing) (n=160) 27 73 2.9 Front yard parking on residential properties (n=144) 34 66 2.9 Noise limits (n=175) 36 64 2.8 Outdoor storage on property (junk cars, tires, furniture, garbage (n=189) 36 64 2.8 Over-occupancy in rental property (n=94) 36 64 2.8 Yard upkeep (overgrown vegetation) (n=191) 38 62 2.8
Comments on Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement Of the 51 respondents who commented on neighborhood nuisance enforcement, 14 reported having no issues. One respondent said, “I am glad the City has such ordinances and that they are enforced. None have been an issue yet where I live.” Another said, “I've never submitted a report.” The rest left comments with various concerns. Most concerns were about property maintenance such as yard upkeep, garbage, junk, or building maintenance and/or the lack of enforcement.
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• Need to put some teeth behind the enforcement of poorly maintained properties with slum lords who can do so much better. Hope this changes or I will consider another. Never been impressed by the realtors, property mgrs., etc., and landlords.
• Rental ordinance enforcement is nearly nonexistent. You should not rely on see-click-fix. Mowing vegetation overgrowth, sidewalk shoveling are huge issues with rentals.
• The appearance of rental properties on Lincoln Way is very poor.
• The apt complex directly north of our property continues to accumulate garbage on our property. Their dumpster isn't adequately large enough for their residents, and residents continue to just throw garbage down the hill onto our property.
• A house has been abandoned in our neighborhood for several years. Racoons and other animals are living inside it. City inspections have said they can't do anything about it.
• Did not continue/take further even though the issues did not stop. Other complaints revolved around noise such as dog barking or fireworks, parking, junk cars, and overoccupancy.
• Fireworks & parties in campus town while visiting a friend I don’t even call these things anymore.
• I am not aware of noise limits - maybe people could stop lawn mowing and especially leaf blowing after a certain time.
• Reported one major 'Over Occupancy' and was ignored: no call back/no response. Several respondents complained about overenforcement, believing violations or fines are too strict or reported too often.
• I'm not, nor never will be, a fan of the "City of Ames HOA ordinance" that was recently passed. Someone's overgrown vegetation or old shed is not a nuisance to someone else.
• I’ve known people to be charged because the grass in their lawn was slightly too tall and fined even after shoveling their sidewalk to their best extent during the snowstorms these past years. It’s a bit ridiculous.
• Overgrown lawns are such a pointless nuisance ordinance. Perfect 1950's-esque lawns are asinine in the first place. The City should not waste their time caring for what people do on their own property unless it poses an imminent hazard to other people. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Figure 12. Comments on Nuisance Enforcement
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Street Maintenance Residents were given the opportunity to rate street maintenance using a four-point scale from “very poor” (1) to “very good” (4) in several different aspects such as snow plowing or street sweeping. The average values ranged from 2.9 to 3.3, meaning the road services were rated from good to very good. “Good” and “Very Good” made up a large percentage of responses in all aspects, with the least satisfaction with snow plowing in neighborhoods (73%) and the most with street sweeping in business areas (94%).
Table 17. Road Service Ratings, 2025
Road Service
Poor/Very
Poor
Good/Very Good Average Percent (%) Street sweeping in business areas (n=322) 6.2 93.8 3.3 Snow plowing on major streets (n=433) 9.9 90.1 3.3 Appearance of medians and parkways (n=427) 10.3 89.7 3.2 Surface condition of major streets (n=428) 13.3 86.7 3.1 Maintenance of bike path system (on street lanes & paths) (n=345) 13.6 86.4 3.1 Street sweeping in your neighborhood (n=359) 13.6 86.4 3.1 18.5 81.5 3.1 Ice control at intersections (n=419) 20.0 80.0 3.0 Snow plowing in your neighborhood (n=429) 27.3 72.7 2.9
Figures 13a and 13b compare the respondents’ ratings of the quality of street maintenance over the past five years. Seven out of nine street maintenance features had an average score higher than 3.0. Historically, ice control at intersections and snow plowing in neighborhoods have had the lowest scores, however ice control has increased somewhat over the years, and snow plowing has slightly improved from last year. In 2025, six of the nine street maintenance features mentioned in Table 17 were viewed the same regardless of geographic residence. However, the following maintenance features were rated highest by the following residents: snow plowing in your neighborhood (northwest residents); snow plowing on major street (northeast residents); and street sweeping in your neighborhood (southwest residents).
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Figure 13a. Quality of Street Maintenance Features (2021-2025)
Figure 13b. Quality of Street Maintenance Features Continued (2021-2025)
The survey also asked respondents to rate the effectiveness of coordination between traffic signals. Table 18 shows that when categories were combined, 54% of respondents perceived that the traffic signal coordination was “often and/or almost always” effective, compared to 37% who perceived the coordination “rarely to sometimes” effective. This is a slight decrease in effectiveness from last year. 8% indicated they don’t know.
3.3 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.1
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Street sweeping inbusiness areas Snow plowing onmajor streets Appearance ofmedians/parkways Surface condition ofmajor streets Maintenance of bikepath (on streetlanes/paths)2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
3.1 3.1 3.0 2.9
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Street sweeping inneighborhood Condition of streets inneighborhood Ice control at intersections Snow plowing in yourneighborhood20212022202320242025
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Table 18. Signal Coordination Effectiveness (n=443), 2025
Percent (%) Often effective 33 Sometimes effective 29 Almost always effective 21 Don’t know 8 Rarely effective 8
Comments on Traffic Signals
Comments on traffic signals tended to fall under three categories: a specific traffic issue, a specific road or intersection, or a specific issue on particular road or intersection. Traffic issues mentioned included timing and coordination of lights, turning arrows, crosswalks, turning lanes, and road conditions.
• I have never lived in a town with more stop lights where the untimed light creates way too much traffic. These factors lead to an already taxed number of vehicles. Why??
• I know they are coordinated but many times it doesn't seem that way. Strive for consistency in left turn signals ... they seem to differ in various areas
• Our crosswalk policy and codes are archaic for a population of this size but so is the rest of Iowa. Cars don't have to yield to pedestrians according to the police.
• New road on West 24- nice road but top surface terrible.
• We need more proper turn lanes.
• Some intersections the signal from yellow to red is very fast. The most common streets with issues, and with their intersections, were Lincoln Way, Grand Avenue, Duff Avenue, and 13th Street. These are the biggest arterials in Ames.
• You must always stop at traffic lights everywhere, particularly on Lincoln Way and Duff Ave. In Cedar Falls, we had roundabouts instead so rarely had to wait at traffic lights, and when I worked in downtown Waterloo, all the traffic signals were well-timed.
• I often get stopped by red light repeatedly on Grand Ave.
• I wish the Hyland-Ontario/13th St. intersection were a bit quicker for people turning left from Hyland.
• Lincoln Way at sometimes during the day, it is impossible to drive through two green lights. I must stop at every single traffic light due to lack of coordination.
• Streetlights need to be synced on Duff. The flow of lights is inefficient and impairs the flow of traffic. While various intersections along these streets were mentioned, the most common was the
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intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue, with many complaining about turning left and the lack of turning lanes or arrows.
• We really need a green arrow system on 13th and Grand. I'm afraid of turning to the left to get to North Grand Mall. It feels unsafe.
• They added a Left turn arrow on 16th and Grand which has been AWESOME, and my next suggestion is putting a Left turn arrow for 13th and Grand because when on 13th St., turning Left onto Grand is very slow and often dangerous and would benefit greatly.
• There needs to be a left signal sign at the intersection of Grand Ave and 13th Street. The road is weirdly elevated, and it is difficult to see oncoming traffic when turning left, so a green arrow light would be very effective there.
• Put a left turn arrow on 13th + Grand eastbound.
• I hear this is in the works already, but a solution to the traffic issues on 13th/Grand would be appreciated. (Left Turns) There were a few respondents that reported they had no issues, “No issues,” “They are very functional,” and “work well overall.” Lastly, there were a few that had miscellaneous comments or complaints, “They do not make sense,” “State + Mortensen can be a huge back up during am/pm commute,” and “Medians & side streets with rain gardens are always beautiful! :) excellent job on these.” For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 14. Comments on Traffic Signals
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CyRide CyRide is the community-wide transit system serving both Iowa State University and Ames. It is funded through the City of Ames (from property taxes), ISU administration (from the general fund), and ISU students (from student fees). Figure 15 shows the difference in ridership between those identifying as students and non- students. Among those respondents who used CyRide at least once a week, 82% were students. 13% were non-students, which is a 9% decrease from last year. Within the past five years, more students have been riding the bus and fewer non-students have been.
Figure 15. Use CyRide at least once a week, 2021-2025
In 2025, 46% of survey respondents reported some weekly use of CyRide, which is a little higher than last year (42%), but the same as previous year. In the past five years, CyRide has averaged around 44% ridership (between 42% and 46%). In 2025, 54% of respondents reported they never rode the bus. Those who use CyRide once a week decreased by 2% from last year, two to six times a year increased by 2%, seven to ten times stayed the same, and more than ten times increased by 3% (Table 19). A correlation was found between resident demographics and CyRide usage. CyRide users are mostly younger (under 48 years of age) and have stayed in Ames for a shorter period (average 6 years). The non-CyRide users were older (average age 54) and have lived in Ames longer (average 25 years). The majority of those who used CyRide were students (84%) and mostly renters (87%).
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
Student Non-student
20212022202320242025
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Table 19. Respondents’ weekly CyRide usage, 2021 - 2025
Weekly Use 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Percent (%) Never 56 56 54 58 54 2 to 6 times 25 18 19 16 18 7 to 10 times 8 12 13 13 13 More than 10 times 5 7 10 7 10 Once a week 6 7 4 6 4
When respondents were asked what would make them consider using CyRide, if they are not currently using it, more than half (57%) said “nothing.” Nearly one in five (18%) said they would use the service if it were more frequent on nearby routes. Additional factors that would encourage increased CyRide ridership included fare-free rides (17%), if service was provided to more areas of Ames (15%), if service is offered on my route longer during the day (12%), and if the fare when boarding the bus was lower (3%). (Table 20).
Table 20. Services that would make you consider using CyRide if not currently using this
service (n=210), 2025
(n=210) Number Percent Nothing 120 57 Service was more frequent on routes near me 37 18 The fare when boarding the bus was at no cost 35 17 Services were provided to more areas of Ames 32 15 Service was offered on my route longer during the day (earlier or later times) 25 12 The fare when boarding the bus was lower 6 3 Other (specify) 33 16
Other Responses to Consider Using CyRide
• A stop closer to us; extended hours of services
• Allow dogs.
• Fare rates are confusing.
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• Fast passes?
• If I had mobility issues or the weather was bad, I would use it
• I still can drive a car.
• I walk or drive myself around.
• I would like to try it. We got a map when we moved here 5 yrs ago.
• If I could no longer drive myself
• If I didn’t have a car, or the parking in Ames got even worse.
• It’s very accessible on campus and in business districts, but less so in residential areas.
• Knowing rates/routes/times
• Lack of other transportation
• Less stops from areas to east Ames from West Ames
• Maps of routes provided to the community.
• Nearest stop to my house is 1.5 miles away- too far.
• Not a service I need.
• Perhaps when I cannot drive.
• I prefer driving myself.
• Retired- no commuting.
• shorter + more direct routes that don't involve transfers on campus.
• Stop closer to my P.O.E.
• Stop nearer my home.
• The route I would take has a bus switch + I get nervous I will mess it up.
• The routes that are in my neighborhood are indirect and take almost an hour to get to my destination.
• There is no CyRide that comes.
• There is one bus that goes by our house, it is useless for my travels to class.
• Unknown
• Use own car.
• Use a walker and it’s hard to get to a bus stop. Unable to find services/qualify for services that help with this disability.
• We are a younger, more able age.
Comments on CyRide There were 122 respondents who had extra comments about CyRide. The majority reported they were satisfied with the service or had something good to say about it.
• Bus drivers respectful and drive safely, parking for passengers with passengers and other drivers in-mind.
• CyRide is a great transit system! My husband and I use it daily (throughout the week) to get to and from campus. This is a huge benefit.
• CyRide makes it possible for me (and many others) to live in Ames without a car. The service is very consistent, and the buses are nice and clean. I love being able to have high-quality public transit.
• I love CyRide; I use the Orange Route every single day.
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• My two-year daughter loves the CyRide and celebrates every time she gets to see a bus.
• A fair number of respondents reported complaints about CyRide, most about bus stops being too far away or buses not coming frequently enough. Others reported these reasons as to why they don’t use CyRide, along with driving being more convenient or preferring to walk or bike to their destination.
• Bus number 7 usually is not available in the time frame I need a ride.
• Driving is just too much easier. I'm looking at a time when I will no longer be driving and hope I can get to + from bus stops. I have looked at schedules and time needed to travel versus driving and driving always wins- now.
• I do not have a CyRide come near my apartment.
• I wish more routes operated on weekends. Routes like Cardinal not running weekends makes it hard to move around campus then especially with so little parking.
• I would have to walk .5 miles to get to a bus stop. I doubt I would use it.
• It is faster for me to ride my bike than to take CyRide so I bike if the weather allows it. Because closest stop is ~10 min walks, I do not ride a bus in bad weather, either, because that is too far to walk (closest stop to walk is 10 min, otherwise stop is on the edge of my yard). I do occasionally ride the bus. I also bike for the exercise so would not bus in good weather anyway.
• It’s concentrated to go to and from ISU. We are beyond this and therefore it is not useful to us
• The closest bus stop is roughly 1/2 mile away and my current health will not let me walk that far. Even though many respondents reported not using CyRide, some still commended the service and believe it is beneficial to the community, “Cy-Ride is good for those that need to use it.” Another said, “I love that we have CyRide and appreciate the service throughout Ames, do not ride it due to preferring the flexibility of my own vehicle.” Even some that had a complaint, still admired the service, “Great- kind of sucks on the weekends though, and getting around Ames (lowkey).” Some specific comments about bus stops focused on the lack of bus stops in neighborhood farther from campus, making it inconvenient for residents in those neighborhoods to use CyRide, or get to destinations in those areas. A few commented about buses being too crowded, the CyRide app needing improvement, they desire free or reduced fares, and some drivers braking too hard.
• “I strongly support CyRide as a service to the Ames community. I recall fare free was provided several years ago... I would encourage consideration for this again.
• If ISU students can ride CyRide by showing their ID for free because they pay student fees, then why can't the Ames school kids ride CyRide by showing their school Id's? Our parents pay our taxes so why can't our kids ride for free during the year?
• Lot of the drivers brake really hard.
• Orange route is usually overfull in the morning. It needs a good way to flexibly add buses when there's high demand. The rest has been fine, besides having difficulty finding a bus later at night last year when I had no car.
• They do a decent job, but I believe that Ames Ride App needs to be entirely reworked as it often bugs out.
• I would ride more if the fare when boarding was no cost.
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For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
Figure 16. Comments on CyRide
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Community Parks and Recreation Two additional features for parks and recreation were added to this year’s survey. These are “Overall quality of indoor aquatics” and “overall quality of outdoors aquatics”. Residents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with various Ames Parks and Recreation features on a four-point scale from “very poor (1)”, “poor (2)”, “good (3)”, “very good (4)” or “don’t use.” The individuals who did not use a park feature were excluded from the ratings in Table 21. Parks and Recreation features continue to receive high satisfaction levels among those surveyed. When positive ratings of “good” and “very good” scores were combined, participants gave an overall satisfaction rate of 69% for the overall quality of indoor aquatics up to 99% for the overall quality of parks. The average rating ranges from 2.8 (indoor aquatics) to 3.5 (overall quality of parks, and overall quality of trails) on the 4-point scale.
Table 21. Users’ Satisfaction with Parks and Recreation Features, 2025
Feature
Very
Poor Poor Good
Average* Percent (%) Overall quality of parks 0.7 47.1 52.2 3.5 Overall quality of trails 2.0 50.4 47.6 3.5 Overall quality of wooded/natural areas 6.4 44.7 48.9 3.4 Overall quality of recreational facilities (e.g. Homewood Golf Course, Gymnasium, etc.) 2.8 52.8 44.4 3.4 Variety of playground equipment in the parks 0.4 4.7 50.7 44.2 3.4 Overall quality of recreational programming 0.4 5.7 55.3 38.5 3.3 Overall quality of outdoor aquatics 2.1 9.6 42.9 45.4 3.3 Variety of recreational programming offered 0.4 8.1 53.8 37.7 3.3 Overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities 0.5 6.5 61.4 31.6 3.2 Number of restrooms in the parks 1.5 21.4 59.9 17.2 2.9 Overall quality of indoor aquatics 11.3 19.6 45.8 23.2 2.8 “Don't Use” excluded when calculating percentages & average for “very good” to “very poor.” *1=very poor; 2=poor; 3=good; 4=very good
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Figures 17a & 17b show the ratings of the parks in the past five years (2021-2025). Table 17a shows the first five features rated the highest for 2025 (3.4 and above). The highest rated parks features were “quality of trails“, and “overall quality of parks” (with an average rating of 3.5, which is the same as 2024 ratings), followed by “variety of playground equipment in the parks,” “overall quality of recreational facilities (e.g. Homewood Golf Course, Gymnasium, etc.),” and “overall quality of wooded/natural areas” (all rated as 3.4 for 2024, which the same as 2024 ratings except for the last feature (3.5 in 2024). Two features, “variety of recreational programming offered,” and overall quality of recreational programming” were rated the same as last year (3.3, respectively). “Overall quality of shelters and picnic amenities” satisfaction ratings decreased slightly from 3.3 in 2024 to 3.2 for the current year. The “number of restrooms in the park” remained the same and still has the lowest rating (2.9 in both years). Two new items added this survey year were: “overall quality of outdoor aquatics,” and “overall quality of indoor aquatics,” had among the lowest rank (3.3 and 2.8 average ratings, respectively). (Figure 17b)
Figure 17a. Rating of Parks and Recreation Features in the Past 5 Years (3.4+)
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Figure 17b. Rating of Parks and Recreation Features in the Past 5 Years, (<3.4)
Comments on Community Parks and Recreation Services
Many respondents who left a comment on Parks and Recreation left positive comments. Some admired the overall parks and recreation system, while others commented on specific parks or services.
• Ada Hayden is a gem!
• Ames parks are wonderful. Love the pool for water walking and entertaining grandchildren.
• Areas I use - like Brookside - are always clean + well-kept.
• Do love the Furman aquatic center and look forward to the new indoor aquatic center.
• Homewood Golf Course is a fantastic resource in our community.
• I really enjoy going on runs around Ada Hayden and other parks around Ames. I appreciate that Ames has a lot of sidewalks and trails I can use for running.
• I love all the little hidden gems in the parks and so many different trails to hike! Common critiques or complaints about parks and recreation revolved around improved swimming facilities, park maintenance and clean-up, and an improved trail system. Several responses focused on improving both indoor and outdoor swimming opportunities and creating a larger trail system through Ames.
00.511.522.533.54
Variety ofrecreationalprogrammingoffered
Overall quality ofrecreationalprogramming Overall quality ofoutdoor aquatics Overall quality ofshelters and picnicamenities Number ofrestrooms in thepark Overall quality ofindoor aquatics
3.3 3.3 3.3 3.2 2.9 2.8
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
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• Could use more proactive cleanup/repairs instead of relying on citizen reporting
• It’s nice to get out to the local parks. I wish there were more natural forest trails away from traffic, but all in all I enjoy the outdoor spaces.
• Deteriorating Quality of habitats - invasive species.
• My only noticeable concern when using parks/trails is the trash littered everywhere.
• Please continue adding connection trails. Cyclists need safe ways to travel that don't involve riding in traffic, e.g. no bike lanes.
• Quality of kids’ swim lessons needs work. Please turn off sprinklers on the lazy river.
• I'd love to swim laps year-round in a 25/50 m pool. I hope the new indoor pool offers a lot of options for moderate-fast lap swimming too. Wish there was 50 m lap swimming during the day/evening, not just the crack of dawn. Other topics covered in the comments were improved or expanded parks, bathrooms, costs, signage and information, and programming and activities.
• Better connection/organization of city bike trails. They seem to start/end randomly. Crossing signal/lower speed limit where bike paths crosses 13th near Stagecoach. Duff is not a "bike friendly" street.
• Greenbrier Park is right next to a bike trail, and it is also near the stadium. I think it would be beneficial if this park had a restroom. I know many people who walk on the trail nearby on a regular basis and think a restroom would be beneficial.
• I hope that people/families with low incomes have reduced or no fees.
• I would like to see more playgrounds and parks in north Ames.
• I would love for information to be more readily available! For example, posted trail routes and camping area :) For additional and specific comments, see the appendix.
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Figure 18. Comments on Community Parks and Recreations Services
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Ames Public Library Generally, survey respondents rated the Ames Public Library’s features highly. The survey asked respondents to provide opinions on 13 features provided by the Ames Public Library. Table 22 shows the results. Many respondents indicated that they don’t use the various library features. The least used library feature is the library newsletter - Page One; 75% of respondents indicated they don’t use it. On the 4-point scale, average scores of the 13 features of the library ranged from 3.3 (good) to 3.7 (very good). The four highest rated features, with an average score of 3.7, were the welcoming atmosphere of the library, customer service, variety of available materials (books, movies, online resources), and the ease of asking questions of library staff by phone or email. The feature receiving the lowest rating was waiting time for requests/holds (average score of 3.3).
Table 22. Users’ Ratings of Ames Public Library Features, 2025
Library Feature Poor Good Average* Percent (%) Customer service (n=295) <1 2 15 48 35 3.7 Asking questions of library staff by phone or email (n=220) 1 14 34 51 3.7 Welcoming atmosphere (n=310) 2 20 47 31 3.7 Variety of materials available (books, movies, online resources) (n=295) 1 21 43 35 3.7 Use of library online resources (n=221) <1 18 31 51 3.6 Bookmobile service (n=167) 1 13 23 63 3.6 Programs (Storytime, book discussions, lectures) (n=157) <1 13 22 65 3.6 Internet/computer services (n=199) <1 <1 17 27 56 3.6 Building accessibility (n=307) 1 1 25 41 32 3.6 Meeting/study rooms (n=223) 1 19 29 51 3.6 Availability of seating (n=258) 2 23 32 43 3.5 Page One – the library newsletter (n=112) <1 12 13 75 3.5
5 26 21 48 3.3 *Don’t Use response not included in calculating the average Forty-two percent of respondents use the Ames Public Library as often as they would like to use it.
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Of those respondents who use the public library, 44% were ISU students. Both students and non-students reported the same primary reasons: not having time, and acquiring materials from other sources, for not using the Ames Public Library. While 24% of Iowa State students listed parking as a barrier for not using the Ames Public Library more often, only 15% of non-ISU students listed that as a reason.
Table 23. Comparing Students & Non-students’ Reasons for Not Using the Ames
Public Library (respondents could choose multiple responses), 2025
Resident Status I don't have time
I get materials
from other
sources
Parking
(Transportation) is a
problem
Other Percent (%) 140) 61 39 18 19 -ISU student 111) 50 36 4 31
Other reasons mentioned for not using the Ames Public Library were:
• By non-student (n=34)
o Parking cost (8X)
o Doing other things – not a priority (2x)
o Feels dangerous at times (2x)
o Internet
o Health
o Wish for more hours (i.e. Friday nights)
o It has become a homeless shelter. Get back to providing library services.
• By ISU students (n=26)
o I use the university library (8x)
o Parking is an issue (i.e. cost, availability) (4x)
o I honestly had forgotten about public libraries as a resource; I used to be a member of my library back home and didn't think of applying for membership while I am living in Ames.
o I use my library account through the apps Hoopla and Libby, but I’d really like to go to the library more often since it really is a wonderful space
o We tend not to visit around cold/flu season.
o I'm not as aware of the resources the library has to offer besides book check-outs. I would like to learn more and start going more frequently!
o It doesn't come to mind typically as a resource
o It's not advertised well. I forgot that it has resources and programs available
o Not enough space in study rooms, uncomfortable chairs in study rooms
o Possible lack of seats
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Comments on Ames Public Library One hundred twenty-eight (128) respondents had additional comments about the Ames Public Library, with 64% having an overall positive opinion. Of those who had positive comments, they either had a general admiration of the library or specifically admired the resources and services, the staff, the environment, or the programming. Here are some examples:
• Welcoming community, I have been able to make use of their online resources as well. Good place to study because of the outlets on the tables. Also, nice that there are separate areas for children/teens/college students.
• We have an amazing library & library staff- a great asset to our community.
• Very nice places, especially for children, love the layout of the library. I think it's very pretty, decent size, and there are very cool activities/projects to do at the library that they give you access to.
• One of the most important third spaces available to the community. It is absolutely irreplaceable and should receive all the funding it requests and then some.
• LOVE the public library! I wish I had more time to hang out there and use the resources - such a wonderful place to be.
• Library staff have been super helpful in answering questions and suggesting resources and recommending books to me and my kids. I very much appreciate the variety of options to get involved and be connected at the library.
• I love the Bookmobile as a college student!
• I ADORE the library. It's great for meeting with friends in the summer & refilling my water bottle while taking walks! I love playing mobile games downtown, and the library is a great central area.
• Great selection of books and always have good resources with a welcoming staff. Some respondents reported that they do not use the library, some because they have no use for it or they use Parks Library instead.
• I don't have any reason to use it regularly.
• Never been. Parks are good enough
• Do not use it at all, but have heard good things about it Several respondents either had comments or suggested improvements for the library that revolved around free or expanded parking, improving various resources or services, concerns about homeless and other library patrons, improved accessibility, or more hours. Here are a few examples:
• Accessibility is way more than just having a ramp.
• Audio books can sometimes be a 3-month wait time.
• I just wish there were more study rooms. I also wish the study rooms were more soundproof and had better chairs (the red rollie chairs in front of the computers instead of the hard metal chairs)
• Parking is very limited and what is available is pay to park.
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• The library is no longer safe as it appears to be a homeless shelter instead of a library. No longer welcoming, I would not take my kids there.
• There are no available parking spaces for the public without a meter, which under the State of Iowa laws regarding public libraries there are certain requirements for public spaces based on population. There is also the standard of every other city or town in Iowa providing parking for patrons, however Ames does not. That is the main reason why I do not use the library, because it is not welcoming to all people.
• Too many mentally ill and homeless people use the library resources and do not follow the rules. There are people yelling, smoking, eating, and drinking on the library grounds and inside. It makes it feel unsafe and unwelcoming. It is not good to have kids walk past people huffing smoke.
• We disagree with the policy that allows minors to have library cards with no oversight from parents- I should be able to ask a staff member for help with my very young son's account without his permission. For additional and specific comments, see the appendix
Figure 19. Comments on Ames Public Library
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Information Dissemination (Communication)
The next section of the questionnaire focused on residential preferences for City of Ames communications. Respondents were asked to rate the usefulness of City communications sources on a three-point scale: 1- “not useful”, 2 – “somewhat useful”, 3 – “very useful,” as well as “don’t use.” Table 24 shows the results. The most frequently used sources for local government information included the City of Ames website (www.CityOfAmes.org) (60%), and ISU Daily Newspaper (53%). The least accessed government information sources were Threads - City of Ames, LinkedIn – City of Ames, X/Twitter – City of Ames, Nextdoor – City of Ames, KHOI Community Radio, and Ames Television/Cable TV 12. When asked about the degree of usefulness of those sources, the most helpful source was reported to be social media, including Facebook – City of Ames (average of 2.5 on a 1-3 scale), followed by City of Ames Web page (www.CityOfAmes.org), CitySide (utility bill insert), ISU Daily newspaper, Instagram – City of Ames, and KHOI Community Radio (average of 2.4 on a 1-3 scale, respectively). The City of Ames website was the most highly used source, and second in usefulness (2.4).
Table 24. Usefulness of Media Sources for Government Information, 2025
Media Source Use
Average* Percent (%) Facebook - City of Ames (n=397) 55 45 2.5 40 60 2.4 CitySide (utility bill insert) (n=395) 54 46 2.4 ISU Daily newspaper (n=397) 47 53 2.4 Instagram – City of Ames (n=396) 80 20 2.4 KHOI Community Radio (n=395) 85 15 2.4 Des Moines Register newspaper (n=396) 63 37 2.3 KASI/KCCQ radio (n=395) 81 19 2.3 Ames Tribune newspaper (n=393) 63 37 2.2 Ames Television/Cable TV 12 (n=397) 88 12 2.2 X/Twitter – City of Ames (n=393) 91 9 2.0 LinkedIn – City of Ames (n=395) 91 9 1.9 Nextdoor – City of Ames (n=396) 88 12 1.9 Threads - City of Ames (n=395) 93 7 1.6 *1=not useful; 2=somewhat useful; 3=very useful
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Next, those surveyed were asked to choose up to three preferred communications methods for construction projects, programs, and meetings in their respective area. Figure 20 shows that email (52%) is the first preferred method of communication, followed by hard copy letter (42%), and thirdly by social media (37%). Figure 20 also shows the least popular method of communication with the city regarding programs and projects. These methods are radio, local newspaper, and the City of Ames app. When asked what other means of communication they prefer, the following items were mentioned: CitySide Newsletter (monthly newsletter, which is included with the utility bill), road signs, and the City of Ames app. For ISU students:
• first preference was email (55%)
• second preference was social media (49%), and the
• third preference was website (41%). For the non-student residents:
• first preference was hard copy letter (56%)
• second preference was email (51%), and the
• third preference was doorhanger (33%).
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Figure 20. Preferred Method to Learn about City Services, Programs, or Projects,
2025, top 3
Figures 21a and 21b illustrate trends in the perceived usefulness of City communication sources over five years. In last year’s survey (2024), six news sources were added: Facebook-City of Ames, Instagram-City of Ames, X/Twitter–City of Ames, Nextdoor-City of Ames, Threads–City of Ames, and LinkedIn–City of Ames. Table 21b shows the usefulness of six sources that had the lowest usefulness ratings (below 2.3 and below). The four sources with significantly decreased scores were X/Twitter – City of Ames; LinkedIn – City of Ames; Nextdoor – City of Ames; and Threads - City of Ames. Those have an average score of 2.0 and below.
Email Hardcopyletter Socialmedia Website Doorhanger Text City ofAmesapp Newspaper Radio Other(specify)Total 52%42%37%33%25%22%14%13%5%2%Non-Student Resident 51%56%28%27%33%22%13%13%5%1%ISU Student 55%24%49%41%14%23%16%12%4%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%Total Non-Student Resident ISU Student
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Figure 21a. Usefulness of News Sources Over the Past 5 Years (Users only)
Figure 21b. Usefulness of News Sources Over the Past 5 Years (Users only)
(continued)
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Table 25 indicates the usefulness of various communication tools based on the respondent’s residency status. None of the primary sources were rated equally by both ISU students and non- student residents. The average scores between non-student residents and ISU students were different. Average values of these three communication tools were rated higher by the non-student residents: Facebook- City of Ames, CitySide (utility bill insert), and KASI/KCCQ radio. The rest were rated higher by the ISU students. Three communication tools had significantly rated higher by students were ISU Daily newspaper, Des Moines Register newspaper and Ames Television/ Cable TV 12.
Table 25. Usefulness of News Sources for Non-student and ISU Students
Information Sources Student Average Facebook - City of Ames CitySide (Utility bill insert) City of Ames Web page (www.CityOfAmes.org) KHOI Community Radio Instagram – City of Ames KASI/KCCQ radio Ames Tribune newspaper ISU Daily newspaper* Des Moines Register newspaper* Nextdoor – City of Ames Ames Television/Cable TV 12* X/Twitter – City of Ames LinkedIn – City of Ames Threads - City of Ames *Statistically significant at .05 levels Note: Average was computed using these values: 1= “not useful”; 2= “somewhat useful”; 3= “very useful” This is the second year the respondents were asked about their willingness to use a City of Ames app that supplied City news, construction projects, programs and meetings. This year more respondents said “Yes” (62% compared to last year (57%)). Comparing the non-student residents to ISU students, more (60%) of the non-student residents are willing to use the City of Ames app. While only 40% of the ISU students would use it. This trend is the same as last year.
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Human Services Agency Funding (ASSET) New questions related to human services agency funding (ASSET) were asked this year. Fifteen ASSET funder services were identified, and respondents were asked if they ever use those services. A follow-up question was also asked if they think the City should provide less, the same, or more funding to those 15 individual ASSET services. The three main services and their respective components are the following:
Mental health and substance use disorder needs 1. Community-based and outpatient mental health services 2. Outpatient mental health/substance abuse emergency services or crisis intervention services 3. Awareness and education about suicide prevention and treatment 4. Substance-use prevention and treatment
Basic needs 5. Housing and emergency sheltering 6. Housing cost-assistance programs including utility assistance 7. Food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples 8. Quality childcare assistance programs, including daycare and licensed in-home facilities 9. Medical and dental services 10. Financial literacy and educational programs 11. Transportation programs 12. Legal assistance 13. Disaster response
Youth development services and activities 14. Skill development and enhancement 15. Summer enrichment/prevention of loss learning Table 26 shows that some respondents have used human services under ASSET. The highest human services used by the respondents were under “basic needs” category specifically transportation program (16%) and medical and dental services (13%). Only 1% used legal assistance and disaster response. When asked if the City should spend less, same, or more on ASSET human services, the majority wanted the City to spend the same or more on those services. This is based on a scale of 1-3 (1 being less, 2 as the same, and 3 as more spending). The ratings given by the respondents ranged from 2.1 (legal assistance) to 2.4 (7 out of 15 identified services/activities). These were “Community-based and outpatient mental health services,” “Outpatient mental health/substance abuse emergency services or crisis intervention services,” “Substance-use prevention and treatment,” “Housing and emergency sheltering,” “Housing cost-assistance programs including
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utility assistance,” “Food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples,” and “Quality childcare assistance programs, including daycare and licensed in-home facilities.” Based on the three major categories (mental health and substance use needs, basic needs, and youth development service and activities), only 2% to 5% of the respondents have used those services. In terms of funding allocations, majority indicated they want the same funding (average ranged from 2.2. to 2.4) (Table 26) Of the 16% who had used the transportation program, 90% were ISU students, only 10% were non-student residents. However, there were less students (61%) who used the medical and dental services compared to non-student residents (39%).
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Table 26. Use and funding allotment of ASSET human services
ASSET
Category ASSET Human Service used the
service (%) Spend less
or more? (Average) Have used
the service (Section %) Spend less
or more? (Section Mental health and substance use disorder needs
1. Community-based & (n=307) 6 2.4 4 2.4
2. Outpatient mental health/substance abuse emergency services or crisis intervention services (n=310) 3 2.4
3. Awareness & education about (n=308) 5 2.3 4. Substance-use prevention and treatment (n=305) 2 2.4 Basic needs 5. Housing and emergency sheltering (n=313) 3 2.4 5 2.3 6. Housing cost-assistance programs including utility assistance (n=313) 3 2.4 7. Food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples (n=313) 5 2.4 8. Quality childcare assistance programs, including daycare and licensed in-home facilities (n=311) 1 2.4
9. Medical and dental services (n=314) 13 2.2 10. Financial literacy and educational programs (n=307) 3 2.3 11. Transportation programs (n=306) 16 2.1 12. Legal assistance (n=302) 1 2.1 13. Disaster response (n=304) 1 2.2 Youth service and activities
14. Skill development and enhancement (n=303) 2 2.2 2 2.2
15. Summer enrichment/prevention of loss learning (n=304) 2 2.2
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Using the 15 human services listed, respondents were asked to rate the services in terms of priority (highest priority, 2nd highest priority, and 3rd highest priority). Only the first nine services were given priority by the respondents. The first highest priority ratings were given to: food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples; and housing and emergency sheltering. They were rated as first priorities by 25% and 24%, respectively. Food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples was rated was also rated as 2nd and 3rd highest priorities by 18% and 16%, respectively, by the respondents. (Figure 22) Of the respondents who gave the highest priority ratings for the following two ASSET services 1) food assistance for nutritious perishables and staples services, and 2) housing and emergency sheltering services were mostly non-student residents (59% and 65% by non-student residents, respectively).
Figure 22. Priority Ratings of ASSET
Highest priority 2nd highest priority 3rd highest priorityMental health and substance usedisorder needs 1. Community-based &outpatient mental 11 8 10Mental health and substance usedisorder needs 2. Outpatient mentalhealth 4 10 11Mental health and substance usedisorder needs 3. Awareness & eduabout suicide 8 11 8Mental health and substance usedisorder needs 4. Substance-useprevention & treatment 3 13 11Basic Needs 5. Housing and emergencysheltering 24 12 14Basic Needs 6. Housing cost-assistanceprograms 3 11 9Basic Needs 7. Food assistance fornutritious perishables 25 18 16Basic Needs 8. Quality childcareassistance programs 3 7 10Basic Needs 9. Medical and dentalservices 17 8 11
13
24
12 14
25 18 16
051015202530
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Sense of Community The survey included a question asking about the respondent’s perception of connection with the community. Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together (McMillan, 1976) https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e5fb/8ece108aec36714ee413876e61b0510e7c80.pdf. A clear and empirically validated understanding of sense of community can provide the foundation for lawmakers and planners to develop programs that meet their stated goals by strengthening and preserving community. Figure 23 shows that in 2025, 40% of respondents reported knowing at least half of their neighbors. This is a slight increase from 37% in 2024. Comparing students to non-student populations, 54% of the non-students reported knowing at least half of their neighbors, compared to 21% of students. This year, 7% of non-student respondents reported that they didn’t know any of their neighbors, compared to 25% of the student population. Overall, students are more likely to know none to a few of their neighbors and non-students are more likely to know half, most, or all of them.
Figure 23. Neighbors You Know, 2025
7%
39%
16%
32%
6%
25%
53%
12%8%
1%
14%
45%
14%
22%
4%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
None of them A few of them Half of them Most of them All of them
Non-StudentStudentTotal
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On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 – “not at all strong” to 5 – “extremely strong”), respondents were asked to rate their perceived level of sense of community in their neighborhood. Overall, the most common answer was “somewhat strong” (40%), with 41% responding with “not so strong” or “not strong at all” and 19% responding with “very strong” or “extremely strong”. Comparing students and non-students, students had 16% more responses for “not all strong” and “not so strong” than non-students. Non-students had 10% more responses for “somewhat strong”. Non-students had more responses for “very strong” or “extremely strong,” but only by 5%. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - “not at all strong” to 5 – “extremely strong”), the strength of the sense of community was viewed differently by some demographic groups:
• Household income: no difference
• Employment: no difference
• Length of residence: Long-term residents had stronger sense of community than short-term residents
• Age: no difference
• Residence: no difference
• Gender: no difference
• Race: no difference
• ISU student vs. non-student residents: higher for non-student residents
• Home ownership: higher for homeowner
• Education: no difference
Figure 24. Sense of Community in the Neighborhood, 2025
Respondents responded to a series of statements regarding community involvement. Table 27 summarizes the responses. When asked if “issues facing my community are important to me,” 95% agreed (somewhat agree/strongly agree), which increased from 86% in 2023. Nearly 70% of the respondents indicated that they were knowledgeable about issues facing their community, which
8%
25%
44%
18%
4%
16%
33%34%
15%
2%
12%
29%
40%
16%
3%0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
Not at all strong Not so strong Somewhatstrong Very strong Extremelystrong
Non-StudentStudentTotal
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significantly increased from 49% in 2024. As for actionable community involvement, 54% currently support non-profit(s) with financial contributions, 51% are engaged in addressing community issues, 37% currently volunteer for non-profit organization, 19% served or considered serving on a community board or commission, and 11% currently volunteer on a board or commission of an Ames organization. Of respondents, 16% reported language barriers making it difficult to be involved.
Table 27. Community Involvement, 2025
Community Involvement Statements
Strongly/
Somewhat
Disagree
Strongly/
Somewhat Agree Average Percent (%) Issues facing my community are important to me (n=358) 5 95 3.4
community. (n=353) 31 69 2.8 I currently support nonprofit organization(s) with financial contributions. (n=334) 46 54 2.6 I am engaged in addressing the issues of my community. (n=335) 49 51 2.5 I currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving Ames (n=322) 63 37 2.1 I served or considered serving on a City Board or Commission (n=313) 81 19 1.6 Language barriers make it difficult to be involved in the community (n=316) 84 16 1.5 I currently volunteer on a Board or Commission of an Ames organization (n=311) 89 11 1.4
Table 28 shows the demographic characteristics of the respondents who were likely to be involved in community activities.
• Residents ages 45 to 64 were more likely to feel knowledgeable about community issues. Ages 65 to 74 were reportedly more engaged in addressing community issues. Ages 75+ were more likely to financially support a non-profit organization.
• Long-term residents were more likely to report that community issues are important to them, they are knowledgeable about community issues, they financially support non-profit organizations, and they currently volunteer on a board or commission of an Ames organization.
• Gender had no significance in community involvement.
• Respondents with a household income of $200,000+ were more likely to report that they are knowledgeable about community issues and that they served or considered serving on a city board or commission. Respondents with a household income of $75,000 to $99,999 were more
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likely to report financially supporting a non-profit organization.
• As compared to renters, owners were more likely to report that community issues are important to them, they are knowledgeable about community issues, they financially support a non-profit organization, and they volunteer for non-profit organization serving Ames.
• Those residing in Northeast Ames were more likely to report that they financially support a non-profit organization.
• Respondents that were non-white were more likely to volunteer on a board or commission of an Ames organization.
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Table 28. Community Involvement by Demographic
Community
Involvement
Statements Age Length Residence Gender HH Income Home ownership Geographic Residence Race
Long term* Owner* I am knowledgeable about the issues facing my community (n=353) 45 to 64**Long term** $200,000+* Owner** I am engaged in addressing the issues of my community (n=335) 65 to 74* I currently support a nonprofit organization with financial contributions. (n=334) 75+ ** Long term** $75,000 -99,999** Owner** NE* I currently volunteer on a Board or Commission of an Ames organization (n=311) Long term* Non-white* I currently volunteer for a nonprofit organization serving the City of Ames (n=322) Owner* I served or considered serving on a City Board or Commission (n=313) $200,000+* Language barriers make it difficult to be involved in the community (n=316)
** significant at .001 level *Significant at .05 level
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Sense of Belonging The survey asked respondents to indicate their level of agreement with six statements regarding community integration and sense of belonging to the Ames community. Respondents were asked to respond to six statements on a 4-point scale (1 – “strongly disagree,” 2 – “somewhat disagree,” 3 – “somewhat agree,” 4 – “strongly agree”) as well as the option “don’t know.” Table 29 shows the results. Respect and a sense of belonging were the most common reported feelings. Of the respondents, 96% felt that they were treated with respect in Ames, followed by 90% feeling that they belong in this town. This is an increase from 2024 (86% respect and 80% belonging), but it is very similar to 2023. 86% of 2025 respondents felt valued as an individual in the Ames community. Most respondents indicated that they agree (somewhat to strongly agree) that Ames has the social infrastructure for community integration, such as:
• There are one or more organizations in this town where respondents feel they belong (86%)
• Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (86%)
• Ames is a place where they could perform up to their full potential (86%) All of the above statements have increased in those who agree since 2024, (73%, 72%, and 72%). The average value shown in Table 29 ranges from 3.1 to 3.4, indicating that most respondents agree that they belong in the community and there are opportunities for integration. However, there are still a percentage that disagree with these statements.
Table 29. Community Integration and Sense of Belonging, 2025
Community Integration and Sense of
Belonging Statements
Strongly/
Somewhat
Disagree
Somewhat/
Strongly
Agree Average Percent (%) I am treated with respect at this town (n=362) 4 96 3.4 I feel I belong at this town (n=361) 10 90 3.3 I have found one or more organizations in this town where I feel I belong (n=333) 14 86 3.3 Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (n=317) 14 86 3.2 I feel Ames is a place where I could perform up to my full potential (n=356) 14 86 3.2 I feel valued as an individual in the Ames community (n=345) 14 86 3.1
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Table 30 shows that there are some differences in the integration/sense of belonging measures by demographic characteristics of the respondents.
• Residents aged 65 to 74 were more likely to report that Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Those aged 75+ were more likely to report that Ames is a place where they can perform up to their full potential.
• Long term residents were more likely to report that they feel valued as an individual and they feel like they belong. Short term residents were more likely to report that they have found one or more organizations where they feel like they belong.
• Both females and homeowners were more likely to report that Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that Ames is a place where they can perform up to their full potential.
• Those with a household income of $125,000 to $149,999 were more likely to report that Ames is a place where they can perform up to their full potential.
• Those in the Northeast region of Ames were more likely to report that they feel like they belong and that Ames is a place where they can perform up to their full potential.
Table 30. Community Integration and Sense of Belonging Demographic
Community
Integration and
Sense of
Belonging
Statements
Demographics
Age Length of Residence Gender HH Home ownership Geographic Residence Race
I feel valued as an individual in the Ames community (n=345)
I feel I belong at this town (n=361)
NE
Ames has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (n=317)
Female*Owner*
I am treated with respect at this town (n=362)
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I feel Ames is a place where I could perform up to my full potential (n=356)
Owner** NE
I have found one or more organizations in this town where I feel I belong (n=333)
** significant at .001 level *Significant at .05 level
What could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?
The survey asked respondents to answer the following open-ended question, “What, if anything, could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?” More than 100 respondents provided answers to this question. The question’s wording asked about the reader’s sense of belonging in Ames rather than in general or universal terms. The most common response was a mention of more or improved community events and activities.
• Better advertising of opportunities and activities for meeting and engaging with people with similar interests
• Maybe make it a more happening place by inviting people for group meets for games and stuff. Have more public events.
• More communication about community events
• More opportunities for social gatherings at parks
• IMPROVE PARKING FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS. IF IT'S GOING TO BE A HASSLE TO PARK. I PROBABLY WON'T GO. Thirty-one percent (31%) of respondents made comments revealing no improvements to be made regarding their sense of belonging. These responses either mentioned that they already feel like they belong, have no interest or don’t need help in feeling more belonging, nothing can be done to improve it, or do not know what could be done.
• Nothing that I'm aware of because I feel I belong.
• Nothing really; I am an Iowa State student from Chicago, and I want to live in a big city when I'm done with school. There is nothing wrong with Ames; it is just not my end goal of a living place.
• Not interested. Too much time commitment to job, family, activities. Don't need the
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community to make me feel a sense of belonging.
• I am not sure. Along similar lines, some people responded that their sense of belonging could be improved by personal actions such as attending events or putting more effort into engaging with the community.
• Volunteer as I have in the past
• Join activities at the library and meet people at the parks.
• I should utilize more of the community events that happen in Ames.
• Engaging more There were opposing viewpoints regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. Twelve responses that mentioned the need for more inclusion, of various types, and six responses that particularly opposed DEI. Pro-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and our immigrant community.
• Increase education on language barriers, meaning not necessarily teach people more English, but rather create ways in which they can better understand each other
• More diversity visibility
• More senior inclusion Anti–Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• The diversity and equality thing is a waste of time. Each person is valuable
• Less DEI. The city spends a lot of time and money on DEI and it is not necessary. Liberal indoctrination. People who are more conservative are not valued in Ames
• Get rid of DEI
• DEI should be eliminated as a city commitment. Another topic of comments was improved viewpoints and actions from the government. Most of these comments mentioned improvements in the city, but a couple blamed their lack of belonging to higher levels of government. As for city improvements, respondents mentioned a lack of tolerance of conservative viewpoints and more care and communication from city officials. Some examples are, “A new mayor and city council would be a good start” and “Get city officials to care about more people or at least pretend. Don't be so difficult to contact and communicate with.” Some respondents reported a need for improved resident relations such as nicer people or a stronger connection between permanent residents and the ISU population, “I would like more integration between the student body of ISU and the larger Ames community because I think they currently feel disjointed,” “Ames isn't as friendly as I'm used to coming from SW Iowa. People don't wave or say hi/hello when you speak to them.” Lastly, some respondents pointed toward more concrete ways to improve their sense of belonging such as improved services and infrastructure, more businesses, or improved community spaces.
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• Bigger parks, seatings and lights
• Bring more businesses to Ames!
• Honestly my main concern about Ames is just the lack of good food options. Sure there's a few decent restaurants, but I need a good fried chicken spot which Ames does not have. The addition of a good fried chicken spot would make me feel like I belong.
• Making Ames safer at traffic lights.
• More ethnic stores/grocery stores To read the full comments, please see the appendix.
Figure 25. Suggestions for How the City of Ames Could Enhance Your Sense of
Belonging
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City of Ames Overall Service Quality
Every year, survey respondents are asked to give an overall evaluation of the quality of services they receive from the City of Ames and provide any additional comments. This year, 39% of respondents claimed that services received were “Very Good” a slight decrease from 2024, at 43%. That change seems to be reflected in an increase for the “Good” category by 5% (54% for 2023 & 2024, respectively, then 59% for 2025). Combined, the “Very Good” and “Good” represent 98% of respondents’ satisfaction with Ames services (97% in 2024) (Figure 25).
Figure 26. Trends in Overall Satisfaction with City of Ames Service Quality
(good/very good)
59%
39%
0%
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20%
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100%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Very GoodGood
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Best Thing About Living in Ames Respondents of this question described Ames welcoming community with great people and a strong sense of community. Of the 278 responses, the most notable aspects that make Ames a great place to live were: the people: parks, green spaces, trails, safety, Iowa State University, events and activities, the available amenities, the atmosphere, and the sense of community. Comments included:
• Ames offers a high quality of life anchored by a strong sense of community. The residents are kind, grounded, and genuinely supportive of one another, which makes living here both comfortable and meaningful.
• Big enough to have most amenities but small enough to have good community
• The abundance of great amenities and choices and the general proximity to them, the academic culture and pride that the university supplies, and the small businesses that make Ames special.
• I love how safe Ames feels. I appreciate that I feel safe walking home alone as a young woman when I am in Ames.
• Most of Ames is walkable and there's a good number of nature/parks both in separate areas and integrated into the city.
• The calmness and serenity
• The parks and community events! Other popular responses mentioned the size of Ames, available community services and resources, good government and leadership, a diverse population, and overall quality of life
• City services are fantastic
• I appreciate living in a healthy, attractive, and safe environment, which offers good quality amenities and is still affordable.
• Mixture of people: racial cultures, languages, backgrounds, religions, etc.
• Progression, responsiveness, + competent leadership + workers
• Small town with everything most people need. Many respondents admired the different aspects of the transportation system in Ames and the ease of getting around. A few mentioned how close everything is, the ease of walking and biking, and the CyRide service.
• Affordable and accessible public transit
• Biking to work. The opportunity to live healthy, eat healthy, work healthy. Ames is walkable and not spread out.
• CyRide is a huge benefit to me and my family.
• Everything is very close together, walkable distance with very nice parks and downtown
• The transportation, while flawed, makes everything easier which is why it should be improved
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Other miscellaneous reported aspects include the various businesses and restaurants, the water quality, the cleanliness of the community, downtown/main street, job opportunities, the schools, and affordability, among others. For additional and more specific comments, please see the appendix.
Figure 27. Best Things about Living in Ames
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Other Issues the City Should Focus On The survey asked respondents if there were other issues that the City should focus attention on. The question resulted in 132 responses. The two most popular issues were improvements in walkability, bike-ability, and issues with vehicular traffic. Some respondents requested an overall improvement for walkability, bike-ability, and safety for pedestrians and bikers, while some mentioned specific areas and streets that needed improvements. Many comments about traffic mentioned particular streets, such as Duff Avenue and the intersection of Grand Avenue and 13th Street. Walking and Biking
• Bicycle infrastructure: more bikes = less traffic
• I am concerned about the street near me - a neighbor uses a scooter to get around + the street is uneven + I hope that condition doesn't tip him over (No Sidewalk)
• I honestly think the City should focus on making Ames more bike friendly to allow for safe commute options for people within the city that want to bike everywhere. It shouldn’t just be on campus that is bike-friendly, it should be at least 70% of the town. I think a lot more people would be inclined to go out and do public events if there was an option between public transit and walking everywhere. It would also be more eco-friendly so please put in more bike paths in the city.
• Making the city more walkable and less dependent on cars Vehicular Traffic
• Finding a way to make Duff more enjoyable for drivers.
• Getting thru Ames sucks. We need a NW beltway
• Left turn arrows at Grand/13th St. intersection
• They added a Left turn arrow on 16th and Grand which has been AWESOME, and my next suggestion is putting a Left turn arrow for 13th and Grand because when on 13th St. turning Left onto Grand is very slow and often dangerous and would benefit greatly. Another popular topic was business and development; some respondents desired attracting or developing more businesses and food options. Others focused more on physical development such as housing developments or commercial developments on Lincoln Way and Duff Avenue.
• Lincoln Way & Duff need serious improvements, stop building apartments, hold developers and rental companies to high standards
• Developing a livelier main street. This means more apartments and townhouse in town, not at the edge.
• Finishing the Lincoln Way build out of empty lots west of Duff - Ugly & depressing looking!
• Promoting more local, unique shopping & dining options in Ames. With Jax closing I'll have to go to DM to shop. A consolidated fitness facility instead of pieces all over town
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• Stupid growth. Quit developing Duff! Finish Main St area project that hasn't ever really started. Many respondents voiced their concerns regarding homelessness, services for the unhoused, crime, housing issues, and the cost of living. Some of these comments tended to talk about several of these, due to the relation to the challenges.
• Homelessness- compassionate housing
• Long term approach for our growing # of homeless in Ames. Emphasis on Long term!
• Low-income housing that isn't apartments.
• Affordable home buying programs for low/med income earners that make too much for habitat but can't afford a decent home for their families.
• We have had an increased issue with gun violence in Ames + West Ames in particular. Crime in general seems to have increased since we moved here 14 yrs. ago. We need to find ways to ensure that Ames is a safe place to live. Several comments desired a focus on improved city relations and communication with residents, ISU, and other entities. Another topic was taxes and public spending, which tended to talk about reducing them.
• Better coordination with county, city, and ISU - i.e. swimming pool and other community projects for everyone, leverage our tax dollars
• I commented on design review for a city street project. The council rep said, "thank you" But there was no response from city staff. → Very disappointing!
• Listening to the 80% of the public and not the 20% that scream + holler.
• Iowa property taxes or freeze them for retired citizens. Even Illinois does this. The city doesn't want retired citizens to live here. Waste disposal and sustainability efforts were talked about several times by respondents. There were mentions of more focus on several aspects of sustainability and conservation. With waste disposal, some respondents talked about improving waste disposal services and dealing with littering.
• Free city-wide recycling at your door
• City-wide yard waste & junk removal pick-up days. Many don't have the proper vehicles to haul; they can’t take advantage of the days
• I believe that the city should focus on trash pickup in main areas; I see so much trash on the sides of roads and in the grass.
• Sustainability and green theories throughout the city. Education on waste effects and the impact that it can have on our children's generation.
• Moving farm fields away from waterways & implementing prairie strips & supporting no till Ag practices/more diversified crops
• More recycling/compost drop off locations, more climate change planning
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Recreation and events as well as services, facilities, and utilities were topics that respondents want addressed by the city. A few examples are:
• Easier booking of recreational services (rec classes/pickleball courts)
• Give more social options for young adults in the community to keep them from moving away.
• Getting fluoride out of the drinking water
• They should bury more of the residential lines so the storms will not affect the house. Keep replacing the water pipes Keep up with maintenance A few respondents focused on issues regarding streets and transportation such as parking, street maintenance, ice and snow, and transit.
• Get rid of parking meters throughout the city.
• Potholes
• Preschool busing. The only preschool option for those who need to utilize buses is Northwood. Would be awesome to extend the option to other schools.
• Snow removal from roads often comes at the expense of bike lanes, which are impossible to use in the winter. Bike commuting can happen year-round!
Figure 28. Other Issues the City Should Focus On
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Sustainability This is the second year the survey included as a section about respondents’ knowledge, views, and priorities regarding the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and environmental sustainability actions and goals. Over the past six years, the City of Ames has been working to make the community more sustainable for future generations. First there was a data collection phase in which the city hired a firm to conduct a series of assessments on energy use and other baseline data. A CAP team was formed from citizens to represent and gather input from different groups across Ames. Then a CAP was created to develop climate action steps to move the community toward reducing carbon emissions and climate neutrality. The CAP was accepted by the Ames City Council in 2023. To review the adopted plan, visit the following website: www.cityofames.org/Resident-Services/Sustainability/Climate-Action-Plan-Dashboard
The first question in this section asked respondents if they were familiar with the City’s CAP. Of the 396 people who responded to this question, 64 respondents (16%) said “Yes” they were familiar with the plan. This is slightly higher than last year (13%). The majority (84%) responded “No,” they were unfamiliar with the CAP. Next respondents were asked to select their top three climate action steps for Ames from a list of eight choices which included an open-ended “Other” category. Most respondents agreed on the importance of two climate action priorities with “Waste-to-energy improvements/reducing waste emissions” receiving 273 responses (70%) and “Increase wind and solar generation as part of Ames Electric Services portfolio” receiving 258 responses (70%). The trend is almost the same as the previous year (2024). (Table 31). The next group of priorities did not receive as much consensus. Most people felt the City should prioritize retrofitting existing buildings (35%) followed by net-zero (NZR) new construction (32%) and then retrofit municipal/City buildings (23%). Other climate action steps include electrifying the municipal fleet (non CyRide) (16%); and creating a Mayor’s climate action plan leadership task force (14%). Additionally, 31 respondents provided other open-ended responses.
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Table 31. Top Climate Action Steps for Ames, 2024, 2025
Climate Action Steps 2024 (n=355)
2025 (n=372) Percent (%) Waste-to-energy improvements/reducing waste emissions 70 73 Increase wind and solar generation as part of Electric Services renewable energy portfolio 69 70 Retrofitting existing buildings 41 35 Net zero and net zero-ready (NZR) new construction 34 32 Retrofit municipal/City buildings 24 23 Electrify the municipal fleet (non CyRide) 18 16 Create a Mayor’s climate action plan leadership task force 15 14 Other 10 8 The “Other” suggestions for important climate actions included negative views toward the Climate Action Plan and concerns about the costs of these activities. There were seven responses. These comments included, "do not use any funds for this,” “this is a wasteful use of money,” “Last thing we need!” “Most of these are a complete waste of money and don’t move the needle while making things more expensive. Wind doesn’t work. Solar comes with many other impacts.” The remainder of the “other” comments were individual suggestions; a complete list of all the comments can be found in the appendix. Several were related to recycling, nuclear power, stormwater pollution, fostering and facilitating local climate research with ISU. The last question in this survey section asked respondents to identify the biggest reason to commit to environmental sustainability. Four answers and a fifth “Other” open-ended response were provided. Table 32 summarizes the survey results. Most respondents (63%) chose providing a sustainable environment for future generations as their biggest reason for having a commitment to environmental sustainability. Fourteen respondents (4%) indicated that environmental sustainability was not important to them. “Other” comments were mainly divided mainly between three types of comments: a) responses in which respondents further defined their personal motivation for sustainability; b) remarks that expressed concern or skepticism over the focus on sustainability; and c) general comments.
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Table 32. Biggest Reason to Commit to Environmental Sustainability, 2025
Reasons Responses (n=384) Percent (%)To provide a sustainable environment for future generations 242 63 For a better quality of life 69 18 To stabilize or reduce the cost of food and utilities, etc. 45 12 Environmental sustainability isn't important to me 14 4 Other 14 4 Among those with additional personal motivations, two respondents shared that they would like to see a commitment statement that was broader than just humans, including protecting and preserving plants, animals, nature, and natural resources. A third person felt that all three options provided were essential reasons for commitment to sustainability. Another person commented, “It is a balance of everyone doing their part to avoid climate change, and increased reliance on domestic energy sourcing.” There was a group of respondents who shared skepticism about the need (continue status quo) for sustainable action steps: “it's a scam” and “markets & legislature don't throw money at it.” Additional “Other” comments pointed towards the need for community sustainability: “Better quality & sustainable life now, & for future generations,” “education,” “I like fishing,” “lower pollution,” “to prevent an environmental apocalypse,” and “we owe it to the earth - it's alive, too.”
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General/Additional Comments
Respondents were asked to provide any additional comments that they wished to share. Ninety-one (91) respondents answered this question. Comments revolved around positives about Ames and the Ames government, housing costs, roads and traffic, planning and development, critiques of the Ames government, comments on the survey, community programming and events, attracting businesses, infrastructure, homelessness, waste disposal and recycling, walking and biking, taxes, trees and green spaces, safety, city vehicles, and other miscellaneous topics. Lots of comments were positive, both talking about Ames overall and city government and leadership. Examples of the positive comments include:
• Ames is a wonderful place to live and work! Thank you for all you do to make Ames a great community!
• I lived in a suburb of Chicago, in the city of Chicago, and in Story City, Iowa, before moving to Ames. In Ames, I found my nirvana. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to live in Ames and am hopeful that it will be my home forever. Thank you for all that you do!
• I moved to town last winter and so far am impressed with the intentionality & investment in the community (including this survey)! It feels like a very caring place.
• I wish to thank city staff and all city employees for their good work and for keeping this a good place to live
• One of the things I like most about Ames is all the ways it works to provide safety and stability, through cleanliness and constantly working to improve 'conditions' with inclusivity on the forefront.
• We love Ames. It is a very quiet, safe place. Great for raising kids and working. Not a lot of crime and no bad part of town. I feel safe anywhere in town. Love It. Within the topics of housing, homelessness, planning and development, roads and traffic, attracting businesses, and infrastructure, these are a few examples of comments about improvements or critiques:
• Ames doesn't seem to attract a lot of new diverse types of business whether it be shopping or food. I'm not sure what can be done but the same group of people own the three or four local restaurants. We can't seem to attract any great restaurants. Lots of people go to Des Moines. Our grocery stores are lacking. It's either HyVee, Fareway (both companies I don't want to support) or Wheatsfield which is terribly expensive. Something like Trader Joes would be great. We don't attract a lot of clothing aside from chain stores. Just would be nice to get new businesses and not a bunch of part stores, Mexican food, and chain clothing stores.
• Big developers have way too much sway in this town. I don't think it’s a secret who they are
• I moved to Ames for clerical work at ISU in 1976. It was unaffordable then and still is. There's talk but no action to make affordable housing. Once you reach about age 25 you don't want roommates anymore. And then you realize how ownership is not a possibility. Ames needs to look at Ankeny for town home developments and ways to make them
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affordable for builders and price them so lower to middle income ranges can own a home.”
• It would be nice to keep the small university town feeling. Less construction of tall buildings. The downtown hotel would look "out of place" Also, CyTown will take away the ISU "campus feeling." It would be nice to make Ames more pedestrian friendly.
• It is distressing to see the homeless population increasing, and to see the public library and the old town areas being treated as “logical" places for them. The City of Ames needs to do a better job of serving the needs of all its inhabitants, and not just by creating a ghetto of the older parts of town for the needy.
• There is a lot of focus on expanding the city to the west through new construction, but not enough attention on the stormwater issues this creates downstream. New homes restrict the ability of the watershed to absorb water, and this leads to more water in the creeks. The creeks are essentially like "utility infrastructure" in a sense, so they need to be maintained better. Right now, the burden is being pushed onto property owners downstream! This leads to flooding.
• Housing prices are out of control. Affordable rent should be a huge push for anybody allowed to build rentals in Ames. $2k/month for a 3 bedroom is insane. Those landlords should be evicted from town unless they agree to lower rent prices. Here are a few examples of the other miscellaneous topics mentioned:
• When can we get one brand of garbage truck in my block instead of five? Tears up the street, dirties the air, and makes us have trucks come one more day of the week. Please solve this and not just think about it.
• You've got to do something to ensure senior citizens can continue to be able to live here. Property taxes are rolling everyone - I understand - but hit retired fixed income people the hardest.
• The climate action plan is a ridiculous use of time and resources. We should not be investing in solar panels. If you are north of a latitude of Oklahoma they are not nearly as effective. Hard to believe they will offset carbon impact of their supply chain construction and installation.
• Please add proposed zoning change information more prominently on websites. It is very hard to find in meeting minutes.
• I think Ames is a great place to live but it is costly. I'm lucky to be able to afford to live here. Property taxes (+ home values) are high + discouraging to young families. I try to contribute to assisting library, Bridge Home, food bank, police funds etc., and plan to do more for animal shelter this year. There is a lot of private wealth in Ames that should be carrying more of the cost of arts, recreation, and extra-curricular public services. This survey is too long.
• I really like this town, and I wish more people felt the same way. I can't blame them though, the number of poor experiences I've had with city officials over the years is very discouraging. I get that a lot of students come and go, but they're still residents and many of them are looking to stay after graduation. They might if they were treated well their first 4 years here.
• I don't and won't use social media for information – the systems are too unsecured. I value our healthcare system in partnership with the City of Ames. Glad we have municipal electric services. Consider partnerships w/ ISU + Story Co. for expanded naturalized trails and connecting what ISU students want from community to make Ames a better place for them, or student recruitment as they contribute to property taxes through rentals.
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• I appreciate the resources the library offers, but I've personally felt uncomfortable bringing my children to the library. There tends to be a crowd around and inside the library that creates an environment I don't always feel is safe or family friendly. Additionally, I've noticed a strong emphasis on certain political viewpoints, which feels unbalanced for a public institution meant to serve a diverse community. I hope the library can work toward creating a more welcoming and neutral space for all patrons.
• Thank you for this opportunity to share my opinions. I had no idea this program existed. You should publicize it so that even people who are not selected to participate are given that opportunity. For other details on the additional comments, see appendix.
Figure 28. Additional Comments
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APPENDIX 2025
Comments on Funding Allocation to Programs and Services Don’t know
• Don’t Know
• I do not know. I am not informed enough to be able to offer a useful opinion.
• I don't have enough information to know the status of each.
• I don't really know much about funding
• I feel unqualified to answer funding allocation questions. I don't know enough. I also felt the questions were unfair by listing actual dollars instead of percentage of budget. I have no direct personal frame of reference to understand $12 million as anything other than more-money-than-I-understand.
• I'm not familiar enough to comment on it.
• This is hard since I don't know what these services need
• This is hard to answer without further context about why or how more funds would be used, or how less would impact current services.
• This is hard to evaluate without knowing budgets
• Without more info I am not qualified to answer
• You must include more information
• I don't care what you send your money on …
• I don't have enough information to make informed comments, but the budget seems a little high for a city this size.
• N/A (x6) Transportation
• On Stange and Aspen, it is a business area. When we moved here 5 yrs ago my husband was almost killed. There are white lines on street flashing speed signs, it does nothing for slowing traffic! I reported this also to the city.
• Roads could be better.
• More public transport and better walkable city planning.
• Fixing those traffic lights that are unevenly timed.
• I appreciate the efforts to expand bicycling facilities and aquatic/swimming facilities. Time is still needed to see the results. Arts
• Arts create vibrant community, a sense of safety and place - outcomes are increased quality of life, and business, tourism!
• I am part of a community group that benefits from COTA. Arts are so important!
• Public arts and education programs.
• The library has huge endowment base already for arts and recreation. Should do more to
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solicit donations to further their programs. Parks and Conservation
• It would be nice to have accountability for park projects – the ice ribbon taking too long! Needs to have beautification as it’s a bit of an eyesore!
• Preservation of our green space.
• Stop using pesticides and replace natural pest reduction techniques. Enforce on local farms, runoff reduction. Stop chemtrails from flying over Ames.
• Street tree plantings along roadways 1. Construction, 2. Reconstruction, 3. Bike trails, 4. Where there are none, 5. Storm water/naturalized area along public row. Note: Trees were planted on Grand Ave. but were so small and not cared for that several have died. Satisfied
• I know funding is hard based on what Ames receives from the state, but they do a great job allocating it!
• I think it is important to fund certain aspects of the city so just continuing to use the tax dollars to give back to the residents.
• I am pretty satisfied with things the way they are. We have only lived in Ames for 5 years, but we love it here! Police
• I made my comments on the police department before I saw these dollar amounts. It seems quite evident that a disproportionate amount is spent on law enforcement.
• Ames police don't need all that money - give it to better things.
• Take a moment and think about what the police budget is and what it's actually doing.
• When I say less for law enforcement, I only mean 2 million less. (10,082,884.)
• We spend $12 million a year on our APD LEOs, and can’t they even be bothered to avoid hitting pedestrians?
• More assistance with mental health issues for police. Services and Utilities
• Provide more frequent "Free yard waste days" - (2/month), more recycling centers throughout the city, more efficient hazardous waste material disposal, and make it easier especially for home living seniors.
• More drinking supplies and public bathrooms. Clean water to drink, with pressure and no bad odor or rust.
• The city should beef up basic services - fire, police, water, streets, etc. Homelessness
• I travel (the US) by Amtrak and see a lot of homelessness. We need to ensure we have cheap housing to prevent it happening here. I support that move. We need more funding for homelessness.
• If possible, please allocate more funding towards programs that will help address the
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rising rate of homelessness and helping people affected by this. Miscellaneous
• I think you should define COTA and ASSET for people taking this survey.
• Land use planning appears to result in destroying the older neighborhoods of Ames and treating them as dumping ground rather than valued areas.
• Whatever is needed (for safety).
• I would be willing to pay more taxes for increased budgets in these areas, and others if needed.
• Animal shelter may need extra transition funding and then hope to level off after the move.
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Comments on City of Ames Services Satisfied
• Again, my use/lack of use in many of these areas makes this difficult to answer but speaking to others I believe our services are well thought out and positive through Ames.
• Continue, and do your best as they always do.
• Generally good.
• Generally, I believe Ames is a very good town to raise a family. I also know of some retired people who came back after retirement.
• I am proud to live in Ames. Ames is a great place to live and work! All my encounters with the City of Ames services have been positive.
• I have lived in Ames for 60 years and I am happy that we have quality services.
• I haven't used all these services, but I haven't heard friends or family complain about any of these.
• In general, Ames provides excellent services.
• Outstanding!
• Y'all are doing great!
• Think we enjoy living in Ames because the city takes care of us citizens.
• Overall, I am happy to live in Ames! Property and Housing Enforcement
• How is residential lack of yard upkeep being monitored and addressed?
• I think Ames does a wonderful job, but I do wish they'd pay more attention to vacant houses and overgrown lawns.
• Rental properties are very rough looking. Especially on Lincoln Way.
• Nuisance and rental enforcement need to be overhauled if no proactive measures are implemented.
• There are some areas that I’ve noticed with a lot of trash (cans, bottles, plastic bags). For example, the empty lot between Target and Walmart, and the ditch in the south side of Lincoln way west of North Dakota. I am unsure who is responsible for the cleaning of this.
• The way rental properties have all sync with their leases is unbelievable. Leaving some people homeless for several days. This should be addressed by the City Hall at some point. Police/Emergency Services
• Glad to hear about the addition of another fire station and moving one out of campus town congestion. Ames is growing and sprawling- obviously putting pressure on services.
• I would like to see the city put more of our money into police and fire.
• Need to expand the law enforcement force.
• Services are good except for APD and the protection of living standards.
• N/A (x6)
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Streets and Traffic
• Always have and always should be that way. Traffic with poor traffic management is a huge problem. Constant construction on roads is a huge problem.
• I don't like how we switched from four-lane roads to two to accommodate a bike line, because so few cyclists utilize them. 16th and Duff streets are a nightmare, I go through it multiple times a day, and in all these years I've only seen 3-5 cyclists.
• I would love more accommodation for bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. on the road. I almost got hit twice coming to school today, and that's a daily occurrence.
• One thing that could be improved is road construction. I think if they chose to re-construct roads during the summer, it would be more beneficial. It causes so much traffic. Water
• We drink bottled water in our home.
• Last evening the water was shut off to replace a valve. It would have been nice to know beforehand.
• It would be nice if there could be a grey water system to use for outside watering so we would not be using drinking water on the grass (new) and new trees. In general, I do not irrigate. CyRide
• CyRide buses that reach far west Ames (especially purple) should offer a wider variety of times in the middle of the day.
• Glad for noise enforcement CyRide if needed!
• There should be a way to indicate what bus stops are also break spots for drivers. Bike paths
• The neighborhood park is maintained (and constructed) w/ HOA dues. The (pedestrian) bike path is not maintained in the winter and it should be.
• We could use more paved bike trails. Miscellaneous
• I have tried for several years to get a garden spot for the summertime, and I was never able to do it. It would be nice to have more community gardens across the city.
• Parks and Rec. swim lessons fill quickly. Sometimes it is hard to get a spot.
• Dog barking: have talked to them and it’s better, but now we don't visit them. Also, plenty of dogs barking in our neighborhood. In which they shouldn't even have a dog or two
• Everything is great, the only thing is possibly renovating the website to be more user friendly.
• A public library should be a place that the community uses for meetings and events and most importantly it should encourage learning and education. It should not be a center for promoting political and cultural ideologies.
• Very concerned about people sleeping in public spaces and the safety issues that it brings.
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Comments on Police Department Activities Satisfied
• Keep up the great work! Thank you for all that you do for the community!
• Does a great job!
• I have had an emergency 3 1/2 years ago. The response was good. The department was very helpful and compassionate.
• I view our Police as protections of our social order. They do it well in Ames
• I'm very thankful for the professional and high-quality police force in Ames.
• It's a good sector.
• My experience with the Ames Police Dept. about 3 years ago when I was the victim of credit card scam was wonderful; they helped me very much.
• My few interactions have been very positive.
• No interaction with police services for many years, yet I am very grateful for their services and professionalism.
• No issues. They are nice and helpful.
• Officer was very helpful when I woke up in ER after being hit by a car.
• Thank you for installing stop signs on E. 14th St when 16th St. was under construction. Much safer!
• Thank you for keeping our community safe!
• The few times I have had contact with them have been pleasant and helpful.
• The interactions I have had in my place of employment have been positive.
• The officers at the Trinity Church Trunk or Treat were very pleasant
• They are very good! The Facebook page is very helpful with timely information.
• They deserve every nickel they earn. They do a remarkable job
• They have always been helpful when needed (thankfully not often) and provide reasonable interactions.
• I am very satisfied with community and business involvement.
• We back the blue in this house.
• We have a great police department, even if I get stopped.
• While I do not know the officers personally, I have been consistently impressed by the professionalism and presence of the Ames Police Department. Their work helps maintain a strong sense of safety and order in our community. I appreciate their service and the role they play in keeping Ames a secure and livable city.
• I enjoy the APD's Facebook posts.
• I’ve seen more in my area doing patrol stops I’m assuming for speeding and in the past for drug busts I’ve heard about for college dorms. I’m glad they’re enforcing the local laws and even handling the college issues.
• Citizen Police Academy is an excellent program.
• I know this is mostly ISU PD and not Ames as much, but I do appreciate how on days like 801 or on ISU football game days, the police in Ames all around seem to focus more on getting people home safely and preventing conflicts rather than busting people for underage drinking/parties/etc.; it makes us feel far safer (for the record I am 22 but it's still nice to see for others).
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• I appreciate the outreach activities and donate to Shop with a Cop yearly. Unfortunately, I am not aware of most of the other activities mentioned.
• Ames' animal control is a valuable resource to our community. More Traffic Enforcement
• Speeding on Lincoln Way, South 4th, South 16th between University and Duff, and Mortenson needs to be cracked down on while ISU students are here.
• Give more speeding tickets.
• I have observed serious issues with people running red lights throughout Ames, but especially on Lincoln Way around ISU. As a high pedestrian stretch of road, I look to the Ames Police Department to do more to reduce reckless driving behavior in this part of town.
• I wish that speed limits were more widely enforced, especially on Grand, 13th, Lincoln Way, and Stange
• Too much speeding on residential streets, including our street, Ash Ave. There is little or no enforcement of speed limit. Otherwise, good service!
• We live by an apartment complex and when calling in parking violators, police don't seem to care. They never get ticketed!
• Traffic enforcement at known high speed residential and at all-way stops will stop many "roll throughs."
• Traffic light enforcement is #1. What's the use of posting speed limit signs if 99% of drivers ignore them. People are driving way above the speed limits everywhere in town.
• Residential patrolling because there is sometimes noise pollution due to excessively loud vehicles and street racing near the high school and along 13th near Furman.
• People who park in handicapped places at the public library and leave when cops come because they have no permit. More Drug Enforcement
• A lot of the students in the dorms and apartments still smoke and do drugs. Action taken in this regard would be appreciated.
• Many people in my apartment building smoke weed. It isn't allowed and the landlord can't do much. When cops are called, they also don't do anything. It fumes up through our vents making my place smell.
• Something not asked in the last question was drug enforcement. I think that aggressive outreach, enforcement, and follow up especially with underage users and ISU is essential. More important than anything else. Better Training
• The City needs to provide continued support to the police department in working with mental health issues.
• My highest priority for Ames PD is anti-bias training, specifically with regards to mental health and LGBTQ+ individuals
• De-escalation training.
• I'd appreciate it if the City could empower the Police Department more to deal with the homeless population in east Ames.
• Community policing (I think it's called). Training in sensitivity and profiling. I don't think I
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have seen any foot/cycle/horse patrols anywhere outside of a special city event. Bad Interactions
• Mixed experiences depending on which officers respond. I had a weird interaction with an officer re: parking ticket. I wanted to take it and leave but he wanted me to answer a trivia question. Felt very condescending and kind of creepy (I am female).
• The difference between ISU PD and APD is astonishing. APD is wildly unprofessional and willfully negligent in their driving behaviors. They need training in professionalism and a lesson in accountability. I trust ISU PD. APD has lost all respect and trust in my household.
• Officer involved in a case for us was rude and refused to get back to us. He may have even lied about not receiving camera footage, since the business claimed they sent it. Verified his name. Maybe some customer service training.
• Most officers I've interacted with are very professional and community focused. Occasionally, I have interacted with someone whose biases are showing in their interactions. Not unprofessional, but a little concerning.
• Called police about a sick wild animal. They told me to contact animal control. They wouldn't transfer the call for one. Not Happy! More Public Safety
• Focus on public safety.
• Expand the police force to enable more community safety programming.
• I think they should focus less on parking issues and more on the safety of the town. Over Policing
• I think they focus too much on petty stuff honestly sometimes, but way better than ISU police.
• It seems the P.D. is very large - a disproportionate amount of money is spent on it. I can't believe the number of P.D. vehicles at the lot by the station. I once saw assault rifles being unpacked outside the station. Do we really need so many weapons in what seems like a safe city? Of course, safety is important, but do we need so many police?
• Their parking enforcement is unjust and incredibly overbearing. I've been ticketed for being even slightly over a yellow curb.
• They prey on college kids to give as many parking tickets as possible. My roommate has gotten 3 parking tickets because one of his tires was off the driveway.
• I think that more positive outreach would be more beneficial than more enforcement. Gun Violence
• I'm very concerned about the current "carrying" laws and young people here. Mix in booze, competitive events, etc. and trouble will follow.
• One of my biggest concerns in the US is the potential risk of an encounter of an active shooter to any member of my family and friends. Unfortunately, I don’t know what I can do to help mitigate this problem.
• There really aren't any rules about active shooters or what to do in the heavily populated campus so I think it would be beneficial if there was an email with information.
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More/Continued Funding
• Keep it growing. Retain them and make sure your salary schedule is in line with the area. Make sure they are funded fully with the best equipment.
• We have an outstanding police department who go way above and beyond with all that they do. They are transparent and have many outreach events. I just wish there were more of them. Miscellaneous
• Got any fun surplus for sale?
• I feel perfectly safe in my community.
• I just hope they know where their priorities lie, especially in times like these.
• I wish there was less drunk driving but don't want more people to be arrested for it.
• It seems like there is always a very large amount of police vehicles parked at the police station- sometimes more than 10.
• I’ve been involved in check theft, online scam.
• Haven't had any need.
• We haven't had any interaction.
• Is parking meter cost effective? After purchasing, installation, collections and monitoring, how much does the city gain?
• Community mental health options.
• The police department should electrify its vehicle fleet.
• Ames PD seems better than ISUPD, but I've not interacted much with either. I'd say prioritize fast response time over making traffic stops.
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Comments on Fire Department Satisfied
• Fast Response Time
o Around November 2024, about four fires (or at least some form of fire alarm activation) happened in my residence hall. The Fire Department arrived quickly and dealt with the issues rather quickly.
o Fast response when someone sets off the building alarms.
o I have used city ambulances a couple times and response times are mostly very good.
o I luckily have not had to deal with this much but one time there was a fire in my apartment complex they got there quick and had little damage.
o They get to dorm fire alarms quick which is nice :)
o Their response was excellent when a car ran into our house.
• Good Outreach
o I love their open house events.
o Loved the Fire Safety event put on by the Fire Department for the community. My child was very engaged and learned a lot!
o Luckily only know them from outreach events like firehouse tours, but they were so kind to kids.
o Thankfully, I have not had to have the fire dep. come to my house. I have taken my grandkids to open house and educational events at the fire station and they loved shooting the hoses and climbing in the fire trucks. The fire people around here seem nice!
o The firefighters at the trunk or treat event were great with the kids.
o Great interactions with youth.
• General
o They were responsive and helpful with my application to burn a small prairie area on my property.
o As an RA at Iowa State, I find the fire department SUPER helpful and great to work with!
o Good Job.
o The fire inspector was exceptionally helpful with our church.
o The Ames Fire Department consistently delivers outstanding service. The leadership—Chief and his deputy chief set a strong example through their professionalism, responsiveness, and accessibility. The firefighters themselves are reliable, respectful, and bring a sense of calm competence to every interaction. This is a well-leading and well-supported department.
o Thank you for all that you do!
o My experiences have been perfect.
o Great professional fire department.
o I love the Fire Department.
o It's a very active and helpful sector that is fulfilling their duties.
o Keep on going well.
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o I have only really used them for medical emergencies and CPR training, but I am very satisfied with both.
o Only called for a carbon monoxide alarm and they were very kind as it was only a battery going out.
o Thank you for all that you do for our community!
o Thankfully have not needed these services, yet grateful for their education and protection.
o Have not had to call the fire department but I bet they'd do a great job.
o I have never had to use Fire Dept. services, but my sense is that they are very good.
o Never had to use so far, but feel Ames has a real sound fire dept.
o I have seen them out doing things and they are nice when I have seen them at other things.
o Good to hear that the campus station is moving to west part of Ames. Haven’t Used
• Fortunately, I didn’t need their services.
• Fortunately, I haven't used the fire department.
• Fortunately, we've never needed to call them!
• Haven't had to use their services.
• Haven't had to use. I hear sirens so am assuming their response time is adequate.
• I am fortunate to have never needed the fire department service in the 47 years I have lived in Ames.
• I haven't had any experience with the fire department.
• I thankfully have not had to call or use the fire department.
• I've never encountered the fire department in action
• I’ve seen them around but have not personally had to deal with them or heard from them at all.
• Luckily, I didn’t need their services.
• Thankfully, I have never needed this service.
• Thankfully, they never needed them for a real emergency.
• Thankfully I haven't had to experience this.
• Thankful to have never needed them!
• Never interacted (x4)
• I'm not familiar with programs they offer.
• Not very familiar with this.
• Very limited interaction with the Fire Department.
• Have never called
• Can't judge More Outreach
• I would like to see more promotion for the fire and EMS here in Ames not such during fire
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prevention week.
• Haven't seen fire prevention activities and outreach
• See Fire Department staff at grocery store. This could be an opportunity for outreach.
• There are outreach activities. More Stations
• Relocation of fire station #2 is badly needed. A fourth station in northern Ames would be great.
• I don't think there are enough fire stations for the size of our city. The amount of time it would take to get to certain parts of the city is concerning. My family is very satisfied with the firefighters that serve this community.
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Comments on City Electric Service Satisfied
• Have always been a great service, they just helped me last night.
• Have no complaints.
• I haven't had any issues with Ames Electric. And they are reliable.
• I love Ames Electric Services and its solar initiative!
• I was very impressed with the customer service when setting it up for the first time.
• Never had to call. Very good as we’ve been here around 11 years.
• No issues.
• Overall excellent
• Overall good service (x2)
• So far so good!
• The city does good work.
• They do very well with communicating to their users on what is going on and the solution they are taking.
• I think it is being managed very well. Quality of service is very good.
• I was very impressed with the quick response to an outage on a Sunday morning. Power restored in about an hour and further repairs done later for long term repair.
• We are so fortunate to have such a responsive crew. They are highly effective often in very poor weather conditions. Thank you :)
• I really appreciate the approach in Ames to efficient lighting! Dark sky fixtures and adding solar. You folks are the best!!!
• The monthly newsletter is a great source of information.
• Love the electric price in Ames. I just hope they can meet the power demand in the next 30 years. I found out that over 10 years the power pack was too expensive for me.
• Only one time was my electric meter misread, and I think the person on the phone handled it well. SunSmart
• Positives
o This is so cool!
o SunSmart Ames is such a cool project, and if I were in town long-term, I would absolutely participate.
o Sounds like a great plan
o Should offer this to apartment owners.
o Should allow residents to purchase as many shares as they would like.
o Seems like a good opportunity.
o If I was younger I would.
o I won't be here long enough to participate but it sounds beneficial!
o I would participate in SunSmart Ames if I knew I’d be staying here after college! That is a wonderful program.
o We are participating via our church.
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• Improve SunSmart
o [SunSmart] Seems somewhat expensive.
o Since we purchased two at $300 each, maybe consider giving us 3rd at half price.
o How well is it [SunSmart] performing? Newsletter? More Renewable
• Ames should do more to encourage solar energy such as buying solar energy at a better price.
• I would like to see solar become a larger part of electricity generation in Ames.
• I want more community solar.
• Continue increasing the renewable energy in the area, though could we find a clean thing to mix with the garbage, like bio diesel from algae or hydrogen in the power plant? Complaints
• I rent and my landlord couldn't care less. My utility bill is high because they pass the heating expenses on to their tenants.
• Renewable energy initiations allow people to feel better about themselves while the only actual "real" result they produce is increasing the cost of energy rates.
• When I first bought my Ames home, I was auto enrolled in the program where Ames can control your AC, but I knew nothing about it. Come summer my AC was switching off and it took me a while to figure it out, and it was incredibly unsettling. I called and asked for it to be disconnected--and the tech even showed me when he came out that he was completely cutting the wires, which made me feel back in control, but I really wish I would've been asked vs. forced.
• Link is broken Continue Incineration
• I hope City continues to provide electricity via trash incineration to reduce landfill issues, power has rarely failed here even when neighboring towns have outages.
• I know the upfront rehab cost is staggering, but I'd prefer to see us upgrade our trash incinerator (and I don't like the idea of trucking things to a landfill far away). It's a huge point of pride in our community for my demographic.
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Comments on Drinking Water Service Great Water
• Ames’s water!
• Ames has great water! (x8)
• Ames has some of the best water. We are very satisfied with it.
• Ames has the best water. We get spoiled with how good it is.
• Ames’s water is the best I've had out of anywhere I've lived
• Ames’s water is the BEST!
• Ames’s water tastes great, it's one of my favorite things about Ames
• Award winning water!! Hooray for Ames!
• Best tasting water anywhere!
• Best tasting water I have ever had
• Best water
• Delicious
• Excellent (x3)
• Excellent water quality in Ames.
• Good drinking water
• I drink the water here more often because it tastes better than other places I've been.
• I love Ames’s water!
• LOVE Ames water! Great job!
• Love it!
• I love the quality of Ames drinking water.
• Love the water here.
• Perfect almost always
• The water is amazing here in Ames!
• They do great job with this
• Very happy with water in Ames
• Water in Ames tastes good
• It's the best in Iowa for a reason!
• It tastes very good
• Love the Ames water taste! There does tend to be too many calcium deposits in other water.
• I've had excellent drinking water services and delivery.
• Very good service and water
• The drinking water service is one of the best in the country, with no complaints. Hard Water and Build-Up
• Ames’s water is on the hard side, but good.
• I thought Ames’s water was considered hard water, so I'm not sure what is meant by asking if we've had hard or soft water. Nor do I have any idea how I would know if it changed from one or the other (maybe if it was drastic), or if hard/soft is to be considered an aberration from "normal" (or "regular" or "neither-hard-nor-soft").
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• Water is generally hard but not a major problem
• Water is hard and so I have residue buildup on faucets, sinks, etc. But it tastes great! So, I'll deal with the buildup. I do not want soft water.
• Water is really hard and builds up on our clothes. Still, we love the taste.
• orange discoloration in shower
• In the last five years, the water in our neighborhood runs reddish/brown more often. It leaves pinkish red stains in bathtub, sinks, washer, some clothes. It keeps getting worse over time. :(
• Notice iron bacteria around drain on occasion.
• We also get a lot of what appears to be calcium in our sinks, drains, etc. Poor Quality
• Poor.
• Can be improved. And have it in more areas.
• I always have sediment in the bottom of my water bottle after filling from the tap
• I don't trust drinking water every day.
• I think I'm an outlier here, but I do not like the taste of Ames water. I can't drink it unless it's been iced. Worried about Pollution
• I am concerned about nitrates and other pesticides. Perhaps more information can be shared in an accessible way.
• Although Ames has some of the best tap water/drinking water, I think it would be beneficial to test for PFAs and other potential contaminates on a regular basis at multiple locations around the city and make this data available for the public if it isn't already.
• Our water seems to have more rust here (south Ames) than anywhere I've lived in this town, and I've lived here 35 years. No Issues
• No concerns
• No issues.
• I have no issues Hydrant Flushing
• Significant rust after hydrant flushing; had to run enough water that it likely increased my monthly bill significantly.
• There was a lot of rust in March but no notification of possible hydrant flushing in the area. Discovered the rusty water after using it for laundry, cooking, and vaporizer. Never saw a hydrant flushing truck on my side of town, but I did see one downtown.
• Only had issues when flushing hydrants in area.
• Only when flush hydrant. Temporary Issue
• The water didn't taste bad; it just tasted weird for a month.
• There was a day when we got an email that the tap water would be "dirty." That only lasted a couple days, to my knowledge.
• We just had very little to no water coming from the taps once and it was resolved within a day
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• Only problems when water main breaks nearby. Miscellaneous
• Ok-plus hope rates don't rise.
• If Ames is adding fluoride to our drinking water, you need to stop adding it to the water supply.
• Sometimes it burns my eyes.
• It’s getting pricey.
• Water main was repaired but water is still a little colored occasionally
• I drink all my water out of reverse osmosis and remineralization filter, so I don't know what tap is like.
• We have a water softener.
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Comments on Water and Pollution Control Stormwater Management and Sewers
• Could you get landlords to construct garages, so water flows out rather than in? They fail half the building inspections anyways, why not check the garages too?
• Better follow up and commitment to maintenance. Projects along 24th St. are a disappointment both in the Hayes-Hoover area and to the west near Kent St. Not sure the western site even collects or stores run off in a storm.
• Need to be more communicative about storm water issues and why we are increasing rates - benefits of stormwater projects for resilience, minimizing long term & immediate risks, cumulative impacts of system improvements- be more like the electrical services.
• Storm outlets just east of Wilder Blvd on Lincoln Way have trees, vegetation, and other debris restricting water flow.
• Stormwater backs up on driveway of alley. City did some mitigation years ago when it encroached on the garage. It is only a minor nuisance now
• In 2016 water came back into our yard from a culvert under entry street. I do have pictures. Evidently need bigger outlet from pond area.
• My back yard is next to a drainage area. I am used to occasional high-water runoffs.
• They came and power sprayed blockages from the sewer drains into our yard and sidewalk without removing the debris. Next time it rains hard again that debris will go right back into the sewer or be stuck in my yard.
• The city needs to pay more attention to creek erosion and the impact of urban expansion on stormwater drainage and creek levels.
• "Landlord made [tenant] aware" [of sewer and storm water backup] “See above comments. Think this is an ongoing issue."
• N/A (x5)
• No experience!
• Sorry, there is nothing city could do about this.
• None (x2) Satisfied
• Huge compliments coming: In my second or third year as homeowner here, my sump pump was getting pushback when it tried to discharge. A plumber said there was nothing wrong with my pump, that the issue was the line. I went over to Public Works and someone talked to me and listened, and then a couple of guys came out to the house to check things out, and they were fantastic. They took their time to ask questions and watched the system, confirmed it was plumbed correctly and (most of all) were supportive of me as a new and younger homeowner. They found out the problem was several houses down with tree roots getting into the line; then they took the initiative to clear them out, and it ran fine again. They gave me an emergency workaround if it happened again so my basement wouldn't flood. I thought they went above and beyond, and it felt good
• I live in an apartment, so I have no issues.
• They are a helpful, vital resource!
• Great!
• Love Ames water. We have the expensive water "meter" for vegetation but water more
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from other faucets
• Seems fine.
• Maybe there could be a way to encourage bidets. Communication
• I am very dissatisfied with the lack of community input or notification about the work on new wells at the Carr Woods/East River Valley Park. Reflects poorly on the city at large.
• Great notification of hydrant flushing in my neighborhood.
• I didn't know we were supposed to report sewer backups. Cost
• Everything is getting more expensive, and income is staying the same, it’s getting harder to pay bills.
• Water rates keep increasing!
• Seems odd to pay for an extra meter and pay monthly charge continually increasing rates. Should plan for ongoing maintenance/replacement. Garden Watering
• I do like to water my trees and new plants in time of drought, so it is unfortunate we have to use expensive drinking water to do that.
• If you water garden or flowers, sewer rate is high
• Need a better way to offer "garden" watering separate from server. Water Quality
• If question above is related to how clean the Skunk River is, I'm somewhat dissatisfied with that water quality. We still boat down it but know how contaminated it is.
• Iowa's cancer rates continue to rise. What can be done now to reduce these mortality rates? The DNR regularly reports wastewater spills. What can be done to protect our water quality safety and also reduce these spills?
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Comments on Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement No Issues
• Have not had any interaction or difficulties with these issues.
• Haven't had to deal with it thus far.
• I've never submitted a report.
• I live in a well-maintained area of Ames... few if any students or poverty or overcrowding issues.
• My community is peaceful, friendly, and respectful.
• Our neighborhood is paradise.
• Resolved quickly with city judge, so I have none.
• They seem to be going fine, nothing needs to change
• The City of Ames app works great to report issues.
• Reporting app was very easy to use to report dumped furniture! Fast responses.
• I am glad the city has such ordinances and that they are enforced. None have been an issue yet where I live.
• Called the city about a neglected yard, they did what they could, and I was happy.
• Dog barking kept down. Property Maintenance
• Yard upkeep. Property owners allowing lawns to overgrow or "crowd" sidewalks overhanging bushes and trees. Tree roots heaving sidewalks. Nothing is corrected.
• Weeds along Bloomington on private property.
• Some properties have overgrown vegetation obscuring traffic around corners.
• Have the new ordinances concerning yard upkeep been enforced?
• The apartment complex directly north of our property continues to accumulate garbage on our property. Their dumpster isn't adequately large enough for their residents, and residents continue to just throw garbage down the hill onto our property.
• Need to put some teeth behind the enforcement of poorly maintained properties with slum lords who can do so much better. Hope this changes or I will consider another. Never been impressed by the realtors, property mangers., etc., and landlords.
• Rental ordinance enforcement is nearly nonexistent. You should not rely on see-click-fix. Moving vegetation overgrowth, sidewalk shoveling are huge issues with rentals
• The appearance of rental properties on Lincoln Way is very poor.
• A house has been abandoned in our neighborhood for several years. Racoons and other animals are living inside it. City inspections have said they can't do anything about it.
• Complained about a neighborhood house falling apart. I was told unless they had thistles, they couldn’t do anything. House is still falling apart. Also complained re: dangerous sidewalk and within a year was fixed.
• I wish there were more proactive steps to reduce littering, and over occupancy in campus towns in peak party times of the year.
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Poor Enforcement
• Did not continue or take further even though the issues did not stop.
• Police never came.
• Allow more reporting/enforcement of nuisances by police and other citizens and not just a neighbor. I have been driven by properties that are definitely trashy, overgrown yards and dilapidated and they remain so over several years.
• Somewhat satisfied. Dispatch was initially dismissive instead of listening to account.
• Reported one major 'Over Occupancy' and was ignored: no call back/no response.
• It’s frustrating because I’ve had a report filed on me for overgrown weeds despite keeping my lawn very nice and tidy and taking extra care of the way my house looks. but yet my neighbor right next door has never had a complaint filed and for the entire year since they’ve moved in, they park cars and boats on their front yard, let their lawn grow insanely high in the summers, all their bushes/vegetation grows uncontrolled, and they leave waste and old tired and trash piled on the side of their driveway. Noise
• I am not aware of noise limits - maybe people could stop lawn mowing and especially leaf blowing after a certain time.
• I didn't know a dog could bark from 9pm-5am without taking a break. City officials didn't seem to care and just "made a note of it".
• Barking dogs!!
• City and campus events appear to be completely exempt from noise ordinances- why is this allowed?
• Noise from loud music (college students)
• Noise limits are extremely high, especially for daytime but even nighttime limits are too lax.
• Only problem is fireworks around 4th of July
• FIREWORKS & PARTIES IN CAMPUSTOWN WHILE VISITING A FRIEND I DON'T EVEN CALL THESE THINGS IN ANYMORE. Over Enforcement
• Overgrown lawns are such a pointless nuisance ordinance. Perfect 1950's-esque lawns are asinine in the first place. The city should not waste their time caring for what people do on their own property unless it poses an imminent hazard to other people.
• Probably gets a bit overdone here.
• You should not send fines to someone for having what someone would call a "junk car" in their yard.
• I'm not, nor ever will be, a fan of the "City of Ames HOA ordinance" that was recently passed. Someone's overgrown vegetation or old shed is not a nuisance to someone else.
• I’ve known people to be charged because the grass in their lawn was slightly too tall and fined even after shoveling their sidewalk to their best extent during the snowstorms these past years. It’s a bit ridiculous.
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• Why is it illegal to park on your own front lawn, when it is also illegal to park on the streets? The street parking in residential areas makes zero sense. Parking and Junk Cars
• Cars parked too long on street.
• Parking
• Junk car/truck parked in front of residence never moves. Been an issue for 5yrs +. Called in - tires marked sticker notice. Move for a day or so & put it right back. The ordinance needs to change! Miscellaneous
• Sick animal. I waited an hour and a half to get Animal Control here.
• Rent is too damn high.
• I think Ames does a good job at holding people accountable for trash in the yards or any nuisance items. I do think there should be a rule for people that have presidential signs up on houses when the voting season is over. If it is no longer voting season there should not be presidential signage or fandom signs allowed.
• I have reported a condo that has a severely bright roof, none of the other apartment buildings have lights like that. I have even called the company that owns it before I reported it to you. I asked her to be a good neighbor and tip the light down. She wasn't going to do anything; I talked to our HOA no change
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Comments on Traffic Signals Timing and Coordination
• I have never lived in a town with more stop light where the untimed light creates way too much traffic. These factors lead to an already taxed number of vehicles. Why??
• IT IS RARE THAT I CAN GET FROM ONE SIDE OF AMES TO THE OTHER WITHOUT HITTING EVERY POSSIBLE LIGHT.
• It seems like I'm spending more time waiting at red lights. It's especially frustrating when signals turn when there are no cars on the side street or in turn lanes. If the city is serious about reducing idling/emissions, they should invest in more efficient traffic signals.
• It would be great if signal lights, especially Lincoln Way and Grand Ave. were synchronized to get through most lights with no stops!
• Sometimes I’ll sit at a traffic light for 5 min before it turns when there is zero traffic.
• There's coordination between traffic signals? I've lived in Ames for 28 years and frequently have cursed the complete lack of signal coordination like no other cities have! Exactly where is this alleged to exist?? Hard to believe this is even attempted.
• They seemed poorly timed and sometimes changed without being "tripped".
• Traffic Signals need better vehicle sensor programming.
• At times traffic signals are acceptable except late night and early morning when no other cars are around.
• Some should be timed.
• You always have to stop at traffic lights everywhere, particularly on Lincoln Way and Duff Ave. In Cedar Falls, we had roundabouts instead so rarely had to wait at traffic lights, and when I worked in downtown Waterloo, all the traffic signals were well-timed.
• I know they are coordinated but many times it doesn't seem that way. Strive for consistency in left turn signals ... they seem to differ in various areas.
• Some intersections the signal from yellow to red is very fast.
• No matter where I drive, I hit a lot of red lights. It's rare to get multiple greens.
• Traffic signals on (ineligible) do not seem properly coordinated. In fact, it almost seems to encourage you to drive 5+ mph over speed limit to hit multiple green lights.
• Intersection at 6th & Brookridge - when approaching north to cross 6th street over the rail tracks onto N. Hazel after the light will not change for a long time. No problems with the light changing coming from S, E & W.
• Seems I have to stop at every light. 13th and Grand Ave
• 13th & Grand needs traffic flow improvements ASAP.
• 13th and Grand are horrible as east/west don't have turning lanes.
• Turn lanes Grand and 13th terrible for turn lanes.
• Eastbound traffic on 13th St. at Grand Ave needs a turn arrow. Takes 3 light changes to turn left/north at busy times like 3 p.m. when school is getting out.
• I hear this is in the works already, but a solution to the traffic issues on 13th/Grand would
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be appreciated. (Left Turns)
• PLEASE add a left turn arrow (on traffic light) at 13th and Grand intersection for cars facing east at that intersection. It basically becomes a one lane road, everyone traveling straight goes in the right lane and cars pile up in the left lane waiting to go left!
• There needs to be a left signal sign at the intersection of Grand Ave and 13th Street. The road is weirdly elevated, and it is difficult to see oncoming traffic when turning left, so a green arrow light would be very effective there.
• Put a left turn arrow on 13th + Grand eastbound.
• There needs to be a turn light at grand and 13th east/west.
• They added a Left turn arrow on 16th and Grand which has been AWESOME, and my next suggestion is putting a left turn arrow for 13th and Grand. When on 13th St, turning left onto Grand is very slow and often dangerous and would benefit greatly.
• We could really use a north/south turn signal for traffic at 13th and Grand.
• We really need a green arrow system on 13th and Grand. I'm afraid of turning to the left to get to North Grand Mall. It feels unsafe.
• I heard a rumor that there will be a roundabout put in at the intersection of Grand and 13th Street. If this happens, I think it would be dangerous and very ineffective. I think it would cause multiple moto-vehicle accidents.
• You need to install a green arrow on 13th and Grand.
• There needs to be a left turn arrow on 13th & Grand. Congestion has been compounded by closure of Stange.
• Results at Grand & 13th are too long- need a turning lane east/west.
• Sensory-traffic backups often Grand + 13th
• Inefficient lights at the light at 13th St and Grand Ave. People trying to turn left from 13th onto Grand during busy times create large traffic back-ups. The use of green arrows is highly necessary here. Lincoln Way
• Need more green arrows on Lincoln Way.
• There are some lights notably on Lincoln Way which feel especially poorly timed and will have no traffic moving for extended periods of time.
• Too long of a wait to cross Lincoln Way at campus and too short of a green light at Campustown.
• Lincoln Way at times during the day, is impossible to drive through two green lights. I have to stop at every single traffic light due to lack of coordination
• There are major traffic light issues on Lincoln Way. If you hit one red light while driving through campus, you'll probably hit every subsequent light. It's a huge waste of time.
• The signal at Dakota Ave and Lincoln Way is ridiculously long if you’re going north/south. It needs to switch a lot faster. You can wait at that one light for 4-5 minutes.
• Sheldon intersection light timing does not work effectively. If you want to go North/South, you end up having to wait through multiple cycles of East/West without the North/South ever changing.
• The intersection of Lincoln Way and Sheldon is terrible, cars going north and south do not
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have enough time to go before the light changes and it takes upwards of 60 seconds for the light to change even if there is no oncoming traffic from Lincoln Way.
• Please make the lights on Lincoln Way near ISU better. I hit every single red light every time.
• The light at the intersection of Lincoln Way and State Ave is dreadful when trying to turn left from State onto Lincoln. Whatever timer/weight-checking system the light is on is far too long. This also leads to an excessive wait time for pedestrians trying to cross Lincoln at this light. Grand Ave
• Grand is terrible and I wish east and west were separate, but I know you all rush
• I often get stopped by red light repeatedly on Grand.
• Please consider the left turn lane at Grand & 20th!!
• Sometimes, the traffic signal at the intersection of Grand Ave and Bloomington Road in North Ames lags, especially the pedestrian walk signal. Authority should look into the matter.
• East & West bound 20th St green signal at Grand is too short, especially if there is a CyRide or Ames School District bus waiting to turn.
• 6th St & Grand- if you're on 6th St the light takes too long to switch.
• 6th + Grand signal needs to travel sooner when there is no traffic.
• Lights at 13th and 6th turning onto Grand can be very slow.
• A light I take issue with is at Grand and 16th. Trying to turn from 16th left onto Grand takes forever when it is busy. A higher chance for green arrows would be highly beneficial here. Currently, it only rarely gives a green left arrow. No Issues
• Generally visible and they seem to work.
• I have not had any problems with traffic signals.
• I love that Ames has long yellow lights, it prevents accidents and allows safer left turns during busy traffic hours.
• Nice job.
• No issues.
• Not a big issue for me- seems to work well. Patience is a virtue ...
• They are very functional.
• Signals working well- just wish people would adhere to the appropriate signal and not race through a yellow light.
• Work well overall.
• Medians and side streets with rain gardens are always beautiful! Great job on these. Duff Ave
• Duff is frustrating but to your credit, it is getting better. I like what you did with S Duff.
• I drive from N Duff to S Duff often and it doesn't work well. Can you cancel the cars
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entering from a side street and make a red turn light so we don’t stop and wait for nothing??
• Traffic lights need to be synced on Duff. The flow of lights is inefficient and impairs the flow of traffic.
• Timing of lights on S Duff Ave causes traffic backup.
• No more traffic lights on S. Duff. Jeez!
• I most definitely think the traffic signal at S. Duff and Target/Chick-fil-A needs to be changed to where there is a left turn arrow (i.e., no yield) because it is extremely difficult to turn onto S Duff at peak times of the day.
• I tried to avoid So Duff, and moved to North Ames when I got tired of driving. So much congestion from South Ames through to north and beyond. Extending Grand to 16th was a good move. Expanding 16th should help, especially with event management. Crosswalks
• Maybe the beeping at crossing points could be quieter, I can hear the beeps from feet away.
• Our crosswalk policy and codes are archaic for a population of this size but so is the rest of Iowa. Cars don't have to yield to pedestrians according to the police.
• More stoplights need to have the countdown, making it much easier for big vehicles
• It takes many rotations to get a walk signal.
• Traffic signals on bus routes such as intersections of Lincoln/Beedle and Lincoln/Marshall should be timed to allow pedestrians to cross more frequently. Currently the waiting time can be quite long.
• My final thought is that the light to cross Lincoln at Sheldon could be more pedestrian friendly. The waiting time is currently pretty long compared to other lights near campus. 13th St
• 13th on Ontario and Stange are horrible during rush hours even before construction.
• Ames includes at least 1 incredibly dangerous intersection. At the intersection of Stange and 13th, a vehicle making a left hand turn in the southbound lane of Stange may receive a solid green signal. While yielding, if there is a large vehicle stationary in the northbound left lane, it can COMPLETELY obscure the northbound right lane. This greatly increases the risk for the driver making the left turn. A spherical mirror should be installed on the southeast corner of this intersection. 8 lane traffic lights with solid green signals should not be present in Ames, a city with a traffic infrastructure routinely bottlenecked by a large student population.
• I wish the Hyland-Ontario/13th St intersection was a bit quicker for people turning left from Hyland.
• The lights on 13th street between Grand Ave and Iowa State campus are horribly timed and back up because of left-hand traffic without an arrow Road Conditions
• Please address the 13th Street to Burnett - incline at fire department, very uneven.
• Poor [road conditions in Old Town]
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• Many ISU roads and some Ames roads are bumpy and poorly constructed. Most are excellent.
• New road on West 24- nice road but top surface terrible. Highway and Exit Signals
• The traffic signals on Dayton by the Highway 30 bridge need better coordination. There are 3 signals close together that can impede traffic at times.
• Traffic lights at 13th I-35 exit are silly. Blinking lights would be sufficient and utilize full lights on game days/high traffic events only.
• 1-35 to 13th exit is time limited. Miscellaneous
• I am a college student, don't drive.
• I hardly ever drive enough, and I pick my routes to avoid traffic signals.
• I think Ames should follow in the footsteps of other cities and set lower traffic intersections to blink yellow after 11 p.m.
• It would be nice if s 17th street extended to S Grand Ave by Copper Beach and The Quarters so The Quarters residence could cross 16th St with a light instead of trying to cross off Golden Aspen Drive. There is only a yard or so of grass in between these roads and it would make more sense if they were connected.
• They do not make sense.
• When did the City start putting up stop signs at every intersection in the residentials? I’m not sure who is asking for them, but no one asked me.
• State and Mortensen can be a huge back up during am/pm commute.
• We need more proper turn lanes.
• Not enough left turn signals on busier streets.
• The Vet Med stoplight is also annoying when it causes a significant backup of cars on 16th, and I feel the issue there would have been much more efficiently solved with a roundabout.
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Comments on CyRide Satisfied
• All around effective for every aspect.
• Always very professional
• CyRide is good for those that need to use it.
• CyRide is a great transit system! My husband and I use it daily (throughout the week) to get to and from campus. This is a huge benefit.
• CyRide is fantastic for the community in addition to being a good place to work.
• CyRide makes it possible for me (and many others) to live in Ames without a car. The service is very consistent, and the buses are nice and clean. I love being able to have high-quality public transit.
• Excellent
• Excellent service; used it for decades
• Friendly drivers, good rides usually. If bus is too packed, there is usually a second bus right behind it.
• Good service (x2)
• Great (x6)
• I have a friend who cannot drive, who uses it all the time and is very satisfied
• I like the programming they do for daycares.
• Very well-ran. MyState app is very useful.
• We live next to a bus stop, it’s nice and quiet. Love the electric buses!
• The most well-functioning public service I’ve encountered is in Ames.
• The East Ames service extension has saved my day at work a couple of times over the years when my vehicle had issues- great resource!
• The app is very helpful. Overall buses are on schedule, can transport me pretty much everywhere I need to go.
• Nice drivers. I like the app!
• My two-year daughter loves the CyRide and celebrates every time she gets to see a bus.
• Love CyRide (x5)
• LOVE CyRide! The buses are awesome and they're amazing about finding lost things!
• Love CyRide my love and my life
• Legends over there.
• It's a good thing for Ames
• It is a really good and helpful service.
• Incredible Service
• Very important for ISU. Daughters used it while attending ISU.
• I do not drive so I rely on CyRide a lot for transportation
• I love CyRide; I use the Orange Route every single day.
• I love taking CyRide because it cuts down on driving and parking. They're very prompt and friendly.
• I love that Ames provides public transit for students and the community!
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• I love how efficient and friendly CyRide is!
• Nice it is here as an option
• Bus drivers are respectful and drive safely. Parking with passengers and other drivers in mind.
• If needed, I would gladly use
• Great reliable public transit!
• No issues with CyRide.
• A family member formerly used CyRide to get to campus. Good routes, reasonable cost. Quit when employment changed. Not enough bus stops or routes
• We live in Northridge. Closest bus stop is on Stange.
• CyRide does not service neighborhoods in the southwest part of town, nor just north of Lincoln Way, past North and South Dakota.
• I do not have a CyRide come near my apartment.
• I feel that more routes across Ames would be nice. Transport from campus across town can take several hours.
• I may use it in the future but the walk to the nearest stop is too far for an older person to walk
• It’s a bit of a long walk to the nearest stop. We use it occasionally, but it requires planning ahead.
• It’s concentrated to go to and from ISU. We are beyond this and therefore it is not useful to us.
• CyRide is not designed for non-undergrads. The routes are mostly on the same roads, and they don't run often enough to facilitate all the students, let alone the public.
• CyRide is great! There needs to be more shelters around town to make it more useful beyond getting to ISU.
• I love CyRide and used to use it a lot when I needed the red bus between west Ames and downtown. Since moving to south Ames, it's not as convenient.
• It's pretty good, but it would be great if there were more stops near Reiman Gardens and BWR residence hall areas.
• There isn't a stop near where I live. Not a practical option for my transportation needs.
• The buses do not run frequently enough and to enough locations. They do not get close to Sams Club, and the times do not match the schedule. If there is construction the buses should still run that route as there are certain areas that need to be accessible via bus. The bus times should not change when there is construction (traffic not included). Buses need to maintain morning frequency until 4 p.m.
• The closest bus stop is roughly a half mile away and my current health will not let me walk that far.
• I’m unable to walk to a bus stop.
• I would have to walk half a mile to get to a bus stop. I doubt I would use it.
• The cutback on service to East Ames changed a lot for us and it greatly inconveniently affected us, to the point of us almost losing our home. We strongly feel that we want CyRide to expand and keep the fees. A free ride for a few blocks is not very useful to most. (Assuming CyRide maintains cost reduction services for low income and disabled
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persons.)
• Need more routes in North Ames.
• Need more routes to the east side of town. Such as the ball fields near the Skunk River.
• Service was provided to more areas of Ames.
• Time constraints and routes prevent my riding to campus (live on north side). Need more frequent buses
• I wish the green line would run more buses, but I understand why it doesn’t.
• Bus number 7 usually is not available in the time frame I need a ride.
• I wish more routes were operated on weekends. Routes like Cardinal not running weekends make it hard to move around campus then especially with so little parking,
• I think more buses on weekends would be nice.
• I would use CyRide more to go to events of more frequent trips that were available for events - downtown, basketball.
• It’s nice during weekdays, but weekends and evenings are harder to use with efficiency.
• Kind of sucks on the weekends though and getting around Ames.
• Not enough bus stops or routes.
• We live in Northridge. Closest bus stop is on Stange.
• CyRide does not service neighborhoods in the southwest part of town, nor just north of Lincoln Way, past North + South Dakota.
• I do not have a CyRide come near my apartment.
• I feel that more routes across Ames would be nice. Transport from campus across town can take several hours.
• I may use it in the future but the walk to the nearest stop is too far for an older person to walk.
• It’s a bit of a long walk to the nearest stop. We use it occasionally, but it requires planning ahead.
• It’s concentrated to go to and from ISU. We are beyond this and therefore it is not useful to us.
• CyRide is not designed for non-undergrads. The routes are mostly on the same roads, and they don't run often enough to facilitate all the students, let alone the public.
• CyRide is great! There need to be more shelters around town to make it more useful beyond getting to ISU.
• I love CyRide + used to use it a lot when I needed the red bus between west Ames + downtown. Since moving to south Ames, it's not as convenient.
• It's pretty good, but it would be great if there were more stops near Reiman Gardens and BWR residence hall areas.
• There isn't a stop near where I live - Not a practical option for my transportation needs.
• The buses do not run frequently enough and to enough locations. They do not get close to Costco, and the times do not match the schedule. If there is construction the buses should still run that route as there are certain areas that need to be accessible via bus. The bus times should not change when there is construction (traffic not included). Buses need to maintain morning frequency until 4pm.
• The closest bus stop is roughly 1/2 mile away and my current health will not let me walk
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that far.
• Unable to walk to a bus stop.
• I would have to walk .5 miles to get to a bus stop. I doubt I would use it.
• The cutback on service to East Ames changed a lot for us & greatly inconveniently affected us, to the point of us almost losing our home. We strongly feel that we want CyRide to expand & keep the fees. A free ride for a few blocks is not very useful to most. (Assuming CyRide maintains cost reduction services for low income and disabled persons.)
• Need more routes in North Ames.
• To the east side of town. Such as the ball fields near the Skunk River.
• service was provided to more areas of Ames.
• Time constraints & route prevent my riding to campus (work north side).
• Don't use because I must be at work by 5:00 AM.
• Don't use the service.
• Great service! We just don't use the service.
• I don't ride it, I commute.
• I prefer to walk.
• I support the service, but I work from home and walk or bike to many things. I simply don't need it.
• I work from home and do not need CyRide for anything.
• It is faster for me to ride my bike than to take CyRide, so I bike if the weather allows it. Because closest stop is a ~10 min walk, I don't ride the bus in bad weather, either, because that is too far to walk (closest stop to walk is 10 min, otherwise stop is on the edge of my yard). I do occasionally ride the bus. I also bike for exercise so I wouldn't ride the bus in good weather anyway.
• Think it is great, but I only drive twice a week.
• I would use it if I could not ride a bike or drive a car. Used to Use it
• I used CyRide when I worked at ISU.
• I used it while attending Iowa State.
• I used CyRide as a student due to lack of parking on campus and it was good.
• I used it when I was in college at ISU and loved it.
• I loved it in college! Fares
• I strongly support CyRide as a service to the Ames community. I recall fare free was provided several years ago. I would encourage consideration for this again.
• I live close enough to places I often visit (downtown, library, work, store) so I can walk or bike. I would use CyRide more if I went across town and if the fare was lower or free. I enjoy CyRide on very rare occasions when I use it.
• If ISU students can ride Cyride by showing thier ID for free because they pay student fees, then why can't the Ames school kids ride CyRide by showing their school Id's? Our parents pay our taxes so why can't our kids ride for free during the year?
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• Would ride more if the fare when boarding was no cost.
• No one is suddenly going to decide to start riding CyRide because you stop charging a dollar to ride it. That monetary amount is not impacting decision making. Furthermore, it just means I'll be charged more in property taxes that I do not use.
• Used to ride CyRide. Give a thought to how much the fare helps with the budget of the system, then decide on free fares or not. Driving is Easier
• I have my own transportation
• Driving is just so much easier. I'm looking at a time when I will no longer be driving and hope I can get to and from bus stops. I have looked at schedules and time needed to travel versus driving, and driving always wins.
• I love that we have CyRide and appreciate the service throughout Ames, but I do not ride it due to preferring the flexibility of my own vehicle.
• Still can drive.
• I just prefer to travel by car, though I use CyRide on football gamedays. I used it extensively in college over a decade ago and had no issues.
• When I first came here (2006) I didn't have a car and lived in W. Ames. I used CyRide and thought it was a good service. After getting a vehicle and moving close to downtown I haven't used it. It's very hard to convert people back to using the bus once they have a vehicle in the city where there doesn't seem to be traffic and parking problems. In a major city where there are these problems it makes sense to use public transport. If I was in the college faculty or worked a job where I didn't need to carry supplies in my vehicle, I would more likely use CyRide. Overcrowded Buses
• Orange route is usually over capacity in the morning. It needs a good way to flexibly add buses when there's high demand. The rest has been fine, besides having difficulty finding a bus later at night last year when I had no car.
• Sometimes they force too many people on the bus.
• Overcrowded (2x) Drivers/Driving
• Drivers need to be more considerate of other cars
• Drivers need to be less harsh on the brakes.
• Lot of the drivers brake hard N/A
• N/A (x3) Apps
• Poor app.
• They do a decent job, but I believe that the app needs to be entirely reworked as it often bugs out.
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Miscellaneous
• Pets affect several services and are important for many people. I think more pet forward services would be great; maybe add "dogs in public space/dog training" class for kids, pet owners to facilitate appropriate facility use. Organize volunteers to help manage natural areas, remove exotics, and restore ground layer, industry. Think of the watershed impacts if all our riparian, parks had great ground cover, less run off- move infiltration. Put swan/watershed dollars towards restoration/infiltration.
• Appears when events occur CyRide is always given a hall pass. Why??
• Automobiles operated by CyRide to shuttle bus drivers around should be electric.
• I will be using it more in the next year or two.
• ISU students ride CyRide when traveling between campus and dorm.
• Need to get their hiring team together. Took months for them to get back to my husband because the manager kept forgetting him.
• Accessibility is a nightmare and often blocks traffic for two to three blocks due to trying to get the wheelchairs into the rusty straps.
• The bus stops are too close to one another. Also, they create dangerous blind spots at intersections.
• I love it and I want more of it. I wish there was some sort of service that would pick people up from Des Moines Airport.
• Overall excellent service to the community and ISU but too many empty or almost empty buses and double long buses, especially during ISU breaks.
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Comments on Ames Parks and Recreation Services Satisfied
• Ada Hayden is a gem!
• Ames is a great city to live in. There are plenty of options for parks and trails to go on whenever I want to walk my dog.
• Ames parks are wonderful. Love the pool for water walking and entertaining grandchildren
• Ames Parks with nature trails are my favorite. I love going to North River Valley trails, McFarland, and Emma McCarthy Lee for their wooded areas.
• Areas I use at Brookside are always clean and well-kept.
• Beautiful parks and natural areas within Ames.
• Good parks.
• Homewood Golf Course is a fantastic resource in our community.
• Homewood is excellent value.
• I have found Parks & Rec staff to be responsive and helpful every time I've had a question.
• I love Ada Hayden! It’s a beautiful park
• I love all the little hidden gems in the parks and so many different trails to hike!
• I love the environment.
• I love the variety of parks and outdoor spaces in Ames!
• I really enjoy going on runs around Ada Hayden and other parks around Ames. I appreciate that Ames has a lot of sidewalks and trails I can use for running.
• I really enjoy how hard Ames works to include things for the community.
• I walk quite often at Ada Hayden and am really happy about the plans to widen the trail and make it concrete.
• I went to Brookside Park, and it was pretty good. I like the seating area and the open space.
• I’m pretty impressed by Ames’s initiative to improve recreation.
• Love the trails, very well maintained.
• Overall good as far as I've seen.
• Overall, I think it is very good.
• Sixty Forward has been a great addition to Ames.
• Thank you for your work! Your dedication makes Ames a better place for everyone who lives here.
• The parks are generally great!
• Very good.
• Well maintained, especially Brookside Park
• When my grandchildren visit, the aquatic center is a favorite spot as are many playgrounds. When my children still lived at home, we made great use of the recreational facilities and programming; appreciated the variety. Both girls learned to swim through Ames Parks + Rec and started soccer there.
• Anxiously awaiting the indoor pool.
• Excited to see the finished indoor aquatic facility. Huge disappointment when indoor
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swimming at Forker on ISU campus closed this past year.
• I am looking forward to the new indoor aquatics’ facility.
• Looking forward to new indoor aquatics.
• I do love the Furman Aquatic Center and look forward to the new indoor aquatic center.
• It is alright I suppose. Improved Swimming Facilities
• Furman Aquatic Center does not have any size-accessible slides for those who are too large for tube slides other than the drop slide, which can be intimidating, and the family slide, which is limited to people with children only. My peers and I believe that anyone should be able to use the family slide, because someone's size shouldn't impact their ability to have fun at the pool.
• Quality of kids’ swim lessons needs work. Please turn off sprinklers on the lazy river.
• No wading pools for kids.
• Pool water is always too cold
• I hope there will be two Furman Aquatic Centers!
• Currently there is no indoor public pool. (Bad)
• I've been very disappointed with the complete lack of indoor aquatic classes/options after the closure of the high school and Forker pools. I know a new facility is under construction but in the meantime, there are zero other options besides joining a gym.
• I think outdoor aquatics are okay due to apartment complexes but other than that there are no real opportunities for residents other than the one known outdoor pool. For indoor aquatics there is one option that I know of at Ames Fitness, which requires a pass.
• I'd love to swim laps year-round in a 25/50 meter pool. I hope the new indoor pool offers a lot of options for moderate-fast lap swimming too. I wish there was a 50 meter lap swimming during the day/evening, not just the crack of dawn.
• As of right now there isn't an indoor pool. The outdoor pool is always packed. Park Maintenance and Clean-Up
• Could use more proactive cleanup and repairs instead of relying on citizen reporting.
• Many of the wooded areas are full of invasive species (Brookside for example)
• Munn Woods trail needs maintenance and clearer signage.
• The shelter at Daley Park could use some maintenance. Basketball backboard and nets need replaced at Daley Park.
• The grass in park areas is often spotty, rough, and full of bugs that cause reactions on the skin.
• Most shelters are nice, but some are bad. We had a department picnic at Inis Grove and two whole tables were covered in vomit and all (half dozen) trash bins full and swarming with wasps.
• My only noticeable concern when using parks and trails is the trash littered everywhere.
• I wish the city would address all of the homeless people who have taken over the parks and trashed the restrooms. Including having sex in them.
• More trash cans
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• Need to manage invasive plants and add more natives to wooded natural areas.
• I would love to see more areas protected and zones on wooded/natural areas, trees and native prairie plants planted. I'd like to see Carr Park repaired better when the pipes were laid.
• Deteriorating quality of habitat and invasive species Improved Trail System
• Although the quality of recreational trails and parks is good, they are very limited on the southwest side of town.
• More trails please!
• Mountain bike single track trials would be so much fun in Ames.
• Please continue adding connection trails. Cyclists need safe ways to travel that don't involve riding in traffic, e.g. no bike lanes.
• I would like a trail system that connects trails in west and east Ames.
• It’s nice to get out to the local parks. I wish there were more natural forest trails away from traffic, but all in all I enjoy the outdoor spaces.
• Better connection/organization of city bike trails. They seem to start/end randomly. Crossing signal/lower speed limit where bike paths crosses 13th near Stagecoach. Duff is not a "bike friendly" street. Lots of traffic, including buses, seams, weeds & debris are unfortunate obstacles of the bike lane (and sewer grates.)
• I think there could be more trails in Ames but the ones we have are good.
• Existing trails are good, need more connected network inside city + between cities.
• I appreciate that Ames has a lot of parks because I love being able to walk my dogs and see nature around me. I'd love more walking trails around the city, but I think that's just a product of being in a busy city. What we did was great!
• Trails by Emma McCarthy Lee Park need to be paved to be more accessible to all residents. Could have better connectivity to campus pathways and sidewalks.
• Lots of informal bike trails
• I would like to see more connections of trails/bike trails across town. More or Improved Bathrooms
• Add more bathrooms to Ada Hayden
• Greenbrier Park is right next to a bike trail, and it is also near the stadium. I think it would be beneficial if this park had a restroom. I know many people who walk on the trail nearby on a regular basis and think a restroom would be beneficial.
• Having proper, clean restrooms in the Ada Hayden Heritage Park would be great.
• More restrooms at Ada Hayden
• Never enough restrooms
• No open (year-round) bathrooms is a real problem!
• Would love indoor plumbing at Carr and at Tedesco
• The parks I have been to have been nice and are used by many but there are rarely open/clean bathrooms.
• I wish the park bathrooms opened earlier in the year, but I understand why that wouldn't
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work. Improved Playgrounds and Parks
• Need better play equipment at Inis Grove & in all neighborhoods.
• As playgrounds continue to be updated, the variety of equipment continues to decline. The quality is great though! We appreciate the updates
• Could use more swings.
• I'd love to have more of a variety of playground equipment around Ames, especially for those 5 & under! Inis Grove is fantastic, but other areas are lacking. I miss having a splash pad. I am hoping one of the planned splash pads will be open this summer.
• I would like to see more playgrounds and parks in north Ames
• Need more parks with more wooded areas and more shelters
• The city is woefully short of pickleball courts. The ones recently placed at Emma McCarthy Lee are already cracked. The city needs to put more emphasis in this area. The existing courts are always full and there are usually people waiting. It's embarrassing to hear of people going to neighboring towns to find decent courts.
• They are overall in good condition; we need more tennis courts and pickleball courts in my opinion.
• Wish there were many more parks, outdoor pools (the aquatic center is expensive and crowded), and general gathering areas. Costs
• I hope that people/families with low incomes have reduced or no fees
• We would use the aquatic center but it’s not affordable for low-income families.
• Worried about cost for retired citizens.
• Consider offering 1 week or daily package for when out-of-town grandchildren visit.
• The option of purchasing a seasonal pass for the city gym would be beneficial. Better Signage and Information
• I would love for information to be more readily available! For example, posted trail routes and camping areas.
• I hope there were better resources to learn about trails and wooded areas. e.g. Reactor Woods & Munn Woods.
• Multi-use trails with signage to let residents and visitors know of the network and parks.
• I wish there were more wayfinding signs in the park Programming and Activities
• I would like to see more "senior-only" sports options offered like senior volleyball or senior pickleball.
• I am a graduate student and am always looking for things to do through Ames Parks and Rec! My only wish is that there were more activities that someone could sign up for without having a previous team, as the free-agent option for summer team sports rarely gets anyone picked up.
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• I would love to see more variety of adult info sessions for beginners. For example, gardening, mountain biking, hunting, etc. Different levels would be great too! Maybe trips as well around Iowa!
• I'd love to see sports other than gymnastics or dance for 2-year-olds! Miscellaneous
• I enjoy volunteering for the biannual community tree plantings.
• I would love it if Petersons Pits would allow dogs on the beach. It's super hard to find an area in Ames that is dog and kid friendly. For families with pets, this is a hardship always having to leave the dog at home alone.
• Overall, while I see a lot of perks with Ames Parks and Recreation, there is also room for growth! Some of the Parks and Recreation facilities in Ames are also a lot better than the others.
• The TV feed in the City Gym cardio room has not been working for months, please fix it!
• I wish I was still able to use all these services.
• Allow deer hunting.
• We don't use golf areas they are of no interest to my family.
• I also think a community the size of Ames should have a decent fitness facility with weight room, exercise class space & gym space. The proposal (that failed) was poorly marketed & tried to do too much
• Accessibility matters and it’s largely nonexistent here.
• Look at the bus route. Could every park at least have one stop on the routes? Maybe more ISU students would use them.
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Comments on Ames Public Library Satisfied
• General
o Great (x2)
o I love the library (x2)
o A+
o I love going there with my family when we have time!
o I love our library! Keep up the great work!
o I love the Ames Public Library! I've spent many hours there studying and it's a great location when I want to get away from the college. The atmosphere is great, people have been so lovely, and the building is beautiful. I wish I had more time to enjoy the library.
o Great facility. It’s welcoming and has a wonderful variety of resources.
o Excellent and important resource for Ames.
o Excellent amenity. Well trained welcoming staff. There are a variety of programs for all ages, cooperation with Story County Genealogical Society, Ames History Museum, Repair Day, etc.
o Assisted with Raising Readers and was impressed by library facilities.
o Amazing staff!! Everyone is so welcoming and helpful whenever I visit!! Everything is always clean and organized. Seating is not always comfortable. I enjoy the book sales- great selection and price
o I ADORE the library. It's great for meeting with friends in the summer and refilling my water bottle while taking walks! I love playing mobile games downtown, and the library is a great central area.
o Great place to meet and have discussions with your group or organization
o I love the environment and all the amenities they provide for the community.
o I think our library is excellent, everyone has always been very helpful
o I volunteer at the Ames public library! Enjoy it very much
o I’ve lived in several places and metros, and this is the finest library.
o Keep up the great work!
o Love the library, only place I get books.
o LOVE the public library! I wish I had more time to hang out there and use the resources - such a wonderful place to be!
o Nice library.
o Our family has recently expanded so we hope to take our newborn to the library once the time comes. We only had very good references for the Ames Public Library, and we appreciate the service you provide!
o Overall, a nice setup.
o Overall, very good
o I really enjoy our library!
o Take my child there sometimes. It is a very cool and interesting place especially for kids.
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o This is one of my favorite places in Ames and I am so grateful to be a patron there.
o Very nice place, especially for children. I love the layout of the library. I think it's very pretty, decent size, and there are very cool activities/projects to do at the library that they give you access to.
o Visited once a week all through August-December 2023! Enjoyed their services very much.
o We are very happy with the library because it meets our expectations
o We have an amazing library & library staff- a great asset to our community
o Welcoming community, I have been able to make use of their online resources as well. Good place to study because of the outlets on the tables. Also, nice that there are separate areas for children/teens/college students.
o Love it!
o It’s a very nice library. I don't use enough.
o The Ames Public Library is amazing, and I love being able to use the Bookmobile to pick up and drop off books without having to drive downtown.
o Ames Public Library is a great resource, and we are lucky to have such an exceptional place.
o I love the library!! LOVE the book mobile!
• Staff
o Amazing helpful staff!
o Friendly staff
o Good experience every time I go. Staff on the 4 p.m. shift are very helpful.
o Great Staff!
o Helpful personnel in locating materials
o Enjoyable interior, kind staff
o Staff have helped me out and wife to numerous questions. The checkout is already so friendly. Many children love Storytime.
o The books are maintained very well, and the staff is great to talk to and work with!
o Welcoming staff!
o Wonderful building with friendly and helpful staff.
o Library staff have been super helpful in answering questions and suggesting resources and recommending books to me and my kids. I very much appreciate the variety of options to get involved and be connected at the library.
o I like to use the library. Staff are friendly, well-trained and helpful
• Environment/Atmosphere
o Every time I have been to the library it has been clean and welcoming
o I love it there and it is a beautiful space!
o I love libraries! And it is such a nice environment to be in.
o I love the warm and welcoming environment! It is in a great location by Main Street and is a great place to study or relax.
o It's a quite cozy place. I would say it is one of the best places to get your work done and prepare for exams.
o Very welcoming and great resources there
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• Books and Resources
o A great place with great collection of books
o I appreciate digital resources as well as the library building collections.
o I appreciate the commitment to providing books and resources to diverse groups.
o I appreciate the variety of genres within the library. I also love the way the library looks.
o Great selection of books and always have good resources with a welcoming staff.
o I love the Bookmobile as a college student!
o I love the Bookmobile service- clever idea!
o It is a very good facility and has good resources.
o I think the bus outreach at different places is a good feature.
o It's a great resource. I use Hoopla for online access to audio books and music
o Thank you for Hoopla and Libby!
o We love the library! We have rented hundreds of movies and books and use the resources heavily.
o Wonderful community resources.
o Love it. I hope they keep the IDEA center. I don't usually see other people in there, so I worry that it isn't being utilized (and might get taken away).
• Programming and Events
o I absolutely love all the programming provided!
o Classes are very good. Instructors great and volunteers helpful.
• Continued/More Funding
o Our local library is a wonderful resource and should continue to receive proper funding and support
o One of the most important third spaces available to the community. It is irreplaceable and should receive all the funding it requests and then some
o The Ames Public Library is amazing! It always deserves more funding. Don’t Use
• As a college student I have very little need for the Ames Public Library because I use the library on campus.
• Don't use it (x2)
• Do not use it at all, but have heard good things about it
• I don't have any reason to use it regularly.
• I don't have time
• I haven't heard much about the Ames Public Library, so I have never used it.
• I use Parks library instead.
• I've never been there
• It is difficult to use the public library when Iowa State has one on campus. I don't find myself ever thinking about using it since Iowa States is so close.
• n/a (x3)
• Never been. Parks Library is good enough
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• Nothing to say, I don’t use it.
• Not as often as I like
• I've only been in once or twice, but it seems very nice
• I do not use the library. When the children were young, we used the library and were glad to have such a nice facility. I bring books and magazines to donate but that is all. Free/Expanded Parking
• I don't like to pay to park near the library.
• Just an observation... I don't care to put money into parking meter if I don't have to and I guess I am not alone this way as a library user. Many times, the library parking lot is almost empty, but street parking spots are rare. Several times I have almost parked at the hospital.
• Ours is the only library that we have visited that does not have free parking. (Our children live all over and we have visited a lot of libraries.)
• Parking is often an issue- Bridges worked well for me.
• Parking is very limited and what is available is pay to park.
• There are no available parking spaces for the public without a meter, which under the State of Iowa laws regarding public libraries there are certain requirements for public spaces based on population. There is also the standard of every other city or town in Iowa providing parking for patrons, however Ames does not. That is the main reason why I do not use the library, because it is not welcoming to all people.
• There is no free parking near the Public Library making it expensive and inconvenient to access.
• I like Ames Public Library! However, I believe parking is difficult, and it is much more convenient location-wise to go to Parks instead.
• I just wish there was more free parking, especially for people needing handicapped spots.
• I just wish there was more parking available around the library and that it was free. Homeless/Other Patrons
• I have felt intimated by the loiterers in front of the library, not there for library services but because it's a place to hang out. In addition, I have experienced having to walk by people smoking on the bench nearest the book drop. No smoking is clearly posted, and library staff went to speak to those concerned but is this really the job of the library staff?
• I have heard too many homeless people are allowed to sleep inside the library
• The library is no longer safe as it appears to be a homeless shelter instead of a library. No longer welcoming, I would not take my kids there.
• The library itself is great. Don't like it is a hangout for the homeless
• While the library should be open to everyone, it’s off-putting spending time in the adult’s section because of the number of homeless people sleeping and taking up so many seats not using the services or reading.
• Too many mentally ill and homeless people use the library resources and do not follow the rules. There are people yelling, smoking, eating, and drinking on the library grounds and inside. It makes it feel unsafe and unwelcoming. It is not good to have kids walk past people huffing smoke.
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Accessibility
• We need tall toilets in the handicap stalls. The ones there are too low for those of us who have knee + hip problems
• Accessibility is way more than just having a ramp.
• I would like there to be an easier way to get there
• Consider push button stop all traffic for peds. Expanded Hours
• My only wish is that it would open earlier on Sundays. The library is such an important place for those who lack a safe space elsewhere
• Unfortunately, I like to pick out books at the end of the day and the library is usually closed. Improved Resources and Services
• My son says it needs Nintendo Switch video games
• Audio books can sometimes be 3 months’ wait time.
• Great, and great materials, I just wish there were more study rooms. I also wish the study rooms were more soundproof and had better chairs (the red rollie chairs in front of the computers instead of the hard metal chairs)
• I would love to see fiction be grouped into genres. Not many newish romance books. I would love to see desk seating by windows in adult section.
• Need a more obvious way to request books be brought to the library that they do not currently provide.
• should add cafe attachment
• We disagree with the policy that allows minors to have library cards with no oversight from parents- I should be able to ask a staff member for help with my very young son's account without his permission.
• I hope more study rooms were available, and it would be a bit nicer.
• Love the Library! I wish more availability on Libby and Hoopla but overall satisfied (some books just too popular :)
• We have a wonderful library! I wish that hoopla borrows hadn't been reduced. Miscellaneous
• I also have access to Parks Library
• I don’t know what they offer. Perhaps a welcome to Ames Library email or newsletter would be beneficial for new people in the area.
• I grew up frequently visiting the library.
• I know my great grandchildren use the library
• Please protect books from the state and federal government as best as possible.
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Comments on Sense of Belonging as an Ames Resident What, if anything, could be done to enhance your sense of belonging as an Ames resident?” Government Viewpoints and Actions
• Less Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
o [Circles “diversity, equity, inclusion”] "shouldn't have"
o Ames has a strong commitment to the liberal idea of diversity, equity, and inclusion which excludes anyone who has more conservative values.
o DEI should be eliminated as a city commitment.
o Get rid of DEI
o I do not believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion forced upon me.
o Less DEI. The city spends a lot of time and money on DEI, and it is not necessary. Liberal indoctrination. People who are more conservative are not valued in Ames.
o Make the DEI programs more inclusive and less anti-Caucasian or eliminate the programs all together. They alienate everyone who is not the “minority.” They call the “minority” population the victims and suggest that parents that work hard and sacrifice for their children to give them opportunities make the children entitled. They use the word entitled as a negative connotation and make it seem like the sacrifices that their parents made for them are null and void because they’re Caucasian or not the minority. I have never been so alienated by a program and systematically racially and ethnically profiled in my life. It is a program that harps equality but creates victims, hatred, and racism. The university is creating a stigma that all Christians are bigots because they don’t support the lifestyle choices of others. I can have my opinions and beliefs just like anyone else. I don’t hate people because they choose to be gay or trans or any other orientations. I do my best to find and treat everyone how I would like to be treated, but this does not mean I will support their lifestyle or tell them they are doing the right thing. I don’t believe in what they are doing and that it is okay for me to have an opposing stance. I can love the person they are but dislike the lifestyle they choose and not support the groups, rallies, or lifestyle they’re a part of. Please address this for future generations because it is sad to see the division it has created in the community.
o The diversity and equality thing is a waste of time. Each person is valuable
• More Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
o Continue to support and actively embrace all aspects of diversity & inclusion
o Great question. I generally feel I belong, but I don't think I would if I were queer and/or a person of color.
o Increase education on language barriers, meaning not necessarily teach people more English, but rather create ways in which they can better understand each other.
o More diverse visibility
o More senior inclusion?
o More support for DEI & non-white enrichment projects
o Repaint the queer crosswalks
o Stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and our immigrant community.
o Vocal support for trans people, the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed but currently there are a lot of legal attacks on trans rights happening in Iowa and I would love to keep living in Ames, but my partner and I will be moving as soon as we receive our
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degrees.
o I think both Ames and the university need to do more to actively stand up for and include groups such as POC and LGBTQ community members who are being targeted by Iowa state government policies.
o More diversity in the shops, eating areas, and community events to spread knowledge
o Accessibility
• Political Viewpoints
o Feeling like my conservative viewpoint is respected if not accepted
o Tolerance of a non-leftist viewpoint
o Flip the state government!
• Other
o A new mayor and city council would be a good start.
o Get city officials to care about more people or at least pretend. Don't be so difficult to contact and communicate with.
o Value and protect permanent residents over college students
o Ames doesn't really have a community identity. It's missing.
o Not assuming that all mothers of young children don't work outside the home. Services and Infrastructure
• Making Ames safer at traffic lights.
• Maybe more support from non-profit organizations in their community-oriented services or activities
• Medical freedom. McFarland clinic & Mary Greeley Medical Center like to push their own agenda and don't really care about the patients’ health, beliefs or diet.
• More walkability and more public transit
• See previous answer regarding housing- more flexible leases that don't leave you homeless for a week & rent control to incentivize people to stay and build community.
• The policing could be improved. Generally, I consider officers to conduct themselves well, but there have also been unfortunate and unjustified problematic experiences with the City and University police forces. Community Events, Activities, and Spaces
• Better advertising of opportunities and activities for meeting and engaging with people with similar interests
• Create more fun events
• Free community events that are advertised to all.
• Have more community events
• I know ISU obviously has a million programs for students, but I think advertising Ames programs and events to ISU students would help ISU students connect with the rest of the city; we're integrated physically, but not so much socially, I feel. Local businesses connect with us, but less so the Ames government or public events, and I think it's simply because school events get shoved into our faces and I usually hear about Ames events after they happen.
• IMPROVE PARKING FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS. IF IT'S GOING TO BE A HASSLE TO PARK. I PROBABLY WON'T GO.
• Maybe make it a more happening place by inviting people to group meets for games and
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stuff. Have more public events.
• More communication about community events
• More community get togethers, community activities (garage sales, etc.)
• More community involvement and Iowa State
• More events for my community and better communication of them
• More events in downtown Ames for college students!
• More free programs and activities.
• More friend events for 25–35-year-olds or events for this!
• More neighborhood music events
• More space for remote workers because I get tired of working in my home office.
• More opportunities for social gatherings at parks
• More outreach activities
• More ways to meet people.
• Someone tried to put together a block party and got reprimanded by the landlord about how they did it.
• Promote block parties & more neighborhood interactions. Welcome program for new residents
• Bigger parks, seating and lights
• Ways to mingle get to know people. Businesses
• Bring more businesses to Ames!
• Have more restaurants that have good food
• If jobs in the community had gotten back to me about applications rather than no response.
• Honestly my main concern about Ames is just the lack of good food options. Sure there's a few decent restaurants, but I need a good fried chicken spot which Ames does not have. The addition of a good fried chicken spot would make me feel like I belong.
• More ethnic stores and grocery stores. Resident Relations
• Nicer people
• I would like more integration between the student body of ISU and the larger Ames community because I think they currently feel disjointed.
• Ames isn't as friendly as I'm used to coming from SW Iowa. People don't wave or say hi/hello when you speak to them.
• Residents don’t always seem to agree with college students
• Less foreigners Personal Actions
• Engaging more
• For many years, I thought of volunteering on one of the city boards
• Getting to know my neighbors more
• Having a strong relationship with neighbors
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• I should utilize more of the community events that happen in Ames.
• Join activities at the library and meet people at the parks.
• Joined groups and communities with people of similar interests
• Not stay cooped up inside playing video games
• Volunteer as I have in the past
• Serving the community at a larger capacity Nothing/Do not know
• Already feel comfortable
o I am comfortable with my current sense of belonging
o I feel like I have found my place- I don't think I am looking for more at this time.
o I have lived with my family in Ames since 1998 and love every minute
o I am an 89-year-old woman who loves Ames- the big-little town.
o I like living in Ames.
o It's already good
o Not sure, I feel like I belong
o Nothing really. I already feel belonged
o Nothing that I'm aware of because I feel I belong.
• Do not need help
o I think as a student I don't really think of myself as an Ames resident, and that is probably okay.
o I'm an ISU student. I belong in Kansas.
o N/A- do not have a lot of time to engage with the larger Ames community
o Not interested. Too much time commitment to job, family, activities. I don’t need the community to make me feel a sense of belonging.
o Nothing I just don’t put myself out there
o Nothing really; I am an Iowa State student from Chicago, and I want to live in a big city when I'm done with school. There is nothing wrong with Ames; it is just not my end goal of living place.
o Nothing the city can do
o Eh I don’t really want to live in Iowa after finishing school, so it’s nothing Ames has done per say. It’s more I would rather dip out of the Midwest.
o Iowa (state government) is the problem & not much Ames can do about this
• None/Don’t know
o N/A (x4)
o None (x4)
o I do not know (x7)
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Comments on “What is the best thing about living in Ames? The people
• The residents are kind, grounded, and genuinely supportive of one another, which makes living here both comfortable and meaningful.
• Nice people (x2)
• Family & Friends (x2)
• Welcoming culture
• Friendly people (x11)
• Friendly and caring people
• Good People (x11)
• Having friendly people who help each other.
• I enjoy the people
• I think the friendly people, library, the water are great to use.
• I've met so many people who are willing to help and refer to programs for mental health, fun, and home improvement.
• The best thing about Ames is the people living in it
• Like minded citizens
• People are friendly and want to help
• My neighbors
• Neighbors + Friends are unmatchable!
• One sister lives in Ames so closeness of family
• Our kind of people
• People by far
• People in Ames really seem to try to live to our state motto of being Iowa nice.
• The best thing about living in Ames is the community and its people.
• The best thing is how friendly the workers in Ames facilities are
• The folks
• The people who are here during the summer. I especially appreciate it when students stay and keep contributing.
• The people. They’re all very welcoming and open.
• The residents Parks, Greenery, and Trails
• Ledges State Park
• A lot of walkable parks
• Access to parks. I'm not a huge fan of governmental spending, but the city does do a good job with the parks and playground system.
• Nice outdoor spaces (parks/bike paths/etc.)
• All the city parks + green spaces
• Trees (x2)
• Good parks (x12)
• Lots of parks
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• The trails (x4)
• Good trail systems just need better connections throughout city.
• Green spaces
• I enjoy using the outdoor spaces
• I love the parks + the library! My husband and I run the trails frequently.
• I love parks and trails.
• It's a good blend of nature and community town.
• There’s a good number of nature/parks both in separate areas and integrated into the city
• The nearness of nature
• Natural life and the parks
• Nature and tree preservation
• The trails are a pretty nice and there are wooded areas in town to walk.
• The trees and the woods
• Ada Hayden Park Events and Activities
• 8:01 Day
• Available activities (x2)
• Community events (x9)
• Recreation offerings for the kids
• Farmers market (x4)
• Good recreation facilities
• Hard to say but I love the farmers market, library, & parks and would love to see more rec events.
• High quality entertainment facilities
• The farmer’s market is a highlight of the year, along with the different events that happen on Main Street.
• I love how active Main Street is with events and things.
• Outdoor activities in the summer
• It is easy to navigate and find community with all activities planned around town, especially in the summertime.
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Main street activities Iowa State University
• Access to education (The University)
• Love living in a college town!
• ISU (x19)
• College Town atmosphere (x2)
• Going to Iowa State University
• The academic culture and pride that the university supplies
• Iowa state! The campus is so beautiful and great to be a part of.
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• Iowa State's beautiful campus (x2)
• ISU Sports activities, arts opportunities at CY Stephens
• I love seeing students around
• Events and activities are plenty with ISU
• ISU adds an abundance of wonderful learning and entertainment and recreation opportunities to life here in Ames also.
• Being a cyclone fan
• The college community
• the energy of the students
• The university and the diversity, the educational programs, and opportunities it brings to the community Safety
• Safety (x15)
• Relatively safe (x2)
• Safe neighborhoods
• I always feel safe. (x3)
• I like how safe I feel in the community!
• I love how safe Ames feels. I appreciate that I feel safe walking home alone as a young woman when I am in Ames.
• I love how the community feels safe and clean!
• It’s a safe community.
• Low crime (x3)
• Low crime rates, although lately crime is going up. Need more residential patrolling.
• Safety maintenance
• Overall safe environment Sense of Community
• Community (x14)
• Engaged community
• High quality, caring community.
• I enjoy the community
• Strong sense of community (x4)
• The community. Even though it is always changing, there remains a strong sense of belonging and safeness.
• The connectedness between everyone
• The sense of community- people are proud to live here and are helpful to their neighbors Atmosphere
• The ambience, the friendly geese, neighborhood dogs
• Atmosphere (x2)
• Homey
• Welcoming atmosphere
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• Hometown feels in a larger town
• I like the small-town feel (x4)
• It's a vibrant community with several options of things to do.
• It's peaceful, green and clean.
• It's quiet, pretty and feels relatively safe.
• It’s a big city with a small-town vibe.
• Peace and quiet
• Beauty
• Quiet, private, welcoming
• Small town feel with big city amenities (x2)
• Small town feel, big town opportunities.
• The calmness and serenity
• the community feels
• The community is wonderful and very safe.
• The quiet, the order
• The culture Community Services and Resources
• City services are fantastic
• Community services (x3)
• Community Resources
• Community support & programs
• Public services (x2)
• Library (x6)
• Free public services such as the library
• Community mental health efforts
• I feel there is a great amount of community resources available to help those who may need it.
• Public spaces such as the library.
• Services are getting good Amenities
• All the amenities!
• All the opportunities and services provided. Ames is a wonderful place to live.
• Good amenities such as groceries, restaurants, parks.
• Good amenities/perks of a college town but still safe and fun community to be part of.
• Has good amenities (x3)
• The abundance of great amenities and choices and the general proximity to them
• Large variety of things to do, restaurants, etc.
• Great community and always something to do
• Lots to see and do (x6)
• Love all restaurants, stores, farmers market, and neighborhood paths.
• Nice community and many things to offer
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• I also like it that Ames has all the features of a big town but still small-town friendliness and convenience.
• Small town feeling while still having access to many resources, including options for groceries, medical care, and activities.
• The 3rd spaces available
• The combination of services and conveniences of a city with the closeness to nature.
• Sustainable options
• There’s a lot to do around Ames with parks, trails, farmer’s markets, and other events.
• The variety of food/stores/parks that are in Ames
• Various high-quality amenities. Size
• Big enough to be big, small enough to be small.
• Big enough to have most amenities but small enough to have good community
• Good size (x8)
• Not too big, not too small.
• Overall, it's a relatively small town where neighbors know each other.
• Small enough to not have a lot of hassles but big enough to have needed services
• Small community/town (x4)
• Small town with everything most people need.
• The fact that it is a "big town-little town" is the friendliness of a small-town living and yet the advantage of big town living! Businesses and Restaurants
• The Bars, Cellar 626, the mall
• Variety of businesses (x2)
• The 13 Starbucks, B-Bops, Dublin Bay, Jethro's
• Accessibility to restaurants and shopping
• Interesting local businesses
• Food choices (x2)
• The small businesses that make Ames special.
• High quality shopping (x2)
• Grocery stores
• Store options (x2)
• The food
• The high-quality small business that thrives here
• Main St. businesses
• Restaurants (x2) Quality of Life
• Ames is a beautiful town and a nice place to live.
• Ames Nice
• Ames offers a high quality of life anchored by a strong sense of community.
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• The opportunity to live healthily, eat healthy, work healthy.
• Easy living (x2)
• Except for crime, living in Ames is easy. I love Ames!
• Have what I need
• I appreciate living in a healthy, attractive, and safe environment, which offers good a quality of amenities and is still affordable.
• It is just a great place to live
• Quality of life (x2)
• Simple life. Iowa.
• The welcoming and diverse community with lots of opportunities for its residents.
• We are old, safety is our major concern, and we are pleased with our quality of life here. Public Transit
• Affordable and accessible public transit
• Public Transit (x2)
• CyRide (x5)
• CyRide is a huge benefit to me and my family.
• Free CyRide for students
• The transportation system (x2)
• The transportation, while flawed, makes everything easier which is why it should be improved Water
• Water (x4)
• Great water quality (x5)
• I also love our tap water.
• Tap water (x2)
• Great Water for drinking Diverse Population
• Amazing community with a relatively diverse population.
• Diverse population
• Diversity (x2)
• Mixture of people: racial cultures, languages, backgrounds, religions, etc.
• Cultural diversity
• The diversity of people I get to meet and learn about their respective cultures and backgrounds.
• The diversity of people; living environments.
• The variety of people who live here
• We love the diversity of the neighborhood. Walkability and Bike-ability
• Safety- Most things are walkable from our home
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• Bike-ability
• Biking to work. Ames is walkable and not spread out.
• Everything is very close together, in a walkable distance
• I've enjoyed raising my kids here. Easy and safe to bike to school & late at night coming home from work
• Most of Ames is walkable
• Most walkable city in Iowa if not the Midwest
• Ability to bike around Easy to Get Around
• Close to everything
• How close everything is and how easy it is to get around
• Low traffic due to low population.
• proximity to stores/restaurants.
• I also like the fact that the traffic is mostly localized on the south side of Ames.
• the accessibility (x2)
• The closeness of everything (i live on campus as an fyi)
• The convenience of everything in one area. Need more places to eat on the west side of Ames
• The ease in getting around town (x2)
• Generally, the city is very user friendly Clean
• Clean (x3)
• Clean Communities
• Clean spaces
• Overall, clean and quiet, however crime seems to be increasing Downtown
• Free Parking Downtown
• Very nice downtown (x2)
• Downtown (x3)
• Main Street Opportunities
• Opportunities (x3)
• Work
• We have a wide variety of opportunities in Ames- small town living but big city opportunities. Government and Leadership
• BLUE DOT IN A RED STATE
• Good local government
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• The City Council is so great and responsive, and I truly appreciate how much Ames cares about its residents.
• The mayor and staff keep the property tax by being efficient.
• Citizens and leadership within community, City staff is responsive at one level. Good working relationship (historically) w/ ISU. This should continue.
• Overall well-run
• Progression, responsiveness, and competent leadership and workers
• Responsive Govt
• Government response, citizen involvement.
• Upkeep of town and parks Schools
• Ames community schools
• Schools (x2) Affordability
• Affordable rent
• Cheap/affordable quality of life
• Cost of living
• Cheaper than surrounding large cities like Des Moines Arts
• Importance of the arts!!
• Octagon
• Art festivals Family Friendly
• Great place to raise a family
• Family friendly
• The family friendly atmosphere Location
• Central location to the state health services
• Being close to work and family
• Quiet living but can get to a larger city easily. Growing
• Healthy and growing community
• Growth Health/Dental Care
• High quality health, dentals
• I like the size, friendliness, education (k-12 & University) and health care. We moved here to educate our family because of jobs in healthcare.
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Home
• I was born and raised here, it’s home. You could get to a better mall. The mall in Ames sucks!!! Best store is JC Pennys. Need more!!!
• My home Miscellaneous
• It is not Des Moines.
• It’s not Iowa City
• It’s a decent community. It's kind of expensive to live here but overall, I've enjoyed living here so far.
• No Fireworks!
• When the students are on break it is a very good place to live.
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Comments on Other Issues the City should focus its attention Walkability and Bike-ability
• Bicycle infrastructure: more bikes = less traffic
• Bike lanes would be a great addition.
• Biker safety and educating drivers on pedestrian/biker right-of-way.
• Crosswalk safely
• I am concerned about the street near me - a neighbor uses a scooter to get around and the street is uneven. I hope that condition doesn't tip him over (No Sidewalk)
• I honestly think the City should focus on making Ames more bike friendly to allow for safe commute options for people within the city that want to bike everywhere. It shouldn’t just be on campus that is bike friendly, it should be at least 70% of the town. I think a lot more people would be inclined to go out and do public events if there was an option between public transit and walking everywhere. It would also be more eco-friendly so please. Please, please put in more bike paths in the city.
• I would like more bike friendly streets. I now use an electric-assist trike in Ames.
• Making the city more walkable and less dependent on cars
• More bike paths and more sidewalks.
• More lights that stop traffic that cross the road on Stange for pedestrians
• Safety of Pedestrians, bicyclists, scooters, etc.
• Multi-purpose bike paths to and from ISU campus are not located on the actual road itself.
• Please add safety features at Mortensen + University to wake up drivers to northbound pedestrians and cyclists using the multi-use path, when drivers are turning south on red. Drivers don't look to the right and overhanging shrubs block their view of the multi-use path
• Bicycles
• Bike lanes
• We don't bike but for safety/rec. it would be good to create better off street paths
• Making streets safer and more comfortable for pedestrians, especially arterials such as Duff Ave.
• Safer pedestrian crossings. Better bike infrastructure
• Bike ability Traffic
• Duff Ave traffic flow
• Finding a way to make Duff more enjoyable for drivers.
• Getting through Ames sucks. We need a NW beltway.
• Traffic around campus
• Making a left turn onto grand from 13th (either direction) is impossible
• I would like to see police helping when ISU center events are over. Just dumping traffic out into the streets and relying on stoplights to control traffic isn't working. Again, if the City is prioritizing reducing emissions, improving traffic flow after events should be a priority.
• Left turn arrows at Grand/13th St intersection.
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• I think the road condition and traffic flow in Ames is a major concern. Traffic and driving conditions in Ames are much worse than comparably sized cities. I think the addition of turn lanes to Ames roads, when possible, would not only improve the driving conditions but also make the roads safer
• More roundabouts
• Traffic on Duff is an issue. When south Duff was redone a few years ago I do not understand why it was not made 4 lanes all the way outside of town.
• You've probably heard this already, but the 13th and Grand intersection needs to be fixed, even just adding left turn only green arrows would help.
• The intersection at 13th and Grand needs to be improved. It feels dangerous and chaotic.
• They added a left turn arrow on 16th and Grand which has been AWESOME, and my next suggestion is putting a left turn arrow for 13th and Grand because when on 13th, turning left onto Grand is very slow and often dangerous and would benefit greatly.
• Put in light at blind intersection by dentistry of Somerset
• Frontage road on south Duff.
• Noise from cars in residential environments
• Need more left turn lanes and lights.
• Turning lane at 13th + Grand.
• Traffic Businesses and Development
• Bringing more business to Ames.
• Finishing the Lincoln Way build-out of empty lots west of Duff . Ugly & depressing looking!
• Encourage business development on Lincoln Way between Duff & Grand.
• Under development of Main Street areas, less fast food, more homegrown restaurants
• Stupid growth. Quit developing Duff! Finish Main St area project that hasn't ever really started.
• There are not many good food options in Ames.
• Need more places to eat on west side. Open a Popeyes.
• Promoting more local, unique shopping & dining options in Ames. With Jax closing, I'll have to go to Des Moines to shop.
• WHY DID WE LOSE A GREAT BUSINESS LIKE JAX, WHICH CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T FIND A NEW LOCATION IN AMES? IF THAT'S THE REAL REASON (NOT JUST A P.R. EXCUSE) WE SHIULD FIND WAYS TO KEEP THEM, IF POSSIBLE.
• Smart growth like Ankeny
• More parks, stores, restaurants in North Ames
• Culinary Diversity
• More retail stores
• I am concerned about small local businesses I have come to love during these uncertain times. I would love to see robust support for small businesses.
• Lincoln Way & Duff need serious improvements, stop building apartments, hold developers and rental companies to high standards
• Don't turn Ames into a smart city
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Homelessness
• Having services for increasing homeless population
• Homelessness (x3)
• Homeless camps clogging paths and walkways, garbage, litter.
• Homeless population- HOST does great but need funding to emergency services
• Homeless population and violence
• Homelessness- compassionate housing
• Long term approach for our growing # of homeless in Ames. Emphasis on long term!
• Mentally ill and homeless people making downtown feel dangerous.
• The growing homeless population and all the issues that come as a result.
• The homeless! You can’t use the library, the parks are full, and property is damaged. Needing a no camping ban like Des Moines and other areas before Ames is a giant homeless shelter.
• Housing with food for the homeless.
• Increase in people experiencing homelessness and needing resources Housing and Cost of Living
• C.O.L.
• Affordable home buying programs for low/med income earners that make too much for habitat but can't afford a decent home for their families.
• Affordable housing for senior citizens.
• Breaking up the ridiculous rent cycle that I've only ever experienced in Ames. Yes, I know it's based on academic year, but I've lived in 4 other college towns and NONE of them do this. It promotes slum-lording, and you can see that in the unreasonably high rent prices for sub-par housing and tenet conditions that regularly violate and state law.
• Cost of housing
• Less apartment building, more town homes
• Low-income housing isn't apartments.
• The inflated rents and home prices.
• Developing a livelier main street. This means more apartments and townhouses in town, not at the edge.
• RENTAL OPTIONS FOR YOUNG PROFFESIONALS. It's hard to want to stay here when the leases are so inflexible and home prices are too high for single households. My mortgage in Phoenix is less than my rent in Ames. Crime and Safety
• 1. Drugs + drug trafficking 2. Illegal alien population 3. Too little emphasis on major crime- human trafficking drugs, etc.
• Guns locked up. Drugs, pills locked up
• We have had an increased issue with gun violence in Ames and West Ames. Crime in general seems to have increased since we moved here 14 yrs. ago. We need to find ways to ensure that Ames is a safe place to live.
• Safety- it seems Ames is losing small town & developing bigger city problems- drug shooting, etc.
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• Security
• Public Safety
• Why nearly all crime in town happens on Tripp St.
• Crime (x2)
• Ames High School has been getting bad reputation for crime and violence.
• Maybe try and focus on reducing the amount of crime.
• Keeping neighborhoods clean and safe. Waste Disposal
• Free city-wide recycling at your door.
• City-wide yard waste and junk removal pick-up days. Many don't have the proper vehicles to haul; they can’t take advantage of the days.
• Litter in public areas.
• I believe that the city should focus on trash pickup in main areas; I see so much trash on the sides of roads and in the grass.
• 1. Limit trash pick-up to one or two vendors. Right now, multiple garbage trucks go up and down our street. 2. Pick up leaves in parking like how Cedar Rapids, IA. 3. Have a yard waste receptacle.
• Preventing garbage (particularly plastic waste/single use plastic) from entering the park system. There's a real litter problem in certain areas. 2 areas I constantly see are the east side of Haber Rd.
• Recycling, waste management. Kudos for increasing recycling options at Resource Recovery.
• Provide multiple trash cans on trails for dog poop bags. Often you have to hold the bag the entire walk and always see bags full of poop just left on ground on side of trail.
• More recycling/compost drop off locations
• Consolidating Trash Relations and Communication
• Continue to strengthen tie to ISU
• More collaboration between students and Ames outreach, not enough students utilize Ames' public spaces, downtown businesses, and other resources.
• I commented on design review for a city street project. The council rep said, "thank you" But there was no response from city staff. Very disappointing!
• Better coordination with county, city, and ISU - i.e. swimming pool and other community projects for everyone and leverage our tax dollars.
• Listening to the 80% of the public and not the 20% that scream and holler.
• Newsletter that is included in city invoice monthly is helpful.
• On the website, more in depth "events" calendar. Perhaps to capture public and private events.
• Park improvements are never fully explained (Tell us what you are doing!)
• The city website is unattractive and outdated. An update would be helpful to current and future residents and visitors.
• Adequate information about road construction and predicted timelines
• Also, no communication with NADL. Why??
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Sustainability and Conservation
• More climate change planning
• Sustainability and green theories throughout the city. Education on waste effects and the impact that it can have on our children's generation.
• Sustainability (x2)
• Conserving the environment
• Moving farm fields away from waterways & implementing prairie strips & supporting no till. Ag practices/more diversified crops.
• We have lost so many trees to storms and the Emerald Ash Bore that I hope we can continue to emphasize tree planting.
• Clearing invasive plants Carr Park Woods
• Stormwater erosion
• It is important also to take action to reduce greenhouse gas omission.
• Reduce the amount of paper used. (Small issue of course) Recreation, Events, and Activities
• Consider providing an indoor walking facility- people exercise in different ways not just biking or swimming (which gets all the attention) and need a place to walk in bad weather (too hot or too cold).
• Easier booking of recreational services (rec classes/pickleball courts)
• Give more social options for young adults in the community to keep them from moving away.
• More programming targeted at parents of young children who also work (e.g. evenings + weekends)
• More simple large events to build community. Live entertainment, farmers markets, random holiday celebrations, etc.
• Winter activities for families and kids. Dog parks
• Season passes for the city gym.
• The cost of things for kids & teens. Provide more places for them to hang out. Open an arcade place.
• A consolidated fitness facility instead of pieces all over town
• More indoor play places for children, better parks Services, Facilities, and Utilities
• I would also love to see initiative in bringing more mental health care workers to the Ames area. For so many surrounding small towns, this is the big city. I have PTSD and could not find someone qualified to work with me in Ames. I have to meet with my therapist located in West Des Moines.
• Stability during challenging times - maintaining services at the high level they are at.
• There is likely to be sharply increased need for food, housing, etc. assistance.
• We should have a city-wide library :)
• Animal shelter
• Upkeep on existing city facilities rather than making new ones
• They should bury more of the residential lines so the storms will not affect the house. Keep replacing the water pipes Keep up with maintenance
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• Public schools
• Hardening the power plant against EMP
• Getting fluoride out of the drinking water
• Paying lifeguards (very much more!) more as well as recreation employees Parking
• More parking near the library, what’s there is too expensive
• Parking
• Parking in no parking areas.
• Parking/Land usage. Build for the future with the present in mind.
• Get rid of parking meters throughout the city.
• Make all public parking free of charge Street Maintenance
• Streets and making the contractor make them smooth when finished
• Road closures/times
• Road maintenance
• Bridge on Minnesota Ave
• Potholes
• Just the roads Taxes and Public Spending
• Cut unnecessary spending from city budget, lower property taxes, lower public school taxes.
• Iowa property taxes or freeze them for retired citizens. Even Illinois does this. The City doesn't want retired citizens to live here.
• Property tax reduction
• Financial literacy
• Property taxes Ice and Snow
• Ice/ snow coverage in residential areas
• The city needs to significantly improve its efforts in snow removal and ice control. These are areas where Ames consistently underperforms compared to other cities. There is a noticeable gap in service quality, and it is time to evaluate best practices from municipalities that manage winter conditions more effectively. This deserves urgent attention.
• Snow removal from roads often comes at the expense of bike lanes, which are impossible to use in the winter. Bike commuting can happen year-round! Transit
• Preschool busing. The only preschool option for those who need to utilize busing is Northwood. It would be awesome to extend the option to other schools
• Improving bus service at weekends/during the summer
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• Extending CyRide routes (although the overall quality of CyRide is very good) Inclusion
• Safe spaces, more Pride events
• Promote DEI
• Inclusion + accessibility Code enforcement
• Yards that are not taken care of make the city look bad. Too much of that exists in our neighborhoods. Police patrolling neighborhoods
• Rental enforcement. Street parking and visibility when turning create major risks because rentals often house 4-5 residents w/ 4-5 cars and they park on residential streets (not driveways).
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Additional Comments Positive
• Ames has been a great place to live and raise a family.
• Ames is a wonderful place to live and work!
• Ames is great. I lived in Des Moines for over 35 years and Ames is 100 times better! Ames is home to us.
• Ames is one of the best communities in the country - but don't advertise it! That will wreck it! The worst part of Ames is the weather, and that it keeps it small.
• Go Ames! and Cyclones! Hoo-yeah!
• Golden cornfields sway, Cyclones rise with pride and strength Ames, where hearts find home.
• Great town for retirees (only lived here in retirement).
• I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY - basically if a town were a teacup. Ames is very different of course but it has been a lovely place to live!
• I like Ames’ friendly attitude to pets.
• I like living in Ames.
• I lived in a suburb of Chicago, in the city of Chicago, and in Story City, Iowa, before moving to Ames. In Ames, I found my nirvana. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to live in Ames and am hopeful that it will be my home forever.
• I love Ames + I live in the best neighborhood in all of Ames!
• I moved to town last winter & so far am impressed with the intentionality & investment in the community (including this survey)! It feels like a very caring place.
• I really like living in Ames! It's such a beautiful town!
• Love living in Ames!
• Nice place to Live.
• Overall, I love Ames and various benefits the city offers.
• We love Ames.
• We love Ames and would stay if there were jobs relevant to my husband. He is graduating with his Ph. D in chemistry, not many non-Ag jobs in Iowa (not Ames’ fault!).
• We love Ames. It is a very quiet, safe place. Great for raising kids + working. Not a lot of crime + no bad part of town. I feel safe anywhere in town. Love It.
• We love Ames, glad we moved here 40+ years ago.
• Ames is a great place to live and work! Cost of Living
• Housing
o Considering the cost of requiring homes being built to be more affordable, it being too costly to purchase if the City requires them to have more climate-friendly products.
o Household income is approximate, with four other roommates.
o Housing prices are out of control. Affordable rent should be a huge push for anybody allowed to build rentals in Ames. $2k/month for a 3 bedroom is insane. Those landlords should be evicted from town unless they agree to lower rent prices.
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o I have many opinions as a mid/young professional trying to decide if I stay here or move to Des Moines. I like Ames, I want to stay but the housing is so frustrating.
o I moved to Ames for clerical work at ISU in 1976. It was unaffordable then and still is. There's talk but no action to make affordable housing. Once you reach about age 25 you don't want roommates anymore. And then you realize how ownership is not a possibility. Ames needs to look at Ankeny for town home developments and ways to make them affordable for builders and price them so lower to middle income ranges can own a home.
o I think Ames is a great place to live but it is costly. I'm lucky to be able to afford to live here. Property taxes (+ home values) are high + discouraging to young families.
o More low-income housing options.
o I think there are some big challenges coming with overall cost of living + increasing needs for inexpensive housing + social services.
o Rent and housing prices are getting really high. I work for a nonprofit agency, and raises are not promised, so when electric rent, water keeps going up and pay stays the same it gets harder to buy groceries for our home.
o Rentals and lack of regulation or ordinance enforcement is a huge issue. Streets are overcrowded w/ parked cars due to # of people with vehicles living in residential neighborhoods. Mowing/vegetation problems at rentals reduce visibility on corners. Shoveling (and lack of shoveling) causes people with mobility issues in west Ames to be unable to leave home/ use sidewalks click fix is not adequate for these ongoing issues. Landlords and residents seem to want to report to do anything. West Ames is treated differently by the city than north Ames - lack of HOAs and other internal enforcement as well as income disparity needs to be accounted for.
o Sense of community is being eroded by growing number of rentals in our neighborhood. I realize this is a national problem as well and have no solution to offer but it is definitely affecting our area.
o We lived on South Stanton Ave for 54 years + loved living there mostly. That feeling was ruined when the state would not let us have a rental cap so we could salvage our neighborhood. We have just moved to Green Hills and really like living here
• Homelessness
o Ames needs to clean up the Main Street area and help fix the homeless crisis and people breaking the rules downtown and disrupting businesses and learning.
o Attention needs to be given to the increasing problem of homelessness. It seems like when Des Moines criminalized homelessness, the homeless population increased substantially.
o It is distressing to see the homeless population increasing, and to see the public library and the old town areas being treated as “logical" places for them. The City of Ames needs to do a better job of serving the needs of all its inhabitants, and not just by creating a ghetto of the older parts of town for the needy.
o The City needs to start making progress on homeless issues. Too worried about the homeless while we can’t use the parks or the library.
o I would prefer lower cost in rent. Too many homeless people in Ames.
• Taxes
o Taxes in Ames are causing me to consider moving. I'm retired and can't afford constant tax increases.
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o You recently adjusted property value and hit us with a non-negotiable 68% increase!
o You've got to do something to ensure senior citizens can continue to be able to live here. Property taxes are rolling everyone- I understand- but hit retired fixed income people the hardest. Infrastructure
• Road and Vehicle Transportation
o Frontage road on South Duff, Countdown signals at stop lights, green arrow at 13th & Grand
o 30th St. + N. Duff bike lanes are not used. The seam between street + the concrete curb is a hazard. Bike tires get caught in this seam + cause bike movement. If you ride to the right of the seam, you risk hitting the curb with your pedal. If you ride to the left of the seam you are basically in part of the street. The 30th street center turn lane is a waste. Many people do not understand how to use it + causes more problems than it solves. I can't turn west onto 30th St. if coming from the north with my travel trailer. There is not enough space if cars are waiting in the turning lane. The CyRide stop in front of Walmart can cause cars to back up on to the east + even block the 30th/Grand intersection. Put 30th St. back to 2 lanes in each direction + eliminate the in-street bike lanes!!!
o All the entrances into the city could be improved greatly w/ the exception of university boulevard, which is very pretty.
o As annoying as it is, I really like that Ames keeps up with its streets- resurfacing- and keeps after the university to do its part, too.
o Again - turn left arrows on 13th at Grand.
o Concerning streets. The various City departments need to coordinate their planning when it comes to budgets, repairs + maintenance. I've seen streets torn up for sewer work one year and again the following year for water main repair. Some street conditions are pathetic.
o Parking downtown continues to be a problem and will become even more so as business and residential areas are constructed along Lincoln way.
o Road construction seems to go on much too long. One repair site had 5 workers for a small job, large jobs often have no one working. Seems inefficiently run to a lay person who doesn't understand construction engineering.
o If the construction in Ames could get done sooner than it takes.
o [Poor surface conditions of major streets] 13th St. by Aquatic Center,
o Traffic patterns sometimes bug us - intersection of Grand & 13th needs a turn lane for E-W & W-E.
o Parking should be free please! Especially by the library.
• Walking and Biking
o Thanks for fixing the crumbling asphalt on the Stuart Smith bike path. We love to bike & are looking forward to a longer stretch we can ride which doesn't involve much vehicle traffic.
o It would be nice to make Ames more pedestrian friendly.
o The intersection of Hyland & West St as the students don't ever yield to cars/bikes & scooters go right through expecting cars to yield. Comment on Sidewalks: I've complained many times about the lack of sidewalk on Ross Road. 25 years ago, there
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was a plan for (a) sidewalk but when I last checked, Ross Rd. Was no longer in the plan. I've walked the street many times with & without my dog. Many properties do not even have an easement to step to. (Planting out to the curb). The curbs are unpredictable, some good, some dangerous. Traffic speeds on the curves. For a city that strives to be "walkable," Ross Road is dangerous.
• Miscellaneous Infrastructure
o There is a lot of focus on expanding the city to the west through new construction, but not enough attention on the stormwater issues this creates downstream. New homes restrict the ability of the watershed to absorb water, and this leads to more water in the creeks. The creeks are essentially like "utility infrastructure" in a sense, so they need to be maintained better. Right now, the burden is being pushed onto property owners downstream! This leads to flooding.
o Solar is not a long-term answer.
o The climate action plan is a ridiculous use of time and resources. We should not be investing in solar panels. If you are north of a latitude of Oklahoma they are not nearly as effective. Hard to believe they will offset carbon impact of their supply chain construction and installation.
o I think Ames needs to plan a new power plant in the next years. Bury more of our electric lines. The city electric did a great job restoring the power to our house. Power lines across the city were down. And keep replacing the water lines.
o Glad we have municipal electric services. Government, Decision-Making, and Politics
• Critiques and Improvements
o Time to quit wasting time on DEI.
o Big developers have way too much sway in this town. I don't think it’s a secret who they are.
o City council is way too liberal in their decisions to spend way too much time on "Green" things.
o I really like this town, and I wish more people felt the same way. I can't blame them though, the number of poor experiences I've had with City officials over the years is very discouraging. I get that a lot of students come and go, but they're still residents and many of them are looking to stay after graduation. They might if they were treated well their first 4 years here.
o There is a lot of private wealth in Ames that should be carrying more of the cost of arts, rec, and extracurricular public services.
o Please add proposed zoning change information more prominently on the website. It is very hard to find in meeting minutes.
o Consider partnerships w/ ISU + Story County for expanded naturalized trails + connecting what do ISU students want from community to make Ames a better place for them &/or student recruitment as they contribute to prop. taxes through rentals.
• Positives
o I want to compliment the city on derecho response. The most meaningful thing was after our power was out, maybe the second day, and then this lady working for the City came around house to house, and she found me cleaning up the yard, and she had a paper handout with numbers we could call, and asked if I had questions, and was very
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friendly and wanted to offer help or information however she could. I sincerely appreciated that.
o I wish to thank City staff and all City employees for their good work and for keeping this a good place to live!
o Please note all communications recently with Assessor’s Office, (Ranie), and water dept. Miss X is very helpful - polite and informative
o One of the things I like most about Ames is all the ways it works to provide safety & stability, through cleanliness and constantly working to improve 'conditions' with inclusivity on the forefront.
o Overall, I'm happy with this community + the work the city does.
o I would suggest getting an account on Bluesky. Social, it's the next big social media. In times like this, I know it's hard with everything going on. Do the best for the people in this town, even with the state and federal pressure I know you must be feeling. I also know there’s going to be laws trying to change our town for the worse, please do your best to fight against it. I fear our community will need your action more than in any time in history. The work done here if done right can help this town be an island of stability in this time of malaise. I know the city can gov do it. Please take care, and good luck.
o Thanks to those who are on the city council, school board, and other communities/boards. Their contributions are appreciated. Are they regularly honored for their service?
o Ames does not waste much money and so my property tax is good.
o Thank you for all you do to make Ames a great community!
o Thank you for all that you do!
o I value our healthcare system in partnership w COA Survey Comments
• Thank you for the survey.
• Good job with survey.
• How and when will we know the results/findings of the survey? Thank you for the opportunity for sharing my initial thoughts.
• This survey is too long.
• Survey was way too long.
• Thank you.
• Thank you for conducting this survey & taking the time to consider residents’ thoughts.
• Thank you for this opportunity to share my opinions. I had no idea this program existed. You should publicize it so that even people who are not selected to participate are given that opportunity.
• Thanks for soliciting feedback! I feel valued and am a very statistical resident! Businesses
• More business development on Lincoln Way.
• Ames doesn't seem to attract a lot of new diverse types of business whether it be shopping or food. I'm not sure what can be done but the same group of people own the 3 or 4 local restaurants, we can't seem to attract any really great restaurants and lots of people go to
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Des Moines. Our grocery stores are lacking. It's either Hy-Vee, Fareway (both companies I don't want to support) or Wheatsfield, which is terribly expensive. Something like Trader Joes would be great. We don't attract a lot of clothing aside from chain stores. Just would be nice to get new businesses + not a bunch of part stores, Mexican food, & chain clothing stores.
• I know the Ames mall has been here for several years, and malls are kind of becoming a thing of the past. It would be nice to see more stores move in instead of moving out. Not sure if the City owns it or a private company, I've noticed that some stores have built other facilities and moved out. Is that because rent has increased so much over the years? I also understand there is a cost in maintaining it but that probably should have paid off years ago. So, if the City owns it, you should be able to offer low rent to bring in new businesses. Like I said, I’m not sure if it’s privately owned or not just a thought.
• I would love to see Ames become more of a destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, with other communities coming here, especially those N + E + W instead of going to D.M. Our "mall", the bare lots on Lincoln Way, empty stores on Main Street (& almost more hair salons than clothing stores) make Ames look like a community on the decline - that makes me sad
• Need more places to eat on the west side we would prefer Hardees, Popeyes, Sonic. Need more choices.
• Not enough development. I must leave Ames to find things to do. Not sure what the city is doing, but we’re headed in the wrong direction. Planning and Development
• We need much stricter control of development & rental.
• Concerned about the Link project + the lack of movement. Need to move on from current investors. After traveling in Europe, I’ve come to love the town squares with restaurants, trees + activities. Would that be a possibility for that area?
• Consider reducing the number of commercial/residential buildings in neighborhoods where increased traffic will become a problem, barrier for travel.
• I appreciate efforts to improve Main St. as a hub for culture & services. It would be nice to somehow bridge the gap to the university, make the two areas feel less separated
• I think the City should try to preserve and nurture the old town area and consider it a cultural resource instead of allowing it to become a breeding ground for make-shift social service providers and landlords who do not maintain their properties. You also MUST revise the historic guidelines to allow more reasonable upkeep options homeowners can't be expected to only use 19th century building options in the 21st century.
• It would be nice to keep the small university town feeling - less construction of tall buildings + the downtown Hotel would look "out of place" Also, Cy Town will take away the ISU "campus feeling."
• Lincoln way between Duff and Clark is an eyesore and has been for several years. Progress needs to be made on whatever development is planned for the area.
• The progress on the plaza east of City Hall has been disappointing and very inefficient. This seems like a waste of money and should have remained like parking. Waste
• The garbage seems to be blowing out of the Frederickson court dumpsters, it blows east
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across the car park (east side of Huber) into the field and then into woods at Brookside Park, where it’s impacting the wildlife. The same thing is happening at the student dumpsters on Bruner Drive where the plastic waste is blowing into the woods west side of the high school prairie. In both areas, in the winter it’s shocking to see how much garbage is polluting the woods, now it’s spring the lush foliage has hidden most of the waste but it's still there. Surely bigger, better dumpsters could be provided to contain the student garbage & perhaps some signage to make people more mindful of their waste. I think Ames is a fantastic city & I love the park system, especially Brookside, the one spoiling factor is this garbage.
• A few places in town look bad.
• You didn’t mention any recycling or community yard waste days in this survey? The resource recovery plant is a huge benefit to our community in terms of recycling. Why does Ames not have a yard waste disposal area? With only one spring yard waste day and a couple in the fall this is something that needs to be improved/added.
• When can we get one brand of garbage truck in my block instead of five ones? Clean up the street, dirties the air and makes us have trucks come one more day of the week. Please solve this + not just think about it. Resources and Events
• More community gatherings (bandshell & the library are excellent locations).
• A lot of City programming seems targeted to stay at home moms or retirees. Would be nice to see more programs targeted to younger crowds + working families.
• Season passes for city gymnasium, Indoor play structures for kids of all ages.
• 60 Forward facility is nice, but as a 60+, I work, so that facility is not open when I could use it.
• Create more indoor children's activities.
• I appreciate the resources the library offers, but I've personally felt uncomfortable bringing my children to the library. There tends to be a crowd around and inside the library that creates an environment I don't always feel is safe or family friendly. Additionally, I've noticed a strong emphasis on certain political viewpoints, which feels unbalanced for a public institution meant to serve a diverse community. I hope the library can work toward creating a more welcoming and neutral space for all patrons.
• Please restore cable to cardio room at city gym.
• The dog park is too expensive & thus isn't easily available to travelers. We stopped going although we do like the facility itself.
• Continuing to provide events open and of interest to all ages needs to remain hallmark. Miscellaneous
• Trees and Green Spaces
o Continue expansion in green spaces & forested spaces.
o Replacement of trees in the city easement areas. No response when we reached out
• Safety
o Cautious when out at night, especially in the historic downtown area.
o In general, I feel fairly safe in Ames although recent events have created some doubt with that security, shootings and robbery on Union, and then between Ace Hardware +
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Inis grove, witnessed a robbery at midday at south Walmart - (although remote in the parking lot) still creating some unease with the situation. I have become more "aware" of my surroundings. My neighborhood is very connected, and we look out for one another - very lucky + feel grateful and fortunate.
• City Vehicles
o It annoys me when I drive by the police station and see so many patrol cars parked.
o I think all-electric City vehicles would be a terrible idea in Ames because it is too cold here. Not a wise idea.
• Other
o I try to contribute to assisting library, bridge home, food bank police funds etc., and plan to do more for animal shelter this year.
o If my household is my apartment, then we make $25,000 per year; if it's my family back home that does somewhat support me, then it's around $150000 per year.
o I don't know if you can do this but help pay more for jobs in social services. Social workers do so much for so little!
o I don't + won't use social media for information-systems are too unsecured.
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Research Team:
Susan Gwiasda, Communications & Outreach Manager, City of Ames, City
Manager’s Office, City of Ames
Nora Ladjahasan, Research Scientist III, Institute for Design Research &
Outreach, College of Design, Iowa State University
Laurel Waterman, Program Coordinator, Institute for Design Research &
Outreach, College of Design, Iowa State University
Amy Logan, Research Scientist I, Institute for Design Research & Outreach,
College of Design, Iowa State University
338
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Update
Item No. 18
MEMO
PROJECT UPDATE:
In accordance with a previous directive, staff is required to keep the City Council
informed of the construction status of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
(FFIAC) and will provide a written update at Council's second meeting of each
month.
Additionally, staff, along with representatives from Story Construction and RDG
Planning and Design, will provide an in-person update once per quarter (January,
April, July, & October). If anything occurs during the project that requires Council
action, staff will present this in a timely manner.
In accordance with this directive, the City's Construction Manager for the project,
Story Construction, has provided a Project Status Report (Attachment A). Story
Construction and RDG Planning and Design are 97% complete with reviewing
shop drawings and submittals. This activity will continue until 100% complete.
It should be noted there have been no contaminated soils or groundwater found
to date.
CHANGE ORDER SUMMARY:
There were nine change orders recently approved, and the changes thus far on
the project are shown on the change order log (Attachment B). Staff directed
contractors to implement the nine change orders which are detailed below:
1) Additional changing room tile - $2,597. Staff reviewed what was tiled and it did
not convey a sense of completeness. Therefore, staff asked to have additional
areas and headers tiled.
2) Wellness precast vertical joint and frame top of masonry - $3,656. The vertical
joints between some precast panels were specified to be caulked. Staff did not
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
339
like the appearance, so the joints now have a metal covering. There is a masonry
wall in the maintenance area that did not go to the ceiling. Staff directed the
contractor to frame and drywall the open area so it is closed.
3) Curtain wall and metal panels at southeast corner of building - $599. This was
a unique situation where a joist landed on tube steel header. The tube steel
needed to be foamed and wrapped in plywood to provide a thermal barrier
between the steel and the exterior metal panel. Staff directed this work to be
done.
4) Sump pump rail system and backwash pit grate - $4,744. For the safety of
staff performing maintenance, staff directed the contractor to add a rail system so
the sump pump can be brought to the surface to work on. The backwash pit grate
is not required by code; however, staff felt it is necessary to have to provide a
safe work area and thus directed the contractor to install one.
5) Omit sprinkler heads at main entry exterior - ($700). These are not required on
the exterior so staff approved omitting them.
6) Wiring auto door operators in changing room corridor - $959. Staff directed
two additional operators be added (previous change order) and this is the cost of
wiring them.
7) Planting revisions - ($737). Staff requested changes to the planting plan which
resulted in a deduct.
8) Curb strip restoration - $9,702. Parks and Recreation staff is planting the grass
throughout the site. Since Con-Struct was doing the earthwork, staff requested
they prepare the right of way strips which was not included in the original
contract.
9) Replace curb & gutter on Oak Avenue - $27,130. The curb and gutter along
Oak was in poor shape, so staff directed the contractor to remove and replace.
To date, change orders for the project total $379,298, or 18.06% of the
contingency budget. The contingency for this project is $2.1 million with a
current balance of $1,720,702. There is also $1 million set aside for
mitigation of contamination issues, which has not been used at this time.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - Story Construction Monthly Project Status Update 2025-10.pdf
Attachment B - Change Order Log - 10-28-25.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
340
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Monthly Project Status Report
October 2025
*Natatorium: Wellness, Recreation and Lap Pools
*Non-Natatorium: All supporting rooms outside of the Natatorium including Mechanical, Loading,
Locker Rooms, Offices, Main Lobby & Check-In, and the Alternate Walk Path
PROGRESS THIS PAST MONTH:
1. Rec Pool concrete footings and walls (shallow end) were completed.
2. Rec Pool excavation of the deep end started.
3. Concrete pool deck pours started and pool deck under slab preparation continues.
4. Drywall hanging and finishing was completed in the non-Natatorium, not including the large,
suspended ceiling in the Lobby.
5. Shower tile was completed throughout.
6. Painting started in the non-Natatorium.
7. Interior storefront framing and glazing started.
8. Exterior signage was installed at the south elevation of the Natatorium.
9. Exterior curtain wall framing continued for the non-Natatorium and started on the Natatorium.
10. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations continued in the Aquatic and Electrical
Mechanical Rooms.
11. Owner-furnished CO2 tank was delivered.
12. Perimeter sidewalk demolition, prep and installation continued.
13. Final grading for sitework was completed and landscape plantings started.
14. Subgrade preparation for parking lot pavers started.
15. Exterior precast panels were power washed.
16. Alliant Energy installed the gas service piping to the meter set.
17. Design review meetings were held for Mechanical Commissioning with the Commissioning
Agent and affected Bid Package Contractors.
18. Owner Operations Introductory meetings were held for audio-visual and paging systems.
19. Building Envelope Consult inspections continued for vapor barrier, pool water stop and curtain
wall glazing.
20. Special inspections and testing of concrete and sitework continued.
21. Design team site visits and field observations continued.
22. Submittals and Requests for Information continued to be processed between the Bid Package
Contractors, Story Construction, and RDG Planning & Design.
Page 1 of 15 341
WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT MONTH:
1. Rec Pool concrete will be completed.
2. Pool deck concrete (Phase 1 of 2) will be completed.
3. Pool sandblasting will be completed, in preparation for pool coatings.
4. Painting will continue in the non-Natatorium.
5. Interior storefront framing and glazing will continue throughout.
6. Ceiling grid will be installed.
7. Resinous flooring and polished concrete will be installed.
8. Structural steel supports for lockers and countertops will be installed.
9. Doors and toilet partition installations will start.
10. Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical will continue in the Aquatic and Electrical Mechanical
Rooms.
11. Exterior curtain wall framing and glazing will be completed at the main entrance.
12. Exterior architectural metal panel installation will start.
13. Perimeter sidewalk demolition, prep and installation will continue.
14. Parking lot pavers will be installed.
15. Owner Operations Introductory meetings will continue.
16. Building Envelope Consult inspections will continue for vapor barrier, pool water stop and
curtain wall glazing.
17. Special inspections and testing of concrete and sitework will continue.
SCHEDULE SUMMARY:
Construction Substantial Completion Date: January 20, 2026
PROJECT PHOTOS: [Next page]
Page 2 of 15 342
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 3 of 15
Aerial Photos
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 01:30 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 03:10 pm
Uploaded By
Mitch Anderson
Name
DJI_0712.JPG
Aerial Photos
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 01:28 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 03:10 pm
Uploaded By
Mitch Anderson
Name
DJI_0708.JPG
Exterior Natatorium
South Elevation
Signage and Plantings
Exterior Parking Lot
Plantings and Paver
Prep
343
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 4 of 15
Aerial Photos
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 01:29 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 03:10 pm
Uploaded By
Mitch Anderson
Name
DJI_0711.JPG
Aerial Photos
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 01:36 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 03:10 pm
Uploaded By
Mitch Anderson
Name
DJI_0723.JPG
Exterior Natatorium East
Elevation Final Sitework
Grading
Pool Deck, Rec Pool
Shallow End and Deep
End Excavation Progress
344
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 5 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/29/2025 at 10:30 am
Upload Date
10/03/2025 at 09:07 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
35BD2E9E-A5EF-41F8-8…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/07/2025 at 02:56 pm
Upload Date
10/10/2025 at 05:06 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
F705C937-9DB2-4B89-A…
Wellness Pool Bench
Concrete in progress
Wellness Pool West
Deck with Trench Drain
and Signage
345
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 6 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/26/2025 at 12:53 pm
Upload Date
09/29/2025 at 08:39 am
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
3EBA1591-6D5A-43AB-B…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/03/2025 at 10:04 am
Upload Date
10/03/2025 at 02:43 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
E5695DEE-8942-4C84-B…
Recreation Pool Shallow
End Walls and Pool
Deck Prep
Recreation Pool
Shallow End Prepared
for Slab Pour
346
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 7 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/07/2025 at 01:44 pm
Upload Date
10/10/2025 at 05:07 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
DADC79AD-5752-40C4-…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/17/2025 at 07:54 am
Upload Date
10/17/2025 at 08:40 am
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
2EABF75D-DF72-498B-9…
Lap Pool Deck and
Protection
Mechanical Room
Equipment Pad Pour
347
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 8 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 04:23 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 04:23 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_10_20_16_23…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/25/2025 at 02:40 pm
Upload Date
09/25/2025 at 02:43 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_09_25_14_40…
Mechanical Room Boiler
Equipment Placed
Aquatic Mechanical Room
Guardrail Install
348
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 9 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/18/2025 at 01:18 pm
Upload Date
09/18/2025 at 01:18 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_09_18_13_18…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/30/2025 at 02:33 pm
Upload Date
10/03/2025 at 08:07 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
78B3CE89-4F67-4A7A-B…
Lobby Vestibule Framing
and Drywall
Track and Classroom
Drywall View to South
349
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 10 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 04:24 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 04:25 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_10_20_16_24…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/20/2025 at 04:24 pm
Upload Date
10/20/2025 at 04:25 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_10_20_16_24…
Track and Classroom
Painted View to South
Lobby View to East Wall
Painting in progress
350
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 11 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/25/2025 at 10:29 am
Upload Date
09/26/2025 at 02:50 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
54AFDAC4-4C3A-4E3C-9…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/16/2025 at 03:04 pm
Upload Date
10/17/2025 at 08:30 am
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
E836BD37-7247-4D7A-8…
Exterior Curtain Wall
Southeast Corner of
non-Natatorium
Exterior Curtain Wall
Framing Southeast
Corner of Natatorium
351
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 12 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/25/2025 at 02:37 pm
Upload Date
09/25/2025 at 02:39 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_09_25_14_37…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
09/22/2025 at 10:54 am
Upload Date
09/29/2025 at 10:42 am
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
4A9EE31F-C569-4CF5-B…
Exterior Main Entry
Bollards
Northwest Bioretention
Cell in progress
352
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 13 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/09/2025 at 02:21 pm
Upload Date
10/10/2025 at 05:06 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
0DBAC9B7-887F-42B6-9…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/16/2025 at 03:09 pm
Upload Date
10/17/2025 at 08:40 am
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
E984CAE3-B765-4D5A-A…
Northwest Bioretention
Cell Final Grading
Northwest Bioretention
Cell Plantings in progress
353
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 14 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/09/2025 at 02:22 pm
Upload Date
10/09/2025 at 02:24 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_10_09_14_22…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/09/2025 at 02:26 pm
Upload Date
10/09/2025 at 02:26 pm
Uploaded By
Deb Thurmond
Name
IMG_2025_10_09_14_26…
Landscape Plantings
North Parking Lot
Exterior Sign South
Elevation Template
354
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 15 of 15
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/09/2025 at 02:24 pm
Upload Date
10/10/2025 at 05:07 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
AB00723B-7311-4AE4-9…
Progress
Description
Taken Date
10/10/2025 at 11:45 am
Upload Date
10/10/2025 at 05:06 pm
Uploaded By
Eli Rochleau
Name
BCCE6FB6-EA96-4DE0-A…
Exterior Sign South
Elevation Letters Ready
Exterior Sign South
Elevation Installed
355
Story Construction Co.
Printed on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at 09:44 am CDT
Job #: 23401-01 Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
115 N Elm Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
Page 15 of
Precast South Elevation
after Power Wash
16 356
Contractor Change
Order #Description Amount Balance
Beginning Contingency
Balance $ 2,100,000
All Star Concrete 1 Precast Enbeds Install Change Contracts $ 10,010 $ 2,089,990
All Star Concrete 2 Increase Concrete Thickness in Maintenance Area $ 7,029 $ 2,082,961
Core Construction 1 IDPH Permit Review, Precast Panel Joint Mods, Mechanical Louver
Mods, Steel Lintel, Precast Enbeds Install Change Contracts $ 22,065 $ 2,060,896
Core Construction 2 Misc. Structural Revisions & South Elevation Glazing Revised $ 3,979 $ 2,056,917
Core Construction 3 Geared Trolley and Hoist $ (2,952) $ 2,059,869
Core Construction 4 Sink Countertop Brackets $ (1,203) $ 2,061,072
Core Construction 5 Channel Support $ 3,739 $ 2,057,333
Forrest & Associates 1 Channel Support $ 1,163 $ 2,056,170
Lansink Construction 1 Wet Room Door Change, Multipurpose Room Cubbies $ 42,129 $ 2,014,041
Lansink Construction 2 Door 115A Change to FRP $ 2,858 $ 2,011,183
Lansink Construction 3 Interior Finishes $ 3,021 $ 2,008,162
Lansink Construction 4 Check-In Standing Desk $ 3,995 $ 2,004,167
Lansink Construction 5 Sink Countertop Brackets $ 1,639 $ 2,002,528
Lansink Construction 6 Wood Blocking $ 752 $ 2,001,776
Lansink Construction 7 Waterproof Exterior - Aquatic Mechanical $ 1,167 $ 2,000,609
Lansink Construction 8 Converting Room 108 Shower to a Roll In Shower $ 2,653 $ 1,997,956
Lansink Construction 9 Donor Wall $ 33,224 $ 1,964,732
Lansink Construction 10 Additional Changing Room Tile $ 2,597 $ 1,962,135
Central States Roofing 1 IDPH Permit Review, Mechanical Louver Mods $ 1,647 $ 1,960,488
Central States Roofing 2 Roofing Over Hollow Core $ 5,116 $ 1,955,372
Orning Glass Company 1 Wet Room Door Changes $ (3,823) $ 1,959,195
Orning Glass Company 2 Window Frit Revisions $ 1,743 $ 1,957,452
Orning Glass Company 3 Auto Door Operators $ 9,757 $ 1,947,695
Hilsabek Schacht 1 Wet Room Door Change $ - $ 1,947,695
Hilsabek Schacht 2 Door 115A Change to FRP $ - $ 1,947,695
Hilsabek Schacht 3 Donor Wall Drywall $ 3,557 $ 1,944,138
Hilsabek Schacht 4 Site Signage $ (350) $ 1,944,488
Hilsabek Schacht 5 Precast Pocket Covers $ 2,598 $ 1,941,890
Hilsabek Schacht 6 Omit Painting - Mechanical Rooms $ (3,280) $ 1,945,170
Hilsabek Schacht 7 Close Off Top Of South Wellness Precast $ 3,808 $ 1,941,362
Hilsabek Schacht 8 Wellness Precast Vertical Joints & Frame Top of Masonry $ 3,656 $ 1,937,706
Hilsabek Schacht 9 Curtain Wall 12 & Metal Panels $ 599 $ 1,937,107
Sande Construction 1 IDPH Permit Review Updates $ 1,370 $ 1,935,737
Sande Construction 2 CO2 Tank Distribution Piping $ 2,692 $ 1,933,045
Sande Construction 3 Sump Pump Rail System and Backwash Pit Grate $ 4,744 $ 1,928,301
Midwest Fire Sprinkler 1 Omit Sprinkler Heads at Main Entry Exterior $ (700) $ 1,929,001
Brockway Mechanical 1 Hydronic Pumps Flow Update $ (2,320) $ 1,931,321
Brockway Mechanical 2 IDPH Permit Review Updates, 6" Storm Drain Relocation, Mechanical
Louver Mods, Glycol Feed Dual Pump $ 38,702 $ 1,892,619
Brockway Mechanical 3 State Requirements $ 12,033 $ 1,880,586
Brockway Mechanical 4 Pool Trench Drain Float Alarm $ 2,318 $ 1,878,268
Brockway Mechanical 5 Converting Room 108 Shower to a Roll In Shower $ 7,180 $ 1,871,088
Van Maanen Electric 1 IDPH Permit Review Updates $ 21,953 $ 1,849,135
Van Maanen Electric 2 Transformer Relocate $ 14,237 $ 1,834,898
Van Maanen Electric 3 Light Fixture SWA Dimming $ 4,679 $ 1,830,219
Van Maanen Electric 4 Exterior Signage Lighting Controls $ 1,007 $ 1,829,212
Van Maanen Electric 5 Pool Trench Drain Float Alarm $ 1,356 $ 1,827,856
Van Maanen Electric 6 Wiring Auto Door Operators in Corridor 108 $ 959 $ 1,826,897
Con-Struct 1 Water Service Disconnect $ 7,747 $ 1,819,150
Con-Struct 2 Building Rubble Removal $ 45,419 $ 1,773,731
Con-Struct 3 Planting Revisions $ (737) $ 1,774,468
Con-Struct 4 Curb Strip Restoration $ 9,702 $ 1,764,766
Iowa Pipe & Grading 1 Storm & Existing Water Utility Conflict & Sanitary Tie in at N. 2nd
Ave $ 14,518 $ 1,750,248
Lakeside 1 Site Signage $ 2,120 $ 1,748,128
Lakeside 2 CyRide Concrete Pad $ 296 $ 1,747,832
Lakeside 3 Replace Curb & Gutter on Oak Avenue $ 27,130 $ 1,720,702
Totals / Current Balance $ 379,298 $ 1,720,702
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER
CHANGE ORDER LOG
(As of 10/28/25)
Highlighted Rows Indicate New Change Orders Since the Last Update
357
ITEM #:19
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 3200
UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The subject property, 3200 University Boulevard (Attachment A), is owned by Hunziker
Construction Services, Inc. The owner is proposing to develop the undeveloped, 6-acre lot into
a mix of 74 dwelling configured as 60 total apartment units in four buildings and 14 dwelling
units in seven duplex buildings. Two of the apartment buildings will have 12 units and the other
two will have 18 units.
The proposed PUD Site Development Plan is required to fulfill the requirements of the
PUD Master Plan that was approved for the site in 2024. The Site Plan also includes
construction of a shared driveway with the County park property to the south. A preliminary
plat accompanies this request in order to create individual lots for the duplex units and for
each apartment building with one outlot.
The 3200 University property, along with 3300 University Boulevard to the south, was recently
rezoned to Floating Suburban – Residential Medium Density (FS-RM) with a Planned Unit
Development Overlay (O-PUD) (Attachment B). A small portion of this property (3200) falls
within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay (O-E), indicative of a floodway for a small stream.
The PUD Overlay zoning and review process was originally required with the approval of the
Land Use Map change to residential because of the sensitivity of the site in terms of
compatibility with the abutting Story County park, the Tedesco Environmental Learning
Corridor. The Master Plan established the maximum density for the site but left individual site
and building design features until now.
The PUD allows the developer to take advantage of design flexibility for the proposed platting
of the site and for setback and landscaping variations in support of diverse housing options.
This flexibility is subject to achieving other design principles of the PUD for high quality design
and compatibility with the surroundings.
The majority of the site is not visible from University Boulevard; however, the site is visible
from multiple trails and features within the abutting County park. Two informal trail loops are
within 120-150 feet. These include the low water crossing to the east and the main paved trail,
which is as close as 150 feet from the east property line to the south. The nest, a staired
access to the main pond, is 330 feet away to the east. One grove of trees exists near the
southeast corner of the site.
The County is in agreement, as communicated to City staff, to have a shared access
easement to facilitate the private street extension for the site. A formal easement will be
required to start development. The County hopes to eventually construct a parking lot within
the park that also utilizes the private drive.
358
The applicant is proposing to have 74 residential units on the subject site. The property is a
flag lot, and the ‘pole’ of the site extending from University Boulevard will be lined with seven
duplexes (14 units). The ‘flag’ part of the lot will have four apartment buildings: two three-
story12-unit buildings on the west side and two three-story 18-unit buildings on the east side ,
totaling 60 apartments. Covered garages are provided to serve the apartments.
The duplexes will be three stories tall with attached, two-car garages. In the pole part of the lot,
the drive to the apartments will overlap the south property line into the park. On the north side
of the drive, the duplexes will be in a row, with direct vehicular access onto the shared drive. A
Workiva parking lot is to the north of the duplexes. The park is to the south.
In the flag of the lot, the four apartment buildings will be placed around the edge of the lot with
a mix of garage buildings and parking lot spaces interspersed between the residential
structures. All apartment buildings will be three stories tall. To the west of the flag is the
Workiva parking lot and to the north is primarily vacant industrial land and parking lots. There
is a stream along the north property line. To the east and the south of the flag is the park.
The buildings in the development are in a contemporary style that matches the architecture at
neighboring 3300 and that compliments the other architecture of the Research Park. The
design incorporates brick and siding with shed roofs (Attachment C). The apartment buildings
contain a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. The townhome apartments are a mix of two-
and three-bedroom units.
PUD OVERLAY STANDARDS:
The PUD standards require setbacks around the perimeter of the site to reflect those of the
base zoning, FS-RM. The standard FS-RM building setbacks are 20 feet in the front, 6 or 8
feet on the side (depending on the height), and 20 feet in the rear. All buildings are at least 20
feet from the exterior property lines, which complies with the FS-RM base zone.
The applicant is proposing to subdivide the existing lot to place the individual duplex units and
the individual apartment buildings in separate lots. This arrangement will require deviations
from the base zoning requirements, which is allowed within a PUD. Deviations include
internal side yard setbacks reduction, lots without frontage on a public street, parking off-site
or apartment buildings in an outlot.
Staff reviewed the park interface with the applicant to refine the architecture and landscaping
transition as is currently proposed. The interface will be an access drive along the shared
property line of 3200 and Tedesco Park. At the southeast edge of 3200, there will be a future
driveway connection into the park where there is intended to be a small parking lot with access
to a shelter.
FS-RM commonly requires a 10-foot planter buffer with trees as a transition between low
density residential and higher density. However, in this case, it was not specifically required in
relation to the park since it is not residential. For the park interface, the developer included
native prairie planting/grasses rather than lawn areas along the parking interface. There is a
minimum of 20 feet of prairie planting materials between the eastern apartment buildings and
the park. Trees as buffers have not been proposed by the developer, assuming the trees in
the park support the compatibility of the park environment with the proposed structure
359
locations along the east side of the flag area.
The provision of garages with the apartments is viewed as a benefit of the PUD process to
diversify housing options. Typically garages are not provided with large apartment projects.
The parking lot will be planted with trees for shading. The parking lot landscaping does get
more complicated to meet planting requirements due to building placements and utility
easements compared to open parking lots. Staff has worked with the developer to address the
required tree plantings in the parking lot.
There will be front yard landscaping along the small portion of the lot on the traffic circle near
University Boulevard. Within the site, trees will be dispersed to give shade to the parking. The
newly extended drive includes small street trees with the townhomes on the north side of the
drive. No additional landscaping is part of the drive extension on the County property.
The lot was platted with a 75-foot stream bank stabilization easement along the north of the
property. Within this easement is a small stream that is within a floodplain. This easement
area will not be improved with buildings or parking, though some grading will be done. This
area remains as a sloped open space.
A PUD includes expectations for amenities as trade off for flexibility. Sites over 50 units have
a specific requirement for an on-site amenity. The PUD Overlay does not specify specific
amenities and allows for the developer to propose an improvement that addresses the PUD
principles. Staff provided options to the developer for active and passive amenities such as
recreational space, a tot lot, gathering spaces, etc. The developer was required to be address
the amenity requirement as a condition of the Planning and Zoning Commission review. The
developer has since responded with a covered shelter within their internal green space area
serving the apartments.
SITE ACCESS:
Staff worked with the applicant to refine the entrance to the property off the traffic circle where
University Boulevard and Cottonwood Road meet for both vehicles and pedestrians and
bicyclists entering the park. The entrance will be shared for both lots and will also serve as an
access to a planned parking lot for the park. The County’s bike trail also crosses through this
area. The park path is also proposed to be reconfigured to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle
movement. The Story County Conservation Board representatives support an easement along
the park property for the shared entrance to cross the three properties.
The property will have a driveway that is partly on the park property, which has been planned
in conjunction with Story County.
The site plan depicts a future driveway extension and potential park improvement for a parking
lot in Tedesco Park. No park improvements are included in the approval of this major site
development plan.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
Major Site Development Plan reviews have no formal notice requirement. A courtesy notice
was mailed to the adjacent property owners.
360
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Major Site Development Plan was reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on
October 15, 2025. No one from the public was present at the meeting. The Commission
discussed the park proximity and storm water treatment measures for the project. The
Commission voted 5-0-0 to recommend approval of the Major Site Development Plan to the
Council with the following conditions, as recommended by staff:
1. Include required amenity details prior to City Council approval.
2. Include updated parking and tree landscaping plan details prior to City Council approval.
The above conditions have since been met with updates provided by the applicant.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Major Site Development Plan for 3200 University Boulevard.
2. Approve the Major Site Development Plan for 3200 University Boulevard with
conditions.
3. Deny the Major Site Development Plan for 3200 University Boulevard.
4. Defer action on this request and refer it back to City staff and/or the applicant for
additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed housing types are allowed in the zoning and the PUD Overlay facilitates
creation of individual lots. The proposed density achieves the required minimum density of 10
units per acre.
The PUD Overlay is intended to address two issues for the site. The first is design
compatibility with the surroundings with sensitivity to the adjacent park open space. The
second is to promote diverse housing types with high quality design features.
The proposed development at 3200 will contain a mix of housing types that will help to serve a
growing Research Park. The PUD enables desirable duplex units that may be owned or rented
and rental apartments with garages that would likely otherwise be difficult to accommodate on
the site.
The compatibility is a unique issue with the park. The shared driveway is a partnership with
the County. The design of the site places its most prominent 18-unit buildings in the closest
proximity to the park, which with the open nature of a prairie style park makes the
development features quite visible. The structures are readily visible from numerous features
in the park but do have some physical separation. The developer agreed to native plantings to
blend with the park in an effort to be compatible with the park. The County has provided no
specific critique of the development to staff in terms of compatibility.
With the County facilitating the proposed development along the park boundary, the
361
proposed project can be found to be compatible with the surroundings. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act in accordance with
Alternative #1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Addendum.pdf
Attachment A.pdf
Attachment B.pdf
Attachment C.pdf
Attachment D.pdf
362
1
ADDENDUM
PUD MASTER PLAN AND SITE DEVELOPEMNT PLAN. Approval of the PUD
requires the findings of conformance to the Principles of the PUD Overlay inclusive of
the Site Plan or Master Plan that accompanies the request (See PUD Purpose in
Attachment D). The PUD requires a site plan approval for development, which is
typically a Major Site Development Plan. However, it also allows for Master Plan
approval of conceptual uses when a precise site plan is not yet ready for consideration.
Both plan types set building types, site development features, and deviation allowances.
The submitted Major Site Development Plan for 3200 University proposes housing
types and supportive site improvements for:
- 7 duplexes, each with 2 units for a total of 14 units; the townhomes 2 or 3
bedrooms
- 2 apartment buildings containing 12 units; each building has 4 one-bedroom and
8 two-bedroom units
- 2 apartment buildings containing 18 units; each building has 6 one -bedroom and
12 two-bedroom units
- Site access is shared between 3300 and 3200 University Boulevard and the
County parcel
Deviations
The PUD permits certain design flexibility. The site at 3200 University Boulevard
will have the following deviations:
- There will be lots along a private street.
- Required parking for the apartment buildings is located off-site on the
outlot.
- The outlot between the apartment buildings will be used for accessory
garage structures to the individual apartment buildings.
- The internal lots for the individual duplexes and apartment buildings do not
have frontage on a public street.
- The duplex setbacks for interior lot lines (all setbacks for the perimeter of
the project are at least 20 feet):
o Side setbacks are approximately 7 feet on the side where 8 are
required for 3-story structures
o Front setbacks are 20 feet for garages where 25 feet are required
o Front setbacks for the individual units is 13 feet where 20 feet are
required
Infrastructure. During the review, an analysis of the necessary infrastructure to
accommodate residential development was undertaken.
Water
The development is currently served by City of Ames water. The 3200 site will require
extension of a water main and looping to the north on the Workiva property to
interconnect the system and avoid a long dead end.
363
2
Sewer
The development is currently served by City of Ames sewers. Extension of mains and
services into the sites will be accomplished with development.
Electric
The development is within the Ames Electric service territory. (The adjoining
development at 3300 is in the Alliant Energy service territory.)
Stormwater and Drainage
The site complies with the requirements for on-site retention/detention. The 3200
property will construct a pond in the northeast of the site for drainage.
Shared Use Paths and Trails
The development abuts the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor. An existing trail
connection that leads from University Boulevard into the park will be disrupted during
construction but will be replaced. The driveway into 3200 does lie partially in the park,
with the permission of Story County. The driveway into the development will also give
access to a small parking lot within Tedesco Park that will be public.
Streets
No new public streets will be required. Both lots will use a shared access point off the
traffic circle at University Boulevard and Cottonwood Road.
An interior driveway will be given a street name for addressing and emergency
response purposes. This driveway will straddle the line between the subject property
and the park property with the permission and coordination of Story County. This
driveway will be designed as a private street and will meet minimum SUDAS standards.
This drive will have a sidewalk on the north side that will give access to the rest of the
development.
The driveway will be 26 feet wide, which complies with the design requirements for
public streets. The pavement thickness will comply with SUDAS requirements.
Parking
The applicant is providing parking in compliance with the minimum parking standards in
the Zoning Ordinance. There will be large garage buildings for the apartment buildings
(one indoor garage space per unit) in addition to outside parking.
The townhomes will have two-car garages and space between the garage and the back
of the sidewalk for two additional cars. Additional guest parking for the townhomes will
be situated at the top of the ‘pole’, in the southeast part of the property.
PUD OVERLAY Purpose. Sec. 29.1114(1) outlines the intent of a Planned Unit
Development. Staff find that the proposed development complies with the standards:
(a) Provide for innovative and imaginative development through flexibility in
the design, placement of buildings, clustering of housing types, use of
open space, and related site and architectural design considerations;
364
3
The proposed design of the north lot (3200) provides two housing types: four
apartment buildings (two with 12 units, two with 18 units) and seven duplexes (14
units). The developer is proposing to place the townhomes in the “pole” of the
flag lot where they will face Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor to the
south. The developer believes they have met this with creating different lotting
patterns for housing types and providing higher level amenities for the
apartments with garage parking. The shared driveway with the county facilitates
the development. They believe the 20-foot setback to the east and south for the
18-unit buildings exceeds minimum requirements and within native grass planting
makes the site compatible.
(b) Increase the stock of diverse housing types for a variety of income levels;
The range of apartment sizes (one- and two-bedrooms) and the two- and three-
bedroom duplexes will provide a diversity of housing price points. Adding
covered garage parking is not always common with apartment projects.
(c) Promote efficient land use and infrastructure construction, while
maintaining high-quality living environments for privacy, architectural
interest, streetscape, walkability, and open spaces for private and common
use;
The applicant will incorporate drainage into the project with a drainage pond in
the northeast corner. The architecture of the development complements the
architecture in the nearby buildings in the Research Park and in the nearby 3300
University Boulevard project. The development will provide internal path
connections and will extend the sidewalk along University Boulevard.
The lot has a short frontage on University Boulevard. An existing shared-use
path is along the frontage, with a short bike trail that extends into the bike land on
University Boulevard. The Public Works Department does not require an
extension of the path to the north. There is no shared use path on the Workiva
property to the north, and an existing drainage ditch makes extending a path on
the east side of the street unfeasible currently. The west side of the street has a
shared use path that extends from Collaboration Place to the south up to the ISU
campus several miles to the north.
Although the park acts as a neighborhood amenity for the area as public
resource, the PUD requires on site amenities as well. The applicant is providing a
picnic shelter surrounded by trees for use by the residents.
(d) Provide for a variety of private and common open space areas
corresponding to smaller lot sizes along with additional amenities for
larger developments;
Each duplex unit will have private space at the rear. There are internal private
spaces for the apartments, and the development provides pedestrian
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4
connections to the adjacent Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor.
A condition is in place for a specific amenity for the apartments. There is open
space to the north of the site, but it is graded with a significant slope and is
unlikely to provide any specific usable open space value.
(e) Encourage and preserve opportunities for energy efficient development;
and
The development will meet the minimum density of 10 units per acre and will
make sidewalk and trail connections to surrounding amenities. The design of the
townhomes with shed roof sloping to the north does not permit for future solar
installations, the apartment buildings could accommodate solar.
(f) Encourage context-sensitive infill development.
The development buildings are designed in a style that will complement the
nearby Research Park architecture. The site is not readily visible from a public
street. There will be landscaping along the park border that will blend this site
with the public space.
Findings of Fact. Based upon an analysis of the proposed rezoning and laws pertinent
to the applicant’s request, staff makes the following findings of fact related to the PUD
Overlay and Major Site Development Plan/Master Plan request.
1. Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1507(2) allows owners of 50 percent or more of
the area of the lots in any district desired for rezoning to file an application
requesting that the City Council rezone the property. The property represented by
the applicant is entirely under one ownership representing 100 percent of the
property requested for rezoning.
2. The subject property is requesting a Future Land Use Map designation of RN-3.
This supports a “FS-RM” zoning designation, including apartments with densities
above 10 units per acre.
4. Infrastructure is adequate to serve the site. New sidewalks will be constructed
along University Boulevard.
5. The Master Plan identifies developable areas and range of uses consistent with
the proposed FS-RM zoning district. Densities can be achieved consistent with
the FS-RM minimum of 10 units per acre. Open spaces are identified within the
project site, and the project complements the adjacent County park.
Public Notice. Notice was mailed to property owners within 400 feet of the subject site,
and a sign was posted on the subject property.
Conclusions. Based upon the analysis in this report, staff conclude that the proposed
major site development plan of the subject property is consistent with the Ames Plan
366
5
2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposal is consistent with the allowances of the
proposed PUD Overlay Master Plan requirements.
367
1
Attachment A
Location Map
368
1
Attachment B
Existing Zoning
369
1
Attachment C - Site Plan
370
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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10
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11
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12
Apartments
381
13
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14
Townhomes
Facing Tedesco Park
383
15
Garages
384
16
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1
Attachment D
Applicable Regulations
• Ames Plan 2040 Goals, Policies, and the Future Land Use Map:
The Ames Plan 2040 identifies the land use designations for the property proposed
for rezoning.
• Ames Municipal Code Chapter 29, Section 1507, Zoning Text and Map Amendments,
includes requirements for owners of land to submit a petition for amendment, a
provision to allow the City Council to impose conditions on map amendments,
provisions for notice to the public, and time limits for the processing of rezoning
proposals.
• Ames Municipal Code Chapter 29, Section 1200, Floating Zones, includes a list of
uses that are permitted in the Village Residential, Suburban Residential and Planned
Residential zoning districts and the zone development standards that apply to
properties in those zones.
Sec. 29.1114 “PUD” PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT
(1) Purpose. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay zone is intended to allow
flexibility in Zoning District and General Standards where design flexibility helps
further the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and is compatible with its
surroundings. The PUD zone is intended to:
(a) Provide for innovative and imaginative development through flexibility in the
design, placement of buildings, clustering of housing types, use of open
space, and related site and architectural design considerations;
(b) Increase the stock of diverse housing types for a variety of income levels;
(c) Promote efficient land use and infrastructure construction, while maintaining
high-quality living environments for privacy, architectural interest, streetscape,
walkability, and open spaces for private and common use;
(d) Provide for a variety of private and common open space areas corresponding
to smaller lot sizes along with additional amenities for larger developments;
(e) Encourage and preserve opportunities for energy efficient development; and
(f) Encourage context-sensitive infill development.
(3) Establishment. The PUD Overlay zone applies to all lands that are zoned PUD on
the Zoning Map. A Zoning Map Amendment may be approved provided the City
Council makes the following findings:
(a) The Zoning District and Overlay are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
(b) The property on which the PUD is requested has a residential zoning of RL,
RM, UCRM, RH, FS-RL, FS-RM, S-SMD, or is concurrently proposed to be
changed to one of these Zoning Districts.
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2
(c) The existing and proposed infrastructure is sufficient in design and capacity to
support the project with water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, streets and
other transportation related facilities.
(d) The PUD Master Plan includes interconnected pedestrian and bicycle
circulation routes to the surrounding areas and within the development.
(e) The proposed PUD Master Plan is consistent with the requirements of this
ordinance and all deviations, exceptions, and limitations stated on the Master
Plan are clear, identifiable, and necessary in support of the design concept
and the purpose statements of the overlay.
(f) The proposed PUD Master Plan is in harmony with the purpose of the
overlay.
(g) Findings for approval of a Master Plan with a PUD Overlay rezoning may be
deferred, when the City Council initiates a property rezoning.
387
ITEM #:20
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 3200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD DISCOVERY
PLACE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) SECOND ADDITION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The property at 3200 University Boulevard is owned by Hunziker Construction Services, Inc.
The owner is proposing to develop the 6-acre lot into a mix of 74 apartments and duplexes: 60
total apartment units in four buildings and 14 duplex units in seven duplex buildings
(Attachment A). The proposed preliminary plat implements the Major Site Development
Plan that is also on this same agenda by creating the individual lots for the duplex
units, common outlots, and individual lots for the apartment buildings. The preliminary
plat addresses proposed lot lines, private street, and utilities.
The subject site and neighboring site to the south (3300 University) were recently rezoned to
Floating Suburban – Residential Medium Density (FS-RM) with a Planned Unit Development
Overlay (O-PUD). A small portion of this property (3200) falls within the Environmentally
Sensitive Overlay (O-E), indicative of a floodway for a small stream. Both properties have the
same owner and developer.
3200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD SITE:
Most design aspects of the site are addressed with the Major Site Development Plan. The plat
addresses arrangement of lots and utilities, including the design of the private street that
access the site. The Preliminary Plat proposes to place each of the four apartment buildings
and each of the individual, 14 duplex units (from seven total duplexes) on their own lots. This
will create a subdivision with 18 lots and one large outlot that will contain common spaces,
parking lots, and garages for the apartments.
With approval of the PUD Site Development Plan, private streets may be approved and
deviations to zoning standards are authorized to allow for lots without public street frontage
and for the outlot to have accessory buildings of garages that serve the individual building lots.
The PUD permits the construction of the garages on an outlot, which is typically an
unbuildable area.
The property will take access from a shared driveway at the traffic circle at University
Boulevard and Cottonwood Road. The access is shared with the 3300 University Boulevard
property just to the south of the subject site. A shared access easement with Story County
is extended along the south property line of the 3200 University site's flagpole to allow
for the extension of the private street. The County has agreed to extending the
easement to allow for development of the site. Evidence of the recorded easement is
required prior to final plat approval.
The private street has 26 feet of paved width and a sidewalk along the north side abutting the
street. The design incorporates a rolled curb rather than typical flared curb cuts for each
388
driveway. No parking is permitted on the private street as it is an aerial fire apparatus access
road. Guest parking is proposed to the east of the duplex units along with apartment parking.
Utilities are also located within the private street area and across the frontage of the duplex
units.
Utilities access will be taken from University Boulevard and from the Workiva property to the
north. Importantly, the water main will loop through the site and connect to the north. Sanitary
sewer service will also connect to the north. These utilities will cross under the small stream
on the north property line. Proper flood plain permits will be obtained for these extensions.
Along with the final plat, the applicant will need to submit easement documents and
covenants related to the private street and how the garage parking spaces will be
allocated, and the maintenance of communal property.
PBLIC NOTICE:
Notice for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting followed code requirements with
mailed notice to owners within 400 feet, newspaper published notice, and placement of a sign
along University Boulevard. No notice is required for Council review.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Preliminary Plat appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 15,
2025. The Commission voted 5-0-0 to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat to the
Council. No one from the public attended the meeting. No written comments were received.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Preliminary Plat for Discovery Place, 2nd Addition, subject to the condition
that prior to approval of the final plat the applicant shall provide easements and
covenants regarding the private street and outlots for City review as well as proof of the
recording of the shared access easement across the Story County property.
2. Approve the Preliminary Plat for Discovery Place, 2nd Addition with conditions.
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat.
4. Defer action on this request and refer it back to City staff and/or the applicant for
additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff have reviewed the Preliminary Plat for Discovery Place, 2nd Addition. The design
and proposed improvements have been found to meet the City’s design standards in
Chapter 23, Subdivisions pending the approval of the Major Site Development Plan for
the PUD Overlay. The owner will provide required maintenance agreements, covenants,
and easements prior to final plat approval. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council act in accordance with Alternative #1.
ATTACHMENT(S):
389
ATTACHMENT(S):
Addendum.pdf
Attachment A - Location Map.pdf
Attachment B - Zoning Map.pdf
Attachment C - Preliminary Plat.pdf
390
1
ADDENDUM
Project Location.
The site is 6.0 acres located on an existing platted lot at 3200 University Boulevard. The
flag lot is adjacent to the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor on the south and east
and by the Workiva property to the north.
Master Plan Compliance.
The Preliminary Plat for this development is on conformance with a Master Plan that was
approved in December of 2024 at the time of the rezoning to FS-RM with a PUD Overlay.
The Master Plan illustrates the general arrangement of uses, layout of development,
planned vehicular movements, pedestrian connections, and developable areas.
The site will be residential in use with each lot containing either one half of a duplex or an
apartment building with either 12 or 18 units.
Traffic and Street Connections.
The site will share access to University Boulevard with 3300 University Boulevard, the
project to the south, currently under construction. The vehicular entrance will come off the
east side of the traffic circle at University Boulevard and Cottonwood Road. The vehicle
entrance will also intersect with the trail into the Tedesco Environmental Learning
Corridor.
The 3200 property is a flag lot. The ‘pole’ will contain a driveway to the ‘flag’ part of the
lot. The driveway, according to an agreement with Story County, which owns Tedesco
Park, will straddle the property line between the subject property and the park.
Along the pole will be the seven duplexes which will face the park. At the end of the
driveway there is a future connection to a small parking lot for the park, which will have a
new shelter nearby. At the end of the pole, the drive turns to the north where it will become
the parking lot for the apartment buildings.
Private Driveway/Street.
The driveway that will extend back from University Boulevard along the ‘pole’ of the lot
will be built to the same standards as a private street. The drive will be 26 feet wide with
a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side. Beyond the sidewalk, there will be 20 feet to the
garage doors of the townhomes. The drive will have a rolled curb next to the sidewalk,
which will enable emergency vehicles to drive over it if necessary. The pavement will
comply with the minimum requirements for SUDAS.
At the time of final platting, an engineer will certify the design and accompanying details.
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2
Shared-Use Paths, Sidewalks, and Trails.
To the south of 3200 is the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, which has a trail
coming in from University Boulevard. This trail connection leads farther into the park.
An existing sidewalk transitions to a bike lane on University Boulevard. The Public Works
Department has determined that extending the sidewalk/trail north along University
Boulevard is not feasible at this time due to existing constraints. The Workiva pro perty
does not have a public sidewalk along most of its University Boulevard frontage.
Stormwater Management.
A stormwater facility will be built in the northeast corner of the property. The north 75 feet
of the property is a stream bank stabilization easement that was created with the lot. The
retention/detention pond will connect into the stream along the north property line (shared
with Workiva).
Utilities and Easements.
The property is within the Ames Electric territory. (The sister development at 3300 is in
Alliant territory.)
City water and sewer access will come from the Workiva property to the north. Both the
water and sewer lines will be 8 inches in diameter.
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1
Attachment A
Location Map
393
1
Attachment B
Existing Zoning
394
COTTONWOOD RDCOTTONWOOD RD
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3.97 AC
OUTLOT X
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1 4,260 SF
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S88°45'43"E 631.51' M
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F.L.=958.18
6" CMP S
F.L.=958.35
6" CMP N
F.L.=933.05
30" RCP N
Rim=962.07
Rim=960.71
Gutter=959.97
F.L.=954.93 18" RCP SW
F.L.=954.41 24" RCP N
Rim=962.43
F.L.=956.82 15" RCP SE
F.L.=956.78 15" RCP SW
Rim=959.91
F.L.=953.76 24" RCP S
F.L.=953.21 18" RCP W
F.L.=952.88 24" RCP N
Rim=943.77
Inv=929.48 8" TRUSS N
Inv=929.46 12" TRUSS E&W Rim=938.58
Inv=923.51 12" PVC W
Inv=923.51 15" PVC NE
Rim=939.74
Inv=926.02 12" TRUSS E
Inv=925.96 12" DIP N
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Limestone Block
1' Limestone Retaining Wall
Concrete
Sidewalk
EV Charging Station
Wood Chips
Wood Chips
Wood Chips
Concrete Driveway
Rim = 947.10
Intake = 946.79
45' PUBLIC INGRESS
/EGRESS AND PUBLIC
SANITARY SEWER AND
PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
10' PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
10' PUE
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0 60
DISCOVERY PLACE SECOND ADDITION
ENGINEER
SNYDER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
2727 SNYDER BLVD
ANKENY, IOWA 50023
JASON LEDDEN, P.E.
515-964-2020
OWNDER/ DEVELOPER
HUNZIKER CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC
105 S 16TH STREET
AMES, IA 50010
CONTACT: CHUCK WINKLEBLACK
515-239-8606
FEATURES EXISTING PROPOSED
Spot Elevation
Contour Elevation
Fence (Barbed, Field, Hog)
Fence (Chain Link)
Fence (Wood)
Fence (Silt)
Tree Line
Tree Stump
Deciduous Tree \\ Shrub
Coniferous Tree \\ Shrub
Communication
Overhead Communication
Fiber Optic
Underground Electric
Overhead Electric
Gas Main with Size
High Pressure Gas Main with Size
Water Main with Size
Sanitary Sewer with Size
Duct Bank
Test Hole Location for SUE w/ID
(*) Denotes the survey quality service level for utilities
Sanitary Manhole
Storm Sewer with Size
Storm Manhole
Single Storm Sewer Intake
Double Storm Sewer Intake
Fire Hydrant
Fire Hydrant on Building
Water Main Valve
Water Service Valve
Well
Utility Pole
Guy Anchor
Utility Pole with Light
Utility Pole with Transformer
Street Light
Yard Light
Electric Box
Electric Transformer
Traffic Sign
Communication Pedestal
Communication Manhole
Communication Handhole
Fiber Optic Manhole
Fiber Optic Handhole
Gas Valve
Gas Manhole
Gas Apparatus
Fence Post or Guard Post
Underground Storage Tank
Above Ground Storage Tank
Sign
Satellite Dish
Mailbox
Sprinkler Head
Irrigation Control Valve
LEGEND
○
122
5
X 1225.25
●
X122
5
1225.25
FEATURES FOUND SET
Section Corner
1/2" Rebar, Cap # 11579
(Unless Otherwise Noted)
ROW Marker
ROW Rail
Control Point
Bench Mark
Platted Distance P
Measured Bearing & Distance M
Recorded As R
Deed Distance D
Calculated Distance C
Minimum Protection Elevation MPE
Centerline
Section Line
1/4 Section Line
1/4 1/4 Section Line
Easement Line
PRELIMINARY PLAT-2025
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
LOT 1, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK
PHASE III, SECOND ADDITION
PROPERTY ADRESS
3200 UNIVERSITY BLVD
AMES, IOWA 50010
ZONING
"FS-RM WITH PUD OVERLAY" - FLOATING ZONING
RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY WITH A PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY
BULK REGULATIONS
FS-RM BASE ZONING:
MINIMUM LOT AREA: 7,000 SF FOR THE FIRST TWO UNITS
1,800 SF FOR EACH ADDITIONAL UNIT
MINIMUM LOT FRONTAGE: 35 FT AT STREET LINE
50 FT AT BUILDING LINE
MINIMUM PRINCIPAL BUILDING SETBACKS:
FRONT LOT LINE: 25 FT.
SIDE LOT LINE: 6 FT FOR 1 STORY
8 FT FOR 2 STORIES
10 FT FOR 3 STORIES
20 FT FOR 4 STORIES
REAR LOT LINE: 25 FT.
LANDSCAPED AREA TO MEET CITY OF AMES CODE 49.403
MAXIMUM HEIGHT:
PRINCIPAL BUILDING: 50 FT OR 4 STORIES,
WHICHEVER IS LOWER
ACCESSORY BUILDING: 12 FT TO MIDPOINT OF ROOF,
15 FT TO RIDGE
MINIMUM DENSITY: 10 UNITS PER ACRE
NUMBER OF UNITS: 74
LOT SIZE: 5.19 AC
PROVIDED DENSITY: 14.25 UNITS PER ACRE
PUD OVERLAY:
MINIMUM PRINCIPAL BUILDING SETBACKS:
FRONT LOT LINE: 10 FT.
SIDE LOT LINE: 10 FT FOR 2 STORIES
10 FT FOR 3 STORIES
REAR LOT LINE: 15 FT.
CONTROL POINTS
IOWA REGIONAL COORDINATE SYSTEM ZONE 8 (IA-AMES-DSM)
NAD83(2011)(EPOCH 2010.00) IARTN DERIVED - US SURVEY FEET
CP100 N=7635820.50 E=18521627.56 Z=952.62
SET CUT "X" ON TOP CURB LOCATED NE CORNER WORKIVA
PARKING LOT, SOUTH OF LIGHT POLE AND +-150' EAST OF
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
CP101 N=7635593.40 E=18520987.91 Z=959.96
SET CUT "X" ON EAST SIDE SIDEWALK LOCATED WEST SIDE OF
UNIVERSITY BLVD, WEST OF 1ST LIGHT POLE SOUTH OF WORKNA
PARKING LOT ENTRANCE. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
CP102 N=7634551.20 E=18521006.01 Z=963.74
SET CUT "X" LOCATED WEST SIDE UNIVERSITY BLVD AT SW
CORNER OF THROAT INTAKE STRUCTURE, +-50' SOUTH OF DRIVE
TO HOUSE #3917. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
CP103 N=7634901.21 E=18521086.55 Z=968.59
SET 1/2" REBAR WITH RED PLASTIC CAP LOCATED EAST SIDE OF
UNIVERSITY BLVD AT TOP OF BANK, +-15' EAST OF HYDRANT, AND
+-100' SE OF DRIVE TO HOUSE #3319. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
CP104 N=7634778.59 E=18521381.50 Z=954.82
SET CUT "X" ON SW WING WALL TO PEDESTRIAN TRAIL BRIDGE,
AND +-300' NORTH OF MCFARLAND CLINIC BUILDING. (AS SHOWN
ON SURVEY)
CP105 N=7635724.50 E=18522354.53 Z=940.63
SET CUT "X" ON NORTH SIDE OF TRAIL AT ASPHALT/CONCRETE
TRANSITION, +-40' SE OF TRAIL MARKER #05022. (AS SHOWN ON
SURVEY)
CP106 N=7635916.87 E=18522857.28 Z=935.36
SET CUT "X" AT WEST SIDE OF TRAIL AT END OF RADIUS LOCATED
+-30' EAST OF PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN MARSH AREA, NE CORNER
OF SITE. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
BENCHMARKS
NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM OF 1988 (NAVD88 - GEOID12A)
IARTN DERIVED - US SURVEY FEET
BM500 N=7635375- E=18520886- Z=966.25
ARROW ON HYDRANT LOCATED NW QUADRANT UNIVERSITY
BLVD AND COTTONWOOD RD, +-20' SOUTH OF STONE
VILLAGE PARK SIGN. (AS SHOWN ON SURVEY)
BM501 N=7634327- E=18521110- Z=974.34
BURY BOLT ON HYDRANT LOCATED EAST SIDE OF
UNIVERSITY BLVD, +-100' SOUTH OF MCFARLAND CLINIC
SIGN, AND +-75' NE OF ISU RESEARCH PARK SIGN. (AS
SHOWN ON SURVEY)
I hereby certify that this engineering document
was prepared by me or under my direct personal
supervision and that I am a duly licensed
Professional Engineer under the laws of the
State of Iowa.
Jason A. Ledden, P.E.Date
License Number P24117
My License Renewal Date is December 31, 2026
Pages or sheets covered by this seal:
JASON A.
LEDDEN
P24117
DPROFE
L
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IONALENGINEER
AIOW
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395
COTTONWOOD RDCOTTONWOOD RD
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11,613 SF
17
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15
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S88°45'43"E 631.51' M
S88°36'58"E 631.53' P
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BM500
F.L.=958.18
6" CMP S
F.L.=958.35
6" CMP N
F.L.=933.05
30" RCP N
Rim=962.07
Rim=960.71
Gutter=959.97
F.L.=954.93 18" RCP SW
F.L.=954.41 24" RCP N
Rim=962.43
F.L.=956.82 15" RCP SE
F.L.=956.78 15" RCP SW
Rim=959.91
F.L.=953.76 24" RCP S
F.L.=953.21 18" RCP W
F.L.=952.88 24" RCP N
Rim=943.77
Inv=929.48 8" TRUSS N
Inv=929.46 12" TRUSS E&W Rim=938.58
Inv=923.51 12" PVC W
Inv=923.51 15" PVC NE
Rim=939.74
Inv=926.02 12" TRUSS E
Inv=925.96 12" DIP N
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Pet Waste
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1' Limestone Retaining Wall
1' Limestone Retaining Wall
4'x4' Decorative
Limestone Block
1' Limestone Retaining Wall
Concrete
Sidewalk
EV Charging Station
Wood Chips
Wood Chips
Wood Chips
Concrete Driveway
Rim = 947.10
Intake = 946.79
45' PUBLIC INGRESS
/EGRESS AND PUBLIC
SANITARY SEWER AND
PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
10' PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
45' PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
AND PUBLIC WATER EASEMENT
10' PUE
10' PUE
10' PUE
10' PUE
10' PUE
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396
ITEM #:21
DEPT:FINANCE
October 28, 2025
Staff Report
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE
BACKGROUND:
Governmental accounting best practices emphasize the importance of timely and periodic
financial reviews throughout the fiscal year. The Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA) specifically recommends that governments conduct interim reviews to ensure data
accuracy, identify variances as they occur, and give decision-makers the information they
need to respond promptly to emerging trends.
While the Finance Department has historically reviewed financial information internally, this
information has not been formally compiled for presentation to the City Council. Establishing
quarterly reporting represents a significant step toward aligning the City's financial practices
with GFOA guidance, strengthening transparency, and enhancing oversight of the City’s
finances.
Quarterly reporting supports more effective budget monitoring by enabling the City to evaluate
revenues and expenditures as they occur rather than waiting until year-end. This proactive
approach ensures that unexpected changes can be addressed in time to protect service
delivery. It also provides comparative and trend data, which are essential for evaluating
financial performance, understanding the causes of variances, and supporting informed
decision-making by elected officials. Regular reporting not only improves financial
management and but also promotes accountability and transparency.
In keeping with these best practices, the Finance Department has prepared the City’s
first quarterly financial report as of September 30, 2025 which is attached for your
r e v i e w. The report provides fund balances, revenues, and expenditures for FY 2025/26
through the end of the first quarter, along with comparative information from the prior fiscal
year. The quarterly report will serve two purposes: it will offer the City Council a clear picture
of the City’s financial position during the year, and it will function as an internal monitoring tool
for the Finance Department to identify inaccuracies, anomalies, and unanticipated changes in
financial activity.
OPTIONS:
Should the City Council desire additional or more detailed information, staff should be directed
to include that information in a future report.
397
STAFF COMMENTS:
The Finance Department intends to make quarterly reporting a standard practice moving
forward. Reports will be provided after each quarter of the fiscal year, with accompanying
analysis to highlight major findings and explain significant variances. By implementing this
practice, the City demonstrates its commitment to sound financial management, transparency,
and adherence to GFOA’s recognized best practices in governmental finance.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2025-26 Quarter 1 Financial Report final.pdf
398
City of Ames, Iowa
Fiscal Year 2025/26
Quarter 1 Financial Report
399
FY 2025/26 Quarterly Financial Summary
Period Ending September 30, 2025
Introduction
The following reports summarize the City’s revenues, expenditures and fund balances for the first
quarter of FY 2025/26.
It should be noted that the “Fund Balance at 6/30/25” amounts for each fund (the first column in
the fund balance report) are still unaudited numbers at this point. The balances could change
because of late revenue or expense accruals as well as other audit adjustments. The balances
will be updated in future quarterly reports.
A few other explanations for the “Fund Balance at 6/30/25” column:
- Many of the funds with negative balances at the beginning of the year are construction or
grant funds with expenditures in FY 2024/25 for which reimbursement wasn’t received by the
end of the fiscal year. These funds include Public Safety Donations and Grants, the CDBG
Program, Parks and Recreation Grants, Street Construction, Sewer Improvements, and
Stormwater Improvements. It’s common for expenditures and reimbursements in these types
of funds to cross fiscal years and the reimbursements will be received in FY 2025/26.
- The Special Assessments fund traditionally has a negative beginning balance. When
assessments are created to cover the cost of debt issuance, the principal and interest
payments for the debt begin immediately. The assessment revenue received to cover the cost
of the debt, however, is collected over time. The fund’s negative balance will be resolved over
time as the assessments are collected.
Revenues
The adjusted budget for revenues is unchanged from the adopted budget. The first FY 2025/26
budget amendment approved by City Council in September was for expenditures only. Overall
revenues on 9/30/25 were at 18.9% of the adopted amount for FY 2025/26. While it might seem
that revenues should be at 25% at the end of the first quarter, it should be noted that many
revenues are received at the end of periods. Local Option Sales Tax that was received in July, for
example, was really for June and was therefore accrued to the prior fiscal year.
2 400
Other items to note in the revenues:
- There is revenue in grant and donation funds that wasn’t included in the adopted budget or
was included at a lower amount. These revenue budgets will be revised in the 2025/26
adjusted budget and include Police Forfeiture, Public Safety Donations and Grants, Animal
Shelter Donations, New Animal Shelter Donations, and Parks and Recreation Donations.
- The Sewer Utility Fund’s revenue is currently at 33.9% of the fund’s total for the year and is
significantly higher than the revenue at 9/30/24. This is due to a billing to NADC for $2,126,036
for their prepayment on their contribution to the improvements at the WPC facility.
- The Resource Recovery Improvements fund shows negative interest of $227 because
expenses for the land purchase for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus were
made in the fund. The bonds to cover the expenses, however, have not yet been issued.
Because the fund is currently in a negative balance, the fund is being charged interest in the
pooled cash and investment system.
- The Shared Communications fund, which accounts for the revenues and expenses of the
MAPSG system funded through the City, ISU, Story County, and the E911 system shows
negative revenue of $85,497 at the end of the first quarter. The expenses in this fund are
reimbursed by the participating entities at the end of the calendar year, but an accrual is made
at the end of the fiscal year as a portion of the revenue is for January through June of the prior
year. The accrual was then reversed in FY 2025/26 so the revenue would not be overstated
in the current year when the invoices are processed.
Expenditures
The FY 2025/26 Adjusted budget for expenditures includes the amounts adopted in the FY
2025/26 budget and the amounts included in the first amendment to the FY 2025/26 budget
approved by City Council in September. A significant portion of the amounts included in the
amendment are carryover amounts for capital projects that were incomplete at the end of FY
2024/25.
Actual expenditures at 9/30/25 are at 14.3% of adjusted budgeted expenditures. None of the
expenditures seem out-of-line with what would be expected at this point in the fiscal year.
An explanation of some unusual items:
- The $346 negative expenditure in the Park Development funds is due to an expense that was
accrued to the prior fiscal year.
3 401
Fund Balance Summary
Fund FY 2025/26 FY 2025/26 Quarter 1 Adopted
Balance Year-to-Date Year-to-Date Ending Ending
06/30/25 Revenues Expenditures Balance Balance
General Fund $ 14,549,649 $ 6,025,287 $ 10,584,409 $ 9,990,527 $ 10,904,767
Special Revenue Funds:
Local Option Tax $ 9,830,025 $ 1,945,428 $ 1,855,405 $ 9,920,048 $ 5,369,944
Hotel Motel Tax 1,845,983 566,604 777,563 1,635,024 1,970,751
Road Use Tax 9,909,645 1,782,332 2,267,320 9,424,657 4,075,607
Bike Licenses - - - - -
Police Forfeiture 167,301 21,949 22,207 167,043 156,657
Public Safety Donations and Grants (7,005) 47,029 17,301 22,723 7,494
Animal Shelter Donations 161,950 24,819 10,528 176,241 151,015
New Animal Shelter Donations 462,350 1,400,843 - 1,863,193 -
City-Wide Housing 383,353 - 9,026 374,327 388,563
CDBG Program (12,034) 153,286 88,178 53,074 -
HOME Program - - 6,177 (6,177) -
Fire/Police Retirement - - - - -
Parks/Recreation Grants (193,869) - - (193,869) -
Parks/Recreation Donations 213,148 82,690 91,863 203,975 6,912
Parks/Recreation Scholarships 505,117 7,801 - 512,918 497,059
American Rescue Plan 3,361,482 - 85,611 3,275,871 2,748,750
Library Donations and Grants 487,257 159,310 79,292 567,275 519,800
Utility Assistance 22,932 5,149 - 28,081 18,010
Public Art Donations 32 - - 32 32
Developer Projects Fund 248,981 474 - 249,455 249,758
Economic Development 547,166 28,031 28,031 547,166 647,166
Tax Increment Financing 1,257,007 10,560 - 1,267,567 940,359
Total Special Revenue Funds $ 29,190,821 $ 6,236,305 $ 5,338,502 $ 30,088,624 $ 17,747,877
Capital Project Funds:
Special Assessments $ (582,647) $ - $ - $ (582,647) $ (659,940)
Street Construction (1,405,431) - 1,477,342 (2,882,773) 294,325
Park Development 583,894 5,103 (346) 589,343 721,469
Winakor Donation 2,039,725 17,725 - 2,057,450 1,996,665
Indoor Aquatic Center Donations 583,189 7,776 161,380 429,585 54,813
Council Priorities Capital Fund 8,325,982 72,325 89,946 8,308,361 6,765,399
General Obligation Bonds 23,398,234 469,280 2,861,331 21,006,183 6,207,447
Total Capital Project Funds $ 32,942,946 $ 572,209 $ 4,589,653 $ 28,925,502 $ 15,380,178
Permanent Funds:
Cemetery Perpetual Care $ 1,132,565 $ 5,883 $ - $ 1,138,448 $ 1,134,830
Furman Aquatic Center Trust 1,165,905 10,122 - 1,176,027 1,134,931
Total Permanent Funds $ 2,298,470 $ 16,005 $ - $ 2,314,475 $ 2,269,761
4 402
Fund Balance Summary, continued
Fund FY 2025/26 FY 2025/26 Quarter 1 Adopted
Balance Year-to-Date Year-to-Date Ending Ending
06/30/25 Revenues Expenditures Balance Balance
Enterprise Funds:
Airport Operations $ 15,245 $ 76,508 $ 41,389 $ 50,364 $ 81,967
Airport Improvements 269,619 577,799 373,410 474,008 338,249
Airport Sigler Reserve 2,931,422 24,720 - 2,956,142 2,862,068
Water Utility 21,796,890 3,484,313 3,336,775 21,944,428 19,959,473
Water Construction 187,703 - 609,984 (422,281) 185,533
Water Sinking 265,970 1,160,375 - 1,426,345 189,605
Sewer Utility 26,065,244 5,305,795 1,685,907 29,685,132 23,079,768
Sewer Improvements (7,784,045) 8,890,904 4,133,244 (3,026,385) -
Sewer Sinking 114,181 357,146 - 471,327 12,682
Electric Utility 58,029,315 17,751,691 19,837,207 55,943,799 41,784,675
Electric Sinking 80,518 241,519 - 322,037 80,507
SunSmart Community Solar 1,004,830 44,119 40,137 1,008,812 959,532
Electric Sustainability Reserve 2,555,160 21,787 - 2,576,947 2,500,107
Parking Operations 106,551 210,228 225,354 91,425 129,985
Parking Capital Reserve 1,290,554 10,972 - 1,301,526 1,252,578
Transit Operations 8,699,463 1,405,159 3,436,642 6,667,980 7,477,584
Transit Student Government Trust 1,529,822 13,319 - 1,543,141 1,489,475
Transit Capital Reserve 15,283,975 129,585 207,819 15,205,741 11,501,049
Stormwater Utility 8,753,028 458,023 554,237 8,656,814 2,611,122
Stormwater Improvements (40,000) - 66,719 (106,719) -
Ames/ISU Ice Arena 358,972 92,975 164,590 287,357 359,847
Ice Arena Capital Reserve 71,283 166 1,057 70,392 52,317
Homewood Golf Course 964,414 206,507 96,407 1,074,514 812,326
Resource Recovery 1,825,496 755,269 897,581 1,683,184 1,135,515
Resource Recovery Improvements - (227) 267,817 (268,044) -
Total Enterprise Funds $144,375,610 $ 41,218,652 $ 35,976,276 $149,617,986 $118,855,964
Debt Service $ 3,834,328 $ 1,241,119 $ - $ 5,075,447 $ 4,528,442
Internal Service Funds:
Fleet Services $ 100,377 $ 267,876 $ 547,212 $ (178,959) $ 183,511
Fleet Replacement Reserve 13,350,453 232,807 366,552 13,216,708 12,443,989
Fleet Services Reserve 1,761,752 124,465 60,000 1,826,217 1,339,703
Information Technology 120,002 485,032 592,211 12,823 120,000
Technology Replacement Reserve 2,364,596 - 110,723 2,253,873 2,249,131
Shared Communications (85,499) (85,497) 268,658 (439,654) -
Information Technology Reserve 1,919,103 28,599 77,511 1,870,191 1,512,069
Risk Management 4,093,500 950,782 2,141,249 2,903,033 4,047,280
Health Insurance 7,651,150 3,325,614 2,819,860 8,156,904 7,245,151
Total Internal Service Funds $ 31,275,434 $ 5,329,678 $ 6,983,976 $ 29,621,136 $ 29,140,834
Totals $258,467,258 $ 60,639,255 $ 63,472,816 $255,633,697 $198,827,823
5 403
Revenue Summary by Fund
FY 2024/25 FY 2025/26 % of Actual Actual at Adopted Adjusted Actual at Actual to (full year) 09/30/24 Budget Budget 09/30/25 Adjusted
General Fund $ 46,416,801 $ 6,293,421 $ 47,465,237 $ 47,465,237 $ 6,025,287 12.7%
Special Revenue Funds:
Local Option Tax $ 12,011,678 $ 1,966,107 $ 12,558,616 $ 12,558,616 $ 1,945,428 15.5%
Hotel Motel Tax 3,027,969 549,575 2,773,000 2,773,000 566,604 20.4%
Road Use Tax 9,407,604 1,752,903 9,504,055 9,504,055 1,782,332 18.8%
Bike Licenses - - - - -
Police Forfeiture 25,915 21,941 10,000 10,000 21,949 219.5%
Public Safety Donations and Grants 42,239 559 48,000 48,000 47,029 98.0%
Animal Shelter Donations 139,894 15,481 79,000 79,000 24,819 31.4%
New Animal Shelter Donations 462,350 - 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,400,843 93.4%
City-Wide Housing - - 500 500 - 0.0%
CDBG Program 590,163 46,752 684,122 684,122 153,286 22.4%
HOME Program 1,948,389 - 256,483 256,483 - 0.0%
IEDA/COVID-19 - - - - -
HOME/American Rescue Plan - - 630,983 630,983 - 0.0%
Fire/Police Retirement 173 190 - - -
Parks/Recreation Grants 48,804 - 567,900 567,900 - 0.0%
Parks/Recreation Donations 210,140 64,414 93,912 93,912 82,690 88.1%
Parks/Recreation Scholarships 224,058 5,585 11,000 11,000 7,801 70.9%
American Rescue Plan - - - - -
Library Donations and Grants 338,838 9,235 485,131 485,131 159,310 32.8%
Utility Assistance 24,198 4,701 15,500 15,500 5,149 33.2%
Public Art Donations - - - - -
Developer Projects 2,723 419 1,500 1,500 474 31.6%
Economic Development 28,031 28,031 28,032 28,032 28,031 100.0%
Tax Increment Financing 420,049 11,012 595,000 595,000 10,560 1.8%
Total Special Revenue Funds $ 28,953,215 $ 4,476,905 $ 29,842,734 $ 29,842,734 $ 6,236,305 20.9%
Capital Project Funds:
Special Assessments $ 303,875 $ 2,517 $ 209,414 $ 209,414 $ - 0.0%
Street Construction 4,098,209 - 3,786,000 3,786,000 - 0.0%
Park Development 126,400 4,075 115,000 115,000 5,103 4.4%
Winakor Donation 91,060 11,877 45,000 45,000 17,725 39.4%
Indoor Aquatic Center Donations 3,980,338 (1,655) 800,000 800,000 7,776 1.0%
Council Priorities Capital Fund 4,722,105 37,764 60,000 60,000 72,325 120.5%
General Obligation Bonds 20,127,571 18,973,185 15,270,000 15,270,000 469,280 3.1%
Total Capital Project Funds $ 33,449,558 $19,027,763 $ 20,285,414 $ 20,285,414 $ 572,209 2.8%
Permanent Funds:
Cemetery Perpetual Care $ 23,305 $ 5,694 $ 26,250 $ 26,250 $ 5,883 22.4%
Furman Aquatic Center Trust 58,670 9,062 35,000 35,000 10,122 28.9%
Total Permanent Funds $ 81,975 $ 14,756 $ 61,250 $ 61,250 $ 16,005 26.1%
6 404
Revenue Summary by Fund, continued
FY 2024/25 FY 2025/26 % of Actual Actual at Adopted Adjusted Actual at Actual to (full year) 09/30/24 Budget Budget 09/30/25 Adjusted
Enterprise Funds:
Airport Operations $ 254,823 $ 76,178 $ 326,467 $ 326,467 $ 76,508 23.4%
Airport Improvements 2,095,264 (3,343) 10,770,941 10,770,941 577,799 5.4%
Airport Sigler Reserve 144,355 22,326 75,000 75,000 24,720 33.0%
Water Utility 16,002,529 3,571,440 17,181,604 17,181,604 3,484,313 20.3%
Water Construction 812,292 200,566 - - -
Water Sinking 4,512,258 752,043 4,640,852 4,640,852 1,160,375 25.0%
Sewer Utility 13,567,571 2,675,122 13,553,800 13,553,800 5,305,795 39.1%
Sewer Improvements 15,990,677 2,071,122 26,240,000 26,240,000 8,890,904 33.9%
Sewer Sinking 1,576,522 238,587 1,428,532 1,428,532 357,146 25.0%
Electric Utility 71,840,512 15,737,343 77,098,000 77,098,000 17,751,691 23.0%
Electric Sinking 966,213 161,035 966,253 966,253 241,519 25.0%
SunSmart Community Solar 193,747 60,961 178,000 178,000 44,119 24.8%
Electric Sustainability Reserve 125,053 19,223 70,000 70,000 21,787 31.1%
Parking Operations 861,112 204,983 1,030,800 1,030,800 210,228 20.4%
Parking Capital Reserve 62,975 9,681 30,000 30,000 10,972 36.6%
Transit Operations 16,024,937 1,017,533 15,686,069 15,686,069 1,405,159 9.0%
Transit Student Government Trust 499,492 8,320 19,000 19,000 13,319 70.1%
Transit Capital Reserve 2,840,336 235,253 5,409,056 5,409,056 129,585 2.4%
Stormwater Utility 2,520,474 453,573 2,218,500 2,218,500 458,023 20.6%
Stormwater Improvements - - 400,000 400,000 - 0.0%
Ames/ISU Ice Arena 678,162 61,705 694,595 694,595 92,975 13.4%
Ice Arena Capital Reserve 84,804 767 83,000 83,000 166 0.2%
Homewood Golf Course 614,954 211,935 578,956 578,956 206,507 35.7%
Resource Recovery 5,308,335 982,923 5,517,828 5,517,828 755,269 13.7%
Res Recovery Improvements - - - - (227)
Total Enterprise Funds $157,577,397 $28,769,276 $184,197,253 $184,197,253 $41,218,652 22.4%
Debt Service $ 13,385,488 $ 1,362,573 $ 13,479,696 $ 13,479,696 $ 1,241,119 9.2%
Internal Service Funds:
Fleet Services $ 2,637,295 $ 229,281 $ 2,880,656 $ 2,880,656 $ 267,876 9.3%
Fleet Replacement Reserve 2,643,704 198,255 2,458,721 2,458,721 232,807 9.5%
Fleet Services Reserve 730,389 110,956 400,000 400,000 124,465 31.1%
Information Technology 2,314,038 9,719 1,979,252 1,979,252 485,032 24.5%
Technology Replacement Reserve 334,913 - 326,676 326,676 - 0.0%
Shared Communications 367,399 (51,987) 400,000 400,000 (85,497) -21.4%
Information Technology Reserve 629,876 24,190 70,000 70,000 28,599 40.9%
Risk Management 3,490,502 296,722 3,745,829 3,745,829 950,782 25.4%
Health Insurance 13,764,065 3,424,749 13,154,161 13,154,161 3,325,614 25.3%
Total Internal Service Funds $ 26,912,181 $ 4,241,885 $ 25,415,295 $ 25,415,295 $ 5,329,678 21.0%
Totals $306,776,615 $64,186,579 $320,746,879 $320,746,879 $60,639,255 18.9%
7 405
Expenditure Summary by Fund
FY 2024/25 FY 2025/26 % of Actual Actual at Adopted Adjusted Actual at Actual to (full year) 09/30/24 Budget Budget 09/30/25 Adjusted
General Fund $ 48,909,593 $10,813,921 $ 47,465,237 $ 49,926,492 $10,584,409 21.2%
Special Revenue Funds:
Local Option Tax $ 12,874,887 $ 2,075,015 $ 12,514,377 $ 17,028,876 $ 1,855,405 10.9%
Hotel Motel Tax 3,114,588 920,723 2,580,261 2,658,212 777,563 29.3%
Road Use Tax 8,911,230 1,801,007 11,225,779 16,633,080 2,267,320 13.6%
Bike Licenses 10,026 - - - -
Police Forfeiture 31,272 1,490 12,000 12,000 22,207 185.1%
Public Safety Donations and Grants 53,914 3,730 48,000 48,000 17,301 36.0%
Animal Shelter Donations 120,957 20,675 80,500 80,500 10,528 13.1%
New Animal Shelter Donations - - 1,500,000 4,500,000 - 0.0%
City-Wide Housing 33,514 3,003 29,410 29,410 9,026 30.7%
CDBG Program 667,675 42,982 684,122 684,122 88,178 12.9%
HOME Program 1,948,389 335,569 256,483 256,483 6,177 2.4%
IEDA/COVID-19 - - - - -
HOME/American Rescue Plan - - 630,983 630,983 - 0.0%
Fire/Police Retirement 16,067 - - - -
Parks/Recreation Grants 48,904 - 567,900 567,900 - 0.0%
Parks/Recreation Donations 139,084 1,771 87,000 283,466 91,863 32.4%
Parks/Recreation Scholarships - - - - -
American Rescue Plan 2,789,825 (144,976) - 612,732 85,611 14.0%
Library Donations and Grants 362,644 82,883 471,831 471,831 79,292 16.8%
Utility Assistance 19,275 - 15,500 15,500 - 0.0%
Public Art Donations 3,950 - - - -
Developer Projects Fund - - - - -
Economic Development 28,032 28,031 28,032 28,032 28,031 100.0%
Tax Increment Financing 680,000 - 882,550 882,550 - -
Total Special Revenue Funds $ 31,854,233 $ 5,171,903 $ 31,614,728 $ 45,423,677 $ 5,338,502 11.8%
Capital Project Funds:
Special Assessments $ 44,928 $ - $ 49,400 $ 49,400 $ - 0.0%
Street Construction 3,738,095 550,923 3,786,000 11,357,443 1,477,342 13.0%
Park Development 93,884 - - 130,330 (346) -0.3%
Winakor Donation - 654,594 139,366 139,366 - 0.0%
Indoor Aquatic Center Donations 3,413,086 311,842 800,000 800,000 161,380 20.2%
Council Priorities Capital Fund 1,121,803 - 1,750,000 3,065,278 89,946 2.9%
General Obligation Bonds 18,660,849 2,672,656 18,240,213 33,075,940 2,861,331 8.7%
Total Capital Project Funds $ 27,072,645 $ 4,190,015 $ 24,764,979 $ 48,617,757 $ 4,589,653 9.4%
Permanent Funds:
Cemetery Perpetual Care $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Furman Aquatic Center Trust 16,696 - - - -
Total Permanent Funds $ 16,696 $ - $ - $ - $ -
8 406
Expenditure Summary by Fund, continued
FY 2024/25 FY 2025/26 % of Actual Actual at Adopted Adjusted Actual at Actual to (full year) 09/30/24 Budget Budget 09/30/25 Adjusted
Enterprise Funds:
Airport Operations $ 321,546 $ 26,876 $ 326,467 $ 326,467 $ 41,389 12.7%
Airport Improvements 2,619,376 535,820 10,784,250 12,879,179 373,410 2.9%
Airport Sigler Reserve 65,956 - 67,945 67,945 - 0.0%
Water Utility 14,647,028 2,473,158 19,971,633 25,618,815 3,336,775 13.0%
Water Construction 1,099,010 (299,401) - 4,457,757 609,984 13.7%
Water Sinking 4,421,563 - 4,641,500 4,641,500 - 0.0%
Sewer Utility 10,437,871 2,468,819 10,672,882 13,144,554 1,685,907 12.8%
Sewer Improvements 18,521,483 8,987 26,240,000 43,736,485 4,133,244 9.5%
Sewer Sinking 1,474,202 - 1,428,582 1,428,582 - 0.0%
Electric Utility 70,608,756 13,225,696 80,411,931 98,240,328 19,837,207 20.2%
Electric Sinking 966,213 - 966,075 966,075 - 0.0%
SunSmart Community Solar 189,638 38,562 185,602 185,602 40,137 21.6%
Electric Sustainability Reserve - - - - -
Parking Operations 882,345 167,453 1,031,607 1,059,107 225,354 21.3%
Parking Capital Reserve - - - - -
Transit Operations 17,175,531 2,846,105 16,492,130 16,492,130 3,436,642 20.8%
Transit Student Government Trust - - - - -
Transit Capital Reserve 992,814 57,451 6,510,563 17,817,882 207,819 1.2%
Stormwater Utility 1,691,520 192,453 3,137,255 8,619,453 554,237 6.4%
Stormwater Improvements 40,000 - 400,000 1,660,000 66,719 4.0%
Ames/ISU Ice Arena 602,501 126,225 595,249 595,249 164,590 27.7%
Ice Arena Capital Reserve 137,607 - - 16,268 1,057 6.5%
Homewood Golf Course 361,003 80,419 406,229 481,229 96,407 20.0%
Resource Recovery 4,931,963 983,079 5,577,633 5,933,796 897,581 15.1%
Res Recovery Improvements 65,587 - - 880,000 267,817 30.4%
Total Enterprise Funds $152,253,513 $22,931,702 $189,847,533 $259,248,403 $35,976,276 13.9%
Debt Service $ 13,421,870 $ - $ 14,092,994 $ 14,092,994 $ - 0.0%
Internal Service Funds:
Fleet Services $ 2,650,183 $ 431,316 $ 2,840,656 $ 2,840,656 $ 547,212 19.3%
Fleet Replacement Reserve 2,645,205 962,655 2,835,300 3,992,000 366,552 9.2%
Fleet Services Reserve 128,339 28,339 100,000 160,000 60,000 37.5%
Information Technology 2,314,038 499,422 1,979,252 1,979,252 592,211 29.9%
Technology Replacement Reserve 262,814 23,509 250,800 363,150 110,723 30.5%
Shared Communications 367,401 248,095 400,000 400,000 268,658 67.2%
Information Technology Reserve 169,518 9,996 130,000 168,035 77,511 46.1%
Risk Management 3,352,993 2,298,959 3,650,429 3,650,429 2,141,249 58.7%
Health Insurance 13,784,970 2,519,060 12,548,612 12,548,612 2,819,860 22.5%
Total Internal Service Funds $ 25,675,461 $ 7,021,351 $ 24,735,049 $ 26,102,134 $ 6,983,976 26.8%
Totals $299,204,011 $50,128,892 $332,520,520 $443,411,457 $63,472,816 14.3%
9 407
To:Mayor and City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
Item No. 22
MEMO
Attached is a memo and report provided by the City Treasurer for the City
Council's review and approval.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Quarterly Investment Rpt Sept 2025.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
408
Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service
515.239.5119 main
515.239-5320 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
City Treasurer
MEMO
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Roger Wisecup, CPA
City Treasurer
Date: October 9, 2025
Subject: Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to present a report summarizing the performance of
the City of Ames investment portfolio for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.
Discussion
This report covers the period ending September 30, 2025, and presents a summary of
the investments on hand at the end of September 2025. The investments are valued at
amortized cost; this reflects the same basis that the assets are carried on the financial
records of the City. All investments are in compliance with the current Investment Policy.
Comments
The Federal Reserve lowered the federal fund rate from 4.25-4.50 percent to 4.25-4.00
percent in the last quarter. The yield curve is currently inverted, making shorter maturities
pay higher interest rates than longer maturities. Future investments will be made at
current interest rates and future interest income will decrease. We will continue to
evaluate our current investment strategy, remaining flexible to future investments while
the Federal Reserve evaluates the target rate.
409
BOOK MARKET UN-REALIZED
DESCRIPTION VALUE VALUE GAIN/(LOSS)
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT 0
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNTS 2,475,818 2,476,340 522
FEDERAL AGENCY SECURITIES 108,548,849 108,697,049 148,200
INVESTMENT POOLS 0
COMMERCIAL PAPER 974,667 974,000 (667)
MISC COUPON SECURITIES 0
PASS THRU SECURITIES PAC/CMO 3,617,951 3,804,136 186,185
MONEY FUND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS 312,383 312,383 0
CORPORATE BONDS 0
US TREASURY DISCOUNTS 0
US TREASURY SECURITIES 93,755,853 93,887,100 131,247
INVESTMENTS 209,685,522 210,151,008 465,486
CASH ACCOUNTS 40,314,262 40,314,262
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE 249,999,784 250,465,270 465,486
ACCRUAL BASIS INVESTMENT EARNINGS YR-TO-DATE
GROSS EARNINGS ON INVESTMENTS:2,194,401
INTEREST EARNED ON CASH:352,664
TOTAL INTEREST EARNED:2,547,065
AND THE ACCUMULATED YEAR-TO-DATE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
CASH AND INVESTMENTS SUMMARY
AND SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT EARNINGS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
410
CITY OF
RMCS-lnvestments FY 2025-2026
Portfolio Management
Portfolio Summary
September 30, 2025
Days to
Maturity
YTM
350 Equiv.
City of Ames
YTM
365 Equiv.
Par Market
Value
Book
Value
o/o ot
Portfolio TermlnvestmentsValue
Money Market
Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing
Treasury Coupon Securities
Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO
lnvestments
312,382.85
1,000,000.00
109,814,000.00
2,500,000.00
95,000,000.00
3,907,392.12
312,382.85
974,000.00
1 08,697,0 49.28
2,476,339.83
93,887,100.04
3,804,136.07
312,382.85
974,666.67
108,548,849.32
2,475,818.33
93,755,853.18
3,617 ,951.47
0.15
0.46
51.77
1.18
44.71
1.73
1
252
875
341
961
1,744
1
240
487
86
454
1,132
0.296
3.929
3.897
4.203
3.746
5.232
0.300
3.983
3.951
4.261
3.798
5.305
212,433,774.97 210,151,008.07 209,685,521.82 100.00%918 476 3.851 3.904
Total Earnings September 30 Month Endins Fiscal Year To Date
Cunent Year
Average Daily Balance
Effective Rate of Return
t!,
Reporting period 09/01/2025-09 13012025
715,389.51
219,379,540.79
3.97o/o
2,194,400.97
these are in conformance with the lowa Publlc lnvestment Act.
/o^? - a5
Portfolio 2026
AC
PM (PRF_PM1) 7.3.12
Report Ver. 7.3.11
Run Date: 10nBnO25 - 16:20 411
YTM
365
Page 1
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Money Market
0.300First Interstate Bank4531558874 312,382.85 312,382.85 0.300312,382.85 0.296SYS4531558874B 1
312,382.85 0.296312,382.85312,382.85312,234.20Subtotal and Average 0.300 1
Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing
3.983Credit Agricole1295-25 1,000,000.00 974,666.67 05/29/20263.80009/19/2025 974,000.00 3.92922533UEV1 240
974,666.67 3.929974,000.001,000,000.001,438,421.11Subtotal and Average 3.983 240
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
0.600Farmer Mac0962-20 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11/20/20250.60011/20/2020 995,053.40 0.59231422B3F5 50
4.701Farmer Mac1160-24A 1,500,000.00 1,482,696.53 01/15/20260.48002/20/2024 1,484,306.85 4.63631422B6K1 106
4.701Farmer Mac1160-24B 1,000,000.00 988,464.35 01/15/20260.48002/20/2024 989,537.90 4.63631422B6K1 106
4.070Farmer Mac1253-25A 1,500,000.00 1,474,529.52 04/12/20283.35003/05/2025 1,483,187.85 4.01431422XXC1 924
4.070Farmer Mac1253-25B 1,000,000.00 983,019.68 04/12/20283.35003/05/2025 988,791.90 4.01431422XXC1 924
3.749Farmer Mac1287-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,073.00 08/13/20273.74008/15/2025 1,503,936.26 3.69731424WP63 681
3.749Farmer Mac1287-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,048.67 08/13/20273.74008/15/2025 1,002,624.18 3.69731424WP63 681
3.232Federal Farm Credit1045-22A 1,500,000.00 1,499,086.96 11/25/20252.80006/13/2022 1,496,709.30 3.1883133ENXQ8 55
3.232Federal Farm Credit1045-22B 1,000,000.00 999,391.30 11/25/20252.80006/13/2022 997,806.20 3.1883133ENXQ8 55
4.710Federal Farm Credit1069-22 2,500,000.00 2,439,618.96 05/27/20260.66010/14/2022 2,444,611.00 4.6463133EMHH8 238
4.675Federal Farm Credit1179-24 1,000,000.00 885,116.00 06/01/20291.12505/31/2024 906,263.80 4.6113133EMHZ8 1,339
4.540Federal Farm Credit1184-24A 1,500,000.00 1,458,476.39 03/15/20272.50007/10/2024 1,473,585.00 4.4783133ENRK8 530
4.540Federal Farm Credit1184-24B 1,000,000.00 972,317.60 03/15/20272.50007/10/2024 982,390.00 4.4783133ENRK8 530
3.606Federal Farm Credit1199-24A 1,500,000.00 1,516,627.97 07/30/20265.00009/20/2024 1,511,566.05 3.5563133EPZY4 302
3.606Federal Farm Credit1199-24B 1,000,000.00 1,011,085.31 07/30/20265.00009/20/2024 1,007,710.70 3.5563133EPZY4 302
3.431Federal Farm Credit1212-24 1,000,000.00 1,001,642.24 04/13/20263.75009/30/2024 998,013.00 3.3843133EPFT7 194
4.130Federal Farm Credit1224-24 1,000,000.00 992,530.20 01/28/20261.75010/28/2024 992,084.90 4.0733133ELKA1 119
4.130Federal Farm Credit1230-24 1,000,000.00 1,003,048.04 08/14/20264.50012/03/2024 1,003,955.30 4.0733133EPSW6 317
3.766Federal Farm Credit1268-25 4,000,000.00 4,010,800.73 05/30/20283.87505/09/2025 4,000,382.80 3.7143133EPLD5 972
4.025Federal Farm Credit1276-25 1,500,000.00 1,495,984.58 08/27/20273.87506/09/2025 1,499,365.20 3.9703133ETJT5 695
4.138Federal Farm Credit1285-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,044.18 07/14/20274.12007/17/2025 1,501,211.30 4.0823133ETPU5 651
4.138Federal Farm Credit1285-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,029.45 07/14/20274.12007/17/2025 1,000,807.53 4.0823133ETPU5 651
3.600Federal Farm Credit1290-25 1,500,000.00 1,527,944.78 11/29/20274.00009/03/2025 1,519,224.67 3.5513133EN3H1 789
3.483Federal Farm Credit1291-25A 1,500,000.00 1,543,802.75 10/14/20274.12509/10/2025 1,532,035.60 3.4353133ENS50 743
3.483Federal Farm Credit1291-25B 1,000,000.00 1,029,201.84 10/14/20274.12509/10/2025 1,021,357.07 3.4353133ENS50 743
3.521Federal Farm Credit1292-25 1,000,000.00 1,019,722.72 06/15/20274.12509/11/2025 1,018,084.17 3.4723133EPMV4 622
3.500Federal Farm Credit1293-25 1,000,000.00 1,009,524.69 09/29/20274.00009/11/2025 1,002,132.00 3.4523133ENQ29 728
0.581Federal Home Loan Bank0975-21 1,000,000.00 999,734.82 02/17/20260.65002/22/2021 987,423.90 0.5733130AL4V3 139
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.12
Report Ver. 7.3.11 412
YTM
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Page 2
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
0.841Federal Home Loan Bank0978-21 1,000,000.00 999,079.84 02/11/20260.58003/15/2021 987,668.90 0.8293130AKXB7 133
1.116Federal Home Loan Bank0980-21 2,650,000.00 2,649,687.45 04/14/20261.50004/14/2021 2,616,070.99 1.1013130ALVT8 195
1.987Federal Home Loan Bank1161-24 1,250,000.00 1,239,975.77 12/30/20252.50002/26/2024 1,245,273.00 1.9603130AKLS3 90
4.770Federal Home Loan Bank1162-24 900,000.00 893,426.73 12/30/20252.00002/26/2024 895,471.20 4.7053130AQFB4 90
4.891Federal Home Loan Bank1175-24 4,000,000.00 3,945,860.84 05/26/20274.00004/15/2024 3,999,206.00 4.8243130ARYA3 602
2.496Federal Home Loan Bank1178-24 600,000.00 588,490.90 05/26/20262.00004/19/2024 592,120.92 2.4613130AMFN7 237
4.750Federal Home Loan Bank1181-24 1,500,000.00 1,454,764.04 08/13/20261.05006/21/2024 1,462,028.85 4.6853130ANGM6 316
4.741Federal Home Loan Bank1182-24 1,000,000.00 988,232.19 03/30/20262.25007/10/2024 991,685.40 4.6763130ARCU3 180
4.550Federal Home Loan Bank1183-24A 1,500,000.00 1,430,327.62 02/26/20271.00007/10/2024 1,444,345.65 4.4883130ALDA9 513
4.550Federal Home Loan Bank1183-24B 1,000,000.00 953,551.74 02/26/20271.00007/10/2024 962,897.10 4.4883130ALDA9 513
4.510Federal Home Loan Bank1185-24A 1,410,000.00 1,340,980.50 03/30/20271.00007/10/2024 1,354,478.57 4.4493130ANZB9 545
4.510Federal Home Loan Bank1185-24B 1,000,000.00 951,050.00 03/30/20271.00007/10/2024 960,623.10 4.4493130ANZB9 545
4.560Federal Home Loan Bank1186-24A 1,500,000.00 1,477,925.17 02/24/20260.68007/31/2024 1,480,374.00 4.4983130ALCB8 146
4.560Federal Home Loan Bank1186-24B 1,000,000.00 985,283.45 02/24/20260.68007/31/2024 986,916.00 4.4983130ALCB8 146
3.670Federal Home Loan Bank1190-24A 1,500,000.00 1,463,697.88 10/28/20261.31009/13/2024 1,459,094.70 3.6203130APL29 392
3.670Federal Home Loan Bank1190-24B 1,000,000.00 975,798.59 10/28/20261.31009/13/2024 972,729.80 3.6203130APL29 392
3.690Federal Home Loan Bank1191-24 500,000.00 487,949.62 11/27/20261.50009/13/2024 486,650.00 3.6393130APXV2 422
3.530Federal Home Loan Bank1195-24 1,335,000.00 1,304,251.21 01/27/20271.70009/17/2024 1,299,842.37 3.4823130AQM26 483
3.530Federal Home Loan Bank1196-24 1,250,000.00 1,224,548.86 02/25/20272.00009/17/2024 1,220,580.87 3.4823130AQRQ8 512
3.701Federal Home Loan Bank1211-24 1,000,000.00 1,001,520.25 12/12/20254.50009/30/2024 1,000,883.20 3.6503130ATUC9 72
3.820Federal Home Loan Bank1214-24 1,500,000.00 1,457,158.31 12/28/20261.40010/07/2024 1,457,384.40 3.7683130AQEV1 453
4.340Federal Home Loan Bank1229-24A 1,500,000.00 1,464,730.59 06/30/20261.05011/25/2024 1,469,020.50 4.2813130AN2H2 272
4.340Federal Home Loan Bank1229-24B 1,000,000.00 976,487.06 06/30/20261.05011/25/2024 979,347.00 4.2813130AN2H2 272
4.120Federal Home Loan Bank1235-24A 1,500,000.00 1,438,246.39 01/29/20270.85012/12/2024 1,444,431.45 4.0643130AKRE8 485
4.120Federal Home Loan Bank1235-24B 1,000,000.00 958,830.92 01/29/20270.85012/12/2024 962,954.30 4.0643130AKRE8 485
3.764Federal Home Loan Bank1255-25 500,000.00 497,781.41 03/13/20262.75003/14/2025 497,415.75 3.7123130AAUF3 163
4.064Federal Home Loan Bank1256-25 1,200,000.00 1,202,284.61 03/13/20264.50003/14/2025 1,203,066.12 4.0083130AV6J6 163
4.020Federal Home Loan Bank1257-25 1,000,000.00 1,002,093.26 03/13/20264.50003/17/2025 1,002,555.10 3.9653130AV6J6 163
4.250Federal Home Loan Bank1260-25 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 03/28/20304.25003/28/2025 1,519,691.55 4.1923130B5Q50 1,639
4.250Federal Home Loan Bank1266-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 04/30/20274.25004/30/2025 1,500,065.55 4.1923130B62D7 576
4.250Federal Home Loan Bank1266-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 04/30/20274.25004/30/2025 1,000,043.70 4.1923130B62D7 576
3.874Federal Home Loan Bank1274-25 1,000,000.00 1,003,081.25 01/15/20274.12506/09/2025 1,005,257.90 3.8213130AYPN0 471
4.163Federal Home Loan Bank1275-25 1,500,000.00 1,501,240.49 05/28/20274.15006/09/2025 1,502,921.85 4.1063130B6LC8 604
4.081Federal Home Loan Bank1277-25 500,000.00 467,836.00 10/29/20270.80006/09/2025 471,503.80 4.0253130AKML7 758
4.146Federal Home Loan Bank1284-25A 1,500,000.00 1,503,006.69 06/30/20274.15007/17/2025 1,505,992.23 4.0903130B6SZ0 637
4.146Federal Home Loan Bank1284-25B 1,000,000.00 1,002,004.47 06/30/20274.15007/17/2025 1,003,994.83 4.0903130B6SZ0 637
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.12
413
YTM
365
Page 3
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
4.180Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1225-24 1,500,000.00 1,459,502.07 07/15/20260.60011/05/2024 1,459,861.65 4.1233134GXKD5 287
4.130Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1234-24 1,000,000.00 959,973.29 12/30/20260.75012/12/2024 961,467.40 4.0743134GW6P6 455
4.257Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1249-25 1,500,000.00 1,491,919.91 11/24/20250.50002/19/2025 1,492,025.25 4.1983134GXBN3 54
4.810Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1252-25 5,000,000.00 4,991,100.62 05/28/20274.10003/03/2025 4,999,374.50 4.7443134HBCB5 604
4.108Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1264-25 2,000,000.00 1,999,997.04 04/14/20274.10004/15/2025 2,000,309.98 4.0523134HBJN2 560
4.054Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1267-25A 1,500,000.00 1,498,352.87 12/15/20274.00005/05/2025 1,499,518.95 3.9993134HBPR6 805
4.054Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1267-25B 1,000,000.00 998,901.91 12/15/20274.00005/05/2025 999,679.30 3.9993134HBPR6 805
4.222Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1273-25 1,595,000.00 1,558,847.67 05/27/20260.62506/09/2025 1,561,989.77 4.1653134GXCD4 238
3.450Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co.1294-25 1,375,000.00 1,273,715.51 01/12/20291.00009/12/2025 1,252,269.24 3.4033134GXKE3 1,199
4.938Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1174-24 3,850,000.00 3,749,176.07 05/28/20260.70004/15/2024 3,768,800.42 4.8713135GA4Q1 239
3.820Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1213-24A 1,500,000.00 1,493,640.72 09/30/20263.37510/07/2024 1,493,277.90 3.7683135GAVJ7 364
3.820Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1213-24B 1,000,000.00 995,760.48 09/30/20263.37510/07/2024 995,518.60 3.7683135GAVJ7 364
4.003Tennessee Valley Authority1272-25 1,399,000.00 1,394,826.70 03/15/20283.87505/23/2025 1,409,758.59 3.948880591EZ1 896
3.899U.S. Treasury1282-25A 1,500,000.00 1,504,432.26 02/15/20274.12507/11/2025 1,508,671.95 3.84591282CKA8 502
3.899U.S. Treasury1282-25B 1,000,000.00 1,002,954.84 02/15/20274.12507/11/2025 1,005,781.30 3.84591282CKA8 502
108,548,849.32 3.897108,697,049.28109,814,000.00114,152,733.69Subtotal and Average 3.951 487
Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing
4.261Federal Home Discoun t Note1233-24 1,000,000.00 998,430.83 10/15/20254.03512/06/2024 998,420.00 4.203313385MZ6 14
4.261Federal Home Discoun t Note1247-25 1,500,000.00 1,477,387.50 02/13/20264.02002/18/2025 1,477,919.83 4.203313385TA4 135
2,475,818.33 4.2032,476,339.832,500,000.002,471,764.38Subtotal and Average 4.261 86
Treasury Coupon Securities
1.005U.S. Treasury1012-21 3,500,000.00 3,494,240.81 05/31/20260.75010/15/2021 3,429,644.40 0.99191282CCF6 242
2.641U.S. Treasury1032-22 9,000,000.00 8,893,821.60 05/31/20260.75004/14/2022 8,819,085.60 2.60591282CCF6 242
2.756U.S. Treasury1037-22 4,500,000.00 4,343,576.32 05/31/20270.50004/18/2022 4,272,644.70 2.719912828ZS2 607
4.320U.S. Treasury1070-22 5,000,000.00 4,858,505.54 05/15/20272.37510/14/2022 4,899,453.00 4.260912828X88 591
4.301U.S. Treasury1071-22 1,000,000.00 943,250.89 05/31/20270.50010/14/2022 949,476.60 4.242912828ZS2 607
5.060U.S. Treasury1129-23 1,500,000.00 1,499,562.45 10/15/20254.25010/04/2023 1,499,765.70 4.99191282CFP1 14
5.050U.S. Treasury1130-23 1,500,000.00 1,494,456.33 10/31/20250.25010/04/2023 1,494,843.75 4.98191282CAT8 30
5.020U.S. Treasury1131-23A 1,500,000.00 1,499,095.05 11/15/20254.50010/05/2023 1,500,468.75 4.95291282CFW6 45
5.020U.S. Treasury1131-23B 1,000,000.00 999,396.70 11/15/20254.50010/05/2023 1,000,312.50 4.95291282CFW6 45
4.645U.S. Treasury1164-24A 1,500,000.00 1,498,589.36 12/31/20254.25003/13/2024 1,500,820.35 4.58191282CJS1 91
4.645U.S. Treasury1164-24B 1,000,000.00 999,059.57 12/31/20254.25003/13/2024 1,000,546.90 4.58191282CJS1 91
4.988U.S. Treasury1173-24 1,500,000.00 1,497,106.39 12/15/20254.00004/15/2024 1,499,882.85 4.91991282CGA3 75
4.609U.S. Treasury1177-24 4,000,000.00 3,677,374.96 05/31/20281.25004/15/2024 3,760,343.60 4.54691282CCE9 973
Portfolio 2026
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Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.12
414
YTM
365
Page 4
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Treasury Coupon Securities
3.686U.S. Treasury1192-24A 1,500,000.00 1,509,915.73 04/30/20264.87509/16/2024 1,508,953.20 3.63691282CKK6 211
3.686U.S. Treasury1192-24B 1,000,000.00 1,006,610.49 04/30/20264.87509/16/2024 1,005,968.80 3.63691282CKK6 211
3.779U.S. Treasury1193-24 1,000,000.00 989,035.26 01/31/20260.37509/16/2024 988,203.10 3.72891282CBH3 122
3.708U.S. Treasury1194-24 1,500,000.00 1,505,671.38 03/31/20264.50009/16/2024 1,504,570.35 3.65791282CKH3 181
3.782U.S. Treasury1203-24 2,000,000.00 2,001,707.11 11/15/20254.50009/25/2024 2,000,625.00 3.73091282CFW6 45
4.000U.S. Treasury1215-24A 1,500,000.00 1,501,238.37 06/15/20264.12510/15/2024 1,503,398.40 3.94591282CHH7 257
4.000U.S. Treasury1215-24B 1,000,000.00 1,000,825.58 06/15/20264.12510/15/2024 1,002,265.60 3.94591282CHH7 257
4.009U.S. Treasury1216-24A 1,500,000.00 1,496,557.49 05/15/20263.62510/15/2024 1,497,843.75 3.95491282CHB0 226
4.009U.S. Treasury1216-24B 1,000,000.00 997,704.99 05/15/20263.62510/15/2024 998,562.50 3.95491282CHB0 226
4.120U.S. Treasury1223-24 500,000.00 500,201.57 01/31/20264.25010/28/2024 500,339.85 4.06491282CJV4 122
4.210U.S. Treasury1243-25 1,000,000.00 996,837.42 10/31/20250.25001/24/2025 996,562.50 4.15291282CAT8 30
4.230U.S. Treasury1244-25A 1,500,000.00 1,506,284.53 11/15/20264.62502/13/2025 1,514,812.50 4.17291282CJK8 410
4.230U.S. Treasury1244-25B 1,000,000.00 1,004,189.69 11/15/20264.62502/13/2025 1,009,875.00 4.17291282CJK8 410
4.240U.S. Treasury1245-25 2,000,000.00 1,949,266.97 05/31/20272.62502/12/2025 1,966,812.60 4.18291282CET4 607
4.280U.S. Treasury1246-25 2,000,000.00 1,967,690.58 05/31/20283.62502/12/2025 2,000,203.20 4.22191282CHE4 973
4.061U.S. Treasury1251-25A 1,500,000.00 1,504,965.33 07/15/20264.50002/28/2025 1,508,320.35 4.00591282CHM6 287
4.061U.S. Treasury1251-25B 1,000,000.00 1,003,310.22 07/15/20264.50002/28/2025 1,005,546.90 4.00591282CHM6 287
3.978U.S. Treasury1254-25 3,000,000.00 2,973,663.01 05/31/20283.62503/13/2025 3,000,304.80 3.92391282CHE4 973
3.966U.S. Treasury1261-25A 1,500,000.00 1,497,111.53 08/31/20263.75004/15/2025 1,500,164.10 3.91291282CLH2 334
3.966U.S. Treasury1261-25B 1,000,000.00 998,074.35 08/31/20263.75004/15/2025 1,000,109.40 3.91291282CLH2 334
3.961U.S. Treasury1262-25A 1,500,000.00 1,509,119.24 09/15/20264.62504/15/2025 1,512,421.95 3.90791282CHY0 349
3.961U.S. Treasury1262-25B 1,000,000.00 1,006,079.50 09/15/20264.62504/15/2025 1,008,281.30 3.90791282CHY0 349
3.967U.S. Treasury1263-25 1,500,000.00 1,509,847.28 10/15/20264.62504/15/2025 1,513,945.35 3.91391282CJC6 379
3.932U.S. Treasury1265-25 8,000,000.00 7,466,958.73 05/31/20281.25004/15/2025 7,520,687.20 3.87991282CCE9 973
4.040U.S. Treasury1269-25 2,000,000.00 2,021,241.36 10/15/20264.62505/23/2025 2,028,197.63 3.98491282CJC6 379
3.997U.S. Treasury1270-25 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 01/15/20274.00005/23/2025 2,007,656.20 3.94391282CJT9 471
3.921U.S. Treasury1278-25 1,500,000.00 1,462,294.05 11/30/20261.62506/13/2025 1,465,627.48 3.867912828YU8 425
3.830U.S. Treasury1279-25 2,000,000.00 2,025,831.69 06/15/20274.62506/13/2025 2,031,765.60 3.77891282CKV2 622
3.891U.S. Treasury1280-25 1,000,000.00 1,007,026.41 11/30/20264.25006/26/2025 1,009,034.73 3.83791282CLY5 425
3.910U.S. Treasury1281-25 1,000,000.00 1,016,220.78 10/15/20264.62506/26/2025 1,018,395.26 3.85791282CJC6 379
3.960U.S. Treasury1283-25A 1,500,000.00 1,528,817.29 04/15/20274.50007/16/2025 1,535,447.66 3.90691282CKJ9 561
3.960U.S. Treasury1283-25B 1,000,000.00 1,019,211.54 04/15/20274.50007/16/2025 1,023,631.78 3.90691282CKJ9 561
3.720U.S. Treasury1286-25 1,000,000.00 1,023,335.75 05/15/20274.50008/15/2025 1,024,296.90 3.66991282CKR1 591
3.600U.S. Treasury1288-25 1,500,000.00 1,493,685.14 09/15/20273.37509/03/2025 1,493,085.90 3.55091282CLL3 714
3.621U.S. Treasury1289-25 1,500,000.00 1,514,388.76 09/30/20274.12509/03/2025 1,514,296.95 3.57191282CFM8 729
3.600U.S. Treasury1296-25A 1,500,000.00 1,525,738.85 12/31/20264.25009/19/2025 1,523,758.53 3.55191282CME8 456
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PM2) 7.3.12
415
YTM
365
Page 5
Par Value Book Value
Maturity
Date
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Investments
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
Treasury Coupon Securities
3.600U.S. Treasury1296-25B 1,000,000.00 1,017,159.24 12/31/20264.25009/19/2025 1,015,839.02 3.55191282CME8 456
93,755,853.18 3.74693,887,100.0495,000,000.0097,329,379.79Subtotal and Average 3.798 454
Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO
6.003Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1137-23A 1,320,721.52 1,269,213.38 07/25/20284.50010/31/2023 1,332,031.39 5.9203136BQCS6 1,028
6.003Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1137-23B 880,481.04 846,142.28 07/25/20284.50010/31/2023 888,020.95 5.9203136BQCS6 1,028
4.323Federal Nat'l Mtg. Assoc.1180-24 1,606,189.56 1,502,595.81 04/01/20293.00005/31/2024 1,584,083.73 4.2633140XP6F1 1,278
3,617,951.47 5.2323,804,136.073,807,392.123,675,007.63Subtotal and Average 5.305 1,132
3.851219,379,540.79 212,433,774.97 3.904 476210,151,008.07 209,685,521.82Total and Average
Portfolio 2026
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YTM
365
Page 6
Par Value Book Value
Stated
RateMarket Value
September 30, 2025
Portfolio Details - Cash
Average
BalanceIssuer
Portfolio Management
Investments FY 2025-2026
Days to
Maturity
YTM
360CUSIPInvestment #
Purchase
Date
0.00
3.851219,379,540.79 212,433,774.97 3.904 476
0Average Balance
210,151,008.07 209,685,521.82Total Cash and Investments
Portfolio 2026
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Page 1
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2025
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2025-2026
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Money Market
FIB4531558874 312,382.85 312,382.850.300SYS4531558874B 03/01 - Monthly 312,382.850.3000.296
312,382.85Money Market Totals 312,382.850.000.296312,382.85 0.300
Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing
CACPNY1295-25 1,000,000.00 974,666.673.800 05/29/202622533UEV1 05/29 - At Maturity09/19/2025 973,400.003.9833.929
974,666.67Commercial Paper Disc. -Amortizing Totals 973,400.000.003.9291,000,000.00 3.983
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FAMCA0962-20 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.000.600 11/20/202531422B3F5 05/20 - 11/2011/20/2020 1,000,000.000.6000.592
FAMCA1160-24A 1,500,000.00 1,482,696.530.480 01/15/202631422B6K1 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/20/2024 1,386,030.004.7014.636
FAMCA1160-24B 1,000,000.00 988,464.350.480 01/15/202631422B6K1 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/20/2024 924,020.004.7014.636
FAMCA1253-25A 1,500,000.00 1,474,529.523.350 04/12/202831422XXC1 04/12 - 10/12 Received03/05/2025 1,468,770.004.0704.014
FAMCA1253-25B 1,000,000.00 983,019.683.350 04/12/202831422XXC1 04/12 - 10/12 Received03/05/2025 979,180.004.0704.014
FAMCA1287-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,073.003.740 08/13/202731424WP63 02/13 - 08/13 311.6608/15/2025 1,499,745.003.7493.697
FAMCA1287-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,048.673.740 08/13/202731424WP63 02/13 - 08/13 207.7808/15/2025 999,830.003.7493.697
FFCB1045-22A 1,500,000.00 1,499,086.962.800 11/25/20253133ENXQ8 11/25 - 05/25 Received06/13/2022 1,479,000.003.2323.188
FFCB1045-22B 1,000,000.00 999,391.302.800 11/25/20253133ENXQ8 11/25 - 05/25 Received06/13/2022 986,000.003.2323.188
FFCB1069-22 2,500,000.00 2,439,618.960.660 05/27/20263133EMHH8 11/27 - 05/27 Received10/14/2022 2,166,625.004.7104.646
FFCB1179-24 1,000,000.00 885,116.001.125 06/01/20293133EMHZ8 06/01 - 12/01 Received05/31/2024 843,340.004.6754.611
FFCB1184-24A 1,500,000.00 1,458,476.392.500 03/15/20273133ENRK8 09/15 - 03/15 Received07/10/2024 1,423,530.004.5404.478
FFCB1184-24B 1,000,000.00 972,317.602.500 03/15/20273133ENRK8 09/15 - 03/15 Received07/10/2024 949,020.004.5404.478
FFCB1199-24A 1,500,000.00 1,516,627.975.000 07/30/20263133EPZY4 01/30 - 07/30 Received09/20/2024 1,537,260.003.6063.556
FFCB1199-24B 1,000,000.00 1,011,085.315.000 07/30/20263133EPZY4 01/30 - 07/30 Received09/20/2024 1,024,840.003.6063.556
FFCB1212-24 1,000,000.00 1,001,642.243.750 04/13/20263133EPFT7 10/13 - 04/13 Received09/30/2024 1,004,730.003.4313.384
FFCB1224-24 1,000,000.00 992,530.201.750 01/28/20263133ELKA1 01/28 - 07/28 Received10/28/2024 971,270.004.1304.073
FFCB1230-24 1,000,000.00 1,003,048.044.500 08/14/20263133EPSW6 02/14 - 08/14 Received12/03/2024 1,005,950.004.1304.073
FFCB1268-25 4,000,000.00 4,010,800.733.875 05/30/20283133EPLD5 05/30 - 11/30 Received05/09/2025 4,012,400.003.7663.714
FFCB1276-25 1,500,000.00 1,495,984.583.875 08/27/20273133ETJT5 08/27 - 02/27 Received06/09/2025 1,495,329.004.0253.970
FFCB1285-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,044.184.120 07/14/20273133ETPU5 01/14 - 07/14 515.0007/17/2025 1,499,475.004.1384.082
FFCB1285-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,029.454.120 07/14/20273133ETPU5 01/14 - 07/14 343.3307/17/2025 999,650.004.1384.082
FFCB1290-25 1,500,000.00 1,527,944.784.000 11/29/20273133EN3H1 11/29 - 05/29 15,666.6709/03/2025 1,512,720.003.6003.551
FFCB1291-25A 1,500,000.00 1,543,802.754.125 10/14/20273133ENS50 10/14 - 04/14 25,093.7509/10/2025 1,519,245.003.4833.435
FFCB1291-25B 1,000,000.00 1,029,201.844.125 10/14/20273133ENS50 10/14 - 04/14 16,729.1709/10/2025 1,012,830.003.4833.435
FFCB1292-25 1,000,000.00 1,019,722.724.125 06/15/20273133EPMV4 12/15 - 06/15 9,854.1709/11/2025 1,010,190.003.5213.472
FFCB1293-25 1,000,000.00 1,009,524.694.000 09/29/20273133ENQ29 09/29 - 03/29 Received09/11/2025 1,009,790.003.5003.452
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.12
Report Ver. 7.3.11 418
Page 2
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2025
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2025-2026
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FHLB0975-21 1,000,000.00 999,734.820.650 02/17/20263130AL4V3 08/17 - 02/17 Received02/22/2021 996,500.000.5810.573
FHLB0978-21 1,000,000.00 999,079.840.580 02/11/20263130AKXB7 08/11 - 02/11 Received03/15/2021 987,500.000.8410.829
FHLB0980-21 2,650,000.00 2,649,687.451.500 04/14/20263130ALVT8 10/14 - 04/1404/14/2021 2,647,085.001.1161.101
FHLB1161-24 1,250,000.00 1,239,975.772.500 12/30/20253130AKLS3 06/30 - 12/30 Received02/26/2024 1,175,212.501.9871.960
FHLB1162-24 900,000.00 893,426.732.000 12/30/20253130AQFB4 06/30 - 12/30 Received02/26/2024 850,959.004.7704.705
FHLB1175-24 4,000,000.00 3,945,860.844.000 05/26/20273130ARYA3 05/26 - 11/26 Received04/15/2024 3,898,000.004.8914.824
FHLB1178-24 600,000.00 588,490.902.000 05/26/20263130AMFN7 05/26 - 11/26 Received04/19/2024 562,926.002.4962.461
FHLB1181-24 1,500,000.00 1,454,764.041.050 08/13/20263130ANGM6 08/13 - 02/13 Received06/21/2024 1,388,070.004.7504.685
FHLB1182-24 1,000,000.00 988,232.192.250 03/30/20263130ARCU3 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 959,240.004.7414.676
FHLB1183-24A 1,500,000.00 1,430,327.621.000 02/26/20273130ALDA9 08/26 - 02/26 Received07/10/2024 1,369,485.004.5504.488
FHLB1183-24B 1,000,000.00 953,551.741.000 02/26/20273130ALDA9 08/26 - 02/26 Received07/10/2024 912,990.004.5504.488
FHLB1185-24A 1,410,000.00 1,340,980.501.000 03/30/20273130ANZB9 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 1,284,510.004.5104.449
FHLB1185-24B 1,000,000.00 951,050.001.000 03/30/20273130ANZB9 09/30 - 03/30 Received07/10/2024 911,000.004.5104.449
FHLB1186-24A 1,500,000.00 1,477,925.170.680 02/24/20263130ALCB8 08/24 - 02/24 Received07/31/2024 1,413,090.004.5604.498
FHLB1186-24B 1,000,000.00 985,283.450.680 02/24/20263130ALCB8 08/24 - 02/24 Received07/31/2024 942,060.004.5604.498
FHLB1190-24A 1,500,000.00 1,463,697.881.310 10/28/20263130APL29 10/28 - 04/28 Received09/13/2024 1,428,240.003.6703.620
FHLB1190-24B 1,000,000.00 975,798.591.310 10/28/20263130APL29 10/28 - 04/28 Received09/13/2024 952,160.003.6703.620
FHLB1191-24 500,000.00 487,949.621.500 11/27/20263130APXV2 11/27 - 05/27 Received09/13/2024 477,000.003.6903.639
FHLB1195-24 1,335,000.00 1,304,251.211.700 01/27/20273130AQM26 01/27 - 07/27 Received09/17/2024 1,280,091.453.5303.482
FHLB1196-24 1,250,000.00 1,224,548.862.000 02/25/20273130AQRQ8 02/25 - 08/25 Received09/17/2024 1,205,662.503.5303.482
FHLB1211-24 1,000,000.00 1,001,520.254.500 12/12/20253130ATUC9 12/12 - 06/12 Received09/30/2024 1,009,250.003.7013.650
FHLB1214-24 1,500,000.00 1,457,158.311.400 12/28/20263130AQEV1 12/28 - 06/28 Received10/07/2024 1,423,230.003.8203.768
FHLB1229-24A 1,500,000.00 1,464,730.591.050 06/30/20263130AN2H2 12/30 - 06/30 Received11/25/2024 1,424,610.004.3404.281
FHLB1229-24B 1,000,000.00 976,487.061.050 06/30/20263130AN2H2 12/30 - 06/30 Received11/25/2024 949,740.004.3404.281
FHLB1235-24A 1,500,000.00 1,438,246.390.850 01/29/20273130AKRE8 01/29 - 07/29 Received12/12/2024 1,400,910.004.1204.064
FHLB1235-24B 1,000,000.00 958,830.920.850 01/29/20273130AKRE8 01/29 - 07/29 Received12/12/2024 933,939.994.1204.064
FHLB1255-25 500,000.00 497,781.412.750 03/13/20263130AAUF3 09/13 - 03/13 Received03/14/2025 495,083.503.7643.712
FHLB1256-25 1,200,000.00 1,202,284.614.500 03/13/20263130AV6J6 09/13 - 03/13 Received03/14/2025 1,205,062.804.0644.008
FHLB1257-25 1,000,000.00 1,002,093.264.500 03/13/20263130AV6J6 09/13 - 03/13 Received03/17/2025 1,004,600.004.0203.965
FHLB1260-25 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.004.250 03/28/20303130B5Q50 09/28 - 03/2803/28/2025 1,500,000.004.2504.192
FHLB1266-25A 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.004.250 04/30/20273130B62D7 10/30 - 04/3004/30/2025 1,500,000.004.2504.192
FHLB1266-25B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.004.250 04/30/20273130B62D7 10/30 - 04/3004/30/2025 1,000,000.004.2504.192
FHLB1274-25 1,000,000.00 1,003,081.254.125 01/15/20273130AYPN0 07/15 - 01/15 Received06/09/2025 1,003,825.003.8743.821
FHLB1275-25 1,500,000.00 1,501,240.494.150 05/28/20273130B6LC8 11/28 - 05/28 1,556.2506/09/2025 1,499,625.004.1634.106
FHLB1277-25 500,000.00 467,836.000.800 10/29/20273130AKML7 07/29 - 01/29 Received06/09/2025 463,020.004.0814.025
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.12
419
Page 3
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2025
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2025-2026
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
FHLB1284-25A 1,500,000.00 1,503,006.694.150 06/30/20273130B6SZ0 12/30 - 06/30 2,939.5807/17/2025 1,500,075.004.1464.090
FHLB1284-25B 1,000,000.00 1,002,004.474.150 06/30/20273130B6SZ0 12/30 - 06/30 1,959.7307/17/2025 1,000,050.004.1464.090
FHLMC1225-24 1,500,000.00 1,459,502.070.600 07/15/20263134GXKD5 01/15 - 07/15 Received11/05/2024 1,413,015.004.1804.123
FHLMC1234-24 1,000,000.00 959,973.290.750 12/30/20263134GW6P6 04/30 - 10/30 Received12/12/2024 934,210.004.1304.074
FHLMC1249-25 1,500,000.00 1,491,919.910.500 11/24/20253134GXBN3 05/24 - 11/24 Received02/19/2025 1,458,075.004.2574.198
FHLMC1252-25 5,000,000.00 4,991,100.624.100 05/28/20273134HBCB5 05/28 - 11/2803/03/2025 4,988,000.004.8104.744
FHLMC1264-25 2,000,000.00 1,999,997.044.100 04/14/20273134HBJN2 10/14 - 04/14 227.7804/15/2025 1,999,700.004.1084.052
FHLMC1267-25A 1,500,000.00 1,498,352.874.000 12/15/20273134HBPR6 06/15 - 12/1505/05/2025 1,498,050.004.0543.999
FHLMC1267-25B 1,000,000.00 998,901.914.000 12/15/20273134HBPR6 06/15 - 12/1505/05/2025 998,700.004.0543.999
FHLMC1273-25 1,595,000.00 1,558,847.670.625 05/27/20263134GXCD4 11/27 - 05/27 332.2906/09/2025 1,541,200.654.2224.165
FHLMC1294-25 1,375,000.00 1,273,715.511.000 01/12/20293134GXKE3 01/12 - 07/12 2,291.6709/12/2025 1,269,757.503.4503.403
FNMA1174-24 3,850,000.00 3,749,176.070.700 05/28/20263135GA4Q1 05/28 - 11/28 Received04/15/2024 3,525,406.504.9384.871
FNMA1213-24A 1,500,000.00 1,493,640.723.375 09/30/20263135GAVJ7 03/30 - 09/30 Received10/07/2024 1,487,370.003.8203.768
FNMA1213-24B 1,000,000.00 995,760.483.375 09/30/20263135GAVJ7 03/30 - 09/30 Received10/07/2024 991,580.003.8203.768
TVA1272-25 1,399,000.00 1,394,826.703.875 03/15/2028880591EZ1 09/15 - 03/15 Received05/23/2025 1,394,222.424.0033.948
US TRE1282-25A 1,500,000.00 1,504,432.264.125 02/15/202791282CKA8 08/15 - 02/15 Received07/11/2025 1,505,156.253.8993.845
US TRE1282-25B 1,000,000.00 1,002,954.844.125 02/15/202791282CKA8 08/15 - 02/15 Received07/11/2025 1,003,437.503.8993.845
108,548,849.32Federal Agency Coupon Securities Totals 106,683,452.5678,028.833.897109,814,000.00 3.951
Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing
FHDN1233-24 1,000,000.00 998,430.834.035 10/15/2025313385MZ6 10/15 - At Maturity12/06/2024 964,917.924.2614.203
FHDN1247-25 1,500,000.00 1,477,387.504.020 02/13/2026313385TA4 02/13 - At Maturity02/18/2025 1,439,700.004.2614.203
2,475,818.33Federal Agency Disc. -Amortizing Totals 2,404,617.920.004.2032,500,000.00 4.261
Treasury Coupon Securities
US TRE1012-21 3,500,000.00 3,494,240.810.750 05/31/202691282CCF6 11/30 - 05/31 Received10/15/2021 3,459,804.691.0050.991
US TRE1032-22 9,000,000.00 8,893,821.600.750 05/31/202691282CCF6 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/14/2022 8,338,359.382.6412.605
US TRE1037-22 4,500,000.00 4,343,576.320.500 05/31/2027912828ZS2 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/18/2022 4,018,359.382.7562.719
US TRE1070-22 5,000,000.00 4,858,505.542.375 05/15/2027912828X88 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/14/2022 4,599,218.754.3204.260
US TRE1071-22 1,000,000.00 943,250.890.500 05/31/2027912828ZS2 11/30 - 05/31 Received10/14/2022 842,000.004.3014.242
US TRE1129-23 1,500,000.00 1,499,562.454.250 10/15/202591282CFP1 10/15 - 04/15 Received10/04/2023 1,476,810.005.0604.991
US TRE1130-23 1,500,000.00 1,494,456.330.250 10/31/202591282CAT8 10/31 - 04/30 Received10/04/2023 1,359,930.005.0504.981
US TRE1131-23A 1,500,000.00 1,499,095.054.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/05/2023 1,484,475.005.0204.952
US TRE1131-23B 1,000,000.00 999,396.704.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/05/2023 989,650.005.0204.952
US TRE1164-24A 1,500,000.00 1,498,589.364.250 12/31/202591282CJS1 06/30 - 12/31 Received03/13/2024 1,489,800.004.6454.581
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.12
420
Page 4
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2025
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2025-2026
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Treasury Coupon Securities
US TRE1164-24B 1,000,000.00 999,059.574.250 12/31/202591282CJS1 06/30 - 12/31 Received03/13/2024 993,200.004.6454.581
US TRE1173-24 1,500,000.00 1,497,106.394.000 12/15/202591282CGA3 06/15 - 12/15 Received04/15/2024 1,476,503.914.9884.919
US TRE1177-24 4,000,000.00 3,677,374.961.250 05/31/202891282CCE9 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/15/2024 3,500,312.504.6094.546
US TRE1192-24A 1,500,000.00 1,509,915.734.875 04/30/202691282CKK6 10/31 - 04/30 Received09/16/2024 1,527,773.443.6863.636
US TRE1192-24B 1,000,000.00 1,006,610.494.875 04/30/202691282CKK6 10/31 - 04/30 Received09/16/2024 1,018,515.633.6863.636
US TRE1193-24 1,000,000.00 989,035.260.375 01/31/202691282CBH3 01/31 - 07/31 Received09/16/2024 954,882.813.7793.728
US TRE1194-24 1,500,000.00 1,505,671.384.500 03/31/202691282CKH3 09/30 - 03/31 Received09/16/2024 1,517,578.133.7083.657
US TRE1203-24 2,000,000.00 2,001,707.114.500 11/15/202591282CFW6 11/15 - 05/15 Received09/25/2024 2,015,781.253.7823.730
US TRE1215-24A 1,500,000.00 1,501,238.374.125 06/15/202691282CHH7 12/15 - 06/15 Received10/15/2024 1,502,929.694.0003.945
US TRE1215-24B 1,000,000.00 1,000,825.584.125 06/15/202691282CHH7 12/15 - 06/15 Received10/15/2024 1,001,953.124.0003.945
US TRE1216-24A 1,500,000.00 1,496,557.493.625 05/15/202691282CHB0 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/15/2024 1,491,210.944.0093.954
US TRE1216-24B 1,000,000.00 997,704.993.625 05/15/202691282CHB0 11/15 - 05/15 Received10/15/2024 994,140.624.0093.954
US TRE1223-24 500,000.00 500,201.574.250 01/31/202691282CJV4 01/31 - 07/31 Received10/28/2024 500,760.004.1204.064
US TRE1243-25 1,000,000.00 996,837.420.250 10/31/202591282CAT8 04/30 - 10/31 Received01/24/2025 970,482.584.2104.152
US TRE1244-25A 1,500,000.00 1,506,284.534.625 11/15/202691282CJK8 05/15 - 11/15 Received02/13/2025 1,509,810.004.2304.172
US TRE1244-25B 1,000,000.00 1,004,189.694.625 11/15/202691282CJK8 05/15 - 11/15 Received02/13/2025 1,006,540.004.2304.172
US TRE1245-25 2,000,000.00 1,949,266.972.625 05/31/202791282CET4 05/31 - 11/30 Received02/12/2025 1,929,960.004.2404.182
US TRE1246-25 2,000,000.00 1,967,690.583.625 05/31/202891282CHE4 05/31 - 11/30 Received02/12/2025 1,960,020.004.2804.221
US TRE1251-25A 1,500,000.00 1,504,965.334.500 07/15/202691282CHM6 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/28/2025 1,508,685.004.0614.005
US TRE1251-25B 1,000,000.00 1,003,310.224.500 07/15/202691282CHM6 07/15 - 01/15 Received02/28/2025 1,005,790.004.0614.005
US TRE1254-25 3,000,000.00 2,973,663.013.625 05/31/202891282CHE4 05/31 - 11/30 Received03/13/2025 2,968,195.313.9783.923
US TRE1261-25A 1,500,000.00 1,497,111.533.750 08/31/202691282CLH2 08/31 - 02/28 Received04/15/2025 1,495,650.003.9663.912
US TRE1261-25B 1,000,000.00 998,074.353.750 08/31/202691282CLH2 08/31 - 02/28 Received04/15/2025 997,100.003.9663.912
US TRE1262-25A 1,500,000.00 1,509,119.244.625 09/15/202691282CHY0 09/15 - 03/15 Received04/15/2025 1,513,535.153.9613.907
US TRE1262-25B 1,000,000.00 1,006,079.504.625 09/15/202691282CHY0 09/15 - 03/15 Received04/15/2025 1,009,023.443.9613.907
US TRE1263-25 1,500,000.00 1,509,847.284.625 10/15/202691282CJC6 10/15 - 04/1504/15/2025 1,514,238.283.9673.913
US TRE1265-25 8,000,000.00 7,466,958.731.250 05/31/202891282CCE9 05/31 - 11/30 Received04/15/2025 7,374,375.003.9323.879
US TRE1269-25 2,000,000.00 2,021,241.364.625 10/15/202691282CJC6 10/15 - 04/15 9,603.8305/23/2025 2,015,660.004.0403.984
US TRE1270-25 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.004.000 01/15/202791282CJT9 07/15 - 01/15 Received05/23/2025 2,000,000.003.9973.943
US TRE1278-25 1,500,000.00 1,462,294.051.625 11/30/2026912828YU8 11/30 - 05/31 865.7806/13/2025 1,451,445.003.9213.867
US TRE1279-25 2,000,000.00 2,025,831.694.625 06/15/202791282CKV2 06/15 - 12/15 Received06/13/2025 2,030,400.003.8303.778
US TRE1280-25 1,000,000.00 1,007,026.414.250 11/30/202691282CLY5 11/30 - 05/31 3,019.1306/26/2025 1,004,921.883.8913.837
US TRE1281-25 1,000,000.00 1,016,220.784.625 10/15/202691282CJC6 10/15 - 04/15 9,098.3606/26/2025 1,008,945.313.9103.857
US TRE1283-25A 1,500,000.00 1,528,817.294.500 04/15/202791282CKJ9 10/15 - 04/15 16,967.2107/16/2025 1,513,476.563.9603.906
US TRE1283-25B 1,000,000.00 1,019,211.544.500 04/15/202791282CKJ9 10/15 - 04/15 11,311.4807/16/2025 1,008,984.383.9603.906
Portfolio 2026
AC
Run Date: 10/08/2025 - 16:20 PM (PRF_PMS) 7.3.12
421
Page 5
Par Value
Stated
Rate
September 30, 2025
Investment Status Report - Investments
Portfolio Management
Book Value
Maturity
Date
Current
Principal
Investments FY 2025-2026
YTM
365
YTM
360
Payment
DatesCUSIPInvestment #Issuer
Purchase
Date
Accrued Interest
At Purchase
Treasury Coupon Securities
US TRE1286-25 1,000,000.00 1,023,335.754.500 05/15/202791282CKR1 11/15 - 05/15 11,250.0008/15/2025 1,013,046.883.7203.669
US TRE1288-25 1,500,000.00 1,493,685.143.375 09/15/202791282CLL3 09/15 - 03/15 Received09/03/2025 1,493,437.503.6003.550
US TRE1289-25 1,500,000.00 1,514,388.764.125 09/30/202791282CFM8 09/30 - 03/31 Received09/03/2025 1,514,941.413.6213.571
US TRE1296-25A 1,500,000.00 1,525,738.854.250 12/31/202691282CME8 12/31 - 06/30 14,031.9309/19/2025 1,512,015.003.6003.551
US TRE1296-25B 1,000,000.00 1,017,159.244.250 12/31/202691282CME8 12/31 - 06/30 9,354.6209/19/2025 1,008,010.003.6003.551
93,755,853.18Treasury Coupon Securities Totals 91,892,637.9285,502.343.74695,000,000.00 3.798
Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO
FNMA1137-23A 1,320,721.52 1,269,213.384.500 07/25/20283136BQCS6 11/25 - Monthly Received10/31/2023 1,269,213.386.0035.920
FNMA1137-23B 880,481.04 846,142.284.500 07/25/20283136BQCS6 11/25 - Monthly Received10/31/2023 846,142.286.0035.920
FNMA1180-24 1,606,189.56 1,502,595.813.000 04/01/20293140XP6F1 06/25 - Monthly Received05/31/2024 1,550,725.834.3234.263
3,617,951.47Pass Through Securities /PAC/CMO Totals 3,666,081.490.005.2323,807,392.12 5.305
209,685,521.82Investment Totals 205,932,572.74163,531.17212,433,774.97 3.851 3.904
Portfolio 2026
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422
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
0.15%
56.86%
43.00%
Portfolio by Asset Class
Cash and Equivalents
Long Term
Short Term
423
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
4.02%13.24%
1.18%
22.04%
7.79%
0.15%4.80%
0.66%
46.11%
Par Value by Issuer Graph
FAMCA
FFCB
FHDN
FHLB
FHLMC
FIB
FNMA
TVA
UST
424
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
0.15%
0.46%
51.77%
1.18%
44.71%
1.73%
Book Value By Investment Type
Money Market
Commercial Paper
Federal Agency Coupon Securities
Federal Agency Discounts
Treasury Coupon Securities
Pass through Securities
425
For Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
Investment Yield by Type
426
ITEM #:23
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:FIRE
SUBJECT:LEASE AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF IOWA
FOR FIRE STATION NO. 2 RELOCATION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Fire Station #2 is located at 132 Welch Avenue, at the intersection of Chamberlain
Street and Welch Avenue. The station, which was built in 1966, is a single story, 5,500 square
foot, three apparatus bay station.
The existing station presents significant operational challenges due to its age, size, and
location in a busy pedestrian-centric area. Additionally, average response times within the
Station 2 response district can be improved by relocating the station slightly west.
In discussions with Iowa State University leadership, a location for a station has been
identified on ISU-owned property on the west side of State Avenue. This 29-acre area has
been historically used for agricultural purposes and includes a shared-use path that extends
further west to the Ames Middle School property. ISU President Wendy Wintersteen has
expressed a willingness to support a long-term lease for the station on that site.
Staff has prepared a lease agreement that ISU is willing to present to the Board of Regents for
approval. The draft lease is for a term of 52 years, which would accommodate a two-year
construction period and 50-year operational life. With mutual consent, the lease may be
extended beyond this term.
The lease is offered with no financial consideration owed to ISU. The City's obligations include
to construct the new fire station, install any necessary traffic control on State Avenue to
access the station, and to maintain the leased site.
The referendum election at which voters will be asked to authorize the bond issuance is set for
November 4, 2025. If the bond referendum is approved, the lease agreement will be
presented to the Board of Regents for consideration at a regularly scheduled meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the attached lease agreement, contingent upon the approval of the November 4
bond referendum and the approval of the Board of Regents.
2. Direct staff to modify the lease agreement.
3. Do not approve the lease agreement.
427
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In keeping with the long-standing partnership between the City of Ames and Iowa State
University to provide fire protection to both the community and the university campus,
ISU has identified a parcel of land that would be suitable for construction of a
replacement for the existing Fire Station No. 2.
The proposed location offers improvements to fire apparatus ingress and egress, better
positioning for existing and anticipated calls for service as the community grows, and
distance from neighbors who may be concerned about light and noise.
The University is offering this lease for no financial consideration, which greatly
reduces the cost of the station relocation project. In lieu of rent, the City will construct
the fire station and maintain the property, which includes natural areas and a shared
use path. The lease term extends for 52 years, and can be extended for a longer
duration if it is mutually agreeable to do so. It is therefore the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Fire Station 2 Lease FINAL WITH EXHIBITS.docx
428
DO NOT WRITE IN THE SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE. RESERVED FOR RECORDER
Prepared by: Mark O. Lambert, City of Ames, Legal Department, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 – 515-239-5146
Return document to: Ames City Clerk, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
LEASE AGREEMENT
BOARD OF REGENTS, STATE OF IOWA
ACTING FOR IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
TO THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA
(Fire Station No. 2)
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT made this _____ day of __________________, 20___, between
the City of Ames, Iowa, hereinafter called “City”, and the Iowa Board of Regents acting for and
on behalf of Iowa State University of Science and Technology, hereinafter called “University”,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have shared in a joint and cooperative effort to assure proper fire
service and protection to Iowa State University and the City of Ames, Iowa, and
WHEREAS, the existing Fire Station No. 2, located at 134 Welch Avenue in Ames, was built over
fifty years ago and experiences operational challenges owing to its location in a pedestrian-centric
commercial district, and
WHEREAS, in order to address operational challenges with the existing Fire Station No. 2 and
provide an improved response time to calls for service both on University properties and to
locations within the City of Ames, it is desired to relocate Fire Station No. 2 to University-owned
property located on State Avenue, Ames,
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenant of the parties
hereto, it is agreed:
429
1. The University hereby agrees to lease to the City for use as a public facility known as Fire
Station No. 2 the following described site situated in Story County, Iowa (“Leased Site”):
LEGAL DESCRIPTION ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A
2. The term of this Lease Agreement shall be fifty-two (52) years, commencing on the _____
day of __________________, 20____, and ending at midnight on the ________ day of
__________________, 20____, unless earlier terminated by mutual agreement of the parties or as
set forth in Paragraph 16 of this Lease Agreement. In recognition that the City might want to make
additional improvements on the Leased Site in the future that will require additional time to
depreciate, it is agreed that the City may request, and the University may grant with the approval
of the Iowa Board of Regents, extensions to this Lease Agreement term at any time.
3. There shall be no money payments due or owing the University under this Lease
Agreement. The full, complete, and satisfactory consideration for this Lease Agreement shall be
the following obligations, which shall be performed by the City at no cost to the University:
a. Construct on the Leased Site the Fire Station No. 2 building, along with the
accessory components such as, but not limited to, driveways, parking lots,
sidewalks, bike/shared use paths, etc.;
b. As determined necessary by the City for access to the Leased Site, install the
entryway improvements which may include, but are not limited to, traffic control
devices and turning lanes along State Avenue;
c. Maintain the Leased Site;
d. Design, construct, install, inspect, and maintain storm water management systems
in accordance with applicable City codes and storm water management best
practices and hold any required permits; and
e. Obtain easements or other permissions from the University, with the approval of
the Iowa Board of Regents, for use of any property of the University other than the
Leased Site in support of the construction and operation of Fire Station No. 2 and
its accessory components and entryway improvements.
4. The City shall use the Leased Site for Fire Station operations. The City will own and
manage Fire Station No. 2. The City may also plant hay, grass, and similar vegetation for bales on
the Leased Site, but the City shall not plant row crops on the Leased Site. If the City sells the bales
to third parties or if the City permits a third party to engage in haymaking activities on the Lease
Site, the City shall pay the University 50% of the revenue received by the City from such sales or
activities. The City shall annually report such revenue to the University and pay the University’s
share of the revenue at such time. If the University purchases any bales from the City, the City
430
shall discount the purchase price by 50%. Sales to the University are excluded from the revenue
sharing obligation set forth in this section.
5. The City is authorized to make all of the improvements on the Leased Site as generally
shown on the conceptual plan attached as Exhibit B. The City shall submit its site, utility and
circulation infrastructure (sidewalk and bike/shared used path) plans for the improvements to the
University for approval prior to commencing construction, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld. All construction shall be in conformance with such approved plans.
6. Following the completion of the initial construction project as described in Paragraph 5,
the City may also construct on the Leased Site additional permanent buildings and other
improvements that are consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 4 after obtaining the
University’s approval; provided, however, that no prior approval shall be required for: (i) the
construction of any improvement depicted in Exhibit B; (ii) any modification of an existing
improvement provided the footprint of the improvement remains as depicted in Exhibit A; or (iii)
replacing landscaping installed as part of the initial construction project. If new site, landscaping,
utility or circulation infrastructure (sidewalk and bike/shared use path) plans are developed for the
new improvements, the City shall submit the plans to the University for approval, which shall not
be unreasonably withheld. All construction shall be in conformance with such approved plans.
7. The City may grade the Leased Site and install on the Leased Site utilities necessary for
the development of the Fire Station No. 2 building, parking lot, utilities, storm water facilities, or
other related purposes. The City shall pay for all utility services furnished to the Leased Site that
serves the City’s programs and buildings.
8. The University makes no representations or warranties regarding the Leased Site. The City
is responsible for determining whether the Leased Site is suitable for the construction and
operation of Fire Station No. 2 and the programs and activities on the Leased Site.
9. The City, after taking possession of the Leased Site and until the termination of this Lease
Agreement, shall care for and maintain the Leased Site in a reasonably safe and serviceable
condition consistent with other City facilities. The City shall also remove snow, mow grass,
remove weeds and debris, prune and care for trees, bushes, and other vegetation, remove dead, no
longer thriving, or fallen trees, bushes, and other vegetation. The City shall confer with the
University prior to removing any trees from the Leased Site. The City shall, when requested by
the University and not more than annually, meet with University representatives to review the land
on the Leased Site. The City will not knowingly permit or allow the Leased Site to be damaged
or depreciated in value by any dumping of refuse, discharge of hazardous waste or any act of the
City, its agents or employees. The City shall do what is reasonably necessary to control soil erosion
resulting from the City’s use of the Leased Site, including maintenance and preservation of existing
watercourses and waterways. The City shall confer with the University prior to taking any soil
erosion or other land management measures on the Leased Site, unless in the City’s judgement
such measures are immediately necessary to preserve or protect life or property or to comply with
environmental laws, in which instance the City may take immediate soil erosion or other land
management measures and shall notify the University as soon as practicable thereafter. The City
shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances, including but not limited to
431
those pertaining to accessibility by persons with disabilities. The City shall pay or cause to be paid
all costs for work done by it or caused to be done by it on the Leased Site, and the City will keep
the Leased Site free and clear of all mechanics’ liens or claims relating to the City’s public
improvements and other liens on account of work done for the City. The City shall be primarily
responsible for providing emergency services (e.g., fire protection, law enforcement) on the Leased
Site. However, nothing herein shall contravene any existing or future 28E Agreements between
the parties unless specifically stated. The City shall, when requested by the University and at no
cost to the University, provide crime statistics related to the Leased site.
10. The City does hereby covenant and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the University,
its officers and employees, against any loss or liability whatsoever, including reasonable attorney’s
fees, pertaining to any and all claims by any and all persons, resulting from or arising out of the
City’s construction, location, operation and maintenance of the Leased Site.
11. The University reserves the right to access the Leased Site to install and maintain on the
Leased Site utility conduit, pipelines and similar items to supply utilities to property owned or
controlled by the University. The University shall perform the installation and maintenance in a
manner reasonably calculated to minimize interference with the programs and activities on t he
Leased Site and shall, at its expense, restore to its prior condition any portion of the Leased Site,
including any City improvement on the Leased Site, disrupted or damaged by the University’s
work. The University reserves the right to enter the Leased Site and the improvements during
regular business hours for purposes of conducting periodic inspections of the Leased Site, provided
such inspections shall be subject to the terms of, and shall not interfere with, the rights of the City
under this Lease Agreement.
12. The University may continue to use the Leased Site for agricultural purposes at no-charge
until the City commences construction. During such time, the University shall own any crops
grown on the Leased Site and revenues from the sale of the crops. The City shall notify the
University when the City desires to begin construction on the Leased Site. The City shall provide
such notice by no later than December 1 of the year preceding the calendar year during which
construction is to commence.
13. If the University determines that it needs a portion of the Leased Site for its own operations,
the parties shall enter into an amendment to this Lease Agreement to remove such portion from
the legal description of the Leased Site; provided, however, that no such removed portion may (i)
include the site of the initial construction project as described in Paragraph 5 or the site of any
subsequent improvement approved and constructed as set forth in Paragraph 6 or (ii) interfere with
the City’s operation and use of the improvements described in subparagraph (i).
14. The Parties anticipate that there will be no real estate taxes or assessments assessed against
the Leased Site or the City’s improvements. Should taxes or assessments be assessed for the period
during which the City has leased the Leased Site, the City shall be responsible for the payment of
such taxes or assessments.
15. At the end of the term of the Lease Agreement or upon early termination of this Lease
Agreement, the City will remove all facilities, equipment, improvements, and personal property
432
(“City’s Property”) from the Leased Site and return the Leased Site to a safe, open space, unless
otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties. The Parties agree to meet and determine a reasonable
schedule for the removal of City’s Property and return of the Leased Site to open space. However,
if the City makes a request in writing to extend the term of the Lease Agreement for purposes
consistent with Paragraph 2, and such request is made in the period beginning three years prior
and ending no later than one year prior to the end of the term of the Lease Agreement (or any
mutually agreed modification of the term), and the University denies the request, then the
obligation to remove City’s Property will be based on mutually satisfactory terms agreed to by the
Parties in writing.
Both Parties acknowledge that no environmental study has been performed on the Leased Site
prior to entering into this Lease Agreement to determine if any hazardous materials exist on the
Leased Site prior to the City taking possession of it. However, upon termination of the lease the
City agrees to remove any hazardous materials that are deposited as a result of City activities on
the Leased Site during the term of this Lease Agreement.
16. This Lease Agreement is granted and all rights hereunder shall endure except that if one o r
more of the following events occurs the University may terminate the Lease Agreement following
the procedures indicated in this Paragraph:
a. The City fails to begin construction of the improvements described in Paragraph 5
within three years from the commencement of this Lease Agreement.
b. The City uses the Leased Site for purposes other than stated in Paragraph 4.
c. The City breaches a material term of this Lease Agreement and such breach is
serious and goes to the essence of the transaction. A breach is serious and goes to
the essence of the transaction only in the following cases:
i. The City has breached a term of this Lease Agreement and such breach has
caused or is reasonably expected to cause damages in excess of $500,000,
such amount to be adjusted annually each September 1 for inflation using
the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index-Urban [CPI-U, All Items,
All City Average, 1982-84=100] issued in the preceding month;
ii. The City has repeatedly breached a material term of this Lease Agreement
within any two-year period, or the City has engaged in a pattern of material
breaches of the Lease Agreement; provided, however, this clause shall apply
only where the City’s breaches indicate deliberate indifference to the terms
of this Lease Agreement.
For termination pursuant to Subparagraph 16(a), the University shall give at least 60 days advance
written notice, and termination shall be automatic at the end of the 60-day notice period. For
termination pursuant to Subparagraphs 16(b) and 16(c), the University shall notify the City in
writing of its intent to terminate and the nature of event or breach the University believes has
occurred and shall provide the City with a reasonable period commensurate with the nature of the
433
event or breach to cure such event or breach. If the City fails to cure such event or breach by the
end of the cure period, the University shall give at least 30 days advance written notice, and
termination shall be automatic at the end of the 30-day notice period. Prior to the expiration of the
30-day notice period, the City may appeal to the Iowa Board of Regents in accordance with the
applicable appeal procedure (if any) in the Board Policy Manual to contest whether the event or
breach occurred, whether the University provided a reasonable cure period, or whether the City
cured the event or breach. If the City files an appeal, the Lease Agreement shall not be terminated
while the appeal is pending. The foregoing shall in no way affect or impair the right of either party
to pursue any other legal or equitable remedy to which either party may be entitled. In the event
of termination of the lease under this Paragraph 16, the City shall retain ownership of the Fire
Station No. 2 building and accessory facilities and equipment but shall be obligated to remove
them from the Leased Site as set forth in Paragraph 15.
17. The City may terminate this Lease Agreement upon written notice to the University if
existing environmental hazards are discovered to be present at the Leased Site.
18. This Lease Agreement may not be assigned or the Leased Site subleased by the City
without the advance, written consent of the University. The City may lease the portion of the
Leased Site not used for Fire Station No. 2 for haymaking activities without obtaining the
University’s prior consent. This Lease Agreement may not be assigned by the University without
the advance, written consent of the City.
19. All notices under this Lease Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been given: (i) upon hand delivery or (ii) the next business day after sending it by a nationally
recognized overnight carrier with written confirmation of receipt. The Parties shall deliver notices
to the following:
If to University:
Senior Vice President for Operations and Finance
Iowa State University
1350 Beardshear Hall
515 Morrill Road
Ames, Iowa 50011
And
General Counsel
Iowa State University
3550 Beardshear Hall
515 Morrill Road
Ames, Iowa 50011
If to City:
City Manager
City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
434
Ames, Iowa 50010
And
City Attorney
City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
20. This Lease Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the subject matter of this Lease Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements, whether written,
oral, or implied. This Lease Agreement shall not be modified without the written mutual consent
of the parties. The failure of either party to require performance of any term or condition of this
Lease Agreement by the other party shall not constitute a waiver to subsequently enforce such term
or condition. The invalidity or illegality of one or more provisions of this Lease Agreement shall
not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions. The parties’ rights and obligations in this
Lease Agreement that, by their nature, would continue beyond the termination of this Lease
Agreement shall survive such termination.
Signatures follow on next page
435
CITY OF AMES, IOWA
By:_________________________
John Haila, Mayor
Attest by: _________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk
State of Iowa )
County of Story )
This record was acknowledged before me on ______________________, 20___ by John Haila as
Mayor of the City of Ames, Iowa.
________________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
My Commission Expires: ___________________
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
By:_________________________
,
State of Iowa )
County of Story )
This record was acknowledged before me on _______________, 20___ by _____________________
as ___________________________________ of Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
________________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
My Commission Expires: ___________________
BOARD OF REGENTS, STATE OF IOWA
By:_________________________
Mark Braun, Executive Director
State of Iowa )
County of Story )
This record was acknowledged before me on ______________, 20___ by Mark Braun as Executive
Director of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
________________________________________
Notary Public in and for Said County
My Commission Expires: ___________________
436
EXHIBIT A – Legal Description
Lot Two (2), Ames Middle School 2003, Plat 2, City of Ames, Story County, Iowa
437
438
EXHIBIT B – Conceptual Plan
439
ITEM #:24
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:POLICE
SUBJECT:ESTABLISHING A NEW ANNUAL PET LICENSING PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
During the presentation of the proposed FY 2025/26 Police budget in February 2025, staff
mentioned to the City Council the prospect of exploring a Pet Licensing Program (PLP). Staff
provided a memo to the City Council containing further details regarding the concept, and at
the April 22 City Council meeting, Council referred the memo to a future agenda for
discussion. At the May 27, 2025 meeting of the City Council, Council directed staff to draft an
ordinance for a PLP.
The City of Ames does not currently have a PLP. Many other Iowa communities utilize a
licensing program, as evidenced in the attached list. Out of the 15 largest cities in Iowa by
population, only two cities do not have a PLP, including Ames. Of the three university
communities in Iowa, Ames is the only city that does not have a PLP. Most cities that
have a PLP do not provide the level of animal care, sheltering, and control (field services)
provided in Ames.
PLPs provide benefits for pets, owners, and those in the community who may encounter at-
large animals, and the operation of the City’s Animal Control Program. These benefits include:
1. A license identifies a dog or cat and allows the owner to be quickly reunited with them in
case the pet becomes lost. A license can be traced 24 hours a day at any point in the
year by the Ames Police Department. In contrast, rabies tags on animals with no other
identification can only be traced through the issuing veterinary clinic, and only when the
clinic is open. Animals lost after hours and on weekends are delayed in reunification with
their owners.
2. Licensed pets are held longer before being placed up for adoption at the shelter to give
them an increased chance to be reunited with their owners.
3. A license ensures that dogs/cats must be are vaccinated against rabies, a fatal disease.
Rabies is a current threat to human and animal health, and State law requires that dogs
be vaccinated against rabies.
4. Owners of licensed pets receive a helpful reminder to re-vaccinate their pet prior to the
rabies vaccine expiration date.
5. During the license process, staff can ensure that those pets that have microchips will
have information that is up to date in the City's database. Staff will continue to partner
with other entities to provide low-cost and sometimes no cost, microchip clinics.
Microchips are a low-cost, effective tool for increasing the likelihood that a lost pet can
be reunited with their owner. Quick identification of a pet also helps reduce the time an
animal may stay in the shelter before disposition, thereby reducing operating expenses
440
at the facility.
6. License fees will help support the Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control services
such as maintaining high-level standards of care, reuniting lost pets with their owners,
finding new homes for unwanted animals regardless of how long it takes, responding to
reported animal neglect/cruelty/hoarding concerns, animal nuisance calls, limited wildlife
response, emergency animal housing, dangerous domestic animals, or other violations
of the Ames Municipal Code.
These services are currently funded primarily through property taxes. Revenues from
license fees could shift more of the pet-related enforcement expenses to pet owners,
rather than spreading these costs to all property taxpayers, especially as a new shelter
is opened to the public.
According to calculations from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Ames
has approximately 24,633 households. There are approximately 16,182 dogs living in 11,084
households and 11,399 cats living in 6,404 households. It is estimated that approximately 70%
of all pets in our community are spayed/neutered (19,306) and the others are not
spayed/neutered (8,275).
On average, approximately 500 cats and dogs are adopted or reclaimed by their owners from
the Animal Shelter annually. Additionally, there are over 700 active registrations for the use of
the Dog Park. Staff’s existing computerized records system used to manage these
adoptions/reclaims would also be used to manage the PLP registrations. In the future, the
system could also be used to manage Dog Park tags.
The intent of staff is to encourage voluntary compliance and work with individuals to
ensure their pets are licensed. Ames Municipal Code 3.501 provides for a municipal
infraction for violations; the citation is currently $50 for a first offense and $100 for
second offense, plus court costs of $95. However, staff's approach with the PLP would
be only to issue a municipal infraction citation as last resort as the cost to license a pet
is far less than the civil penalty for non-compliance.
It should be noted that, as with the Public Nuisances Code, City staff will not be
proactively enforcing the PLP through strategies such as going door to door or other
surveys. However, based on a complaint or other activity where staff observes an
unlicensed dog or cat, they would ensure compliance.
Staff will incorporate the licensure requirement (and associated fee) into all adoptions
from the shelter and require owners of unlicensed animals whose pet is in the shelter ’s
custody to obtain a license prior to the animal being released to the owner. In addition,
staff will transport a lost pet with appropriate license back to their owner (inside the city
limits) one time at no charge as an added benefit of the license program.
As previously presented to the City Council, staff is proposing that the pet license fees
for unaltered pets be $24 per year, and for altered (spayed/neutered) pets, $12 per year.
There will also be a $10 fee for replacement tags in the event of lost, damaged, or
destroyed tags. These fees will be set by resolution after passage of the third reading of the
ordinance.
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Based on the estimated animal population data described above, the proposed fees have the
potential to generate up to $430,272 of annual revenue. However, as there is no intent to
proactively enforce the PLP, actual revenue is likely to be much lower.
The approximate costs to begin the PLP are as follows:
Initial Startup Fee (one-time)$ 11,000
Annual Service Fee $ 3,840
Pet License Tags (initial order of 10,000)$ 3,420
Total Cost for Year One $ 18,260
These costs do not include any staff time involved with setting up and managing the
PLP. The startup costs will be funded through the donation account and in the future
the costs will come from the revenue from the PLP. The software program for the PLP
may also be used for dog park permits, which should simplify that process as well.
Should the City Council support the implementation of a PLP, it is recommended that it
not take effect until July 1, 2026.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve on first reading of the attached ordinance establishing a new Pet Licensing
Program as described above to take effect on July 1, 2026.
The delay in implementing the new licensing program will allow time for the staff
to adequately inform our residents of the new licensing requirement.
2. Direct staff to bring the proposed ordinance back to the City Council on December 16,
2025 for final decision regarding the proposed program, and in the meantime ask staff to
implement a public information campaign to inform our residents of the new proposed
Pet Licensing Program that is under consideration and feedback.
This alternative will allow time for our residents to provide feedback regarding the
proposed Pet Licensing Program before action is taken by the City Council.
3. Direct staff to modify the proposed ordinance and bring back to the December 16, 2025
meeting for City Council consideration.
4. Do not proceed with implementing a Pet Licensing Program at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Pet Licensing Programs are common in other communities. These programs offer the
following benefits: 1) the ability to more quickly reunite pets and their owners, 2)
ensures better compliance with necessary vaccinations, 3) promotes responsible pet
ownership, 4) achieves logging of existing microchipping to identify animal owners
quickly, and offers financial resources to support for the Ames Animal Shelter and
Animal Control services.
Because this is a new program being proposed, it is advisable not to implement this pet
442
licensing program without first obtaining feedback from our residents. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #2 and
thereby direct staff to bring the proposed ordinance back to the City Council on December 16,
2025, for a final decision regarding the proposed program scheduled for implementation on
July 1, 2026. In the meantime, ask staff to implement a public information campaign to inform
our residents of the new Pet Licensing Program that is under consideration and seek their
feedback.
ATTACHMENT(S):
COMPARISON OF PET LICENSING FEES IN IOWA.docx
DRAFT Ordinance for Pet Licensing Program.pdf
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COMPARISON OF PET LICENSING FEES IN IOWA
CITY ANNUAL FEES - CATS ANNUAL FEES - DOGS PENALTY
ALTERED UNALTERED ALTERED UNALTERED FEE
Adel $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00
Altoona $15.00 $20.00 $10.00
Ankeny $15.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00
Aurelia $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $1.00
Belle Plaine $7.50 $15.00 $7.50 $15.00
Bettendorf $3.00 $25.00 $20.00
Breda $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Carter Lake $10.00 $15.00 $10.00 $15.00 $5.00
Cedar Falls $6.00 $12.00 $6.00 $12.00
Cedar Rapids $6.00 $12.00 $6.00 $12.00
Centerville $7.50 $7.50 $7.50 $7.50 $15.00
Clinton $15.00 $20.00 $15.00 $20.00
Clive $17.00 $24.00 $19.00 $29.00 $10.00
Coralville $5.00 $30.00 $5.00 $30.00
Corydon $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Council Bluffs $10.00 $22.00 $14.00 $30.00 $15.00
Crescent $7.00 $18.00 $15.00 $30.00 $10.00
Dallas Center $5.00 $20.00 $5.00 $20.00
Davenport $10.00 $30.00 $10.00 $30.00
Delhi $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00
Denison $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00
Des Moines $15.00 $35.00 $15.00 $35.00 $50.00
Desoto $5.00 $15.00 $5.00 $15.00
DeWitt $10.00 $30.00 $10.00 $30.00 $10.00
Dubuque $14.00 $34.00 $14.00 $34.00 $16.00
Dyersville $3.00 $3.00
Elkhart $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $2.00
Evansdale $5.00 $15.00 $5.00 $15.00 $5.00
Fairfield $10.00 $50.00
Farley $5.00 $5.00
Fort Dodge $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $20.00
Fort Madison $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00 $10.00
Grandview $5.00 $25.00 $5.00 $25.00
Grimes $15.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00
Grinnell $10.00 $12.00 $10.00 $12.00
Hampton $5.00 $8.00
Harlan $5.00 $5.00 $10.00
Iowa City $10.00 $40.00 $10.00 $40.00
Iowa Falls $20.00 $20.00 $25.00
Jefferson $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $1.00
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CITY ANNUAL FEES - CATS ANNUAL FEES - DOGS PENALTY
FEE ALTERED UNALTERED ALTERED UNALTERED
Johnston $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
LeMars $10.00 $10.00
Logan $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00
Macedonia $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $1.00
Marengo $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Mason City $10.00 $50.00 $10.00 $50.00
Moravia $5.00 $5.00 $1.00
Mount Vernon $10.00 $10.00 $200.00
Muscatine $5.00 $25.00 $5.00 $25.00
Nevada $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00
Newton $15.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00
North Liberty $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00
Norwalk $10.00 $20.00 $10.00
Ottumwa $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00
Perry $5.00 $20.00 $5.00 $20.00
Pleasant Hill $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $2.50
Red Oak $5.00 $25.00 $5.00 $25.00 $10.00
Sergeant Bluff $10.00 $10.00
Sioux City $15.00 $50.00 $15.00 $50.00
Solon $2.00 $10.00 $2.00 $10.00
Storm Lake $10.00 $20.00
Tabor $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00
Tiffin $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Urbandale $17.00 $27.00 $19.00 $29.00 $25.00
Walnut $8.00 $22.00 $10.00
Waterloo $5.00 $25.00 $5.00 $25.00
Waukee $15.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00 $100.00
Waverly $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00 $5.00
West Branch $5.00 $20.00 $5.00 $20.00
West Des Moines $17.00 $24.00 $19.00 $29.00 $25.00
Winfield $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Average $8.91 $19.10 $9.17 $18.88 $21.53
445
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTION
3.107 AND ENACTING A NEW DIVISION VIII, THEREOF,
FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTING REQUIREMENTS FOR
RABIES VACCINATION NOTICES AND ESTABLISHING
PET LICENSING; REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the
same is hereby amended by amending Section 3.107 and enacting a new Division VIII
as follows:
“Sec. 3.107. RABIES VACCINATION.
(1) Every owner of a dog, cat or horse shall obtain a rabies vaccination for
each animal between three (3) and four (4) months of age and at such intervals
thereafter as stipulated by the manufacturers of the vaccines used. This section
applies to all dogs, cats and horses kept within the city, brought into the city for shows,
exhibitions or performance, or in transit. This section does not apply to dogs, cats and
horses in transit that are continuously held in secure cages and dogs, cats and horses
assigned to research, production of biologics, and licensed animal care shelters or
similar facilities.
(2) Rabies Vaccination Expiration Notices for Dog and Cat Owners
(a) The City will email rabies vaccination expiration notices to the
email address provided by the owner on their most recent license application. This
notice will be sent at least thirty (30) days prior to the rabies vaccination expiration
date.
(b) A second notice will be emailed if proof of an updated rabies
vaccination is not provided within fifteen (15) days of the rabies vaccination expiration
date.
(c) A final notice will be emailed if proof of an updated rabies
vaccination is not provided within seven (7) days prior to the rabies vaccination
expiration date.
(d) Pet owners must provide proof of an updated rabies vaccination
for their animal(s) prior to the rabies vaccination expiration date regardless of receipt of
a rabies vaccination expiration notice.
* * *
446
DIVISION VIII
PET LICENSING
Sec. 3.801. PET LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat four (4) months of age
or over within the City of Ames unless such animal is vaccinated for rabies and
licensed.
(2) The requirements for licensing dogs and cats do not apply in the following
circumstances:
(a) The animal is in transit through the City only.
(b) The first thirty (30) calendar days of residency in the City by the
owner, or the first thirty (30) calendar days the owner has owned the animal.
(c) The animal has been temporarily housed in a veterinary hospital,
an animal grooming shop, an established licensed kennel, or an accredited institution
for research.
(3) Vaccination Requirements
(a) A person owning, keeping, or harboring a dog or cat which is four
(4) months of age or over must obtain a rabies vaccination for the animal by a licensed
veterinarian. It is unlawful for any owner to have a dog or cat within the City which is
four (4) months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies.
(b) The City will not issue a dog or cat license unless a certificate is
filed showing that the dog or cat to be licensed is vaccinated, including vaccination date
and expiration date, rabies tag number, animal description including color, age, breed,
sex, and spay/neuter status if applicable.
(4) The City of Ames may accept payment for the license fee for a dog or cat
that has not been vaccinated against rabies. The City of Ames will not issue the license
tag and/or license until proof of current rabies vaccination is received.
Sec. 3.802. LICENSE TAGS/REPLACEMENT/REMOVING TAGS.
(1) The license tag is a permanent tag for the life of the animal.
(2) It is unlawful for any person who is not the owner of the animal, the agent
of such owner, or an employee of the City or its agent acting in an official capacity, to
remove a license tag from an animal.
(3) The owner or keeper of a dog or cat, upon procurement of the license,
must securely attach the license tag to a collar or harness. This collar or harness, with
the tag attached, must be kept on the dog or cat for which the license was issued at all
times. The license tag attached to the collar or harness must be the tag issued by the
City for that animal.
(4) The owner of an animal whose license tag becomes destroyed or lost may
obtain another tag upon payment of the required license replacement fee, which will be
established by resolution of the Council.
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Sec. 3.803. TRANSFER OF LICENSE/CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP.
(1) A license tag that is issued for one animal is not transferable to another
animal.
(2) When the ownership of an animal is transferred, the new owner must,
within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of change of ownership, apply for a new
pet license as provided in this section, regardless of whether the animal was previously
licensed, and pay all applicable fees.
Sec. 3.804. LICENSE EXPIRATION DATES.
All licenses expire one year from the date of issuance, except in cases where
licenses are issued for two (2) or three (3) years. In those cases, licenses will expire two
(2) or three (3) years from the date of issuance. License fees are nonrefundable.
Sec. 3.805. LICENSE RENEWAL NOTICES.
(1) The City will email license renewal notices to the email address provided
by the owner on their most recent license application. This renewal notice will be sent at
least thirty (30) days prior to the license expiration date.
(2) Second notices will be emailed for licenses not renewed within fifteen (15)
days of the license expiration date.
(3) A final notice will be emailed for licenses not renewed within seven (7)
days prior to the license expiration date.
(4) Pet owners are responsible for renewing the license for their animal(s)
prior to the license expiration date regardless of receipt of a license expiration notice.
Sec. 3.806. LICENSE FEES.
The annual license fee for each dog or cat subject to licensing under the
provisions of this chapter will be determined in accordance with an established fee
schedule, which fee schedule may be modified by resolution of the Council.”
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance constitutes a municipal
infraction punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance will be in full force and effect from July 1, 2026,
after its passage and publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2025.
_____________________________ ________________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
448
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the above
and foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the City
Council of said City at the meeting held on ______________________and signed by
the Mayor on ___________________________, and published in the Ames Tribune on
___________________________.
_____________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
449
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Donald Kom, Director of Electric Services
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Amending Chapter 28
Item No. 25
MEMO
The ordinance regarding amending Chapter 28 of the Ames Municipal Code
to authorize an increase in electric rates by 1.5% is attached for the City
Council's review and consideration on second reading.
The third reading and adoption of the ordinance amending Chapter 28 to
adopt new rates is set to occur at the November 18 City Council meeting.
This would enact the new rates in the middle of a monthly billing cycle,
which could result in confusion and be difficult for Customer Service to
implement mid-billing cycle.
City staff is, therefore, requesting that City Council suspend the rules and
adopt the ordinance on third reading at the October 28 meeting so it may
go into effect for bills mailed on or after November 1, the start of a normal
billing cycle.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance (Electric Rates).PDF
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
450
ORDINANCE NO. _________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTIONS
28.103 THROUGH 28.109 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
AMENDING ELECTRIC RATES 1.5%, REPEALING ANY AND
ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Sections 28.103 through 28.109 as follows:
“Sec. 28.103. RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RATES.
* * *
(2)Rate per billing period.For each monthly billing period a Residential Rate customer:
(a)shall be charged a customer service charge of fourteen dollars and twenty-five
cents ($14.25) fourteen dollars and forty-six cents (14.46), and
(b)shall be charged for energy consumption during the billing period as follows:
(i)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.1101 per kWh $0.1118 per kWh, or
(ii)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30 (winter
period):
$0.0893 per kWh $0.0906 per kWh
(c)All charges above shall also be subject to the Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA)
per Sec. 28.102.
* * *
Sec. 28.104. SMALL COMMERCIAL RATE.
(1)Availability: Electrical energy and service shall be available at the "Small Commercial
Rate" to all customers except those that qualify for another rate schedule, for all single-phase or three-
phase, single-metered usage, where the metered demand does not exceed 55 kVA.
(2)Rate per billing period:For each monthly billing period a Small Commercial
Rate customer:
(a) shall be charged a customer service charge of twenty dollars and fifty cents ($20.50)
twenty dollars and eighty-one cents ($20.81); and,
(b) shall be charged for energy consumption during the billing period as follows:
(i) for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31(summer period):
$0.1175 per kWh $0.1193 per kWh
(ii) for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30 (winter period):
$0.0967 per kWh $0.0982 per kWh
* * *
Sec. 28.105. COMMERCIAL RATE.
(2)Rate per Billing Period:For each monthly billing period, a Commercial Rate customer:
(a) shall be charged one hundred fifty-six dollars ($156.00) one hundred fifty-eight dollars
and thirty-four cents ($158.34) as a customer service charge, and
(b) shall be charged for demand and energy consumption during the
billing period as follows:
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(i)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period) a customer shall be
charged a demand of:
$10.71 per kVA $10.87 per kVA and an energy charge of:
$0.0653 per kWh $0.0663 per kWh
(ii)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30 (winter period) a
customer shall be charged a demand charge of:
$8.01 per kVA $8.13 per kVA and an energy charge of:
$0.0653 per kWh $0.0663 per kWh
* * *
Sec. 28.106. COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING RATE.
* * *
(4)Rate Per Billing Period:For each monthly billing period, a customer participating in the
Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Rate shall be charged:
(a)the Service Charge of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
(b)the Demand Charge and the Energy Charge for the billing period as follows:
(i)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period),
a customer shall be charged a demand charge of $10.71 per kVA $10.87 per kVA of billing demand
(ii)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30 (winter period),
a customer shall be charged a demand charge of $8.01 per kVA $8.13 per kVA of billing demand
* * *
Sec. 28.107. INDUSTRIAL RATE.
* * *
(2)Rate Per Billing Period:For each monthly billing period, an Industrial Rate customer
(a)shall be charged one thousand one hundred ($1,100.00) one thousand one
hundred sixteen dollars and fifty cents ($1,116.50) as a customer service charge, and
(b) shall be charged for demand and energy consumption during the
billing period as follows:
(i) for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period) a
customer shall be charged a demand charge of $10.40 per kVA $10.56 per kVA of billing demand, and an
energy charge of:
$0.0642 per kWh $0.0652 per kWh
(ii) for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30 (winter period) a
customer shall be charged a demand charge of:
$7.80 per kVA $7.92 per kVA of billing demand, and an energy charge
of:
$0.0642 per kWh $0.0652 per kWh
* * *
Sec. 28.108. LARGE CUSTOMER TIME-OF-USE ELECTRIC RATE AND CHARGES.
(1)Availability: The Large Customer Time-of-Use Electric Rate shall be voluntary for any
customer whose metered demand at any time exceeds 500 kVA. Service under this rate schedule is billed
on a time-of-use basis as provided under these rules. The Large Customer Time-of-Use Electric Rate is an
alternative to Section 28.105 or Section 28.107 at the customer’s discretion. Customers opting for inclusion
on Large Customer Time-of-Use electric rate are required to remain on the rate for a period no less than
twelve (12) consecutive calendar months.
(2)Definitions:
* * *
(f)Off-Peak Time-of-Use Energy: Electricity, measured in kilowatt hours (kWh),
used Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am, and all-day Saturday, Sunday,
and Holidays, in excess of the numerical value of the established monthly Billing Demand (kVA).
452
* * *
(3)Rate Per Billing Period:For each monthly billing period, a customer participating in the
Large Customer Time-of-Use Electric Rate shall be charged:
* * *
(4) Interruptible Option-Availability:Service under this rate shall be available for customers
with monthly demands of 500 kilovolt-amps (kVA) or greater. Service under this rate schedule is
interruptible and customers must agree to interrupt electric service as provided under these interruptible
rate rules.
* * *
(k)In addition to the participation credit, a customer will be given a compliance
credit of two dollars and twenty cents ($2.20) per elected kVA for successfully lowering its demand by at
least the amount of the elected interruptible demand. The amount of participation credit applied to the
billing demand is based upon the largest interruption response of the billing period. Failure to curtail the
full elected amount will result in no compliance credit.
(l)In the event a participating customer is unable to interrupt load, a non-
compliance penalty will be charged to the billing period’s demand in the amount of $12.00 per kVA for
each kVA short of the elected amount. The amount of noncompliance charge applied to the billing demand
is based upon the largest noncompliance of the billing period. The Interruptible Option Adjustment is equal
to the Compliance Credit is equal to the elected participation minus the amount of the Noncompliance
Charge. Such The Noncompliance Charge shall be in addition to any charges otherwise payable to City of
Ames Electric Services for electric service under this rate schedule. The payment of this noncompliance
penalty shall not be considered a substitute for any other remedy available to Electric Services including,
but not limited to, reduction of service.
Sec. 28.109. STREET AND SECURITY LIGHTING RATE & INCIDENTAL UNMETERED
ENERGY.
* * *
(2)Rate per Billing Period.For each monthly billing period the lighting customer:
(a) shall be charged for service per lamp:
Monthly Lamp Charge
Monthly
Consumption
(kWh per
Lamp)
400 Watt -Mercury Vapor 16.38 16.63 153
400 Watt -Mercury Vapor-Ornamental 18.82 19.11 153
250 Watt -Mercury Vapor 11.34 11.51 96
250 Watt -Mercury Vapor-Ornamental 15.39 15.62 96
175 Watt -Mercury Vapor 8.94 9.08 67
175 Watt -Mercury Vapor-Ornamental 11.34 11.51 67
400 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 17.32 17.58 153
400 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 18.82 19.11 153
250 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 12.12 12.31 96
250 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 15.86 16.10 96
200 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 11.18 11.35 77
200 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 15.24 15.47 77
150 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 9.46 9.61 60
150 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 11.91 12.09 60
100 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 7.33 7.44 38
100 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 9.52 9.67 38
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Monthly Lamp Charge
Monthly
Consumption
(kWh per
Lamp)
70 Watt -High Pressure Sodium 6.19 6.29 27
70 Watt -High Pressure Sodium-Ornamental 8.48 8.61 27
400-LED 13.81 14.02 69
400-LED-Ornamental 18.81 19.10 69
250-LED 10.77 10.94 36
250-LED-Ornamental 15.77 16.01 36
150-LED 8.39 8.52 24
150-LED-Ornamental 11.89 12.07 24
70-LED 5.45 5.54 13
70-LED-Ornamental 8.45 8.58 13
Ornamental fixtures are units on poles other than standard round-wood poles.
* * *
(4)Incidental Unmetered Energy For Customer-Owned Lighting, Signs And Other
Constant-Wattage Loads
(a) Where a customer owns lighting, signs, or similar constant-wattage single-phase loads
no greater than 2 kVA (2,000 volt-amperes) per point of connection and where it is not practicable to meter
the energy through the customer’s normal metering location, service may be provided under a contract for
incidental unmetered energy. To qualify, the customer must provide verification that their electric loads
have a constant-wattage, or calculable monthly kWh. The basis for monthly kWh to be billed shall be
included in the service contract. Calculated monthly energy will be billed at a rate of $.12021 $.1221 per
kilowatt-hour plus the applicable energy cost adjustment. Once placed in service, changes to loads served
by an unmetered service may only be made following review and approval by the Electric Services
Department with an approved amendment to the service contract. A Standard Unmetered Service includes
150’ of overhead service wire from an existing transformer or service connection point; additional costs
above what is included in a Standard Unmetered Service are the customer’s responsibility.
* * * ”
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2025.
_____________________________________________________________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
454
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the above and
foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the City Council of said City at the
meeting held on ______________________and signed by the Mayor on ___________________________,
and published in the Ames Tribune on ___________________________.
___________________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
455
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Mindy Bryngleson, Municipal Engineer
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Establishment of Nonresident Sanitary Sewer Rates and certain Water
& Pollution Control fees
Item No. 26
MEMO
The ordinance regarding Establishment of Nonresident Sanitary Sewer Rates
and certain Water & Pollution Control fees is attached for the City Council's
review and consideration on third reading and adoption.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance__Sewer_Rates_Resident-Nonresident_.pdf
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
456
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 28.302, 28.304(3) and APPENDIX Q
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING
SEWER RATES FOR RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT
CUSTOMERS, REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the
same is hereby amended by amending Sections 28.302, 28.304(3) and Appendix Q as
follows:
“Sec. 28.302. DEFINITIONS.
* * *
(23) ‘User’ shall mean any customer who discharges, either directly or indirectly, into
the Ames sanitary sewer collection system. The term shall include both Resident
Customers and Nonresident Customers.
* * *
Sec. 28.304. SEWER RATES ESTABLISHED.
* * *
(3) For each monthly billing on or after July 1, 2025, each customer shall be
charged a minimum monthly charge. The minimum charge for each location shall be
thirteen dollars and seventy-three cents ($13.73). The minimum monthly charge may be
prorated, based on a 30-day billing period, for the customer’s initial and/or final bills,
provided that in no case shall the prorated minimum monthly charge be less than five
dollars and twenty-seven cents ($5.27). In addition, for all water metered beginning with
the first cubic foot each month, each user shall pay three dollars and fifty-one cents ($3.51)
per 100 cubic feet.
(3) The rates and charges for sewer service provided by the sewer utility of the City,
to be billed on or after July 1, 2025, for each monthly billing period are as follows:
(a) Resident Customers. The Resident Rate shall apply to all customer
accounts within the Ames corporate limits.
(i) a monthly minimum charge of thirteen dollars and seventy-three
cents ($13.73).
457
(ii) a charge for sewer usage during the billing period of three dollars
and fifty-one cents ($3.51) per 100 cubic feet.
(b) Nonresident Customers. The Nonresident Rate shall apply to all
customers accounts outside the Ames corporate limits, except for those covered by a
separate wholesale contract or agreement for service.
(i) a monthly minimum charge of fifteen dollars and seventy-nine
cents ($15.79).
(ii) a charge for sewer usage during the billing period of four dollars
and four cents ($4.04) per 100 cubic feet.
(c) The minimum monthly charge may be prorated, based on a 30-day
billing period, for the customer’s initial and/or final bills, provided that in no case shall
the prorated minimum monthly charge be less than five dollars and twenty-seven cents
($5.27).
* * *
APPENDIX Q
WATER AND POLLUTION CONTROL FEES & CHARGES
* * *
WPC Division
Waste Hauler Fee - Ames locations*
Domestic/Residential Waste ............................................ $10.25/load + $4.95/100 gallons
Restaurant Grease Traps ................................................. $67.94/load + $3.98/100 gallons
Non-Domestic Waste .......................................... $10.25/load + unit rate to be determined
* Non-Ames location Nonresident surcharge .................................................................................... 15%
Unauthorized Sewer Use ........................................................................................... $263.00/occurrence
Unmetered Sewer Use .................................................................................... $3.34/day + $23.03/month
High-Strength Surcharge Rates*
Parameter Surcharge Rate
Oxygen Demand
CBODR5 $0.54/lb.
COD $0.20/lb.
Nitrogen
NHR3N $1.94/lb.
TKN $1.25/lb.
Solids
TSS $0.80/lb.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
Oil and Grease $1.08/lb.
* Nonresident surcharge .................................................................................................................... 25%
*Monthly High-Strength Surcharge Fees of less than $5/month will be waived
* * * ”
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and publication as required by law.
458
Passed this day of , 2025.
________________________________ ____________________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the above
and foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the City Council of said
City at the meeting held on ______________________and signed by the Mayor on
___________________________, and published in the Ames Tribune on
___________________________.
____________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
459
To:Mayor and City Council
From:Kelly Diekmann, Director of Planning and Housing
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Continue Hearing on Lease of City Property located East of 731 Billy
Sunday Road now known as Lot 3 of Billy Sunday Subdivision
Item No. 27
MEMO
The City Council set a date of Public Hearing for the lease of City Property
located East of 731 Billy Sunday Road now known as Lot 3 of Billy Sunday
Subdivision to Lamar Advertising Company for a digital billboard on City property.
City staff is working through final language for the lease agreement and requests
this hearing be continued to November 18, 2025.
KD/cmw
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
460
ITEM #:28
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:TEXT AMENDMENT TO MATERIAL STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET
PARKING AREAS AND DRIVEWAYS FOR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT IN
THE RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT ZONE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
At the August 26 meeting, City Council authorized the Iowa State University Research Park
(ISURP) to apply for a text amendment to introduce an exception to paving requirements
within the Research Park Innovation District (RI) Zone. A map showing the extent of the RI
Zone is attached.
The City's current standards require that all vehicle parking and maneuvering areas be paved
per the City’s Improvement Standards for Off-Street Parking Areas and Driveways (see
attached).
The requested paving exception is for parking and maneuvering areas that serve
agricultural equipment in addition to other vehicles. For example, agricultural equipment
may be stored on a site and maneuvered between buildings to a test track area and/or
adjoining fields for testing. These areas may also be used by other vehicles and would
otherwise be required to be paved. ISURP indicated that due to the large amount of
maneuvering area on sites that involve agricultural equipment testing, there would be
substantial cost savings between concrete and rock surface.
TEXT AMENDMENT:
The proposed amendment would modify the RI District Development Standards to
introduce a paving exception approved by the Planning Director for areas used for
agricultural equipment. Other heavy equipment uses would not be eligible. If an
exemption were granted, the site access and parking would still be required to be
paved.
The proposed new standard would also require that:
Unpaved areas are located behind principal buildings
Unpaved areas are accessory to a principal use on the site (e.g., equipment testing
areas for Research and Development Facilities and Laboratories); standalone areas
would not be permitted
The Municipal Engineer approves the surface material (e.g., rock depth)
Current requirements for landscaping related to loading areas apply (landscaping of an
area equivalent to 10% of the loading area and adjacent to the loading area). The
Planning Director may require additional screening or buffering.
461
The full text of the proposed amendment is attached.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed amendment at its October 1,
2025, meeting. The Commission asked if a setback had been considered for gravel areas.
Staff noted that the paving exception only applies to areas behind principal buildings and as
an accessory use negated the need for a setback. Parking areas between buildings and the
street would be required to be paved and meet current landscaping requirements. A gravel lot
would not be permitted without a building on the site.
No members of the public spoke at the meeting. The Commission voted (5-0) to recommend
the City Council approve the paving exception as recommended by the City staff.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the first reading of an ordinance amending paving requirements to introduce an
exception in the RI Zone for agricultural equipment, subject to approval by the Planning
Director.
2. Approve the first reading of an ordinance with modified language.
3. Do not approve the proposed text amendment.
4. Request additional information from staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed ordinance maintains the design and landscaping requirements of RI and
is designed to only allow a paving exception in low visibility areas and as an accessory
use to a principal building. Standalone unpaved storage areas would not be allowed to
ensure that the land is efficiently used for the intended office and R&D uses and not as
low intensity site improvements for general industrial storage type uses.
These standards ensure allowing for larger nonpaved areas are not counter to the
original intent of RI zoning to facilitate higher quality site design for research and
development, office, and small manufacturing uses rather than lower intensity
industrial uses.
The authorized amendment is the narrowest option for a paving exception that was
presented to City Council when it authorized the amendment. It only applies to one
zoning district, RI, and to agricultural equipment. Other industrial uses relying on heavy
trucks or other equipment, or in other zones, would not be eligible. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager to adopt Alternative No. 1.
462
ATTACHMENT(S):
RI Zone Map.pdf
Zoning Current Paving Standard.pdf
Ordinance (Surface Material Standards).PDF
463
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Legend
PARCELS
Ames Corporate Limits
Agriculture
Agricultural Zone "A" (sec
29.600)
Residential
Residential Low Density Zone
"RL" (sec 29.701)
Residential High Density Zone
"RH" (sec 29.704)
Industrial
Planned Industrial Zone "PI"
(sec 29.902)
Research Park Innovation
District "RI" (sec 29.903)
Special Purpose
Government/Airport District
"S-GA" (sec 29.1002)
Floating Zones
Suburban Residential Zone
Residential Low Density ''FS-
RL'' (sec 29.1202(4)-1)
Suburban Residential Zone
Residential Medium Density
''FS-RM'' (sec 29.1202(4)-2)
Planned Residence District
''F-PRD'' (sec 29.1203)464
5
Existing Paving Requirement
Sec. 29.406. OFF-STREET PARKING.
(11) Improvements of Off-Street Parking Areas and Driveways.
(a) Surface Material Standards.
(i) Materials. All vehicular parking and maneuvering areas, including
driveways, and front yard parking areas described in Section
29.406(7), must be paved with Portland Cement Concrete, Asphaltic
Cement Concrete, or an equivalent as determined by the City
Engineer.
465
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING TABLE 29.903(3)
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING
REQUIREMENTS OF SURFACE MATERIAL STANARDS IN
RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT (RI) ZONE
REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Table 29.903(3) as follows:
Table 29.903(3)
Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RI ZONE
* * *
Surface Material Standards The Planning and Housing Director may approve an
exception from paving requirements for vehicular parking
and maneuvering areas when used for agricultural equipment
accessory to a principal permitted use and located behind a
principal building.
The Director at their sole discretion shall determine the areas
where the exception applies. Rock maneuvering area is
subject to all other zoning standards for loading areas,
including landscaping. The Director may require additional
screening or buffering of unpaved areas as condition of the
exception.
The approved alternative surface material specification shall
be acceptable to the Municipal Engineer for the purpose of
creating a stabilized surface.
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the
extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2025.
_____________________________________________________________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
466
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the above and
foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the City Council of said City at the
meeting held on ______________________and signed by the Mayor on ___________________________,
and published in the Ames Tribune on ___________________________.
___________________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
467
ITEM #:29
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2025/26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Traffic Signal Program provides for both the replacing of older traffic signals and
constructing new traffic signals in the City. This project involves the replacement of the
traffic signal at the intersection of S. Duff Ave & S. 3rd Street. The underground work for
this signal was completed in 2024 prior to the DOT's resurfacing of Highway 69.
Staff has worked with WHKS & Co. of Ames, Iowa to develop plans and specifications for
construction of the signals with a total estimated construction cost of $139,624.01. On October
22, 2025, bids for the project were received as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Engineer's Estimate $139,624.01
Iowa Signal $75,423.95
Van Maanen Electric $86,102.00
Baker Electric, Inc.$137,274.16
Voltmer, Inc.$151,591.00
The table below shows estimated expenses and revenues for this project:
Expenses Amount Revenues Amount
Design $ 14,300.00
Signal Poles $ 58,686.00
Signal Cabinet $ 48,247.00
Construction (this
action)$ 75,423.95
Administration $ 20,000.00
FY 25/26 Traffic Signal
Program
Road Use Tax
$280,000
Totals $ 216,656.95 $280,000
Construction is anticipated for the summer of 2026. Staff has coordinated extensively with
the adjacent properties regarding the prior construction activities in the area and will
provide additional coordination regarding 2026 construction.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the report of bids, approve final plans and specifications, and award a contract to
Iowa Signal Inc. of Grimes, Iowa, in the amount of $75,423.95.
2. Do not award the contract and direct staff to make changes to the project.
468
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This project will complete a new traffic signal at this intersection where underground
work has already been completed. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Project Location Map - Default.pdf
469
N 1 inch = 6,612 feet
Date: 4/18/2023
2025/26 Traffic Signal ProgramS. Duff Avenue & S. 3rd Street Project Location 470
ITEM #:30
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:2024/25 CDBG CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
(CAPER)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) regulations require the City to prepare a
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and submit it to the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before September 29 each year.
This year, staff requested and received an extension to submit the report by October 31, 2025.
The 2024-25 CAPER describes accomplishments: 1) in relation to goals and objectives
identified in the City’s 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan requirements for the use of CDBG
funds, and 2) in the Annual Action Plan for fiscal year July 1, 2024, through June 30,
2 0 2 5 . The regulations require that the CAPER be available for a 15-day public review and
comment period from October 9, 2025, through October 23, 2025. One public comment was
received during this time (see attached comment).
Attached for Council review and approval is a copy of the summary (Goals and Outcomes) of
the 2024-25 CAPER report. For the 2024-25 program year, approximately $648,848 (including
administration and program income) of CDBG funds was expensed. Of the $648,848,
approximately $115,631 was administrative expenses. Approximately $533,217 was expensed
on the 2024-25 program activities, of which $368,347 was water main improvements, $21,259
was under the Renter Affordability Program, $9,768 was expensed on Disposition of
Properties for ReUse of lots in the Baker Subdivision and citywide, $41,380 on the demolition
of one property, and $92,463 on the installation of a pocket park in the Baker Subdivision.
Under the HOME Program, approximately $1,948,389 (including administration) was
expensed. Of the $1,948,389, approximately $58,389 was spent on program administration,
and approximately $1,890,000 was expensed as assistance for construction of 38 multi-family
LIHTC units in the Baker Subdivision. No HOME-ARP funds were expensed in 2024-25.
A full copy of the CAPER and attachments is available for review on the City’s website at:
www.cityofames.org/housing.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the submittal of the City’s 2024-25 Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD.
2. Do not approve the submittal of the 2024-25 CAPER and provide further direction to
staff.
471
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report has been prepared to reflect
the City's accomplishments related to its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and
HOME programs for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Report will be submitted to HUD by October
31, 2025, for its approval and acceptance.
It is therefore the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2024-25 Draft CAPER Document.pdf
2024-25 CAPER Public Comment-10-23-25.pdf
472
PROPOSED DRAFT
CITY OF AMES
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND
EVALUATION REPORTS (CAPER)
CITY OF AMES FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025
Public Comment Period:
October 9, 2025, thru October 23, 2025
473
CAPER 1
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table of Contents
CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes ....................................................................................................... 2
CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted ...................................................... 10
CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a) ......................................................................... 11
CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b) ...................................................................................... 17
CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) .................. 19
CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j) ............................................................................. 22
CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j) ...................................................................... 23
CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230 ..................................................................................... 28
CR-45 - CDBG 91.520(c) ............................................................................................................. 30
CR-50 - HOME 24 CFR 91.520(d) ............................................................................................... 31
CR-58 – Section 3....................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix 1- Integrated Disbursement and Information Systems Reports (IDIS) CDBG, AND
HOME ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Appendix II-Program Maps and Budgets ...................................................................................... 36
Appendix III- Point In Time Count ................................................................................................. 37
Appendix IV-ASSET Funder Priorities for FY 2024-25; and Final Funding Recommendations ..... 38
Appendix V- City Council Resolution, Minutes, Proof of Publication, and Media
Announcements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………. 39
474
CAPER 2
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes
Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan.
91.520(a)
This could be an overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that were proposed and
executed throughout the program year.
See attached CAPER for the remainder of the narrative!
With community input, the overall goals and outcomes of the City's Strategic Plan were to continue
increasing the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons, supporting and
maintaining the public service needs for special populations, homeless, and low-income households, and
to address and preserve the viability and stability of neighborhoods through the acquisition and
demolition of dangerous properties. The major progress that the City made in carrying out these three
overall strategies was through the 2024-25 implementation of the following CDBG project activities: a)
support of new single-family housing construction in the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area
(NRSA) with Habitat for Humanity, b) Disposition of Properties Purchased Program, c) Renter Affordability
Program, d) Pocket Park Installation, and e) Public Infrastructure Improvements Water Main Installation
Project. For the HOME Programs: a) New Construction of 38-Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
Units Project.
2024-25 CDBG Program Activities:
a) Support of New Single-Family Housing with Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa. Under this program,
the City sold eight (8) single-family lots in the Baker Housing Subdivision in our NRSA at a reduced cost to
increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income households. For the 2024-25 program year, one
(1) was completed and sold to a first-time LMI household; to date, three (3) of the eight (8) have been
constructed and sold.
b) The Disposition of Properties. This activity was designed to provide maintenance and costs for
properties purchased in previous program years. For the 2024-25 program year, the activity included the
ongoing maintenance of three previously purchased vacant parcels at 1107 Grand Avenue, 621 Grand
Avenue, and 1514 Duff Avenue. The final disposition of these parcels will be determined in the 2025-26
program year. Additionally, funds were spent to maintain the single-family and multi-family lots created
in the subdivision for the future development of affordable housing.
c) The Renter Affordability Program. Under this program, funds were used to assist families with incomes
at or below 50% of the Ames Area Median Income (AAMS) with Security and/or Utility Deposits, and/or
up to two months' rent. For the 2024-25 (which was implemented in January 2025), thirteen (13)
households were assisted.
475
CAPER 3
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
d) Pocket Park Installation-Baker Subdivision. Under this Public Facilities Improvements activity, funds
were used to install a small Pocket Park in the Baker Housing Subdivision in our NRSA. The installation
includes playground equipment, a water foundation, sidewalks, an open shelter house, and the
installation of trees. The installation is anticipated to be completed in the 2025-26 program year.
e) Public Infrastructure Improvements- Water Main Installation Project. This project activity intends to
utilize funds to replace old, undersized existing water mains with new, larger water mains (including
sanitary, sewer, storm, and electrical services), and to remove any lead water lines, installing new water
services with copper piping. This project will improve water quality, reduce lead services, and increase
firefighting service capacity. For the 2024-25 period, the area of concentration is located in LMI Census
Tract 10, extending from North Russell Avenue to Lincoln Way. The project is expected to be completed
in the 2025-26 program year.
f) The Acquisition/Reuse for Slum and Blighted Properties/Demolition. Under this activity, the following
activities may occur: acquisition of slum and blighted properties; acquisition of properties for public
facilities use (shelters, recreational use, etc., or infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, street
improvements, shared use bike paths, etc.) Also, funds may be used to purchase vacant in-fill lots for
redevelopment into non-affordable housing, for public facilities use, or public infrastructure. This activity
may include demolition and clearance. The goal is to address the needs of non-LMI populations or other
community needs, which may include addressing the needs of LMI Persons. One property, located at 1514
Duff Avenue, was acquired in 2023-24 and demolished during the 2024-25 program year.
2024-25 HOME Program Activities:
a) Homeownership Construction Program. Under this activity, funds have been set aside to construct a
single-family home on a lot in the Baker Subdivision. After construction, the home would be sold to
an eligible household with an income of 80% or less of the Ames Median Income Limit. For the 2024-
25 program year, no home was constructed. A home is anticipated to be built in the 2025-26 program
year.
b) Homebuyer Assistance Program. Under this activity, funds have been set aside to provide
downpayment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers with incomes at 80% or
less of the Ames Median Income Limits for single-family homes constructed in the Baker Subdivision.
Due to the delay in constructing houses in the 2024-25 program year, it is anticipated that homes will
be built in the 2025-2026 program year.
c) Construction of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) units in the Baker Subdivision. Under this
activity, City HOME funds were set aside to seek a partnership Developer to apply for LIHTC to the
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) to pursue low-income family rental housing units. In 2022-23, the City
partnered with HATCH Development and submitted an application to IFA for LIHTC funding to
construct 38 multi-family, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units in the Baker Subdivision. In 2023-24, the City
and HATCH Development were notified that they had been awarded Low-Income Housing Tax
476
CAPER 4
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Credits (LIHTC) to construct 38 multi-family units in the Baker Subdivision. Construction of the 38
units began in the 2024-25 program year, and construction is anticipated to be completed in the
2025-26 program year. The leasing of the units is expected to start in the 2025-26 program year as
well.
d) 2023-24 HOME-ARP Program: In fiscal year 2021-22, the City of Ames was notified that it would
receive a one-time special allocation of $1,269,248 of HOME-ARP funding. HOME-ARP funding
provides jurisdictions with significant new resources to address their homeless assistance needs by
creating affordable housing or non-congregate shelter units, and offering tenant-based rental
assistance or supportive services. HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the
following qualifying populations: homeless; at-risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations
where providing assistance would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the
greatest risk of housing instability; and veterans and families that include veteran family members
that meet one of the preceding criteria.
HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities: the production or preservation of affordable
housing; tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services, including homeless prevention services
and housing counseling services; and the purchase or development of non-congregate shelters for
individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Additionally, HOME-ARP provides up to 15
percent of the allocation for administrative and planning costs of the participating jurisdiction (PJ)
and for subrecipients administering all or a portion of the grant. ARP can provide up to 5 percent of
the grant for operating costs of Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and other
non-profit organizations, including homeless providers. Funds are also available to these
organizations for capacity building.
The City was notified in June 2023 that its Allocation Plan was approved. The anticipated start date is
in the 2025-26 program year.
477
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478
To:Mayor & City Council
From:Mark O. Lambert
Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Closed Session
Item No. 32
MEMO
I hereby advise Council that the Council has the authority to go into closed
session under section 20.17(3) of the Iowa Code, which states that "negotiation
sessions [and] strategy meetings of public employers" are exempt from Open
Meetings Law, Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code.
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
479