HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - October 28, 2025, Extended Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 28, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 5:59 p.m. on the 28th day of October, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall,
515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Gloria Betcher,
Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was
also present. Council Member Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen joined the meeting electronically.
PROCLAMATION FOR “NATIONAL COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH,” OCTOBER
2025: Mayor Haila proclaimed October 2025 as “National Community Planning Month”
and Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann accepted the pro clamation. Director
Diekmann expressed gratitude on behalf of Planning and Housing staff, noting
appreciation for the City Council's investment in the comprehensive plan and community
betterment.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent
agenda.
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 NO. 25-533 approving encroachment permit for The Coop sign at
2420 Lincoln Way Suite 103
7. RESOLUTION NO. 25-534 approving request from Story County Auditor for
parking waiver(s) for election day related parking on November 4, 2025
8. RESOLUTION NO. 25-535 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 NO. 25-536 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 NO. 25-537 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 NO. 25-538 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 NO. 25-539 setting November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing
to consider vacation of the existing electric easement at 1411 S Grand Avenue
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-540 setting November 18, 2025, as date of Public Hearing
to transfer Vacated Alley to Alpha Iota Association of Phi Gamma Delta (325 Ash
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Avenue)
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-541 certifying Annexation Area Populations to State
Treasurer
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-542 approving Major Final Plat for South Fourth Commons
Subdivision at 400 South 4th Street
ADDITIONAL ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. 25-543 approving Agreement between
Ames Human Relations Commission and Iowa Office of Civil Rights regarding intake
and investigation of Civil Rights Complaints
ADDITIONAL ITEM: Motion for the Mayor to sign the Acknowledgement of
Covenants in conjunction with the Townhomes of Creekside, LLP, to receive its
LIHTC Award for the construction of 38 units in the Baker Subdivision as part of the
City HOME program
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: The Public Forum was opened by Mayor Haila.
Delaney Graef, Iowa State University (ISU) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Senator, shared concerns regarding the implementation of the Ioway Creek Stabilization
Project in Brookside City Park including the use of heavy machinery and the degradation
of the land. Senator Graef urged the City Council to prioritize preserving the woodlands
and minimizing pollution into the College Creek waterway during the Fire Station No. 2
Relocation project.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PET LICENSING
PROGRAM: Police Chief Geoff Huff presented an overview of the proposed pet licensing
program (PLP) for cats and dogs, highlighting that it would help to provide faster
reunification of lost pets with their owners, ensure rabies vaccine compliance and microchip
accuracy, reduce reclamation fees of lost pets, and encourage responsible pet ownership.
He reviewed start-up costs and noted that the proposed annual fee structure of $12 for
altered pets and $24 for unaltered pets would enable the program to be self-supporting and
would help to support the new animal shelter. Chief Huff emphasized that implementation
of the program would be non-intrusive and dependent on voluntary compliance.
Council Member Gartin raised concerns about the public pushback and the necessity of
the program. Council Member Betcher questioned how the specific dollar amounts for the
fees were determined and expressed interest in gathering more data and feedback before
making a decision. Council Member Rollins suggested the exploration of discounts or
sliding fee scales.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Briar Ott, Secretary of Cyclone Country Kennel Club of Ames, shared that many Kennel
Club members have intact animals and that the program would create an unfair price gap
for breeders. She proposed requiring microchips or holding more microchip clinics as
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alternatives to the program.
Kara Stone, Ames resident, requested more information on the costs of both
implementation and maintaining the program over time. She asked if there would be an
exception made for service animals. She also raised concerns about potential unintended
consequences and asked what comparable communities with pet licensing programs have
reported.
Shawn, Ames resident, spoke against the program fees and suggested exploring other
revenue streams. He noted concern for low-income individuals and their inability to pay
which could result in an increase of abandoned pets.
Another Ames resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticized the program,
labeling it as an instance of government overreach, and expressed skepticism about its
effectiveness. He raised concerns that the program might not achieve the intended
compliance and could place an undue burden on pet owners.
JZ Conrad, Behavioralist at Sweet Whiskers Grooming, shared that they were working on
a proposal for an alternative solution that was research based and considered multiple data
sources, including online opinions, to submit to the City Council. They proposed the use of
artificial intelligence or volunteer coders to run a free program. They expressed the
importance of getting feedback from pet owners, veterinarians, and groomers before
moving forward with a program.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
In response to the Public Input, Chief Huff stated that the purpose of the fee differential for
altered and unaltered pets was to encourage spaying and neutering of pets. He
acknowledged that possible exceptions to fees for service animals could be taken into
consideration. Chief Huff also highlighted the robust fundraising efforts that are already
underway for the new shelter.
During discussion, Council Member Corrieri stated that she was not interested in exploring
the PLP any further, and implored fellow Council Members to gauge their opinions and
carefully consider if more time spent gathering feedback was necessary before making a
final decision.
Council Member Gartin inquired about the approach that would be taken to gather feedback
from the public on the proposed PLP. In response, Communications and Outreach
Manager Susan Gwiasda highlighted the importance of targeting specific audiences,
particularly pet owners who would be directly impacted by the program. She addressed the
need for outreach efforts to ensure that collected feedback was both relevant and
representative, in order to provide Council Members with a comprehensive understanding
of public sentiment and potential compliance issues.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to approve Alternative No. 2: direct staff to bring
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the proposed ordinance back to the City Council for final decision regarding the proposed
program at a later date, and in the meantime ask staff to implement a public information
campaign to inform residents of the new proposed Pet Licensing Program that i s under
consideration and gather feedback.
Roll Call Vote: 4-2. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Junck, and Rollins. Voting Nay:
Corrieri and Gartin. Motion declared carried.
BUILDING ENERGY AUDIT REPORT: Alongside Director of Fleet Services Corey Mellies,
Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan introduced the Building Energy Audit Report and
gave a brief overview. Resource Consulting Engineers Project Manager Corey Metzger
presented the findings from energy audits of 16 City buildings. The audits established
energy use baselines and identified opportunities for energy, greenhouse gas, and cost
savings. Varying analysis methods were used based on building complexity, including
detailed energy modeling for larger facilities, benchmarking for mid-sized buildings, and
manual calculations for unique operations. The report included recommendations for each
facility with estimated costs, energy savings projections, and payback periods.
Council Member Gartin inquired about the reliability of the modeling and if the strategies
from the energy audit could be applied to new construction projects. Project Manager
Metzger confirmed that their models have been validated through actual implementations,
and many of the strategies identified in the audit are applicable to new building projects.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the Building Energy Audit Report.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER MONTHLY UPDATE: Parks and
Recreation Director Keith Abraham, Story Construction Project Manager Troy Turner, and
RDG Planning & Design Architect Brad Rodenberg presented the monthly update on the
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. Architect Rodenberg reviewed drone images showing
progress on the north parking lot, east elevation, and south elevation with signage in place.
Interior images showed progress on pool excavation, concrete work for the lap pool, and
installation of mechanical equipment. The presentation highlighted a concern with
discoloration on the south-facing precast wall. Director Abraham indicated that staff was
working with contractors to develop recommendations by November 6, 2025, with a
solution hopefully in place by mid-December. He noted that substantial completion was
expected by January 20, 2026, with a public opening tentatively planned for March 2026.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to accept the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Monthly Update.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN WITHIN A PUD OVERLAY FOR 3200
UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD (ISU RESEARCH PARK): Planner Benjamin Campbell
presented the Major Site Development Plan for 3200 University Boulevard, which
included 74 residential units on a 6-acre site with four apartment buildings and seven
duplexes. The site was adjacent to the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, and
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staff had worked with the developer to create an entrance that serves both developments
and the park. The plan included housing built in a style that would be complimentary to
the ISU Research Park, landscaping that blended with the native grasses in the Tedesco
Environmental Learning Corridor, and all amenities required for developments with over
50 units.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Hunziker Development Coordinator Justin Dodge came forward. He confirmed that the
townhomes were intended to be sold individually, while the apartments would be leased.
He explained the partnership with Story County Conservation on shared entrance
signage and integrated landscaping.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-544 approving
Major Site Development Plan within a PUD Overlay for 3200 University Boulevard (ISU
Research Park).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
RESIDENTIAL PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 3200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT: Planner Campbell reviewed the preliminary plat and
how it would subdivide the property into individual units. Utilities would come from the
Workiva property to the north, and the development would be served by Ames Electric.
Planner Cambell reported that the plat met all requirements and that Planning and
Housing staff recommended approval.
Mayor Haila opened and closed Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-545 approving
Residential Preliminary Plat for 3200 University Boulevard Planned Unit Development.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
RESIDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY 2025: Communications and Outreach Manager
Susan Gwiasda presented the results of the 43rd Annual Resident Satisfaction Survey, which
was conducted with assistance from the Institute for Design Research and Outreach at ISU.
The survey received 464 responses, with 28 completed online. The top three ranked ongoing
City services were parks activities, Ames Animal Shelter, and recreational opportunities. The
top capital improvement priorities were reconstructing existing streets and improving traffic
flow while incorporating sustainable solutions. Satisfaction with City services remained high,
with 98% rating services as "good" or "very good." Food assistance stood out as a strong
priority for human services agency funding. The City of Ames website continued to be a
primary information source. Manager Gwiasda noted that the complete survey results would
be posted on the City Manager's page on the website.
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In response to questions from the City Council, Manager Gwiasda provided more detail on
the costs, implementation, and confidence interval of the survey. She noted that the survey
questions would be brought back to the City Council in February 2026 for review to prepare
for the next annual survey.
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE: Finance Director Corey
Goodenow introduced the first quarterly financial report. He explained the purpose of the
report was to improve transparency and enable proactive decision-making by the City
Council. Budget Manager Nancy Masteller explained the report format, which included
beginning fund balances, year-to-date revenues and expenses, and ending fund balances
as of September 30, 2025. Budget Manager Masteller noted that the reports would be made
available to the public on the City’s finance webpage. The City Council expressed
appreciation for the new effort, noting its potential for aiding better financial planning and
transparency for the public. It was suggested by the City Council that a short educational
video might be useful for the public to better understand these financial documents.
QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025:
Treasurer Roger Wisecup reviewed the City's investment program, which followed priorities
outlined in Code of Iowa Chapter 12B: safety, liquidity, and yield. He emphasized that the
City cannot invest in futures options, repurchase agreements, speculation, or common
stock. Finance Director Goodenow presented the current rate of return, which was
approximately 4%, with interest earnings trending with Federal Reserve rates. Cash
balances in the checking account earned interest at a rate based on the 91-day T-bill
average. In response to questions from the City Council, Treasurer Wisecup explained that
while cash in the City's bank accounts was not covered by FDIC insurance, it was protected
through the State of Iowa's collateral program.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-546 approving
Quarterly Investment Report for Period Ending September 30, 2025.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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: Fire Chief Rich Higgins presented the lease agreement
between the City of Ames and ISU for property located at 601 State Avenue to relocate
Fire Station No. 2. The relocation was pending the outcome of the November 4 , 2025,
bond referendum. The 52-year lease, two years for construction and 50 years for
operation, would come at no cost to the City and would include an option to renew. In
return, the City would be responsible for constructing the fire station, implementing any
traffic control measures on State Avenue, and maintainin g the property. In response to
questions from the City Council regarding the end of the lease, Chief Higgins explained
that if the lease was not renewed, the City would be responsible for removing any
structures and returning the site to its original condition.
City Manager Steve Schainker commended the supportive partnership with I SU, whose
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administration was instrumental in facilitating the lease. He noted the substantial cost
savings for the City, as acquiring similar land independently would have significantly
increased the expenses for the project.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-547 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 .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE ADJUSTING ELECTRIC RATES BY 1.5%: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 28
of the Ames Municipal Code adjusting electric rates by 1.5%.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to suspend the rules and pass on third
reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the Ames Municipal Code adjusting
electric rates by 1.5%.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4575 amending Chapter 28 of the Ames Municipal Code adjusting electric rates
by 1.5%.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING
ESTABLISHMENT OF NONRESIDENT SANITARY SEWER RATES AND CERTAIN
WATER & POLLUTION CONTROL FEES: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to
pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4574 regarding Establishment of
Nonresident Sanitary Sewer Rates and certain Water & Pollution Control fees.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to continue the
Public Hearing to November 18, 2025.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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: Director
Diekmann explained that the text amendment applied specifically to off-street parking areas
and driveways in the Research Park, which must be accessory to a principal use behind a
building and would not impact the surrounding area.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
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to speak.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading of an ordinance
amending material standards for off-street parking areas and driveways for agricultural
equipment in the Research Park Innovation District Zone.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 2025/26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM: Mayor Haila opened and closed
the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION 25-548 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Signal Inc., of Grimes, IA, in
the amount of $75,423.95.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2024/2025 CDBG CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
REPORT (CAPER): Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer presented the
2024/2025 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER). The report outlined
the use of approximately $600,000 in CDBG funds, aimed primarily at rental affordability,
and $1,900,000 in HOME program funds for constructing 38 units in the Baker Subdivision's
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project. Housing Coordinator Baker-Latimer also
noted that the City received one public comment during the comment period, which was
supportive of the work being done.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION 25-549 approving the
submittal of the City's 2024/25 CAPER.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared carried unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
four items for consideration. The first was a request for immediate stormwater management
improvements at the southeast corner of Hoover Avenue and Adams Street from Ames
Resident Martha Atkins.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer to Public Works staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for “No Bicycles” signs on 6th Street sidewalks from Ames Resident Martin Laird
was the second item.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to have staff respond to the sender, thank
them for their input, and inform them that the City Council would wait until 6th Street
construction was complete to assess if this was an issue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was a request for a Zoning Text Amendment for a stairway enclosure from
Ames Resident Tim Ashely.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer to Planning and Housing staff for
a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A response from Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann to JT Logistics regarding
a warehouse landscaping request was the fourth item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to direct Planning and Housing staff to work with
the applicant using the existing 20 percent flexibility rule for landscaping requirements.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Rollins reported on behalf of
Discover Ames that the new event center site plan is expected to be available by the end
of January 2026, and a capital campaign is ongoing.
Council Member Betcher reported on an Ames Regional Economic Alliance meeting that
included a presentation from Debbie Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic
Development Authority. Director Durham discussed the impact of state actions on
economic growth and the challenges municipalities face d with property tax reductions.
Council Member Betcher expressed hope that Ames could take advantage of workforce
housing tax credits in greater amounts in the future.
Mayor Haila reported that the Story County Emergency Management Agency was
renovating part of the basement in the Story County Courthouse for its emergency
operations center after a proposed relocation proved too expensive. He noted that FEMA
grants would not be available in future fiscal years. A budget workshop was scheduled
for December 17, 2025.
Council Member Junck reported that the Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees
approved a contract for the 2025 battery electric bus facility improvement project to install
charging infrastructure for five battery electric buses arriving this fall. She also noted that
CyRide would offer free rides on election day.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex-officio Boland thanked the City Council for its participation in
the recent joint meeting with ISU student government. She shared her plans to follow up
by working closely with student senators to address the various topics that were brought
up during the meeting. She also noted First Responders Day, acknowledging and thanking
first responders for their vital service and dedication to the community.
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Council Member Gartin expressed concern about the impact of the federal shutdown on
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which would end
November 1, 2025. He noted that 4,665 individuals in Story County used these benefits in
2024 and suggested that the City Council might need to consider ways to help if the
impasse continues.
Council Member Rollins shared a reminder about the Town Budget Meeting that would take
place in City Council Chambers on November 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. She encouraged
interested individuals to attend.
Council Member Betcher spoke about the Gold Star Hall Ceremony on November 10, 2025,
at 4:15 p.m. at the Memorial Union, encouraging residents to attend to celebrate veterans
and active service members.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a legal
reason to go into Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section
20.17(3), Code of Iowa, regarding discussion of collective bargaining strategy.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session at 9:33 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 9:43 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to adjourn the meeting at 9:43
p.m.
Vote on Motion 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk