HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - October 14, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Minutes1
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
2
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
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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
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.
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