HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - October 14, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Extended Minutes1
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
e. Southgate Ames Iowa, 110 Airport Road, Class E Retail Alcohol License
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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
Improvements (Wilder Boulevard Mini-Roundabout Corridor) in an amount not to
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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, including veterans with
PTSD, pet owners, and families with young children.
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. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Betcher. 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. The conversation began with an outline of current hunting permissions within
the City. Director Abraham explained that bowhunting is currently permitted in
designated parklands, following comprehensive rules set by ordinance. Per ordinance,
hunters must use tree stands a minimum of 8 feet off the ground, only strike deer within
75 feet, and maintain a 200-foot buffer from buildings and an 85-foot space from trails or
areas where people gather. It was noted that to date, the program had no record of
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accidents or safety breaches.
Director Abraham then highlighted the reasons behind the proposed extension of
hunting areas, stating the primary aim of controlling the deer population was to mitigate
issues reported by residents neighboring Munn Woods and Emma McCarthy Lee Park,
including damage to gardens, landscapes, and vehicle accidents involving deer. He
referenced survey results collected from approximately twelve hundred households,
revealing that 53% supported bowhunting as a method of deer population management.
However, support decreased when the context of residential proximity was considered,
with only 45% favoring hunting in parks adjacent to homes.
Due to nearby residential properties, high park activity and minimal expected impact on
the overall deer population, the Parks and Recreation Commission advised against
expanding the program to Munn Woods and Emma McCarthy Lee Park. Though other
management techniques were available, Director Abraham noted that the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) did not currently support immunocontraception
or surgical contraception due to limited effectiveness in open deer herds and challenges
in gaining approval from the Iowa Natural Resources Commission (NRC). Professional
hunters had been used effectively in a peer city; however, the Iowa NRC had not since
approved the control technique. Rather, the Iowa DNR and NCR have encouraged
implementing more robust urban bowhunting programs across the state.
The City Council Members probed several topics, such as safety concerns and potential
incentives to attract more hunters should the City Council approve expanding the
program. Director Abraham noted that it was encouraged to convene the Special Urban
Deer Task Force to review current policies and recommend potential changes to the
program for City Council for consideration.
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.
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
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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.
Council Member Gartin inquired if measures such as permitting the use of four-wheelers
to transport harvested deer could augment participation. Director Abraham noted that
such incentives could be explored, encouraging review by the Special Task Force.
Moreover, the Mayor queried about community notifications regarding bowhunting in the
approved area, and it was confirmed that ventures to leverage diverse communication
channels would occur, including social media, newsletters, and access point signage.
ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK PATH REPLACEMENT PROJECT : Director
Abraham presented an issue regarding the path replacement project at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park, specifically focusing on the stretch from the Harrison Road parking lot to
the main trail loop. He highlighted that in the initial project plans the path was specified
to be constructed at a width of 12 feet. However, due to an oversight by the contractor,
the path was installed at 10 feet wide. The contractor took full ownership of the error
and communicated their willingness to rectify the situation .
The alternatives available to correct the error were reviewed, including replacement
strategies. However, rather than utilizing replacement strategies, Director Abraham
shared that an agreement could be signed ensuring that if safety issues or concerns
arose from the reduced width of the path within a period of five years, the contractor
would take the responsibility of removing the existing concrete path and replacing it with
the correct 12-foot-wide path as initially planned. He acknowledged that the contractor
was prepared to sign the agreement. Thus, staff recommended accepting the path as is
with the five-year agreement in place.
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
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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 plan included a 10-foot shared-use
path along the south side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side, separated by grass
terraces.
It was emphasized by Traffic Engineer Pregitzer that the proposed changes, moving
from a four-lane to a three-lane configuration, would improve both safety and
operational efficiency. He explained that removing the need for "split phasing" at the
Duff Avenue intersection would streamline traffic flow. The three-lane configuration
would also provide space for pedestrian refuge islands, making it safer for pedestrians
to cross the street without having to navigate four lanes of traffic at once. A refuge
island would allow pedestrians to cross one lane at a time, stopping safely in the middle
if needed, before continuing to the opposite side.
Council Member Betcher expressed concerns about potential congestion at the Duff
Avenue intersection during train crossings. Transportation Planner Thompson
highlighted that the recommended configuration would improve traffic flow overall and
that various technologies could help manage potential queuing issues. Traffic Engineer
Pregitzer elaborated by explaining that while right turns are not specifically accounted
for in signal timing plans, the adaptive signal timing system could better handle traffic
fluctuations, including those caused by trains. Additionally, there would still be capacity
at the intersection since southbound demand would be blocked.
Council Member Gartin emphasized his opposition to the recommended improvements,
raising concerns about how the City Council should proceed when staff
recommendations were at odds with public opinion. He highlighted that the public
feedback had been overwhelmingly against the proposed lane configuration, with 683
responses received, most of which were negative. He also pointed out that future truck
traffic, increasing with commercial development, would add to those concerns. He
prompted discussion about retaining the current roadway geometry as one way to
address public concerns and manage future traffic demands effectively.
In that discussion, Council Member Corrieri noted the challenge of making decisions
when negative feedback appears overwhelming but may not represent the entire
community. She emphasized the difficulty that the City Council faces in reconciling
public opinion with policy positions aimed at improving road safety and efficiency.
Council Member Rollins added that better education and communication might help the
public understand the benefits of the recommended improvements, although she
acknowledged that it would not necessarily be sufficient to align public perception with
staff recommendations.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Tim Rasmussen, 2808 Northridge Ln., opposed the project, arguing that reducing lanes
would increase congestion and create safety issues. He cited examples from Colorado
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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.
Traffic Engineer Pregitzer addressed these concerns by explaining that the study
considered both current and future traffic conditions, including truck traffic, and
concluded that the three-lane configuration would still accommodate the necessary
movements safely and efficiently. The study was also aligned with the City's Complete
Street Plan, aiming to create more usable space for non -vehicle traffic while reducing
stress levels for cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic Engineer Pregitzer reassured that the
lane and turning radii were designed for truck accommodation, ensuring the corridor
would be effective for truck movements. He also mentioned the potential to implement
dynamic signal technologies to alleviate congestion issues in real time, particularly
during high-volume periods.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen expressed her support for the recommendation,
explaining that such changes require time for residents to adapt, similar to roundabout
installations. She emphasized trust in staff expertise and the underlying data,
highlighting fiscal responsibility in managing street space effectively.
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. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Gartin. 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. The standards presently
dictate that main planter areas in front yards and parking lots must use organic mulch
materials, although rock is permissible around building foundations specifically. He
presented several options, including allowing rock in just front yards, in all planter areas,
or through specific plan approvals.
Council Member Betcher inquired about existing prohibitions on rock within
Campustown. Director Diekmann confirmed that in the West and East University impact
overlay areas, no rock material over a quarter inch in size was allowed to prevent large
objects that could be thrown, thereby addressing public safety concerns. He noted that
any potential amendment would not override these existing restrictions, ensuring that
Campustown would maintain its current regulations prohibiting larger rock use.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
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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.
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.
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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 request included fund allocation to administrative costs, community
roundtable discussions, nonprofit trainings, Homeless Outreach and Support Team
(HOST) activities, and a county-wide childcare study. The strategic use of these
unallocated ASSET funds aimed to fill service gaps efficiently, while building
infrastructure for long-term programmatic sustainability and inter-agency collaboration.
During the City Council discussion, a deeper conversation explored the partnership
between the Alternative Response to Community Health (ARCH) program and HOST.
Council Members sought clarification on whether the HOST initiative would ultimately
become a long-term entity or remain a transitional effort designed to bridge existing
service gaps. Assistant City Manager Goldbeck clarified that despite its current
importance, HOST was not intended to evolve into its own entity. Instead, it functioned
as a cooperative effort between the City of Ames, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and
The Salvation Army.
Council Member Betcher inquired about how the additional funds earmarked for HOST
would intersect with ARCH’s ongoing community health support. Assistant City Manager
Goldbeck explained that enhancing the agreement with ARCH to manage the outreach
funds would involve amending its current annual agreement, ensuring streamlined
collaboration between the informal HOST partnership and permanent service providers
within the City.
Detailed discussions also emphasized the importance of long -term sustainability and
the gradual handover of outreach responsibilities to established nonprofit organizations
within the community. The City Council further acknowledged effective strategies
implemented by HOST and highlighted the potential for outreach efforts to evolve as
nonprofits gain capacity through tools such as the proposed agency training programs.
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.
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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.
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.
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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
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.
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A response to Jamie Beyer regarding Emerald Ash Borer Treatments from Director
Abraham was the second item.
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: Council Member Betcher reported attending the
Ames Regional Economic Alliance manufacturing breakfast, noting that employers
appreciated City Council representation at the event. The panel discussed issues
including tariffs, hiring challenges, and workforce needs.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland noted that the joint City Council meeting with
ISU Student Government would be held the following Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the
Memorial Union Sun Room. She also recognized the upcoming ISU homecoming
weekend events and expressed excitement about seeing the new Fitch Family Indoor
Aquatic Center signage being installed.
Council Member Tim Gartin acknowledged the 20 th anniversary of the Story County
Community Foundation and noted with sadness the passing of longtime resident Liz
Grafton-Robertson.
Council Member Rollins mentioned attending the fire station open house, which was
well attended.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen highlighted several recent community events including
Pridefest, the final farmers market of the season, and the studio arts tour.
Council Member Betcher noted the upcoming "Ames: A Glimpse Inside" program
showcasing historic and architectural resources at 10 locations in Ames on Saturday,
October 18.
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