HomeMy WebLinkAboutA008 - Resolution accepting unconditional donation of Outdoor Lighting from Ames Main StreetITEM #:10
DATE:11-25-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUEST FROM AMES MAIN STREET TO ACCEPT OUTDOOR LIGHTING
DONATION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
On November 18, 2025, the City Council referred to a future agenda a letter from Ames Main
Street requesting that the City accept the donation of outdoor lights (Letter attached). The
lighting was obtained by Ames Main Street through a grant. Ames Main Street has requested
that the lighting be used on the trees in Tom Evans Plaza during the winter months.
In response to advice from the City Attorney in 2023, the Council adopted a policy that no
ongoing displays, other than City-owned displays, will be allowed on City property, with the
exception of temporary displays in conjunction with a rally or gathering of people. If the City
was to accept the donation of the lighting and decide whether and how to use it, then
the City is not creating a public forum that would require the City to allow any
organization to erect a display on City property.
It should be emphasized that the City's acceptance of the gift of the lights is
unconditional. The City will decide whether, where, and how to display the lights, and
the City may sell or dispose of the lights at any time if it is determined to be in the
City's best interest. In addition, there will be no obligation to repair the lights should
they fail.
Staff estimates the lights will require four staff members approximately a half day to install. If
the City Council agrees to accept the lighting, then staff proposes that they be displayed in
Tom Evans Plaza. Tom Evans Plaza contains sufficient space and available electrical
receptacles to adequately display the lights. In order to minimize the ongoing staff time
obligation to display the lights, the lights will not be removed each season, and will
instead be left on the trees indefinitely.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the unconditional donation of outdoor lighting.
2. Do not accept the donation.
3. Refer this item to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed donation would provide the City with lighting that could be installed for a
variety of events, activities, or seasons. The lighting is in good condition. By accepting
the donation, the City would have complete discretion as to whether and how the
lighting is installed within the community, and whether or not to continue displaying
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them . Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
T. Toliver - Gifting of LED Lights Request to City of Ames Letter.pdf
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304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 | 515.233.3472 | AmesDowntown.org
Ames Main Street advances and promotes Downtown Ames as the heart of the Ames community.
October 31, 2025
Ames City Council
c/o City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Re: Request to Gift Holiday Lights to the City of Ames
Dear Mayor Haila and Members of the Ames City Council,
On behalf of Ames Main Street and its board of directors, I am writing to request permission
to gift new industrial LED lighting, purchased through the Discover Ames Community Grant
program, to the City of Ames for seasonal decoration in Downtown Ames.
These lights were acquired with the intent of enhancing the community experience during
the winter season. We would like to offer them to the City and request that they be used for
lighting the trees in Tom Evans Plaza, adding warmth, beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere
to the heart of downtown throughout the colder months.
This gesture aligns with the goals of the Discover Ames Community Grant by fostering
community pride and encouraging greater engagement in our public spaces. We believe the
City’s use of these lights will help create a festive and inviting environment for residents,
students, and visitors alike and we hope to acquire more in the coming years to continue this
project throughout the rest of Downtown Ames.
Thank you for considering this request and for your continued partnership in making
Downtown Ames a vibrant and enjoyable destination year-round.
Respectfully,
Travis Toliver, IOM
Executive Director
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