HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on October 28, 2025To:Mayor & City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:November 18, 2025
Subject:Approval of Minutes
Item No. 4
MEMO
Attached are the minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting on October 28,
2025.
ATTACHMENT(S):
C25-1028 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 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 proclamation.
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 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
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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 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. Graef urged the
City Council to prioritize preserving the woodlands and minimiz ing 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. Chief Huff 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.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Briar Ott, Kara Stone, Shawn, an anonymous Ames resident, and JZ Conrad spoke in opposition
to the proposed PLP.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to approve Alternative No. 2: direct staff to bring 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 is under consideration and
gather feedback.
Roll Call Vote: 4-2, Corrieri and Gartin dissenting. 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, which established energy use baselines and
identified opportunities for energy, greenhouse gas, and cost savings.
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
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Aquatic Center. The presentation highlighted a concern with discoloration on the south-facing
precast wall, which was expected to be addressed by mid-December. Director Abraham indicated
that the project was on track for substantial completion 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.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Hunziker Development Coordinator Justin Dodge shared the intended ownership mix and
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.
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 Iowa State University’s Institute for Design Research and Outreach.
The survey received 464 responses, with 28 completed online. Satisfaction with City services
remained high.
FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE: Finance Director Corey
Goodenow introduced the first quarterly financial report. The purpose of the report was to improve
transparency and enable proactive decision-making by 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.
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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. Finance Director Goodenow
presented the current rate of return, which was approximately 4%, with interest earnings trending
with Federal Reserve rates.
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 Iowa State University for property located at 601 State Avenue to relocate
Fire Station No. 2. The relocation was pending based on the outcome of the November 4, 2025,
bond referendum. The 52-year lease, two years for construction and 50 years for operation with
option to renew, would come at no cost to the City. In return, the City would be responsible for
constructing the fire station, implementing any traffic control measures on State Avenue, and
maintaining the property.
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 of 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.
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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: 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 Kelly Diekman explained that
the text amendment applied specifically to the Research Park, 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 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.
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
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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.
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 Ashley.
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: 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.
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
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_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
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