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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1 SUMMARY OF MINTUES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA NOVEMBER 18, 2025 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:24 p.m. on the 18th day of November, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, immediately following the adjournment of the Joint Meeting of the Ames City Council and Ames Human Relations Commission, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland was also present. Council Member Amber Corrieri was absent. PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK," NOVEMBER 16- 22, 2025: Mayor Haila proclaimed November 16-22, 2025, as national Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer accepted the proclamation. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Rollins requested to pull Item No. 9: Resolution amending Council's Standards of Decorum to require persons speaking to identify themselves and Item No. 30: Plat of Survey (Boundary Line Adjustment) for Properties Generally Located at the Intersection of County Line Road and Lincoln Highway, including 632 and 634 N 500th and 5507 and 5815 Lincoln Highway. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent agenda less Item No. 9 and Item No. 30. 2. Motion approving payment of claims 3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of October 16 -31, 2025 4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on October 28, 2025 5. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates 6. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits & Liquor Licenses: a. Chocolaterie Stam, 230 Main Street, Special Class B Native Wine Permit b. Radisson Hotel Ames, 2609 University Boulevard, Class C Retail Alcohol License c. Time Out Ames, 120 Kellogg Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service 7. Requests from Ames Main Street for Winter Sidewalk Sales on January 8 -11, 2026: a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-550 approving suspension of parking regulations and enforcement for the Downtown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10 c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-551 approving/motion denying waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement 2 d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-552 approving request from Ames Main Street for Saturday, January 10, to transfer $1,370.25 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund 8. Annual 2025 Urban Renewal Report: a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-553 approving 2025 Urban Renewal Report b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-554 approving certification of TIF Debt and appropriating payment of a rebate of incremental taxes for the Barilla TIF District c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-555 approving certification of TIF Debt and appropriating payment of a rebate of incremental taxes for the North Dayton Industrial Park TIF District 9. RESOLUTION NO. 25-556 amending Council's Standards of Decorum to require persons speaking to identify themselves 10. RESOLUTION NO. 25-557 relating to financing of a project to be undertaken by the City of Ames, Iowa; establishing compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code (Power Plant New Thermal Generation Project) 11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-558 Issuing a Notice to Bidders for FY 2023/24 Story County Edge of Field Project, setting January 7, 2026, as the bid due date and January 13, 2026, as the date of public hearing and award 12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-559 approving Memorandum of Agreement with Mary Greeley Medical Center for Alternative Response to Community Health Calls for Service 13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-560 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a three -year contract for Computerized Maintenance Management Software to Limble CMMS LLC, Lehi, UT, in the amount of $94,374 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) 14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-561 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a contract to CentralSquare Technologies, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, of Lake Mary, FL, in the amount of $161,442.50 15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-562 awarding contract to GovernmentJobs.com, Inc. (d/b/a NEOGOV) of El Segundo, CA, for a Human Resources Management Software package in an amount not to exceed $93,330.10 for year one of a potential five-year contract 16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-563 approving contract and bond for the CyRide 2025 Battery Electric Bus Facility Improvement Project with NAI Electrical Contractors, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $77,300 17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-564 approving contract and bond for the 2025/26 Traffic Signal Program with Iowa Signal Inc. of Grimes, IA, in the amount of $75,423.95 18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-565 approving Change Order No. 1 with TEI Construction Services Inc., of Duncan, SC, for Boiler Maintenance Services Contract for Power Plant in the amount of $200,000 19. 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements Program #2 (E 7th St, N Riverside Dr): a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-566 approving Change Order No. 2 with Con- Struct, Inc., of Ames, IA, for the 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement 3 Improvements Program #2 (E 7th St, N Riverside Dr) in the amount of $42,128.41 b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-567 accepting 2023/24 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements Program #2 (E 7th St, N Riverside Dr) as completed by Con-Struct, Inc, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $788,082.61 20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-568 approving the financial security covering one year of the 4 Year Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements on file for Wyffels Hybrids, Phase 1 (220 S Teller Avenue) be reduced to $18,750 21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-569 approving the financial security covering two years of the 4 Year Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements on file for Pivot Bio (2600 South Loop Drive) be reduced to $6,000 22. RESOLUTION NO. 25-570 approving partial completion of public improvements and reducing financial security on file for Ansley Subdivision 3rd Addition to $89,403.50 23. RESOLUTION NO. 25-571 approving the financial security covering the Stormwater Management Maintenance requirements on file for Northcrest Retirement Community be released in full 24. RESOLUTION NO. 25-572 approving the financial security on file for Bricktowne Stormwater Installation be released in full 25. RESOLUTION NO. 25-573 approving the financial security on file for Iowa Dermatology (1429 Boston Avenue) be released in full 26. RESOLUTION NO. 25-574 accepting Roof Replacement at the Power Plant project as completed by Central States Roofing, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,724,540 (inclusive of Iowa sales tax) 27. RESOLUTION NO. 25-575 accepting 2023/24 Concrete Street Pavement Improvements as completed by Con-Struct, Inc, of Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,191,940.12 28. RESOLUTION NO. 25-576 accepting 2023/24 Ames Plan 2040 Sanitary Sewer Utility Infrastructure (265th Street Extension) project as completed by S.M. Hentges and Sons, Inc., of Jordan, MN, in the amount of $2,173,215.06 29. RESOLUTION NO. 25-577 approving Plat of Survey (Boundary Line Adjustment) for 5300 Hickory Hills Drive 30. Plat of Survey (Boundary Line Adjustment) for Properties Generally Located at the Intersection of County Line Road and Lincoln Highway, including 632 and 634 N 500th and 5507 and 5815 Lincoln Highway a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-578 approving the acceptance of right-of-way dedication at 5815 Lincoln Highway b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-579 waiving Minor Subdivision Final Plat requirement to allow for a Plat of Survey Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. STANDARDS OF DECORUM: Council Member Rollins explained that she pulled this item to highlight the change requiring speakers to identify themselves. She clarified this change was not meant to be punitive but to ensure the City Council knows which community members are speaking on various issues. 4 Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-556 amending Council's Standards of Decorum to require persons speaking to identify themselves. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PLAT OF SURVEY (BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT) FOR PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY LINE ROAD AND LINCOLN HIGHWAY, INCLUDING 632 AND 634 N 500TH AND 5507 AND 5815 LINCOLN HIGHWAY: Council Member Rollins raised questions about access to certain parcels in the Plat of Survey. Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann explained that the plat involved properties that were originally part of an Auditor's Plat with no dedicated right-of-way, resulting in landlocked parcels. He noted that an easement was being established between parcels to provide access. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Brant Lemer, 5615 Lincoln Highway, the original owner of 59 and 82 before recent sales, voiced skepticism about the adequacy of a 20-foot easement, highlighting that the parcels would perpetuate the status of having access challenges. He shared historical context, mentioning attempts since 2003 to secure formal easements, which the previous property owner opposed. Brian Adams, 5507 Lincoln Highway, expressed apprehension over possible restrictions to his driveway access. He clarified that he had been utilizing the existing driveway easement for over two decades, highlighting its crucial role in reaching his garage given the intrinsic layout obstacles posed by septic systems and wells on his lot. The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. City Attorney Mark Lambert confirmed the plat adhered to the City's regulations as there were no explicit legal barriers found in the proposed survey to necessitate withholding approval. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1 as follows: a. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-578 approving the acceptance of right-of-way dedication at 5815 Lincoln Highway b. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-579 waiving Minor Subdivision Final Plat requirement to allow for a Plat of Survey Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum. Travis Toliver, Executive Director of Ames Main Street, encouraged residents to shop 5 local during the holiday season, highlighting the 2025 Small Business Weekend events taking place in the Ames Downtown and Campustown. Mahmoud Gshash, Chair of the Darul Arqum Islamic Center Board of Directors, provided background on the center and highlighted the programs and services offered. He invited the City Council Members and the public to visit the center. Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak. RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM: Public Works Director Justin Clausen and Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan presented an update on the proposed residential curbside recycling program. The program aims to divert waste from the landfill as the City transitions away from waste-to-energy. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Thor Nelson, Executive Vice President of Aspen Waste Systems, supported the focus on recycling and requested that should the City Council choose a single-hauler model, the RFP include criteria beyond price, such as community experience and local investment. Caitlin Leon, Ames Climate Action Team, expressed support for single-stream curbside recycling and a single-hauler model to minimize emissions. The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to approve Alternative No. 1 as follows: a. Direct staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal based on the recommendations from staff for each issue , including Level of Access, Provider, Cart Ownership, Frequency of Service, and Cart Size. b. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-580 allocating up to $20,000 from Council Priorities Sustainability fund for the proposed multifamily recycling pilot project. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion/Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. ROOSEVELT AVENUE PARKING ORDINANCE UPDATE: Director Clausen and Civil Engineer II Mark Gansen reviewed the recommendation to prohibit parking along the east side of Roosevelt Avenue. Mayor Haila opened the Public Input. Catherine Scott, 1510 Roosevelt Avenue, supported restricting parking to one side, noting that when cars park on both sides, only one vehicle can pass through the middle, creating safety concerns and snow plowing challenges. 6 Alisha Abner, 1004 Murray Drive, shared similar concerns, underscoring the safety issues that arise from the current parking arrangement. She added that having cars parked on both sides of Roosevelt Avenue not only complicates the traffic flow but also adds to the challenges faced during snow plowing operations. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak . Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to prepare the ordinance. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISCUSSION ON MODIFICATIONS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19: Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham presented the proposed changes to Municipal Code Chapter 19. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to update the ordinance based on recommendations from Parks & Recreation Commission. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH PUD AMENDMENT FOR 3300 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD: Director Diekmann was available for questions. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-581 approving Preliminary Plat with PUD Amendment for 3300 University Boulevard, known as Discovery Place, 1st Addition. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 8:07 p.m. and reconvened at 8:12 p.m. ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR ANNUAL UPDATE: Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames provided an update on her activities, initiatives, and connection opportunities to welcome and engage the community. FY 2025/26 ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES EVALUATION TEAM (ASSET) CONTRACT WITH NAMI CENTRAL IOWA: Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck highlighted that 11% of the contract had been expended to date . Thus, the request was to sequester the remaining 89% of funds. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-582 approving sequestering the remaining balance to NAMI for FY 2025/26. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, 7 and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. NATURAL GAS SUPPLY CONTRACT FOR POWER PLANT: Director of Electric Services Donald Kom presented information on natural gas purchasing for the Power Plant. He explained that due to volatile gas markets, staff recommended the approval of an amendment to the current contract with Macquerie Energy LLC, to extend the existing natural gas supply contract for a term of not more than six months at prices to achieve a total cost of not more than $7,000,000 . The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 3 and adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-583 authorizing staff to enter into natural gas supply contract for Power Plant. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. UPDATES TO SMART ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM: Energy Services Coordinator Layne Fober presented proposed changes to the Smart Energy Rebate Program , which aimed to reduce electric bills, improve efficiency, enhance home comfort, encourage efficient utilization of the electric system, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mayor Haila opened the Public Input. Steve Schallehn, 1123 N 2nd Street, expressed his support for the proposed changes to the Smart Energy Rebate Program , highlighting that electrification is the fastest method for climate action. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-584 approving updates to Smart Energy Rebate Program. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE HOLE NINE CROSSING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1 as follows: a. Accept the report of bids. b. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-585 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Con-Struct Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $213,410. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion/Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by 8 the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON LOAD CENTER REPLACEMENT AT THE POWER PLANT : Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to reject the bids and direct staff to modify the project. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON REZONING PROPERTY AT 220-400 FREEL DRIVE FROM GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI) TO GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT DISTRICT (S-GA): The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning property at 220-400 Freel Drive from General Industrial (GI) to Government/Airport District (S-GA). Roll Call Vote: 5-0. 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 Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to continue Public Hearing to November 25, 2025 . Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING TO TRANSFER 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. 25-586 approving vacating alley for no additional consideration by Quit Claim deed. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING TO CONSIDER VACATION OF AN EXISTING ELECTRIC EASEMENT AT 1411 S GRAND AVENUE: The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-587 approving vacation of electric easement at 1411 S Grand Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. SECOND READING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND MATERIAL STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING AREAS AND DRIVEWAYS FOR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT IN THE RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an 9 ordinance related to a Zoning Text Amendment to amend material standards for off - street parking areas and driveways for agricultural equipment in the Research Park Innovation District. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were seven items for consideration. The first was from Brent Dunn regarding parking regulations on Ross Road. Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from staff. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. A request from Travis Toliver, Ames Main Street Executive Director, concerning a gift of holiday lights to the City of Ames was the second item. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to place the item on the agenda for the next Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The third item was a request from Assistant City Manager Phillips to rename Center Avenue to Chantland Avenue. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the item on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Paving improvement considerations for SE 3 rd Street from Chuck Winkleblack, Hunziker Companies, was the next item. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to place the item on the agenda for the next Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Luke Jensen, RES Group, Inc., submitted the fifth item, which was a request for an amendment to the Ames Comprehensive Plan. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. A notice of an Economic Development Administration Opportunity from Dan Culhane, Ames Regional Economic Alliance President & CEO, was the sixth item. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to request a memo from staff. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The final item was from Director Clausen relating to the Stormwater Management plan for Hoover Avenue and Adams Street. 10 Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to ensure that the requestor be notified of the report from the Public Works Director and be informed that the City Council voted to take no action. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: None. 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 Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. _______________________________ _______________________________ Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor _______________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk