HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - November 25, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Extended Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA NOVEMBER 25, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on the 25th day of November, 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, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex
officio Emily Boland joined the meeting electronically.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY," DECEMBER 13, 2025:
Mayor Haila proclaimed December 13, 2025, "Wreaths Across America Day." Ames
Wreaths Across America Sponsorship Group Chair Jamie Barker and Ames Legion Post
37 Commander Cliff Barker, accompanied by members of the American Legion Riders,
accepted the proclamation.
Chair Jamie Barker invited the public to the ceremony on December 13, 2025, at 11:00
a.m. at the Ames Municipal Cemetery. She emphasized that approximately 1,900 wreaths
would be placed on veterans' graves in the Ames Municipal and Ontario cemeteries.
Commander Cliff Barker noted that because of Ames' support, other riders chapters in
Iowa are now conducting similar ceremonies, using Ames as an example. Chair Barker
also presented Mayor Haila with a challenge coin from the Wreaths Across America
Foundation in appreciation of his consistent support since the program began.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila noted that the City Council was working from an
amended agenda, which removed Item No. 13 from consent.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve the consent agenda.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of November 1-15, 2025
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Joint City Council and Ames
Human Relations Commission Meeting and Regular City Council Meeting
on November 18, 2025
5. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits &
Liquor Licenses:
a. Ames History Museum, 416 Douglas Avenue, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
b. Casey's #4315, 3218 Orion Drive, Class E Retail Alcohol License
c. The Cafe, 2616 Northridge Parkway, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service
d. Casey's #4314, 1118 South Duff Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol License
6. Motion approving new 5-Day (December 8-12, 2025) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co, 520 6th Street
7. Motion approving new 5-Day (December 16-20, 2025) Special Class C
Retail Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co, 520 6th Street
8. Motion accepting the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Report
9. RESOLUTION NO. 25-588 accepting Abstract of Votes for November 4, 2025,
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Regular City Election
10. RESOLUTION NO. 25-589 accepting unconditional donation of Outdoor
Lighting from Ames Main Street
11. RESOLUTION NO. 25-590 approving Commission on the Arts (COTA) Spring
2026 Special Project Grant contract
12. RESOLUTION NO. 25-591 approving FY 2024/25 Annual Street Financial
Report
13. Resolution awarding contract to DGR Engineering, of Rock Rapids, IA, for
Engineering Services for Ontario Road Substation and Mortensen Road
Substation Improvements in the amount not-to-exceed $1,302,700
14. RESOLUTION NO. 25-592 awarding contract to Gillig LLC, of Livermore,
CA, for two 40' Heavy-Duty Diesel Buses in the amount of $1,453,822
15. RESOLUTION NO. 25-593 approving entering into an agreement with the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources for Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) Grant for the installation of a pedestrian bridge in Ontario
Park in the amount of $200,000
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-594 approving entering into an agreement with the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources for Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) Grant for the Moore Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge
Project in the amount of $200,000
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-595 accepting the Water Treatment Plant Lime Pond
Underdrain Improvements Project as completed by Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames,
IA, in the amount of $204,369
18. 2023/24 Water System Improvements Program (Kellogg Avenue - 7th Street
to 13th Street) and (11th Street - Burnett Avenue to Kellogg Avenue) project
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-596 approving Change Order No. 4 with Jet
Drain Services, LLC, of Ames,
IA, an increase in the amount of $33,945.61
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-597 accepting 2023/24 Water System
Improvements Program as completed by Jet Drain Services, LLC , of
Ames, IA, in the amount of $890,901.93
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-598 approving final plat for Discovery Place, First
Addition, located at 3300 University Boulevard
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.
Bonnie Alley, Discover Ames Director of Business Development, recognized and thanked
Chuck Winkleblack for his long-term involvement in neighborhood stabilization, corridor
renewal, and major projects that have influenced daily life in Ames.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
REQUEST TO SHARE COST FOR PAVING OF A 150 FOOT EXTENSION OF SE 3RD
STREET IN THE KINGSBURY'S FIFTH ADDITION SUBDIVISION: Planning and
Housing Director Kelly Diekmann presented the request from the developer for a cost-
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sharing arrangement for the short extension of SE 3rd Street. The City had previously
considered a comprehensive street extension project that would have benefited
undeveloped lots at the end of SE 3rd Street. Since that project was not pursued, the
existing development agreement obligated the developer to complete the street
improvements. In turn, staff was recommending participating up to $30,000 to fund the
short extension provided the proposal from the developer qualified as a project that would
not need to be publicly bid.
Mayor Haila opened and closed Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1: Direct staff
to draft an amendment to the Development Agreement for Public Improvement
obligations with the property owners in the Kingsbury's Subdivision 5 th Addition for cost
sharing of 50% or up to $30,000 for the construction of the remaining unbuilt 152 feet of
Southeast 3rd Street abutting Lot 3 of Kingsbury's 5th Addition, owned by WW Holdings,
and Lot 2 of Kingsbury's 4th Addition, owned by Ante Opportunity LLC.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT FOR THE SOUTH LINCOLN SUB AREA
MIXED USE DISTRICT (S-SMD) SINGLE FAMILY DESIGN STANDARDS: Director
Diekmann presented information for the Zoning Text Amendment requested by Ames
resident Jim Gregory regarding design standards in the South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed
Use District (S-SMD). The request focused specifically on corner properties with one and
two-family homes, which currently had design requirements for facades on both street
sides. The proposed amendment would lengthen some facade allowances, reduce recess
requirements, alter street side setbacks on corner lots, and only require gables or dormers
on the front facade rather than on both street facades. Staff recommended approval,
noting the amendment had limited applicability to only a handful of corner lots in this
specific zoning district.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward
to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance regarding a
Zoning Text Amendment for the South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use District (S-SMD)
Single Family Design Standards.
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: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to continue the
Public Hearing to December 9, 2025.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
RESOURCE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING CAMPUS PROJECT UPDATE: Public
Works Director Justin Clausen presented the update alongside Resource Recovery
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Superintendent Mark Peebler and Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips. Director Clausen
reported that the design phase was 60% complete, emphasizing that some details would
change as the design process progressed. He outlined notable developments since the
presentation of the conceptual design in June, including entering into the design contract
with HDR Engineering and obtaining project management services from Story
Construction. The site layout changes featured a 4-foot-deep half-height tunnel instead
of the originally planned 14-foot depth, which would reduce excavation expenses and
streamline operations, as well as a car line and customer service area for individual
customers.
In response to concerns from the City Council regarding truck traffic causing congestion
on Freel Drive, Director Clausen explained that the new facility allowed for the staging of
more vehicles compared to the current setup, and that operational strategies could further
manage traffic effectively. He highlighted new scales that would expedite truck processing
and ease potential congestion, as well as the use of Auto Turn software during the design
process to simulate turning movements and queuing, ensuring efficient and realistic traffic
flow within the new facility.
Director Clausen explained in detail the distinct routes for commercial haulers, transfer
trucks, and individual customers. Commercial haulers would access the site through Freel
Drive, passing through the scale house and tipping floor before making a U-turn to exit,
while transfer trucks would use the south drive to proceed around the facility, navigate
the transfer tunnel, and exit along the north drive. He outlined the route for yard waste
customers as well as a separate route for a car line and customer convenience area
designated for individual solid waste/recycling customers. This area featured a path that
was wide enough to accommodate multiple vehicles simultaneously in order to minimize
wait times.
In response to City Council questions regarding the potential for future expansion at the
facility, Assistant Manager Phillips explained that it was designed based on a 20-year
growth horizon, which was consistent with Ames Plan 2040 and aligned with the duration
of the waste disposal agreement with Carroll County Landfill. He stated that the current
design maximized the space available on the lot and that there would not be significant
space to expand the facility physically. However, to accommodate future community
growth, focus could be placed on processing waste faster and increasing the number of
truckloads leaving the facility each day. Superintendent Peebler added that the City had
sustainability goals that included the diversion of solid waste from the landfill and
increased recycling programs which would help offset increased waste due to population
growth.
Director Clausen highlighted the installation of a modular scale house that would have
significant cost-savings compared to the previously proposed built-on-site scale house.
Regarding processing equipment, a new shredder would replace the existing one that
had begun to display stress fractures. The facility would utilize the existing ferrous metal
drum magnet and non-ferrous metal separator. A second non-ferrous metal separator
would be purchased. Additionally, a preload compactor was under consideration to
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optimize load density and extract moisture.
The two-story building design included a reception area, maintenance areas, break
rooms, locker rooms, administrative offices, and an education section featuring windows
that looked out onto the processing floor. Director Clausen reviewed the projected
construction costs and proposed tipping fee increases. Strong community outreach efforts
were already underway, including several public events, open houses, and presentations
to service organizations. A biweekly newsletter named the "Recycled Report" had been
recently launched as well. Director Clausen also noted that staff had already begun work
on a community education campaign regarding recycling programs and the new facility.
The presented timeline for upcoming project activities began with December 2025, when
90% design drawings were expected to be received. In January 2026, a bid set for
construction would be issued, and agreements with 28E Partners were anticipated. The
bidding process was scheduled to start in February 2026, with construction beginning in
late March or April 2026. In January 2026, the City Council would receive the Request for
Proposal (RFP) results for recycling, and discussions on mobile equipment procurement
would occur in January and February of 2026.
Council Members asked if any specific strategies would be employed to reduce
unpleasant odors at the new site . Director Clausen explained that the facility would
process waste more quickly than the current system. Waste would be stored in the facility
for a much shorter period of time before being processed and transported, thereby
reducing odor issues. When asked about the 28E Agreement Partners’ response to
proposed plans, Assistant City Manager Phillips noted mixed reactions; some were
concerned about the increased tipping fees, whereas others were agr eeable to the new
proposed terms.
SECOND READING ON REZONING PROPERTY AT 220-400 FREEL DRIVE FROM
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI) TO GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT DISTRICT (S-GA): Moved
by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning
property at 220-400 Freel Drive from General Industrial (GI) to Government/Airport
District (S-GA).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4576 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 Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass
on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4576 on 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: 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 Downtown Ames Guiding Vision Update
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from Ames Main Street Executive Director Travis Toliver.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to place the item on the agenda for the
December 16, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for a Zoning Text Amendment to accessory structure limits from Ames resident
Alicia Wrabek was the second item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to take no action and to communicate this
decision to the requestor.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Rollins shared information from
Discover Ames regarding data on Airbnbs, noting there were about 114 in Story County,
with 22 outside Ames, accounting for over 16,000 room nights.
On behalf of Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Council Member Betcher reported
that Jason Henderson, Iowa State University (ISU) Vice President for Extension, shared
insights on the Iowa economy and public-private partnerships in the last meeting, noting
that almost 40% of the Federal Reserve region is low and moderate income. She also
mentioned the upcoming 2026 AREA Housing Summit on February 27, 2026, in Boone.
Mayor Haila stated that Story County Emergency Management would not be meeting for a
few weeks. The budget for the upcoming year was expected to be discussed in the next
meeting.
Council Member Junck gave an update from Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees,
announcing the approval of a proposal from the Public Art Commission for sculptures
along the #1 Red CyRide Route, acceptance of a contract for two new diesel buses, and
the award of a $14.6 million federal grant to CyRide from the Federal Transit
Administration's Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program to expand administrative
maintenance, bus storage facilities, and convert 20 buses to 100% biodiesel.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland shared that she was in the process of
scheduling the date and booking a location for the spring 2026 joint meeting with ISU
Student Government.
Council Member Betcher highlighted the Wreaths Across America ceremony and
encouraged those interested to volunteer.
Council Member Gartin expressed gratitude for both those in the military serving overseas
as well as City staff working during the holidays.
Mayor Haila wished the community a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
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
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21.5(1)(c), Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to go into Closed Session at 7:12 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 8:12 p.m.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to proceed with the
direction that was discussed in Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
______________________________ ________________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk