HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 16, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA DECEMBER 16, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:00 p.m. on the 16th day of December, 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 was also present.
PROCLAMATION FOR "SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION
MONTH," January 2026: Mayor Haila proclaimed January 2026 "Slavery and Human
Trafficking Prevention Month" and Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
Chair George Belitsos, joined by Youth & Shelter Services staff, accepted the
proclamation.
DOWNTOWN AMES GUIDING VISION PRESENTATION: Travis Toliver, Executive
Director of Ames Main Street, provided an update on implementing the Downtown Guiding
Vision plan.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Junck pulled Item Nos. 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and
15.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve the consent agenda less Item Nos. 8,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
December 9, 2025
5. Motion approving the renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits &
Liquor Licenses:
a. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, 1614 S Kellogg Avenue Ste 101, Class C Retail
Alcohol License, Pending Dramshop Review
6. Motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a Certificate of Consistency with the 2024 -
2028 City of Ames CDBG Consolidated Plan on behalf of YSS for renewal funding
of a Rapid ReHousing Program
7. Purchase of the sculpture "A Big Hello" by Craig Snyder:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 25-614 accepting letter of donation pledge from the
Ames Regional Economic Alliance for funds to purchase the sculpture "A
Big Hello"
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25 -615 awarding contract with Craig Snyder of
Plymouth, MN, in the amount of $7,840 for the purchase of the sculpture
"A Big Hello" for placement at the Main Street Gateway
8. Requests from Ames Main Street for Art Walk on Thursday, June 11, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket
Vending License in Central Business District
b. Resolution approving suspension of parking meter fees and enforcement
2
for 23 metered parking spaces for vendors from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
c. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement, usage
and waiver of electrical fees, and waiver of fee for blanket Vending license
for Ames Main Street from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
d. Resolution approving closure of Kellogg Avenue and Douglas Avenue
from Main Street to Fifth Street from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
e. Resolution approving usage of Tom Evans Plaza
9. Requests from Ames Main Street for 4th of July activities on July 4, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket
Vending License in Central Business District
b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-616 approving waiver of Vending License fee
c. RESOLUTION NO. 25-617 approving closure of portions of Main Street,
Northwestern Avenue, Fifth Street, Douglas Avenue, Burnett Avenue,
Kellogg Avenue, Clark Avenue, Allan Drive, and Pearle Avenue from 6:00
a.m. until end of parade
d. RESOLUTION NO. 25-618 approving closure of Parking Lot MM and south
portion of Lot M from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
10. Requests from Ames Main Street for Summer Sidewalk Sales on July 9 - July 12,
2026:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Resolution approving suspension of parking regulations and enforcement
for the Downtown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11
c. Resolution approving transfer of $1,370.25 from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund
to the Parking Fund
11. Requests from Ames Main Street for Music Walk on Thursday, September 17,
2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket
Vending License in Central Business District from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
b. Resolution approving suspension of parking meter fees and enforcement
of 23 metered parking spaces for vendors from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
c. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement and
usage and waiver of electrical fees, and waiver of fee for blanket Vending
License for Ames Main Street from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
d. Resolution approving closure of Kellogg Avenue and Douglas Avenue from
5th Street to Main Street
12. Requests from Ames Main Street for Witches Walk on Thursday, October 8, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket
Vending License in Central Business District from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and waiving fee for blanket Vending License
b. Resolution approving waiver of electrical fees on Ames Main Street from
3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
c. Resolution approving closure of Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to Fifth
Street from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
d. Resolution approving suspension of parking regulations and enforcement
for 14 parking spaces in Downtown from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October
8, 2026
3
13. Requests from Ames Main Street for Holiday Open House event from November
5 through November 8, 2026:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for Downtown
b. Resolution approving suspension of parking regulations and
enforcement for Downtown 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November
7, 2026
c. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement
d. Resolution approving transfer of $1,370.25 from Hotel/Motel Tax Fund
to the Parking Fund
14. Requests from Ames Main Street for Small Business Saturday on November 28,
2026:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for Downtown
and Campustown on November 28, December 5, December 12,
December 19, and December 26
b. Resolution approving suspension of parking regulations and
enforcement for Downtown and Campustown from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. on November 28, December 5, December 12, December 19, and
December 26
c. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement
d. Resolution approving transfer of $12,341.25 from the Hotel/Motel Tax
Fund to the Parking Fund
15. Requests from Ames Main Street for Snow Magic on December 1 through
December 31, 2026:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving Blanket Vending License
c. Resolution approving waiver of Vending License fee
d. Resolution approving closure of four metered parking spaces on the east
side of Douglas Avenue from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 3
e. Resolution approving usage of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and waiver
of fees for electricity
16. RESOLUTION NO. 25-619 approving and adopting Supplement No. 2026-1 to the
Ames Municipal Code
17. RESOLUTION NO. 25-620 adopting Amended Appendix P (CyRide Rates and
Charges) of the Ames Municipal Code per authority granted by the Ames Transit
Agency Board of Trustees
18. RESOLUTION NO. 25-621 waiving Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive
bidding and awarding a contract to Carbon Day EV Charging, of Wheeling, IL, for
the purchase of two Level 3 EV chargers in the amount of $121,312.32
19. RESOLUTION NO. 25-622 awarding a contract to Irby Utilities, of Rapid City, SD,
for the purchase of steel poles for Electric Services in the amount of $61,008.19
20. RESOLUTION NO. 25-623 awarding contract to RESCO, of Ankeny, IA, for the
purchase of a 2500 kVA three-phase pad-mounted distribution transformer in the
amount of $58,710.90
21. RESOLUTION NO. 25-624 awarding contract to Petroleum Traders, Corp. for the
FY 2025/26 Electrical Services Fuel Supply contract in an amount not -to-exceed
$300,000
4
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR 2026 SPECIAL EVENTS: Council
Member Junck noted that she requested to pull Item Nos. 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15
due to discrepancies between these waiver requests and the Outside Funding Request
in Item No. 33.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to table items to a future meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM: The Public Forum was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no
one came forward to speak.
FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER 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
Aquatic Center. Significant discussion centered on the precast panels exhibiting a
discoloration issue.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to investigate staining of the
precast panels and report back to the City Council at a later date.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Director Abraham then reviewed the details of Change Order #2 for Story Construction.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-625
approving Change Order #2 for Construction Manager services to Story Construction in
the amount of $211,000.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LAND PURCHASE OPTION WITH KEYSTONE EQUITY
GROUP FOR SURPLUS LAND AT HARRISON AND WELBECK TO EXTEND FINAL
PLAT DEADLINE: Planner Amelia Schoeneman presented the first amendment to the
purchase option with Keystone Equity Group regarding surplus land located at Harrison
and Welbeck, which proposed to extend the final plat deadline.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-626 approving
first amendment to the Land Purchase Option with Keystone Equity Group for Surplus
Land at Harrison and Welbeck to Extend Final Plat Deadline .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY LOCATED EAST OF 731 BILLY SUNDAY
5
ROAD NOW KNOWN AS LOT 3 OF BILLY SUNDAY SUBDIVISION TO LAMAR
ADVERTISING COMPANY: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to continue
the Public Hearing to January 13, 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTY AT 200, 204, 210, 214, 220 SOUTHEAST
2nd STREET AND 210 SUMNER AVENUE FROM HIGHWAY-ORIENTED
COMMERCIAL (HOC) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) WITH MASTER
PLAN: Planner Justin Moore presented a rezoning request from KHDP Enterprises to
rezone the 1.29-acres of vacant land located along SE 2nd Street from Highway-Oriented
Commercial (HOC) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) with a master plan.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Kevin Heiss, representing KHDP Enterprises, described plans for a mixed -use building
featuring both commercial and residential elements. He noted that Riverside
Technologies expressed interest in establishing a presence on the site and sought to
collaborate with Iowa State University for student internship opportunities.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning
property at 200, 204, 210, 214, 220 Southeast 2 nd Street and 210 Sumner Avenue from
Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) with Master
Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PART OF A PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE IOWA
STATE RESEARCH PARK LOCATED ALONG SOUTH 530TH AVENUE FROM
AGRICULTURAL (A) TO RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT (RI) WITH
MASTER PLAN: Planner Schoeneman presented a request to rezone approximately 15
acres within the Iowa State Research Park from Agricultural (A) to Research Park
Industrial (RI) with a Master Plan. The rezoning would facilitate development of an
agricultural testing facility, while the remaining 20 acres would remain zoned Agricultural.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Kyle Clark, Ames resident that lived immediately adjacent to the parcel, expressed
concerns about how the development might affect his family's property . He requested
more information about setbacks, height restrictions, and the overall master plan for the
area.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Planner Schoeneman responded to Mr. Clarkâs concerns stating that rezoning was the
first step, preceding a preliminary plat or site plan that could provide more details. She
6
reported that the code dictated a 10-foot side setback and 10-foot rear setback
requirement, as well as a maximum height of 100 feet for the area.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading of an ordinance rezoning
part of a property located within the Iowa State Research Park located along South 530th
Avenue from Agricultural (A) to Research Park Innovation District (RI) with Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT REGARDING DEVELOPERS' REQUEST FOR HOUSING
INCENTIVES: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann presented a staff report on
five development project requests for financial assistance, outlining different options and
funding sources for each.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Justin Dodge, Hunziker Companies, advocated for Option 3 for Auburn Trail, which would
enable the development of 50 lots in 2026.
Keith Arneson, Pinnacle Properties, spoke in support of Option 3 regarding Domani 1,
highlighting his commitment to bringing additional lots to the market.
Kurt Friedrich, Friedrich Land Development Company, advocated for Option 3,
specifically a variation termed "3b," which would see the City assume responsibility for
the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Cameron School Road and GW
Carver Avenue.
Nick Halfhill, ATI Group, outlined the phased development plans for Hayden's Preserve,
emphasizing the need for infrastructure incentives to remain competitive with other
developments and expressed readiness to formalize agreements if the City moved
forward with Option 3.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Hail when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to work with developers to
come up with an outline of a schedule of events and activities to facilitate Option 3 for all
projects.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to investigate partnership
with Story County to pursue a roundabout at the intersection of Cameron School Road and
GW Carver Avenue.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 9:09 p.m. and reconvened at 9:18 p.m.
MODIFICATIONS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19, PARKS AND RECREATION,
TO CLARIFY EXPECTATIONS OF PARK USE: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-
7
Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance regarding Modifications to Municipal
Code Chapter 19, Parks & Recreation, to clarify expectations of park use.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to make changes based
on the City Council discussion during the December 9, 2025, Regular Meeting of the
Ames City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT FOR LANDSCAPING ROCK
MULCH WITHIN REQUIRED LANDSCAPE AREAS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by
Gartin, to pass on second reading a Zoning Text Amendment for landscaping rock mulch
within required landscape areas.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING ON REZONING (WITH MASTER PLAN) FROM INTENSIVE
INDUSTRIAL TO GENERAL INDUSTRIAL FOR 23959 580TH AVENUE: Moved by
Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to pass on second reading a rezoning (with Master Plan)
from Intensive Industrial to General Industrial for 23959 580th Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ROOSEVELT AVENUE PARKING PROHIBITIONS FROM 13TH STREET TO 16TH
STREET: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance on
Roosevelt Avenue parking prohibitions from 13th Street to 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to suspend the rules and allow for second
and third reading of an ordinance on Roosevelt Avenue parking prohibitions from 13th
Street to 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on second reading an ordinance
on Roosevelt Avenue parking prohibitions from 13th Street to 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4578 on Roosevelt Avenue parking prohibitions from 13th Street to 16th Street.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4579 ON ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENT FOR THE SOUTH LINCOLN SUB AREA MIXED USE DISTRICT (S-
SMD) SINGLE FAMILY DESIGN STANDARDS: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by
Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4579 on Zoning Text
8
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
FY 2026/27 CITY COUNCIL BUDGET GUIDELINES: Director of Finance Corey
Goodenow, Budget Manager Nancy Masteller, Assistant City Manager Pa Goldbeck, and
Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips detailed the guidelines.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to approve a 3% increase over the FY
2025/26 Analysis of Social Services Team (ASSET) Budget for FY 2026/27.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve a 3% increase over the FY 2025/26
Commission on the Arts (COTA) Budget for FY 2026/27.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Rollins, to approve a total of $365,000 of Local Option
Sales Tax Funding for Outside Funding Requests for the 2026/27 Fiscal Year.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to approve a total of $16,000 of Hotel/Motel Tax
Funding for Parking Waivers and $15,000 of Hotel/Motel Tax Funding for Workforce
Development.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to obtain additional information on
sources of funds and justification of expenses for all Outside Funding Requests and to
reconcile the discrepancies between items pulled from the Consent Agenda and the
associated requests.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
three items for consideration. The first was a memo from the Historic Preservation Commission
regarding Municipal Code Chapter 31 Revisions.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to refer the item to Planning and Housing staff
for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for Land Use Comprehensive Plan Amendment from Boone County property
owner Leon Wuebker was the second item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer the item to Planning and Housing
staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was a request regarding Ontario Street Workforce Housing Subdivision
from Ames Regional Economic Alliance Senior Vice President Brenda Dryer.
9
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer the item to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen noted an additional item that had been received by the
City Council via email from Dan Batha regarding the zoning and enforcement regulations
for a property located on South 4th Street bordering the pedestrian trail in Stuart Smith
Park.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to refer the item to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Mayor and City Council Members 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.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE IOWA PUBLIC POWER AGENCY: Director of Electric Services
Donald Kom presented information about the Iowa Public Power Agency (IPPA), which
Ames was invited to join at no cost.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-627 approving
Application and Agreement for Membership in the Iowa Public Power Agency.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Director Kom detailed the necessity of a confidentiality agreement for membership in the
Iowa Public Power Agency (IPPA) due to the sensitive nature of discussions related to
electric transmission planning and critical infrastructure. City Attorney Mark Lambert
confirmed that the confidentiality agreement aligned with the Iowa Code, allowing
discussions to remain private around critical infrastructure, which could be legitimately
discussed in closed sessions.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to authorize and approve the Confidentiality
Agreement regarding electric transmission planning and construction and critical
energy infrastructure.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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 Iowa
Code Sections 21.5(1)(a), 388.9(1), and 21.5(1)(k), to review or discuss records which
are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential; to discuss
proprietary information and information required by a noncustomer contracting party to
be kept confidential pursuant to a nondisclosure agreement which relates to electric
transmission planning and construction and critical energy infrastructure; and to discuss
information contained in records in the custody of a governmental body that are
10
confidential records pursuant to Section 22.7, Subsection 50.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to go into Closed Session at 10:39 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 10:59 p.m.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 25-628 approving
Joint Development Agreement and Payment of Initial Payment Required Therein.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the
meeting at 10:59 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
______________________________ ________________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk