HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 13, 2026To:Mayor & City Council
From:Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager
Date:January 13, 2026
Subject:Ames Main Street Requests for 2026 Special Events (Tabled from
December 16, 2025 Meeting)
Item No. 12
MEMO
At its meeting on December 16, 2025, the City Council tabled the approval of
agenda Items #8 and #10-15. These items are the requests from Ames Main
Street for special events occurring in 2026, with the exception of 4th of July. The
City Council requested clarification regarding the parking requests and related
waivers, including in comparison with the Ames Main Street funding application
for FY 2026/27.
In February 2020, the City Council adopted the following policy regarding
metered parking waivers:
Metered parking fees will not be waived for special events. Any event
organizers intending to provide free parking or to close metered parking
spaces must reimburse the City’s Parking Fund for the lost revenue. The
City Council may consider waivers to this policy on a case-by-case basis
for parking spaces that are obstructed by the event area (not for area-wide
free parking).
The seven events in question contain a combination of requests for area-wide
free parking and for closure of metered parking in some small areas. The table
below indicates the events, the nature of each request, and the lost Parking Fund
revenue:
Event FY
Closure Type Lost
Revenue
Proposed
ActionArea-
wide
Specific
meters (#)
Art Walk 2025/26 23 $ 17.25 Waive Lost
Revenue
Summer
Sidewalk Sales 2026/27 X $ 1,370.25 X-fer from
Hotel/Motel
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
1
Music Walk 2026/27 23 $ 17.25 Waive Lost
Revenue
Witches Walk 2026/27 14 $ 10.50 Waive Lost
Revenue
Holiday Open
House 2026/27 X $ 1,370.25 X-fer from
Hotel/Motel
Small Business
Saturday 2026/27 5X $ 12,341.25 X-fer from
Hotel/Motel
Snow Magic 2026/27 4 $ 0 None
OUTSIDE FUNDING APPLICATION
Ames Main Street submitted an application for FY 2026/27 funding through the
Outside Funding Request process on November 14, 2025. This application
contained a description of requests for “free parking” events and other retail
events for which free parking would not be sought. The free parking events listed
in the application were:
1. Winter Sidewalk Sales January 2027 (one day)
2. Summer Sidewalk Sales 2026 (one day)
3. Holiday Open House 2026 (one day)
4. Small Business Saturday 2026 (one day)
Subsequent to the application being filed, Small Business Saturday 2025 was
held. Due to inclement weather, Ames Main Street requested a second iteration
of Small Business Saturday to be held on December 6, 2025. The City Council
approved the request at a special meeting on December 3, 2025. Unfortunately,
this second iteration was also struck with inclement weather. Therefore, Ames
Main Street requested, and City Council approved on December 9, 2025, free
parking on each of the remaining Saturdays in December 2025.
Ames Main Street’s event application for Small Business Saturday 2026 was
initially filed in October 2025 (before the Outside Funding Request application
was submitted). The application letter was amended on December 10 (after
the Outside Funding Request application was submitted) to expand the
request for 2026 from one day of free parking to five days (adding each
Saturday in December). This modification results in the following
anticipated Parking Fund reimbursements in FY 2026/27:
Event Date(s)Location Lost
Revenue
Summer Sidewalk
Sales July 2026 Downtown $ 1,370.25
Holiday Open
House November 2026 Downtown $ 1,370.25
Small Business
Saturday
5 days – Nov. & Dec.
2026
Downtown &
Campustown $ 12,341.25
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
2
Winter Sidewalk
Sales January 2027 Downtown $ 1,370.25
TOTAL $ 16,452.00
City staff will therefore revise the amount included in the Hotel/Motel Tax
Fund of the recommended FY 2026/27 City budget to cover the lost revenue
to the Parking Fund. The Special Event requests tabled on December 16,
2025 are attached for the City Council's review and consideration of
approval.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Art Walk CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Summer Sidewalk Sales CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Music Walk CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Witches Walk CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Holiday Open House CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Small Business Saturday CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Snow Magic CAF 12.16.25.pdf
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
3
ITEM #:8
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR ART WALK ON JUNE 11,
2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) is planning to host its annual Art Walk on Thursday, June 11 from
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Art Walk showcases downtown businesses and community artists. In
order to facilitate this event, AMS has requested approval for the following:
Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Central Business District from 3:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m.
Blanket Vending License for the Central Business District from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and waiver of fee ($50 loss to City Clerk’s Office)
Use of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and use of the Plaza for live music and waiver of
fees for electricity
Closure of Douglas Avenue and Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street
Ames Main Street is also requesting a closure of 23 metered parking spaces in the Downtown
from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to provide space for vendors, and to waive parking meter fees and
enforcement (Loss of $17.25 to Parking Fund). The Council’s policy regarding parking waivers
is to consider requests such as this one on a case-by-case basis, as opposed to requiring
reimbursement for lost parking revenue. Lost parking revenue is only required to be
reimbursed under this policy when the parking waiver is District-wide.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Art Walk, including the waiver of fees.
2. Approve the requests for Art Walk but require reimbursement for lost parking revenue
and for the blanket Vending License.
3. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Art Walk is a popular annual event that adds vitality to the Downtown. The event
organizers have experience in hosting this and many other similar events throughout
the year. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Art Walk Application.pdf
Art Walk - Road Closure Map.pdf
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ITEM #:10
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR SUMMER SIDEWALK SALES
ON JULY 9 - JULY 12, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street is again hosting its annual Summer Sidewalk Sales from July 9 through
July 12. At this event, downtown businesses display merchandise on the sidewalks for
pedestrians to browse.
To facilitate this event, organizers are requesting suspension of parking regulations and
enforcement for the Downtown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 ($1,370.25
estimated loss to the Parking Fund). A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit has also been
requested for Saturday, July 11.
In February 2020, the City Council adopted a new policy regarding metered parking waivers:
Metered parking fees will not be waived for special events. Any event organizers
intending to provide free parking or to close metered parking spaces must reimburse
the City’s Parking Fund for the lost revenue. The City Council may consider waivers to
this policy on a case-by-case basis for parking spaces that are obstructed by the event
area (not for area-wide free parking).
City staff is preparing the FY 2026/27 budget and anticipates including $16,000 in the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to support parking waivers. However, the budget will not be finalized
and adopted formally by the City Council for several more months. Therefore, the approval of
the transfer of funding is conditional upon the Council adopting a budget with sufficient funding
to complete the transfer. It should be noted that the City Council has approved the waiver and
reimbursement of lost meter revenue for this event in previous years.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Sidewalk Sales as requested by Ames Main Street, including
the waiver of fees for parking and vending, and transfer $1,370.25 from the Hotel/Motel
Tax Fund to the Parking Fund (on the condition that sufficient funds are allocated in the
FY 2026/27 City Budget).
2. Approve the requests for Sidewalk Sales but require reimbursement for lost parking
meter revenue.
3. Deny the requests.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Sidewalk Sales is a successful event held each year in the Downtown. The event
attracts people to the Downtown and promotes shopping locally. These requests
further the City Council’s goal to strengthen Downtown. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Summer Sidewalk Sales Application.pdf
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ITEM #:11
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR MUSIC WALK ON
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) is planning to host its annual Music Walk event on Thursday,
September 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. AMS staff has made the following requests
of the City Council to help facilitate the Music Walk festivities on September 17:
Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Central Business District sidewalks and
Blanket Vending License for the Central Business District from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Waiver for fee for blanket Vending License ($50 loss to City Clerk’s Office)
Use of City-owned electrical outlets and waiver of costs from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
(approximately $5 loss to Electric Fund)
Resolution approving closure of Kellogg Avenue and Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to
Main Street.
Ames Main Street is also requesting a closure of 23 metered parking spaces in the Downtown
area from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m. to provide space for vendors, and to waive parking meter fees and enforcement (Loss of
$17.25 to Parking Fund).
The Council’s policy regarding parking waivers is to consider requests such as this one on a
case-by-case basis, as opposed to requiring reimbursement for lost parking revenue. Lost
parking revenue is only required to be reimbursed under this policy when the parking waiver is
District-wide.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Music Walk requests as submitted by AMS.
2. Approve the Music Walk requests as submitted by AMS but require reimbursement for
the parking meter fees, Vending License, and electrical use.
3. Do not approve the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This event provides residents with another opportunity to enjoy family-oriented
outdoor activities. This type of event facilitates supporting a vibrant downtown as well.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as noted above.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Music Walk Application.pdf
Music Walk - Road Closure Map.pdf
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ITEM #:12
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR WITCHES WALK ON
OCTOBER 8, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street is hosting its annual Witches Walk on October 8, 2026. At this event,
downtown businesses are encouraged to hold shopping promotions and provide samples in
their stores for customers. Businesses will also be encouraged to stay open later, from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To facilitate this event, organizers are requesting:
A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket Vending License and a waiver of
Vending License fee ($50 loss to City Clerk's Office)
Use of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza and waiver of costs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
(approximately $5 loss to Electric Fund)
Closure of Kellogg Avenue and Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to Main Street from 3:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for food vendors
Ames Main Street is also requesting a closure of 14 metered parking spaces in the Downtown
from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to provide space for vendors, and to waive parking meter fees and
enforcement (Loss of $10.50 to Parking Fund).
The Council’s policy regarding parking waivers is to consider requests such as this one on a
case-by-case basis, as opposed to requiring reimbursement for lost parking revenue. Lost
parking revenue is only required to be reimbursed under this policy when the parking waiver is
District-wide.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Witches Walk as requested by Ames Main Street, including the
waiver of fees for electricity, parking, and blanket Vending License.
2. Approve the requests for Witches Walk but require reimbursement of fees for electricity,
parking, and blanket Vending License.
3. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Witches Walk is an event held to attract residents to downtown and promote shopping
locally. These requests further the City Council’s goal to strengthen downtown.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as noted above.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Witches Walk Application.pdf
Witches Walk Map.pdf
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ITEM #:13
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) has submitted requests for Holiday Open House, a new event,
November 5 through November 8, 2026. To facilitate the event, organizers are requesting a
blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and suspension of parking regulations and enforcement
for the Downtown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday November 7, 2026 ($1,370.25
estimated loss to the Parking Fund).
In February 2020, the City Council adopted the following policy regarding metered parking
waivers:
Metered parking fees will not be waived for special events. Any event organizers
intending to provide free parking or to close metered parking spaces must reimburse
the City’s Parking Fund for the lost revenue. The City Council may consider waivers to
this policy on a case-by-case basis for parking spaces that are obstructed by the event
area (not for area-wide free parking).
City staff is preparing the FY 2026/27 budget and anticipates including $16,000 in the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to support parking waivers. However, the budget will not be finalized
and adopted formally by the City Council for several more months. Therefore, the approval of
the transfer of funding is conditional upon the Council adopting a budget with sufficient funding
to complete the transfer.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Holiday Open House on November 7, 2026, as requested by
Ames Main Street, including the waiver of fees, and transfer of $1,370.25 from the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund.
2. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Holiday Open House is a new event for the downtown area. The event aims to attract
people downtown and promotes shopping locally during the holiday shopping season.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Holiday Open House Application.pdf
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ITEM #:14
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR SMALL BUSINESS
SATURDAY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) has submitted requests for Small Business Saturday on November
28, 2026. To facilitate the event, organizers are requesting a blanket Temporary Obstruction
Permit and suspension of parking regulations and enforcement for the Downtown and
Campustown Areas from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026 ($2,468.25
estimated loss to the Parking Fund). In order to provide continued support to small
businesses during the holiday season, AMS has requested extending the blanket Temporary
Obstruction Permit and suspension of parking regulations and enforcement in Downtown and
Campustown to include December 5, December 12, December 19, and December 26, 2026
(additional $9,873.00 estimated loss to the parking fund).
In February 2020, the City Council adopted the following policy regarding metered parking
waivers:
Metered parking fees will not be waived for special events. Any event organizers
intending to provide free parking or to close metered parking spaces must reimburse
the City’s Parking Fund for the lost revenue. The City Council may consider waivers to
this policy on a case-by-case basis for parking spaces that are obstructed by the event
area (not for area-wide free parking).
City staff is preparing the FY 2026/27 budget and anticipates including $16,000 in the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to support parking waivers. However, the budget will not be finalized
and adopted formally by the City Council for several more months. Therefore, the approval of
the transfer of funding is conditional upon the Council adopting a budget with sufficient funding
to complete the transfer. It should be noted that the City Council has approved the waiver and
reimbursement of lost meter revenue for this event in previous years.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2026 and all
Saturdays throughout the month of December, as requested by Ames Main Street,
including the waiver of fee, and transfer of a total of $12,341.25 from the Hotel/Motel Tax
Fund to the Parking Fund (on the condition that sufficient funds are allocated in the FY
2026/27 City Budget).
2. Deny the requests.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Small Business Saturday is an annual event for the Downtown. The event includes an
extension of the free parking to the Campustown area as well. This event aims to attract
people to Downtown and Campustown and promotes shopping locally to kick off the
holiday shopping season. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Small Business Weekend Application.pdf
LOS Additional Free Parking Requests.pdf
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ITEM #:15
DATE:12-16-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES MAIN STREET FOR SNOW MAGIC
CELEBRATION ON DECEMBER 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Main Street (AMS) plans to host its annual Snow Magic Celebration December 1
through December 31, 2026. A kick-off event will be held on December 3, and the celebration
will continue throughout the month with promotions in Downtown businesses.
To facilitate this event, AMS has made the following requests:
A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and a blanket Vending License for the
Downtown from December 1 through December 31, to allow stores to display and sell
merchandise and waiver of Vending License fee ($50 loss to City Clerk’s Office).
Closure of four metered parking spaces on the east side of Douglas Avenue (between
5th and Main) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3 (Loss of $0 to the
Parking Fund).
Use of electricity in Tom Evans Plaza for the kick-off event on Thursday, December 3
and waiver of fees for electricity (Loss of $10 to the Electric Fund).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests made by Ames Main Street as indicated above, including the
requested waiver of a Vending License, closure of four metered parking spaces, and
waiver of electricity user fees.
2. Approve the requests as indicated above but require reimbursement for the blanket
Vending Permit ($50) and electricity use ($10).
3. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Snow Magic provides an opportunity to draw residents and visitors to downtown and
supports local businesses during the holiday shopping season. It is, therefore, the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Snow Magic Application.pdf
Map - Douglas Parking Closures.pdf
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