HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - January 13, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Extended Minutes
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 13, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:09 p.m. on the 13th day of January, 2026, 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, and Anita Rollins. Council Member
Rachel Junck and ex officio Emily Boland joined the meeting electronically.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of December 1-15,
2025, and December 16-31, 2025
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
December 16, 2025, and Special City Council Meeting on December 23, 2025
4. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates
5. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service and
Catering Privilege - Stephens Auditorium at ISU, 1900 Center Drive, Pending
Favorable Inspection
6. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service -
The Stan Tap, 216 Stanton Avenue
7. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. American Legion Post 37, 225 Main Street, Class F Retail Alcohol
License, Pending Dramshop Review
b. Blue Owl Bar, 223 Welch Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
c. Perkins #1025, 325 South Duff Avenue, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
d. Springhill Suites, 1810 SE 16th Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
e. Staybridge Suites Ames, 2111 Isaac Newton Drive, Special Class C
Retail Alcohol License, Pending Dramshop Review
8. Motion authorizing staff to apply for and participate in the Bloomberg
Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund program for up to $100,000
9. Motion authorizing staff to apply for and participate in the Iowa Economic
Development Authority's Community Energy Resilience Program for up to
$37,500
10. RESOLUTION NO. 26-001 approving appointment of Council Member Anita
Rollins to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)
11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-002 approving appointment of Council Member Gloria
Betcher to Discover Ames
12. Ames Main Street Requests for 2026 Special Events (tabled from December 16,
2025)
a. Requests from Ames Main Street for Art Walk on Thursday, June 11, 2026:
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i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and
blanket Vending License in Central Business District
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-003 approving suspension of parking meter
fees and enforcement for 23 metered parking spaces for vendors
from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-004 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.
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-005 approving closure of Kellogg Avenue
and Douglas Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street from 3:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
v. RESOLUTION NO. 26-006 approving usage of Tom Evans Plaza
b. Requests from Ames Main Street for Summer Sidewalk Sales on July 9 -
July 12, 2026:
i. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-007 approving suspension of parking
regulations and enforcement for the Downtown from 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-008 approving transfer of $1,370.25 from the
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund
c. Requests from Ames Main Street for Music Walk on Thursday,
September 17, 2026:
i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and
blanket Vending License in Central Business District from 3:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-009 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.
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-010 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.
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-011 approving closure of Kellogg Avenue
and Douglas Avenue from 5th Street to Main Street
d. Requests from Ames Main Street for Witches Walk on Thursday, October
8, 2026:
i. 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
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-012 approving waiver of electrical fees on
Ames Main Street from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-013 approving closure of Kellogg Avenue
from Main Street to 5th Street from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-014 approving suspension of parking meter
fees and enforcement for 14 parking spaces in Downtown from 3:00
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p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October 8, 2026
e. Requests from Ames Main Street for Holiday Open House event from
November 5 through November 8, 2026:
i. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for
Downtown
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-015 approving suspension of parking
regulations and enforcement for Downtown 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
on Saturday, November 7, 2026
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-016 approving waiver of parking meter fees
and enforcement
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-017 approving transfer of $1,370.25 from
Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund
f. Requests from Ames Main Street for Small Business Saturday on
November 28, 2026:
i. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for
Downtown and Campustown on November 28, December 5,
December 12, D ecember 19, and December 26
ii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-018 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
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-019 approving waiver of parking meter fees
and enforcement
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-020 approving transfer of $12,341.25 from
the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to the Parking Fund
g. Requests from Ames Main Street for Snow Magic on December 1
through December 31, 2026:
i. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
ii. Motion approving Blanket Vending License
iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-021 approving waiver of Vending License fee
iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-022 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
v. RESOLUTION NO. 26-023 approving usage of electricity in Tom
Evans Plaza and waiver of fees for electricity
13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-024 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (E. Lincoln Way and Nikkol Trunk Line)
project, setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and February 24, 2026,
as the date of Public Hearing
14. Sanitary Sewer and Manhole Rehabilitation (Basin 11) Project
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-025 approving preliminary plans and
specifications and setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and
February 24, 2026, as date of Public Hearing
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-026 approving Cost Sharing Agreement with
Manatt's Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $91,440
15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-027 approving plans and specifications for the 2025/26
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Collector Street Pavement Improvements (Bloomington Road), setting
February 17, 2026, as the bid due date through the Iowa DOT and February
24, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-028 approving Professional Services Agreement with
HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, NE, for Storm Sewer System Analysis in the
amount not to exceed $490,370
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-029 approving Amendment No. 1 with Brown Reynolds
Watford Architects, of College Station, TX, for Architectural and Engineering
Services for the New Fire Station No. 2 Project in an amount not-to-exceed
$806,300
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-030 approving Change Order No. 2 with Petrotech Inc.,
of New Orleans, LA, for Combustion Turbine Controls Upgrade in an amount of
$176,054.59
19. 2022/23 East 13th Street Sanitary Sewer Extension Project
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-031 approving Change Order No. 4 in the increased
amount of $11,808
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-032 accepting the project as completed by On
Track Construction, LLC, of Nevada, IA, in the amount of $2,335,282.96
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-033 accepting completion of the City Hall Interior
Improvements Phase II by GTG Construction, of Des Moines, IA, in the amount
of $361,194.76
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.
Julie Tigges shared that her partner Todd Lauridsen, who was terminally ill, was
requesting the release of his dog, Tyson, who was being held by Animal Control due to
behavioral concerns.
Michelle Griffith spoke about property taxes in Iowa and requested that the City Council
consider a 2% property tax cap going forward.
Caitlin Leon, representing the Ames Climate Action Team , noted confusion in the
community about the future of Resource Recovery with the end of the waste -to-energy
system and voiced concerns about potential data center developments in Ames .
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
AMENDMENT TO SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS, KINGSBURY FIFTH ADDITION: Planning and Housing Director
Kelly Diekmann explained that this item involved an amendment to a development
agreement for cost-sharing on the extension of SE 3rd Street. The City originally planned
to extend the street at its sole cost as part of a larger project ; however, that project was
no longer deemed necessary. The agreement involved the City sharing the cost of a
smaller 150-foot extension with a cap of 50% or $30,000 based on actual construction
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costs. Staff was supportive of the agreement. Director Diekmann noted that if the City
Council chose not to move forward with the agreement, the full obligation of completing
the improvements would fall to the landowners.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-034 approving
amendment to Second Supplemental Agreement for Public Improvements, Kingsbury
Fifth Addition.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST TO INITIATE A GREENBRIAR COMMERCIAL AREA COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN AMENDMENT: Director Diekmann presented the request to initiate a
comprehensive plan amendment process to relocate approximately eight acres of
commercial area within the Greenbriar development. He explained that the City Council
was not voting on approving the item but rather on allowing it to proceed through the
public hearing process. The proposal would move a planned commercial node from the
center of the development to the northwest corner at the intersection of GW Carver
Avenue and Cameron School Road.
Director Diekmann reviewed that the original plan included an east-west connector street
through the Hayden’s Preserve site; however, it was later determined that constructing
an east-west street was not feasible. He explained that the original placement of the
commercial node was intended to support a walkable neighborhood development under
the RN-4 land use designation.
Director Diekmann reported that the developer did not think the commercial area would
be viable in the middle of the subdivision due to insufficient traffic, but it would be viable
at the corner of GW Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road, which carried much
higher traffic volumes. Staff believed that the RN-4 was specifically designed to address
housing diversity and the main concern was not the functionality of the commercial area
but accomplishing housing goals. If the Neighborhood Commercial-Mixed Use (NC-MU)
was approved to be moved, it would still be critical that the developer prioritized achieving
housing diversity goals.
Director Diekmann addressed the challenge associated with moving the commercial node
to the intersection at GW Carver Avenue. Without a centralized commercial area, there
was a risk of losing the neighborhood center feel, which was crucial for creating a
walkable and diverse community as envisaged in the RN-4 designation. Any decision to
modify the node location needed to consider these aspects to ensure that the objectives
of the RN-4 were still met.
In response to questions from Council Member Betcher about how the relocation would
impact the proposed roundabout at the intersection, Director Diekmann reported that the
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developer was aware of the potential roundabout and was not concerned that it would
change the desirability of the intersection. He also shared that staff was confident that if
the commercial node were to be relocated, it would not change the function of the
intersection, as its impact related more to land use compatibility and how it would work
within the neighborhood development overall.
In response to questions from Council Member Gartin regarding parameters setting the
type of commercial development allowed , Director Diekmann explained that the process
of moving the commercial node would involve defining parameters for commercial use
through either the master plan or a Planned Unit Development (PUD). He clarified that
standard zoning would typically involve Convenience General Service (CGS), which
included retail, restaurant, and office spaces and could allow for convenience stores.
However, without a detailed layout, the specific plan could not yet be determined. The
master plan would help refine commercial layouts and usage, while a PUD would provide
oversight through site plan review, architectural control, and use restrictions.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Chuck Winkleblack, Hunziker Companies, provided additional context for the request to
move the commercial node. He explained that the company did not see the middle of the
subdivision as a feasible location for commercial development due to limited traffic on the
2-lane road, which currently carried about 3,000 cars a day. Winkleblack stated that the
intersection at GW Carver Avenue would provide a more viable and practical option for
commercial activities, with its higher volume of traffic offering better visibility and access
for potential businesses. Winkleblack expressed Hunziker Company’s support for working
collaboratively with the City to ensure the planning of commercial areas aligned with the
development of access points and infrastructure at the intersection , whether it became a
roundabout or a more traditional intersection.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen commented on the apparent competing interests, noting
that while the RN-4 zoning aims to create a walkable, village-style area, prioritizing
businesses that rely on car traffic contradicted this goal.
After discussion, Director Diekmann highlighted that if the City Council were to move
Alternative No. 1, a neighborhood meeting led by the developer would be required as part
of the comprehensive plan amendment process to enhance public outreach and
engagement before proceeding to public hearings.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1: Initiate a
developer application for Comprehensive Plan Amendment to relocate the NC-MU area to
the intersection of Cameron School Road and GW Carver Avenue as a Minor Amendment
with a required neighborhood meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER PROPOSED FEES AND FACILITY
HOURS UPDATE: Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort, alongside Director of Parks
and Recreation Keith Abraham, provided an update on the operations of the Fitch Family
Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC). The operational schedule was developed based on
community input from over 2,100 survey responses. The presentation clarified that during
summer months, the facility would not be closed but would have reduced aquatic
operations, with the focus shifting to Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) for open swimming.
FFIAC would still offer water walking, lap swim, some aqua classes, and swim lessons,
along with non-aquatic programming held in multipurpose rooms and the walking track.
Additionally, a new Aquatics Facility Pass had been added, which provided year-round
access and was eligible for use at both FFIAC and FAC.
Superintendent Kort reviewed staffing progress, noting that the department had hired two
full-time positions and was recruiting part-time and temporary staff, with 54 applications
received for aquatics positions and 26 for desk clerks.
In response to questions from Mayor Haila regarding the open swim schedule,
Superintendent Kort confirmed that there would be no open swim hours at FFIAC during
the summer season.
Council Member Betcher inquired about options for membership periods between the 12 -
punch card and full-year membership, particularly for seasonal residents. Staff
acknowledged this concern and indicated that options similar to end-of-season passes at
FAC were still being explored.
Council Member Gartin asked about the philosophy behind setting fees. Director
Abraham explained that staff considered what most people could afford while providing
assistance to those who needed it, noting that few aquatic facilities across the country
operated at break-even and that the operational costs not covered by user fees would be
subsidized by property tax revenue.
Council Member Betcher also inquired about the possibility of a program where
community members could donate funds or purchase passes for others who may be
unable to afford them on their own. Director Abraham reported that staff was working on
the summer brochure, which would include more information and opportunities for such
options.
Director Abraham stated that no formal action was requested on this item, as it was
presented as an update only.
HEARING ON DIGITAL BILLBOARD LEASE AGREEMENT ON THE WESTERN
THIRD OF 731 BILLY SUNDAY ROAD, LOT 3 WITH LAMAR ADVERTISING
COMPANY (CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 14, 2025): Director Diekmann presented
the lease agreement with Lamar Advertising that would allow the use of part of the Billy
Sunday property for a digital billboard. The City Council had previously created a zoning
ordinance to allow for digital billboards, and this lease would enable Lamar Advertising to
pursue a permit for construction of a billboard at this location.
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Director Diekmann explained revisions to the lease, highlighting a change to Section 5
regarding the obligation at the termination of the lease. Lamar Advertising was required
to restore the site to its original condition within 150 days, an extension from the originally
proposed 90 days, due to potential seasonal constraints. If Lamar Advertising failed to
restore the site within this period, the City reserved the right to remove the sign and
restore the site at the expense of Larmar Advertising, even after lease termination.
Staff recommended approval, noting the consistency of the lease with initial plans. The
lease stipulated a specific envelope of land on the site, which considered DOT
requirements ensuring legal compliance and optimal visibility.
Mayor Haila asked about the light levels and size of the sign face. Director Diekmann
confirmed that the light levels adhered to a nits standard which set an appropriate level
of light emitted from the sign for evening and nighttime to maintain a balance between the
minimum and preferred brightness standards, and the sign's size would align with the
maximum size established by the ordinance.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Jeri Neal, 916 Ridgewood, came forward and asked if the light levels of the billboard
would be decreased at night.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Director Diekmann confirmed that the established 160-nits standard applied during
evening and nighttime hours.
In response to concerns about bird migration and wildlife impact, Director Diekmann
explained that while light pollution could be an issue for migrating birds, no definitive
evidence was found to link digital billboards directly to adverse effects. The 160 -nits
standard during nighttime was established as a compromise between the lowest feasible
brightness and industry preferences.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-036 approving
the lease agreement with Lamar Advertising to place a digital billboard on City of Ames
property known as Lot 3 of the Billy Sunday Subdivision generally addressed as 731 Billy
Sunday Road.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON FY 2023/24 STORY COUNTY EDGE OF FIELD PROJECT: 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 Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-037 approving
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final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Hands On Excavating, of
Radcliffe, IA, in the amount of $292,849.82.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON EASEMENT AT 400 FREEL DRIVE FOR THE RESOURCE RECOVERY
AND RECYCLING CAMPUS: 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 NO. 26-038 approving
vacation of an existing public utility easement at 400 Freel Drive for the Resource
Recovery and Recycling Campus.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON EASEMENTS AT 320 SE 2ND ST, 405 SE 3RD ST, AND 413 SE 3RD
STREET: Director Diekmann advised that since ownership had not yet transferred on the
properties as originally presumed, staff recommended holding the Public Hearing but
taking no action on the vacation until the final plat was presented for approval.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to take no action and table the item to a future
City Council Meeting after the final plat became available for review.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE MODIFYING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS 4
& 19 TO ADDRESS PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICES : Assistant City
Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck reported that staff had investigated drafting language for a
first offense fix-it period for lighting violations in accordance with the City Council’s
direction at its meeting on December 9th, 2025. It was determined, however, that such
language could be seen as a discouragement from enforcing the law. Therefore, no
changes were included in the second reading of the ordinance. It was noted that officers
were currently issuing warnings rather than citations for improper lighting. Once fully
adopted, educational materials would be disseminated to inform the community about
the updated rules.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance
modifying Municipal Code Chapters 4 & 19 to address personal transportation devices.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING A PART OF 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: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins,
to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning a part of property located within the
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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.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING 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: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an
ordinance rezoning 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.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4580 ON ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENT FOR LANDSCAPING ROCK MULCH WITHIN REQUIRED
LANDSCAPE AREAS: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third
reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4580 on Zoning Text Amendment for Landscaping
Rock Mulch within required Landscape Areas.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REZONING WITH MASTER PLAN FOR 23959 580TH AVENUE: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-040 approving the Rezoning
Agreement for 23959 580th Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4581 on rezoning (with Master Plan) for 23959 580th Avenue from
Intensive Industrial to General Industrial.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4582 MODIFICATIONS TO
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19, PARKS AND RECREATION, TO CLARIFY
EXPECTATIONS OF PARK USE: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on
third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4582 Modifications to Municipal Code
Chapter 19, Parks and Recreation, to clarify expectations of park use.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were ten items for consideration. The first item was from Caleb Roelfs regarding a request
for Welch Avenue Improvements.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to respond to the requestor,
thank them for the feedback, and notify them that the City Council would take this
information into consideration as applicable moving forward.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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A request regarding garbage issues at apartments on Tripp Street from Erik Charter was
the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to refer to staff for a memo regarding No. 1 of
the included suggestions, which related to a letter of compliance for rental properties.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth items all related to traffic concerns and included a request
from Bonnie Alley regarding Mortensen Road Corridor; two requests from Grant Olsen,
one regarding the intersection of Lincoln Way and North Dakota Avenue and the other
regarding Thackeray Trail Crossing; and a request from Ryan Park regarding the West
Towne Apartments’ exit.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer the four traffic related items to
staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The seventh item was an Animal Control concern from Julie Tigges.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to respond to the requestor
and inform them that the request was outside the jurisdiction of the City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Diekmann in response to a property owner request for Zoning Text
Amendment for Encroachment Setbacks was the eighth item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve Option 5: Take no action.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The ninth item was a memo from Director Diekmann in response to a request for Plan
2040 Amendment to land use classification for property within Boone County.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to obtain additional
information from the applicant.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A staff report from City Manager Steve Schainker on the Ontario Workforce Housing
Division was the final item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the item on the agenda of the
January 27, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Mayor Haila reported that the next meeting for Story
County Emergency Management would be a budget session held on January 21, 2026.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland shared a reminder that the joint meeting with
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ISU Student Government would be held March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sun Room at
the Memorial Union.
Council Member Betcher spoke on the ongoing events in Minnesota, extending her
sympathy to residents, especially those in Minneapolis, as they grappled with the killing of
Renee Good and the impact on neighborhood safety due to the increased presence of
federal law enforcement officers.
Council Member Rollins, citing recent conversations with staff, expressed interest in
obtaining more information on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) regarding development
projects.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to request that staff develop a TIF guidebook and
hold an informational workshop for the City Council Members.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen expressed appreciation for the City's responsible handling
of finances in response to the Public Forum speaker's concerns about property taxes. She
noted the difficult balance between keeping taxes low and providing necessary services to
remain competitive with other communities.
Council Member Gartin emphasized that Ames had among the lowest millage rates in Iowa
while delivering high-quality services and encouraged residents to engage with the
upcoming budget process.
Mayor Haila announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration scheduled for
Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Ames City Auditorium.
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 Section 21.5(1)(c), to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to go into Closed Session at 7:21 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 8:32 p.m.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to proceed with action as
discussed in Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at
8:33 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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______________________________ ______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk