HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 27, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 27, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:04 p.m. on the 27th 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, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex
officio Emily Boland was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the
consent agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of January 1-15, 2026
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
January 13, 2026, City Council Retreat on January 17, 2026, and Special City
Council Meeting on January 20, 2026
4. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - The Olive Garden Italian
Restaurant, 1820 SE 16th Street, Pending Favorable Inspection
5. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - Smoke Stop, 516
Lincoln Way, Ste 1
6. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Wal-
Mart Store #749, 3105 Grand Avenue
7. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class E Retail Alcohol License - Wal-
Mart Supercenter #4256, 534 South Duff Avenue
8. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. Blaze Pizza, 2320 Lincoln Way Ste 109, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
b. Clouds, 119 Stanton Avenue Ste 701, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
c. Dog-Eared Books, 203 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License
d. Dublin Bay, 320 S 16th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
e. El Azteca, 2727 Stange Road, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor
Service
f. Fareway Stores, Inc. 093, 3619 Stange Road, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
g. Fareway Stores, Inc. 386, 619 Burnett Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
h. Ge'Angelo's, 823 Wheeler Street Ste 9, Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop
Review
i. Outlaws, 2522 Chamberlain Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
j. The Filling Station, 2400 University Boulevard, Class E Retail Alcohol
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License
k. Cy's Roost, 121 Welch Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service
9. Motion accepting the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Report
10. Motion accepting Fiscal Year 2025/26 Second Quarter Financial Report
11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-041 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period
ending December 31, 2025
12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-042 Appointing a City Representative to the Central
Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) Board of Commissioners
13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-043 approving accession of sculpture for Neighborhood
Sculpture Program
14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-044 authorizing City staff to apply for and participate in
2026-27 Green Iowa AmeriCorps hosting
15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-045 amending Supplemental Employment Policies for
Certain Electric Distribution and Technical Services Employees
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-046 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
construction of the 2022/23 Bridge Rehabilitation Program (S. 4th Pedestrian
Bridge over Ioway Creek), setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and
February 24, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-047 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2023/24 Stormwater Erosion Control Program (Inis Grove) project, setting
February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and February 24, 2026, as the date of
Public Hearing
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-048 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2025/26 Concrete Street Pavement Improvements Program No.1 (Clark Ave),
setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and February 24, 2026, as the
date of Public Hearing
19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-049 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2025/26 Concrete Street Pavement Improvements Program No. 2 (Sunset Dr),
setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and February 24, 2026, as the
date of Public Hearing
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-050 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2025/26 Concrete Street Pavement Improvements Program No. 3 (Campus
Ave) setting February 18, 2026, as the bid due date and February 24, 2026, as
the date of Public Hearing
21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-051 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and awarding contract to Radian Research Inc., of
Lafayette, IN, for the purchase of an automated test board for Electric Services
in the amount of $57,977.65 (inclusive of applicable sales tax)
22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-052 awarding contract to Insight Public Sector, of Dallas,
TX, for Microsoft software licensing and support in the amount not to exceed
$287,530.68
23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-053 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
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24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-054 approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of
$64,755.60 with Gillig LLC, of Livermore, CA, for the purchase of five battery
electric buses for a total contract amount of $5,854,235.60
25. 2022/23 Concrete Pavement Improvements - (Brookridge Ave, Ridgewood Ave,
Lee St, 9th St, Park Way, & Alley) Project
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-055 approving Change Order No. 2, a
deduction in the amount of $286,617.83
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-056 accepting the project as completed by S hekar
Engineering, P.L.C., of Des Moines, IA, in the amount of $3,941,150.72
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.
Sam Brant addressed affordable housing issues in Ames, suggesting easing regulations
on housing development and operations as a solution to the affordability challenges.
Graham Fiebiger raised concerns about the automated license plate reader cameras
used in Ames, citing issues with data security, surveillance, and potential Fourth
Amendment violations. Council Member Beatty-Hansen clarified that the City of Ames did
not own Flock cameras. Mayor Haila confirmed that these cameras belonged to Iowa
State University (ISU) and that the City Council had no jurisdiction over them.
Daryle Vegge, 5527 Irons Way, discussed his concerns about the annexation of
properties along Irons Way in north Ames, asking the City Council to consider making
exceptions either to the annexation itself or to sewer installation requirements, pointing
out that other areas had received such exceptions.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
2026-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN: Mayor Haila reviewed that the City
Council received a presentation on the 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) from
staff the previous week. He noted that final decisions regarding the CIP would not be
made until the Budget Wrap-Up meeting on February 10, 2026, and that the public was
invited to bring forward input. Director of Finance Corey Goodenow and Budget Manager
Nancy Masteller were present to answer questions.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
STAFF REPORT ON ONTARIO WORKFORCE HOUSING SUBDIVISION: City Manager
Steve Schainker presented a report on a proposed workforce housing project on Ontario
Road, where local developers were planning to build a mix of housing units on the 17-
acre site.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to move ahead with the steps outlined in the
staff report on the Ontario Workforce Housing Subdivision.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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DISCUSSION ON ELEMENTS FOR DRAFT MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14, HUMAN
RELATIONS REGARDING CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR GENDER IDENTITY:
Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames, alongside City Attorney Mark Lambert and
Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck, presented three key elements for the City
Council to consider in drafting an ordinance to add gender identity as a protected class
to the Municipal Code.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to approve Option 1 for Element 1: Investigating
Discrimination Complaints, Option 1 for Element 2: Municipal Infraction Penalty Levels,
and Option 1 for Element 3: Mediation.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTY WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF
HARRISON ROAD AND WELBECK DRIVE WITH A MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN AND PRELIMINARY PLAT: Planner Amelia Schoeneman presented the rezoning
proposal for a property west of the intersection of Harrison Road and Welbeck Drive.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Donna Fennema, 4106 Ballentine Drive, expressed concerns about the project, including
selection of the contractor, driveway length, proximity to the railroad tracks, affordability
oversight, and tree barriers.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Planner Schoeneman addressed the aforementioned concerns, explaining the criteria
for each.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative No. 1 for Harrison Pointe,
a proposed development located on City surplus land west of the intersection of Harrison
Road and Welbeck Drive:
a. Pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning the land from Residential Low Density
(RL) to Suburban Residential Low Density (FS-RL) with a Planned Unit
Development Overlay (PUD)
b. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-057 approving Major Site Development Plan
c. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-058 approving Preliminary Plat
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PRELIMINARY PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE RESOURCE RECOVERY
& RECYCLING CAMPUS (R3C): Public Works Director Justin Clausen, alongside
Resource Recovery Superintendent Mark Peebler and Assistant City Manager Brian
Phillips, presented the preliminary plans and specifications for the R3C. The presentation
included updated site layouts, floor plans, process equipment designs, exterior
elevations, and 3D renderings of the facility.
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Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-059 approving
preliminary plans and specifications for the Resource Recovery & Recycling Campus
(R3C), setting March 3, 2026, as the bid due date and March 10, 2026, as the date of
Public Hearing.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
MODIFICATIONS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10, GARBAGE AND REFUSE:
Assistant City Manager Phillips, alongside Director Clausen and Superintendent Peebler,
presented proposed modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 10 regarding garbage and
refuse. The changes aimed to revise outdated standards, create a definition for recyclable
materials, and establish the authority to implement a residential curbside recycling program
as directed by the City Council in previous meetings.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an ordinance for
modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 10, Garbage and Refuse establishing a curbside
residential recycling collection program, with the correction of two scrivener’s errors.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REZONING OF 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): Mayor
Haila explained that the applicant had identified necessary corrections to the real estate
description for the property and requested that no action on the ordinance be taken.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, not to proceed with third reading and
hold a new Public Hearing on February 10, 2026, for a Revised Rezoning Boundary.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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 Beatty-
Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-060 approving a Rezoning
Agreement with a Master Plan at 204 SE 2nd Street with KHDB Enterprises, LLC.
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 Gartin, pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4583 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).
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Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4584 MODIFYING
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS 4 & 19 TO ADDRESS PERSONAL
TRANSPORTATION DEVICES: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass
on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4584 modifying Municipal Code
Chapters 4 & 19 to address Personal Transportation Devices.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were nine items for consideration. The first item was from Steve and Anne Burgason
regarding a request for incentives for Ansley Development.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to request that staff write a letter explaining the
City Council’s decision not to open the conversation for further development incentives at
this time.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The second item was a request for waiver of Subdivision Requirements from Brad
McCartney.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request regarding information about differentiating golf carts and low-speed vehicles
from Todd Wilson was the third item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to send a letter declining
interest.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The fourth item was a request for right-of-way maintenance on North Grand Avenue from
BOBJ.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to send a letter notifying the
requestor that the property in question was owned by the Department of Transportation.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A concern regarding Flock cameras in Ames from Bhargava Malya was the fifth item and
Council Member Junck noted that a response had already been sent to the requestor.
The sixth item was a memo on Rental Trash Receptacle Requirements from Building
Official Sara Van Meeteren. Mayor Haila noted that the recommendation from staff in the
memo was that no action be taken.
A memo from Chief of Police Geoff Huff regarding Device Delivery Seller Permits was the
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seventh item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The eighth item was a memo from Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
regarding a request for Text Amendments to Chapter 31 from the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request regarding the Ironwood Woodlot Renovation from Jerry Goldsmith was the final
item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to refer 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.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to invite the Ames and Gilbert Community School
Boards to hold a joint meeting with the City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney 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 Betcher, to go into Closed Session at 7:54 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 7:59 p.m.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve the settlement agreement with Rick
Lowe in the amount of $100,000.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at 8:01
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