HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - January 27, 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 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
License
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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
24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-054 approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of
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$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 development
project located on Ontario Road. The 17-acre property, which was previously considered
for the Healthy Life Center, had been made available by former ISU President Wendy
Wintersteen for housing development.
The project involved two local developers who planned to construct a variety of housing
units on the site. The plan included building 25 single-family detached homes on the east
side of Scholl Road, as well as 84 attached units on the west side, with 30 units
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designated as owner-occupied and 54 as rental units.
The developers would be responsible for upgrading Scholl Road to City standards from
Ontario Road to the railroad tracks. To recover these infrastructure costs, they were
seeking a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate up to the actual cost of the improvements
or for a period of 10 years, whichever came first. In return, the developers had agreed to
cap the maximum price of the residential units at $425,000.
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) was assisting the developers in obtaining
workforce housing tax credits and was attempting to reduce the required affordable
housing set-aside from 50% to 20%, which would expedite the repayment of the TIF. City
Manager Schainker noted that Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann and AREA
Senior Vice President Brenda Dryer were present to answer questions.
Council Member Betcher inquired if it was the choice of the developer to apply for RN-2
or RN-3 and if the City provided guidance on the zoning. Director Diekmann noted that
the developer typically requested a specific designation, to which the City Council would
consent if it matched plan density requirements.
Council Member Rollins asked about the requirements for neighborhood meetings .
Director Diekmann replied that staff’s recommendation to the developers was a notice
distance of 400 feet around the property, but that there was no required distance defined.
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.
DISCUSSION ON ELEMENTS FOR DRAFT MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14, HUMAN
RELATIONS REGARDING CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR GENDER IDENTITY:
Mayor Haila noted that the purpose of the discussion was primarily to give specific
direction to staff for the ordinance and noted that while no public input would be taken
during this meeting, there would be opportunities for public comment when the draft
ordinance was brought back to the City Council in a future meeting.
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.
For the first element regarding investigating complaints, staff recommended Option 1 , in
which the City would manage local investigations for gender identity complaints while the
state continued to handle all other types of discrimination complaints. This process would
be managed by an Assistant City Manager, with the City Attorney determining if evidence
warranted a municipal infraction citation.
For the second element regarding municipal infraction penalties, staff recommended
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Option 1, setting the maximum financial penalty allowed: $750 for first offenses and
$1,000 for repeat offenses. Staff noted that the current default City penalties, $30 for first
offense and $100 for repeat offenses, would be insufficient to deter discrimination.
For the third element regarding mediation, staff recommended Option 1, employing a
formal voluntary mediation process for parties to resolve disputes before or during an
investigation.
Council Member Gartin raised a question regarding fines, expressing a need for parity
between civil rights infractions and questioning if the proposed fine structure was
consistent with other civil rights violations. City Attorney Lambert clarified that th e City did
not have existing penalties for civil rights discrimination in the Municipal Code, as such
matters had typically been managed by the state. He explained that the state issued right-
to-sue letters and allowed individuals to proceed to court for significant damages, noting
that the maximum penalty would achieve maximum compliance at the municipal level.
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. Voting Aye: Betcher, Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried.
Council Member Gartin reiterated his concern regarding home rule authority and potential
conflict with Iowa Code, referencing House File 2416, which defined sex as biological sex
and restricted participation in sports.
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. The
proposal included rezoning from Residential Low Density (RL) to Suburban Residential
Low Density (FS-RL) with a Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD), along with a
Major Site Development Plan and Preliminary Plat.
The plan included 12 single-family attached townhomes. The PUD overlay allowed for
deviations from standard development requirements, such as reduced garage face
setbacks, lot sizes, and side setbacks, while preserving the 20-foot perimeter setbacks
from the single-family homes to the north and south. Planner Schoeneman noted that
despite these deviations, the density requirements for the site were still met. Additionally,
the plan featured a private street with a reduced right of way width that still met the
maneuverability requirements for fire safety. Staff was recommending approval of the
rezoning on first reading, accompanied by the Preliminary Plat and the Major Site
Development Plan.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
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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 these concerns, explaining that the reduced driveway
length on Lot 3 was acceptable because it only affected one half of the driveway.
Regarding rear setbacks, she noted that the required setback was 20 feet regardless of
what was on adjacent property, and that the developer had added seven trees along the
rear property line as a buffer. Planner Schoeneman also clarified that the developer was
selected after no local builders responded to the City's Request for Proposal (RFP).
In terms of tracking affordability, Planner Schoeneman noted that an initial sales price
cap would be included in the development agreement. Director Diekmann added that
ongoing tracking of affordability post-sale would not occur locally as the workforce
housing tax credit was a state program. He stated that staff was unaware of any ongoing
tracking by the state, but that the developer may have more information.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen echoed statements from staff, emphasizing that the City
had held an open RFP process with no responses from local builders and expressed
support for bringing in a new builder with experience in this scale of housing to increase
competition in the Ames market.
Council Member Gartin commented on the necessity of balancing the community
benefits of the project against its impact on the neighborhood, particularly the loss of
green space. He emphasized putting oneself in the affected residents’ shoes to
understand their concerns. However, he also noted the fortunate abundance of green
space in the City, highlighting that Ames was one of the top cities in the country for green
spaces per resident.
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
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included updated site layouts, floor plans, process equipment designs, exterior
elevations, and 3D renderings of the facility. Key changes since the 60% design plans
presented on November 25, 2025, included a Z-wall configuration for customer drop-off
of solid waste outside the plant and the removal of the compactor system after
determining it would not be cost effective. The facility would include a primary shredder,
a magnet for ferrous metal, and an eddy current system for non -ferrous metal.
Additionally, educational spaces were being developed that highlighted facility
operations. The project would be divided into 11 separate bid packages with specific
completion dates and liquidated damages for delays, with critical path packages
incentivized for timely completion. The target date for completion was July 1, 2027, which
was also when the City’s agreement with the Boone County Landfill would end.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked about preserving the historical elements of the
current facility, also noting the recent passing of Arnold O. Chantland. Superintendent
Peebler responded that certain artifacts, pictures, and plaques would be moved to the
new facility to honor the legacy and history of the old plant.
Council Member Betcher questioned the relocation of the customer solid waste drop-off
area from inside the facility to an exterior location. Staff explained that using the Z-wall
configuration and moving the solid waste drop-off area outside allowed for a more
convenient waste drop-off process, enabling multiple vehicles to discharge waste without
bottlenecks, improving customer convenience and staff efficiency.
During discussion, Council Members also inquired about parking, to which Director
Clausen explained there would be sufficient parking for both staff and visitors, with
provisions to handle larger groups as needed. On traffic flow, Council Member Gartin
sought assurance of effective planning; Director Clausen replied that traffic modeling
strategies were used and no major changes had been made since the initial plan. He
also confirmed the facility's capacity was designed for steady growth, handling up to
78,000 tons annually over the next 20 years.
In response to concerns about potential odor issues, Superintendent Peebler noted that
processing waste faster at the new facility would reduce odor issues by minimizing the
time waste spends on-site and that the facility would have rapid-closing doors.
Council Member Gartin also inquired about staff efforts to consult with contractors on
assembling the bid packages. Director Clausen explained that Story Construction, with
its extensive industry contacts, had worked closely with various contractors to rev iew the
preliminary plan sets, ensuring the design was both efficient and constructible. Another
concern from Council Member Gartin about food waste diversion was addressed by
noting that a separate bin for food waste would be available on-site and processed by a
third party. Looking ahead, staff mentioned potential future considerations such as
expanding food waste diversion efforts and possibly including additional community sites
to further enhance food waste management practices.
Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
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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 modernize the code by revising outdated standards for
weight limits, capacity, and collection requirements to reflect current automated collection
practices. As Assistant City Manager Phillips explained, many provisions in the law dated
back to when garbage collection involved more manual labor, and these adjustments were
intended to align code provisions with current practices. The amendments also created a
definition for recyclable materials and established the authority to implement a residential
curbside recycling program as directed by the City Council in previous meetings.
Assistant City Manager Phillips explained that the curbside recycling initiative had been
informed by extensive community input, including a survey distributed in September 2025,
which received over 1,500 responses. In consideration of the community input, the City
Council had directed staff to pursue a recycling program with a single citywide recycling
provider where all households eligible for recycling service would automatically receive a
City-owned, contractor-procured cart and be charged for every-other-week service.
While specific details about the service, including the fee, would be negotiated with the
selected contractor, staff was confident the monthly fee would be less than $10 per
household. Assistant City Manager Phillips reported that staff was currently in negotiation
with potential service providers to secure the most economical and efficient arrangement.
In terms of timeline, results of negotiations and contract details would be presented at the
time of the third reading of the ordinance, which would create the authority to implement a
curbside recycling program. A public education campaign would follow, providing residents
with essential information on their roles and responsibilities before the implementation of
the program.
Mayor Haila asked about what aspects were being negotiated with contractors, to which
Assistant City Manager Phillips responded that key components included pricing, customer
service, logistics, and ensuring the service aligns with the needs and expectations of the
public.
During continued discussion, Council Member Beatty-Hansen questioned whether food
waste should be defined separately from garbage, considering future diversion possibilities.
Assistant City Manager Phillips responded that the current focus was ensuring refuse was
properly categorized, and that while there was no immediate need to define food waste
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separately, it could be revisited as the City's waste management practices evolved.
Council Member Gartin emphasized the importance of engaging local trash haulers in
discussions, raising a question regarding their feedback. Assistant City Manager Phillips
summarized that after conversations with various haulers, it was clear that there was strong
support for a single hauler providing curbside recycling due to existing limitations among
local haulers in offering such services.
Council Member Betcher noted two scrivener's errors in the ordinance text that staff agreed
to correct.
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).
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
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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
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
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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: Council Member Gartin reported that Discover Ames
had held a meeting on January 15, 2026, and that discussion points included hotel
revenue and approval of a new community grant procedure. Council Member Betcher
added that Discover Ames was planning to delay the capital campaign for the events
center in order to gather more concrete information on costs.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen stated that AREA was scheduled to meet January 30,
2026.
Mayor Haila shared that Story County Emergency Management Agency met on January
21, 2026. Topics discussed included budget approval and the renovations for the
emergency operations center.
Council Member Junck reported that Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees held a
meeting on January 15, 2026, and that every item discussed had been on the agenda of
the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Meeting that had occurred
directly before the City Council Meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland noted that ISU Student Government campaigns
would launch January 31, 2026. The joint meeting with ISU Student Government was
scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room.
Council Member Gartin praised the Martin Luther King Jr. event for bringing the community
together, noting the event was well-attended. He also made a proposal to hold a joint
meeting with the Ames and Gilbert Community School Boards.
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.
Council Member Rollins highlighted the success of the Martin Luther King Jr. event as
well as the State of the Community program . She also thanked Resource Recovery staff
for its thoughtfulness in designing a facility that was cost-effective and would work well
for the community.
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Council Member Betcher reminded those Council Members interested in attending the
International Town and Gown Association conference that the early bird registration
deadline was January 31, 2026. The conference would be held May 19 through May 22,
2026, in College Station, Texas. She also commended the State of the Community
luncheon for highlighting how well people are working together in Ames despite
challenging economic and social times.
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.
______________________________ ______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk