HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 20, 2026, Special Meeting of the Ames City Council1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 20, 2026
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 5:15 p.m. on the 20th 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, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily
Boland was also present. Council Member Amber Corrieri joined the meeting
electronically.
WORKSHOP ON RECOMMENDED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN:
City Manager Steve Schainker kicked off the staff presentation of the recommended
five-year CIP, which was divided into five categories: 1) Utilities Program, 2)
Transportation Program, 3) Culture and Recreation Programs, 4) Public Safety, and 5)
Other.
The Utilities Program projects were reviewed by Electric Services Director Donald Kom
and Assistant Director Curtis Spence. These projects were categorized into the areas of
administration, transmission, distribution, new thermal generation, and Power Plant
activities. Assistant Director of Water and Pollution Control (W&PC) Parul Baranwal
continued the Utilities Program alongside W&PC Director John Dunn with discussion of
projects related to water production/treatment and water pollution control before Public
Works Director Justin Clausen concluded the Utilities Program. Director Clausen
highlighted an overview of projects in the areas of water distribution, sanitary sewer
system, stormwater management, and resource recovery.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to request staff to return to the City Council with
options for improving the aesthetics of Welch Avenue, specifically the storm water
detention trenches.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Transitioning to the Transportation Program, Director Clausen discussed street
improvements, shared use paths, traffic improvements, and street rehabilitation.
Director Clausen also showcased airport activities alongside Traffic Engineer Damion
Pregitzer. Transit Director Barbara Neal followed with discussion of the Transit System,
highlighting key projects designed to create efficient transportation that supported a
more sustainable community.
The meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 7:28 p.m. and reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
During the recess, Council Member Betcher left the meeting.
Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham reviewed Culture and Recreation
Programs. He showcased noteworthy park and facility improvements before reviewing
one project scheduled for the Ames Municipal Cemetery. The Public Safety component
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of the CIP was then addressed by Fire Chief Rich Higgins. He provided an overview of
the four projects scheduled in the CIP, including the relocation of Fire Station No. 2.
A review of program funding for the Downtown and Campustown Façade programs and
Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) concluded the presentations. City Manager
Schainker highlighted the focus of each program and discussed the intent of staff to
reinvigorate the NIP. Finance Director Corey Goodenow rounded out discussions by
reviewing the City’s debt limit, projection of debt capacity, and debt capacity
comparison.
The Mayor and members of the City Council engaged with City staff during each section
of the presentation to gather clarifications on project specifics and inquire about status
updates for current projects.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 8:37
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk