HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 3, 2026, Special Meeting of the Ames City Council
1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 3, 2026
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 5:15 p.m. on the 3rd day of February, 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.
FY 2026/27 BUDGET PROPOSALS: City Manager Steve Schainker reviewed that the
City Council met the previous Friday for the Budget Overview presentation. He highlighted
that Department staff would now present the individual program operating budgets.
Ames Public Library Director Sheila Schofer and Adult Services Manager Megan Klein-
Hewett began the presentations, showcasing the community programs and services
provided to the residents of Ames by Library staff. Director Schofer highlighted that the
Library used its newly implemented, community informed Strategic Plan to guide its
ongoing work, which focused on the key areas of Connecting Ames, Serving Ames, and
A Place for Ames.
The budget proposals continued with Water and Pollution Control (W&PC) Assistant
Director Parul Baranwal and W&PC Director John Dunn. Assistant Director Baranwal
introduced the Utilities Program with an overview of the Administrative Division, which
focused on managing the business aspects of the utility and providing technical support
across the Department. She then reviewed the Water Treatment Plan operations, projects
at the Water Pollution Control Facility, and activities of the W&PC Laboratory before
reviewing updates for W&PC Metering services.
Director of Public Works Justin Clausen concluded the Utilities Program with a review of
the proposed budget for the Water Distribution System, Sanitary Sewer Collection,
Stormwater, and Resource Recovery. He highlighted the construction of the new
Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C), which contributed to adjustments in
the Department’s operating budget with the planned rollout of a curbside recycling
program and increased fleet size.
The activities and services of the Transportation Program were then discussed by
Director Clausen. The activities included the work groups of Administration, Engineering,
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Traffic Engineering, Traffic Operations, Street
Lights, Street System, Parking Operations, and Airport Operations.
Director of Fleet Services Corey Mellies shifted focus to the proposed budget for
Governmental/Internal Services. He reviewed the activities of Fleet and Facility Services,
detailing changes to the City’s cost and use of fuel before showcasing upcoming facility
2
improvements planned at City Hall.
The budget proposals were concluded by Finance Director Corey Goodenow with input
from Budget Manager Nancy Masteller and Information Technology Manager Brent
Moore. Director Goodenow reviewed activities for the Finance Department in the areas
of Utility Customer Service, Parking Violation Collection, Economic Development,
Financial Services, and Information Technology.
The members of the City Council engaged with City staff during each section of the
presentation to gather clarifications on specific issues and inquire about status updates
for current projects.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and Council Members thanked staff for the time and
efforts dedicated to preparing the proposed budget.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting
at 7:35 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk