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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Packet of Communications to Council dated February 20, 2026 City Manager’s Office 515.239.5105 main 515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811 515.239.5142 fax Ames, IA 50010 www.CityofAmes.org MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Jeramy Neefus, Principal Clerk Date: February 20, 2026 Subject: Packet of Communications to Council Listed below are the communications to the City Council known to staff as of February 20, 2026: 1. Mimi Wagner, Ames Resident – February 16, 2026 RE: Request Related to Handicapped Parking Regulations 2. Valerie Bohlen, Ames Resident – February 18, 2026 RE: Request from Ironwood Homeowners Association for City of Ames to Apply for Iowa Department of Transportation Highway Planting Grant 3. Brooke and Dave Elliston, Ames Residents – February 20, 2026 RE: Safety Concerns at the Intersection of Lincoln Way & South Russell Ave. 4. Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager – February 20, 2026 RE: Mortensen Road Corridor Traffic Concerns from Bonnie Alley & Ryan Park 5. Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager – February 20, 2026 RE: Oakland Street Parking & Speed Concerns from Brad Trinkle 6. Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager – February 20, 2026 RE: Ross Road Parking Regulations Concerns from Brent Dunn 7. Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager – February 20, 2026 RE: Lincoln Way & S Dakota Ave. Intersection Concerns from Grant Olsen 8. Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager – February 20, 2026 RE: College Creek Trail Crossing at Thackeray Ave. Suggestions from Grant Olsen 9. Kelly Diekmann, Planning & Housing Director, and Sara Van Meeteren, Building Official – February 20, 2026 RE: Complaint Regarding Game Day Parking and Trash at 1325 S. 4 th Street 1 Hall, Renee From:Mimi Wagner <wagner.mimila@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, February 16, 2026 11:59 AM To:City Clerk's Office Subject:HC Parking near library [External Email] Hello, I am writing about the location in quantity of handicap parking stalls in downtown names. I had surgery and have physical mobility limitations for several months afterwards. I am attaching a parking ticket that I received related to handicap parking stalls for reference. I am seeing that there are only four HC stalls in the proximity of the library entrance, two on the east side and two immediately across the street to the north. When I arrived at the library that morning, all four stalls were occupied. I parked in the closest open space next to the HC parking stalls and posted my handicap tag. I had hoped that I would be not required to pay the parking meter because there were not enough stalls. But I was ticketed. I understand that this is probably the city’s policy and I will pay this ticket. However, during these few months of being physically disabled, I am noticing that there are frequently not enough parking stalls in the downtown area for people with handicap stickers. Other cities, such as Rochester, Minnesota allow anyone with a handicap tag to park at any meter downtown at no charge, regardless, if it is marked as restricted for handicapped. I am writing to request the city consider this change in policy. As more and more residents and visitors meet the requirements for handicap parking tags, I believe this would promote the friendliness and accommodation that the city is known for in other areas. It would also not require any new handicap stalls. Thank you very much for your consideration. Please reach out with any questions. Mimi Wagner Mimi Wagner, ASLA Ames Iowa 50010 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Mimi Wagner <wagner.mimila@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 10:18 AM Subject: To: Mimi Wagner <wagner.mimila@gmail.com> 2 1 Hall, Renee From:Valerie Bohlen <vbohlen@hotmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, February 18, 2026 4:37 PM To:City Council and Mayor Cc:Kom, Don; Allison.Smyth@iowdot.us; Rachel.Harris@iowadot.us Subject:Grant for Ironwood Homeowners Association Attachments:img-260216073221.pdf [External Email] Dear Mayor Haila: The Ironwood Homeowners Association, along with affected neighbors, request that the Ames City Council direct staff to make application to sponsor a highway planting using DOT/DNR funding. The following paragraph prepared by Rachel Harris, DOT Chief Landscape Architect, describes the grant: "Applicants for funding must be tax levying bodies. Thus, a city, county or school district must be the one to receive the grant. In this case, the HOA would have to work with the City of Ames, and the city would sign the agreement. That commits them (the city) to the plan and maintenance thereafter. This is a reimbursement grant up to $100,000 for planning, material, labor, establishment maintenance of vegetation only. Any hardscape materials or other sculpture/lighting/hardscape is not eligible for funds." DOT, through senior staff communication has encouraged the Ironwood HOA to pursue the seeking of this grant. We believe this signals a real willingness on DOT's part to work with the city to restore the Ironwood woodlot. The grant application and planting proposal will need to be approved by DOT Roadside and District staff. Along with that the city will need to apply for a work in the ROW to complete the planting. The need for this funding results from the removal of this woodlot in the process of the Ames Electric utility replacing a major power line in the Ironwood neighborhood. The location of the power line is on the boundary between Ironwood Homeowner Association residents and the DOT Highway 30 right-of-way. The woodlot has provided both a visual and audio barrier to Highway 30 for the neighborhood residents for many years The removal of this woodlot has drastically changed our environment and probably affected our property values. We have been in contact with both city and DOT officials and are delighted that DOT has given the City of Ames the opportunity to apply for this grant. Attached is a map of the affected area outlined in yellow. The trees except for a few have virtually been removed on the level area before the grade drops off severely to the road below. It is in this area that we believe major restoration should take place. Of course under the power line the vegetation that is to be replanted must be such that its mature height would not impair the power line. Beyond that it would be desirable to include taller trees and hopefully many evergreen tree types to give the homeowners year around protection. According to Luke Gran, Consulting Forester for the HOA, if nothing is done the result will become a mixture of invasive species that will not provide protection to the homeowners and will likely grow up into the power line and require continued maintenance by the city. The destruction of this woodlot, although it looks like a disaster now, has really presented the city, the DOT and the HOA with an opportunity to make a difference for everyone. Never again will this area be laid bare and ripe for a meaningful reforestation project. One thing to note is that the area has not been totally cleaned. If this project is to be successful, all remaining vegetation should be removed either as part of the powerline project or through the grant application. 2 In closing we, the Ironwood Homeowners Association and affected neighbors, would like to encourage the Ames City Council to direct staff to make application to sponsor a highway planting project in this area, using DOT/DNR funding. Thank you. Valerie Bohlen President Ironwood Estates Home AssociationDear Mayor Haila: 1 Hall, Renee From:brooke mallonexcavating.com <brooke@mallonexcavating.com> Sent:Friday, February 20, 2026 8:46 AM To:City Council and Mayor Subject:Urgent Safety Concerns at Lincoln Way & South Russell [External Email] Dear Members of the Ames City Council, We are writing to you as concerned neighbors and longtime residents who live at the corner of Lincoln Way and South Russell—the site of the recent tragic pedestrian and motorcycle accident that claimed Margaret’s life. We have been heartsick over this loss, and we have also been carrying a heavy sense of guilt that it took a tragedy for us to formally voice concerns we have had for years. As a young family, we attempt to cross Lincoln Way nearly every day during the warmer months. We live next to the eastbound bus stop, and crossing the street safely is part of our regular routine. There have been multiple close calls for us personally. Because of speeding traffic and frequent drag racing between the University/Lincoln Way light and the Hazel/Lincoln Way light, we have strict rules that our children may not play in our own front yard. Five years ago, a vehicle involved in drag racing left the roadway and crashed into our front yard—coming within inches of our front door. Had it not struck the fire hydrant, it would have entered our living room. That experience has stayed with us. We have also repeatedly witnessed Margaret and others struggle to cross Lincoln Way safely to reach the bus stop. On several occasions, we saw her narrowly avoid being hit. In addition, we regularly observe young families from North Russell, neighbors from South Russell, tailgaters during football games, basketball fans, and college students attempting to cross Lincoln Way with significant difficulty and danger. We respectfully request that the Council consider installing a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk similar to the one located just south of our neighborhood between Stadium View Apartments and the nearby bus stop. A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) or similar treatment would significantly increase driver awareness and yield compliance. We also urge consideration of additional traffic- calming measures, such as a reduced speed zone, increased enforcement, or other proven safety interventions. Lincoln Way is not just a commuter corridor—it runs through a residential, walkable neighborhood filled with families, students, and community members who rely on safe pedestrian access. We are asking for your help to preserve the safety and walkability of our neighborhood and to prevent any further loss of life. Please hear our concerns and take meaningful action to improve safety at this intersection. 2 Thank you for your time, service, and consideration. Sincerely, Brooke and Dave Elliston 1228 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa Brooke Elliston Office Manager brooke@mallonexcavating.com 515.290.9973 MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE, Traffic Engineering Manager Date: February 24, 2026 Subject: Mortensen Road Corridor – Follow-Up on Traffic Concerns made by Bonnie Alley and Ryan Park BACKGROUND At the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting, City Council referred to staff traffic concerns raised by Ms. Alley regarding the Mortensen Road corridor west of South Dakota Avenue, as well as the related request from Mr. Park regarding the West Towne Apartments exit. STOP CONTROL AT PRIVATE ACCESS POINTS Locations identified in the request were along Mortensen Road where private access points intersect Mortensen Road without stop control (stop signs). Installation and maintenance of stop control from private access points are the responsibility of those adjacent private property owners. Where appropriate, Staff will contact the identified property owners to provide guidance and assist them in installing and maintaining stop signs in accordance with the appropriate standards. This should improve consistency and predictability for turning and entering vehicles along the corridor. SPEED AND SAFETY HISTORY Speed data collected in May 2025 indicate that the corridor is generally operating within the posted 40 MPH speed limit. Approximately 88 percent of vehicles traveled at or below the posted speed, with an 85th-percentile speed of approximately 40 MPH, which is consistent with the current posted limit. A small share of vehicles (approximately 0.7 percent) where found to be excessively speeding. At this level of excessive speeding, Staff typically recommends enforcement as the appropriate safety countermeasure. Crash data for Mortensen Road west of South Dakota Avenue over the 2015–2026 (most currently available) period show 38 total crashes, with no fatal or suspected serious injury crashes. Most crashes were property-damage-only and were primarily associated with turning movements, failure-to-yield conditions, and access-related conflicts, rather than excessive speed. Based on this information, the available speed and crash data do not indicate a pattern that would support a change to the posted speed limit. Staff will continue to monitor speed, crash, and operational data and reassess if conditions change, or new trends emerge. RECENT STREET MODIFICATIONS Following the collection of speed data in summer 2025, Public Works completed multi- modal street modifications along Mortensen Road. These improvements included a curb extension at the northwest corner of Mortensen Road and Dickinson Avenue, and a midblock pedestrian refuge island intended to reduce weaving and racing behavior, improve the CyRide stop crossing, and contribute to overall traffic calming. PARKING AND SIGHT DISTANCE AT WILDER BOULEVARD Ames Municipal Code allows for the designation of no-parking areas near intersections to maintain visibility and safe operations. Section 18.1 authorizes the use of yellow curb to designate no-parking zones, and Section 18.17 establishes parking prohibitions within and near intersections and traffic control devices. As seasonal pavement marking activities begin, Staff can evaluate sight distance conditions at the Mortensen Road and Wilder Boulevard intersection and determine whether additional yellow curb markings may be appropriate to improve visibility and turning movements. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff will continue to monitor the corridor and coordinate with adjacent property owners as appropriate to address safety and operational concerns. City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY January 13, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Traffic concerns including 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 ACTION TAKEN: Moved to refer the four traffic related items to staff for a memo MOTION BY: Gartin SECOND BY: Beatty-Hansen VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: None SENT FROM: Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works 1 Hall, Renee From:Hall, Renee Sent:Monday, January 5, 2026 10:27 AM To:Hall, Renee Subject:FW: Mortensen Road Corridor Safety Considerations From: Bonnie Alley <bonnie.alley@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 3:16 PM To: Haila, John <john.haila@cityofames.org>; Beatty-Hansen, Bronwyn <bronwyn.beattyhansen@amescitycouncil.org>; Gartin, Tim <tim.gartin@amescitycouncil.org>; Betcher, Gloria <gloria.betcher@amescitycouncil.org>; Junck, Rachel <rachel.junck@amescitycouncil.org>; Rollins, Anita <anita.rollins@amescitycouncil.org>; Corrieri, Amber <amber.corrieri@amescitycouncil.org>; Boland, Emily <emily.boland@amescitycouncil.org>; Schainker, Steve <steve.schainker@cityofames.org> Subject: Mortensen Road Corridor Safety Considerations [External Email] Mortensen Road Corridor Safety Considerations.pdf Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to share a brief overview and attached presentation regarding ongoing safety concerns along the Mortensen Road corridor west of South Dakota Avenue and the surrounding West Ames neighborhood. Over time, residents have observed increasing speed inconsistency, challenging turning movements, and confusion related to stop control and parking conditions. This area includes higher residential density, schools, transit activity, and significant visitor traffic, all of which make clear and consistent traffic control especially important for safety and predictability. The attached presentation is intended to provide visual context and highlight several targeted, actionable opportunities to improve safety, visibility, and traffic flow. It also includes considerations for speed alignment, stop sign consistency, parking management on Wilder Boulevard, and winter operations coordination. My goal in sharing this information is to support a thoughtful review and conversation around how the current roadway conditions align with how this corridor is being used today, and to explore potential improvements that enhance safety for residents, visitors, and the broader community. I would welcome the opportunity to address the City Council and discuss these observations and considerations at a future City Council meeting, if helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your continued service to our community and your attention to neighborhood safety concerns. Bonnie Alley " There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality" Creating a Safer Mortensen Road Corridor and Surrounding West Ames Community Existing East of South Dakota Ave: 30 MPH Apartments with visitor traffic Middle school Speed Consistency on Mortensen Road South Dakota Ave Mortenson Rd Exisiting West of South Dakota Ave: 40 MPH Higher residential density with vistor traffic 6 city blocks uninterupted speed Elementary school Businesses Area South Dakota Ave Mortenson Rd The Issue Speed limits are misaligned with surrounding land use and activity Excessive speeding by apartment residents and visitors Dangerous driving behaviors observed, including: Multi-lane, side-by-side driving at high speeds Passing vehicles using the center turn lane Passing CyRide buses while the bus is in motion Motorcycle racing activity Documented firsthand safety concerns, including: accidents A motorcycle crash involving loss of control, with the rider sliding approximately half a block Lack of police presence at this side of town to help reduce the speeding and racing Immediate Request Lower the speed limit to 30 MPH on Mortensen Road west of South Dakota Avenue to align with land use, density, and safety expectations If unable to see the immediate need for speed reduction I would request a formal traffic and speed study for the Mortensen Road corridor west of South Dakota Avenue Include: Speed data Crash history Pedestrian and transit activity School proximity Why This Matters Clear, consistent traffic control is essential for predictable driver behavior In areas with high residential density, schools, and transit activity, missing or inconsistent stop control increases risk What These Maps Show Locations along Mortensen Road and adjacent intersections where: Stop signs are missing or unclear Traffic control is inconsistent from one intersection to the next Observed gaps between intended traffic flow and what drivers experience on the roadway Purpose of Sharing This Information To provide visual context for the safety concerns discussed earlier To support a data-informed review of stop sign placement and traffic control To identify opportunities for improvement Stop Sign & Traffic Control Consistency Location: Mortensen Rd and Poe Ave Currently: Poe Ave has a stop sign Issue: There is no stop sign present at the exit or enter across from Poe Ave. at the Westtown entrance. Businesses and residence vehicles are able to enter Mortensen Road without stop control at higher-speed through traffic The following locations demonstrate a pattern of inconsistent traffic control along the Mortensen corridor. Requested Improvement: Stop sign added to the south side of Mortensen Rd on the Westtown Entrance/Exit Location: Mortensen & second entrance / exit to Mortensen Heights Apartment Complex Issue: There is no stop sign present at the exit or enter from these apartments. Residence vehicles are able to enter Mortensen Road without stop control at higher-speed through traffic Requested Improvement: Stop sign added to the south side of Mortensen (the second Mortensen Heights apartment complex entrance/exit) Location: Mortensen Rd and Wilder Blvd. Currently: Wilder has a stop sign entering Mortensen Rd Issue: There is no stop sign present at the exit or enter across from Wilder Blvd. Residence vehicles are able to enter Mortensen Road without stop control at higher-speed through traffic Requested Improvement: Stop sign added to the south side of Mortensen Rd on the second Mortensen Heights apartment complex. Location: Mortensen Rd and Lawrence Ave Currently: Lawrence Ave has a stop sign entering Mortensen Rd Issue: There is no stop sign present at the exit or enter across from Lawrence Ave,. Rsidence vehicles are able to enter Mortensen Road without stop control at higher-speed through traffic Requested Improvement: Stop sign added to the south side of Mortensen Rd across from Lawrence Ave - the third Mortensen Heights apartment complex. Additional Requests & Considerations for Wilder Blvd. Wilder Blvd is no parking on east side. And no parking on west side on block entering Mortensen Rd Current Conditions Parking is not permitted on the east side of Wilder Boulevard nor the west side within the block turning out south on Mortensen Rd. There is one - No Parking sign - but it too far North on Wilder Apartment residents and visitors are parking on the east side due to lack of visible restriction Observed Impacts Parked vehicles reduce visibility and maneuverability Turning from Mortensen Drive onto Wilder Boulevard is significantly more difficult Increased risk for: Conflicts between turning vehicles and parked cars Delays and hesitation that affect overall traffic flow Considerations & Requests Install an additional No Parking signage on the east side of Wilder Boulevard Evaluate whether additional: Pavement markings Curb markings The west side of Wilder (Bradbury side) was painted yellow which has made a significant improvement to parking issues. Winter Parking Coordination – Mortensen Heights During winter months, Mortensen Heights currently directs tenants to park along Wilder Boulevard to accommodate internal snow removal This practice: Contributes to congestion and reduced visibility Creates challenges for City snow plowing operations As a result, a temporary operational solution for one property is creating broader public right-of-way impacts Consideration Request that Mortensen Heights explore alternative winter parking solutions that do not rely on on-street parking along Wilder Boulevard Requested Actions & Follow-Up Considerations Speed & Corridor Review Reduce the speed limit on Mortensen Road west of South Dakota Avenue to 30 MPH to align with surrounding land use, density, schools, and transit activity OR Conduct a formal traffic and speed study for the Mortensen Road corridor west of South Dakota Avenue, including: Speed data Crash history Pedestrian and transit activity School proximity Stop Sign & Traffic Control Improvements Install stop signs on the south side of Mortensen Road at the following locations to create consistent and predictable traffic control: Westtown entrance/exit at Mortensen Rd and Poe Ave Second entrance/exit to the Mortensen Heights apartment complex Mortensen Rd and Wilder Blvd (south side, across from existing stop) Mortensen Rd and Lawrence Ave (south side, across from existing stop) Wilder Boulevard Parking & Visibility Install additional No Parking signage on the east side of Wilder Boulevard closer to Mortensen Road Evaluate the need for: Pavement markings Curb markings Maintain and consider extending yellow curb treatments where they have proven effective Winter Parking Coordination Request that Mortensen Heights explore alternative winter parking solutions that do not rely on on-street parking along Wilder Boulevard Align private snow removal practices with: City plowing needs Public right-of-way safety Visibility and turning movement requirements City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY January 13, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Traffic concerns including 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 ACTION TAKEN: Moved to refer the four traffic related items to staff for a memo MOTION BY: Gartin SECOND BY: Beatty-Hansen VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: None SENT FROM: Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works 1 Hall, Renee From:Betcher, Gloria Sent:Wednesday, January 7, 2026 8:45 AM To:Ryan Park Cc:Schainker, Steve; Hall, Renee Subject:Re: Stop Sign at West Towne Apts Thanks for your message, Ryan. One of your neighbors has already contacted us about a variety of traffic issues on Mortensen, so the City Manager is aware of concerns in the area. Council meets January 13 and your email, along with the other one, will be considered by Council at that time to determine if we want to study the entire area for upgrades or if this is something that can be handled easily by staff. I’m cc:ing the City Manager and City Clerk on your message to be sure it gets into our Council communication packet and considered alongside the previous message. All best, Gloria Gloria J Betcher Ward 3 Representative Ames City Council 531 Hayward Avenue Ames, IA 50014 (515) 292-5177 > On Jan 7, 2026, at 8:30 AM, Ryan Park <parklrya@gmail.com> wrote: > > [External Email] > > > Good Morning Gloria, > > With the addition of a cross walk and turning lane made along Mortensen Road west of South Dakota Ave, what would it take to get a stop sign at the exit for the West Towne Apts at the end of Poe Avenue? This is a very busy exit for the apartments and with traffic having to stop to exit off Poe Avenue this causes problems as typically the apartment vehicles do not yield to someone already waiting at the stop. I’ve been living on Poe for over 6 years and the problem has only gotten worse. > > Thank You, > > Ryan Park > Ames Resident > Sent from my iPhone MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE, Traffic Engineering Manager Date: February 24, 2026 Subject: Request from Brad Trinkle Regarding Parking and Speed Concerns on Oakland Street BACKGROUND: On September 23, 2025, the City Council referred to Staff a request from Brad Trinkle regarding parking and speeding concerns on Oakland Street. Mr. Trinkle requested 1) extension of the existing yellow no-parking marking across from his driveway and 2) installation of speed humps to address speeding traffic. NO PARKING REGULATIONS: The City’s long-standing practice is not to spot-apply parking restrictions in response to individual driveway concerns, as doing so would create inconsistencies in parking standards across the community. Existing Municipal Code provisions prohibit parking in a manner that obstructs a public or private driveway. On-street parking on the opposite side of driveways has never been deemed to be a driveway obstruction, and prohibition of such parking would lead to a significant decrease in available on-street parking. Vehicles that do encroach into driveways or otherwise violate Municipal Code standards may be addressed through enforcement. Staff will continue to ensure that enforcement of existing regulations occurs as needed. SPEED CONCERNS: Based on field observations, Staff’s assessment is that a significant portion of the reported speeding concerns is attributable to temporary traffic pattern changes and driver behavior associated with the ongoing Hyland Avenue and Oakland Street reconstruction projects. Until the Hyland project is complete and traffic volumes and patterns stabilize, Staff can coordinate targeted enforcement with the Police Department to address speeding concerns. The City does not utilize speed bumps or speed humps as a routine traffic-calming measure due to maintenance and operational considerations. Such treatments are typically considered only where there is documented evidence of a safety issue that cannot be effectively addressed through other means. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: In regards to parking regulations, Staff does not recommend additional parking restrictions at this location at this time. As to speeding concerns, Staff will continue to monitor conditions on Oakland Street. If concerns persist after completion of the Hyland reconstruction project and traffic patterns normalize, Staff can conduct a more detailed evaluation of speeds, volumes, and crash history to determine whether additional measures are warranted. Staff communicated similar information with Mr. Trinkle during the fall of 2025 when he made similar requests directly to staff during the Oakland Street reconstruction. City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY September 23, 2025 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Concerns regarding Oakland Street ACTION TAKEN: Moved to refer the item to staff for a memo MOTION BY: Gartin SECOND BY: Rollins VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: None SENT FROM: Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works 1 Hall, Renee From:Brad Trinkle <brad.trinkle@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, September 18, 2025 5:30 PM To:City Council and Mayor [External Email] Council, I live at 3421 Oakland Street in Ames and am a homeowner. I am requesting two things that are safety concerns on Oakland Street 1. I request that the no parking yellow stripe that is on the South side of the street across from my driveway be extended all the way across from my driveway to the light pole. Cars often park across from my driveway and with the road being so narrow, it is a safety hazard trying to get out of our driveway. When a car is parked there, we often have to pull forward and backward a couple of times in order to exit our driveway, which is dangerous with the speeding traffic and there has already been an accident. 2. The most serious safety issue is the speeding on Oakland Street. There are many small children that live on this street and in this neighborhood and the speeding traffic is very dangerous. They don't even slow down when they could easily see the children. My request and that of many of my neighbors is that two speed humps be put on Oakland Street. This would be easily done now, as the road is in the process of being paved. Thank you, Brad Trinkle 515-509-1947 MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE, Traffic Engineering Manager Date: February 24, 2026 Subject: Request to Change Parking Regulations on Ross Road BACKGROUND: At the November 18th City Council meeting, City Council referred to staff parking concerns raised by Mr. Dunn along Ross Road between Arizona Avenue and North Dakota Avenue. Ross Road has long-standing overnight parking restrictions that were installed many years ago (Ord. No. 2980, Sec. 1, 6-30-87; Ord. No. 3513, Sec. 1, 1-26-99). These restrictions include no parking from 12 AM to 6 AM. Based on current records, Staff has received only this one recent inquiry regarding these restrictions. No additional comments or requests have been received from other residents along this corridor. CONSIDERATIONS FOR PARKING CHANGES: Changes to established on-street parking regulations can impact daily routines, parking availability, and neighborhood expectations. When a request involves a documented safety or operational concern, Staff would typically initiate the process of evaluating and modifying an ordinance. However, when those criteria are not present, City policy is to ask the requesting party to first demonstrate that there is broad support from the households directly affected. This approach helps ensure that the issue reflects a shared neighborhood interest, any change is consistent with how most residents use the street, and adjustments do not unintentionally introduce new challenges for others who rely on the existing regulation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The parking regulation on this street is unique in the City, because no parking is allowed between 12:00 a.m. to 6:00; a.m. on either side of the street. If residents on Ross Road would like the City to consider a modification to the existing overnight parking restriction, Staff recommends gathering a petition of support from at least a majority of the affected households. This threshold is consistent with past practice for neighborhood- initiated parking changes and helps confirm that a proposed adjustment aligns with the broader needs of the street. Once a petition meeting this level of support is submitted, Public Works will evaluate the request in detail and prepare a recommendation for City Council’s consideration. City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY November 18, 2025 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Parking regulations on Ross Road ACTION TAKEN: Moved to request a memo from staff MOTION BY: Junck SECOND BY: Gartin VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Corrieri SENT FROM: Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works 1 Hall, Renee From:Junck, Rachel Sent:Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:11 PM To:City Council and Mayor; Hall, Renee Subject:Fw: Parking Regulations Ross Rd Forwarding to all of council. Could we please include this in the next disposition of communications to council? Thank you, Rachel From: Brent Dunn <badunn182@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:08:52 PM To: Junck, Rachel <rachel.junck@amescitycouncil.org> Subject: Parking Regulations Ross Rd [External Email] Good morning, Rachel. My name is Brent Dunn. I live over on the west end of Ross Road, just south of Sawyer. I'm writing to you this morning to ask if something could be done regarding the parking ordinance on the stretch of Ross I live on. I had a conversation with Sheri, the police parking coordinator on the phone yesterday and she suggested I reach out to the city council. She also commented that she could see no issue with these specific signs going away and that they were likely implemented many years ago. I believe a neighbor of mine reached out to her as well. I'll try to explain briefly. The issue is that on both sides of the street there is signage stating that there is to be no parking between the hours of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This presents a fairly large inconvenience to those of us who may have younger, active families with more than one vehicle. Most of the driveways are single-car, so you could imagine the headache caused by needing to shuffle vehicles at least once per day (or night) to accommodate this. Additionally, it's only been within the past four weeks or so that the rule has begun to be enforced. For four and a half years, I was able to park on the street in front of my home. Even if the signs were to be removed from one side only(North덞덛덟덜덝), that would help. I have been unable to find another stretch of any side road in my neighborhood with similar signage on both sides. I appreciate your time. Hope to hear a reply soon. Thank you! MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE, Traffic Engineering Manager Date: February 24, 2026 Subject: Request from Grant Olsen - Lincoln Way and South Dakota Avenue – Staff Review and Recommendation BACKGROUND: At the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting, City Council referred to staff a request regarding the northbound right turn-only lane at the intersection of Lincoln Way and South Dakota Avenue. The request proposed installing flexible delineator posts to discourage through movements from the turn-only lane and support the existing lane designation signage. SAFETY HISTORY: Based on a review of available crash data, there is no apparent crash pattern indicating that this intersection is currently experiencing a safety deficiency related to northbound through movements at the intersection from the outside lane (right-turn only). The concern appears to be primarily related to driver convenience and compliance, rather than an identified safety issue. STAFF EVALUATION: Staff identified several concerns with the proposed treatment. Ongoing maintenance of flexible delineator posts under all weather conditions would present operational challenges, especially during the winter. The proposed configuration would not fully prevent improper through movements and may introduce vehicle weaving, which would increase the risk of sideswipe accidents. As a result, Staff does not see a need at this time to assume the risks associated with implementing a temporary or experimental traffic control treatment. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff does not recommend proceeding with the installation of flexible delineator posts or other temporary or experimental traffic control treatments at this location at this time. The review did not identify a demonstrated safety deficiency that would warrant assuming the operational and maintenance risks associated with such measures. Staff will continue to consider intersection operations and safety as part of future corridor- level planning and design efforts. City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY January 13, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Traffic concerns including 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 ACTION TAKEN: Moved to refer the four traffic related items to staff for a memo MOTION BY: Gartin SECOND BY: Beatty-Hansen VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: None SENT FROM: Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works 1 Hall, Renee From:Grant Olsen <radioemergency@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, January 7, 2026 10:19 AM To:City Council and Mayor Subject:Lincoln Way and Dakota safety proposal Attachments:lincoln dakota turn only lane.pdf [External Email] Dear Council Members, Attached is a proposal regarding the intersection of Lincoln Way and Dakota Avenue. Grant Olsen Ames resident This is a proposal to improve the performance of a turn-only lane at the intersection of Lincoln Way and South Dakota Avenue. I have observed multiple instances of northbound drivers going straight from a turn-only lane because it can be done without consequence. Drivers who wait at a red light to go straight from the turn- only lane hold back drivers who could turn right on red. Page 1 of 2 Proposed Treatment Install 3-4 yellow flex posts in line with the median of the east leg of the intersection Bonus Benefit The position of these flex posts offers greater protection for pedestrians because of the new angle for south-to-east drivers (down-to-right). The posts also direct a west-to- south (left-to-down) driver further into the intersection, increasing the chances that the driver will travel on the correct side of the median in the south leg of the intersection. Page 2 of 2 MEMO To: Mayor and City Council From: Damion Pregitzer, P.E. PTOE, Traffic Engineering Manager Date: February 24, 2026 Subject: Request from Grant Olsen - Thackeray Avenue / College Creek Trail Crossing – Staff Review and Recommendation BACKGROUND: At the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting, City Council referred to staff a request regarding low-cost safety improvements at the mid-block pedestrian and bicycle crossing of Thackeray Avenue at the College Creek Trail, located between Schubert Street and Emerson Drive. The request from Mr. Olsen identifies concerns related to driver speed perception, visibility limitations caused by on-street parking near the crossing, and the skewed angle between the roadway and trail crossing. The proposed approach emphasizes a low-cost, quick-build treatment intended to function as a pilot installation. POLICY AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING CONTEXT: The City recently finalized the Walk Bike Roll Ames Plan, which establishes the policy guidance and funding priorities for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The plan includes community-selected performance measures and identifies improvements across the city including sidewalk gaps, bikeway upgrades, and potential crossing upgrades. The improvements are prioritized to maximize the available funding and impacts to the active transportation network. The Walk Bike Roll Ames public engagement and technical analysis process did not identify the Thackeray Avenue crossing as a priority location for improvement. As a result, no project at this location is currently programmed or prioritized within the Walk Bike Roll Ames plan or the current Capital Improvements Plan. SAFETY HISTORY: Staff reviewed reported crash data for this segment of Thackeray Avenue between Schubert Street and Emerson Drive. The review found no reported crashes involving vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists at this location from 2015 to the present. While the absence of crashes does not eliminate all safety concerns, it is a key factor considered when prioritizing improvements across the City. In addition, staff is not aware of any prior complaints or documented concerns from residents in the surrounding neighborhood regarding the safety or operations at this crossing. STAFF EVALUATION: Staff notes that the proposed temporary crossing treatment is not a standard or widely recognized traffic control application within the City, nor is it a treatment contemplated by the Walk Bike Roll Ames Plan. Such installations tend to create confusion for roadway users unfamiliar with the treatment. For that reason, experimental or non- standard treatments are generally most appropriate for specific and challenging, high- priority locations where a standard solution does not exist. In addition, temporary materials such as flexible delineators, curb paint, and non- standard striping typically require ongoing maintenance, replacement, and monitoring to remain effective. Over time, this can result in higher long-term costs relative to the initial installation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Given the lack of documented crash history, neighborhood concerns, and plan-level prioritization, staff does not recommend moving forward with a temporary crossing treatment at Thackeray Avenue and the College Creek Trail at this time. Staff will review the current signage and pavement markings for consistency with current City practices and modify the crossing treatments as appropriate. Memo Department of Planning & Housing TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Kelly Diekmann, Planning & Housing Director, Sara Van Meeteren, Building Official DATE: February 20, 2026 SUBJECT: Complaint regarding Game Day Parking and Trash at 1325 S. 4th Street City Council received an email, see attached, on December 17th from Dan Batha asking for code enforcement regarding trash and refuse related to gameday parking that occurred on a vacant lot at 1325 S. 4th Street. City Council referred the request to staff for more information. The Inspection Division has received three complaints regarding garbage since November of 2024. At two of the inspections, a small amount of garbage/litter was found on the property. The third inspection was determined to be unfounded as there were no violations at the time. There are currently no garbage violations at the site. The issue of allowing for gameday parking was also brought up as part of the letter. The property is currently under the ownership of the Randall Corporation and has been in some form of business or family association ownership since 1991. The site is an unimproved vacant lot with Agricultural Zoning. It appears that the property has been zoned agricultural since the time of its purchase. Agricultural Zoning does not permit commercial parking as an allowable use. Staff researched the permit history for the site and did not identify any previously approved permits, such as variances or other types of permits that could have permitted gameday parking on the site. However, this property has been used for gameday parking for many years. Staff has not contacted the property owner to see if they have some record of prior permission for gameday parking. With the complaint about the gameday parking use of the site, the next step for enforcement would be to notify the owner of the limitation on using the site for parking. The owner would then need to comply with the limitation of use, apply for a use variance, or request City Council consider a zoning text amendment to allow for the use in some fashion on the site. Across the street from this site is the former Haunted Forest site owned by the Ballard family. Last year the City Council considered a request from the Lynn and Lee Ballard to allow for establishment of RV storage and expansion of gameday parking options for their site. Ultimately, City Council did not choose to modify zoning standards to allow for any additional gameday related activities at the Ballard property beyond what was already approved as gameday vehicle parking with a variance in the early 2000s. The Ballard family then applied for a variance to allow for additional parking uses which was denied by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in the summer of 2025. Staff Comment: The issues of trash does not rise to a level that staff believes warrant additional enforcement measures at this time. The issue of parking is the central issue of the complaint and is not currently an allowable use on the site. City Council could elect to begin a zoning standards change to permit gameday parking permits on unimproved areas if it believes that the use is beneficial and compatible with the area. If City Council does not take such an initiative, staff will notify the property owner of the use limitation restricting parking. City of Ames COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY December 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM: Dispositions SUBJECT: Request regarding the zoning and enforcement regulations for a property located on South 4th Street bordering the pedestrian trail in Stuart Smith Park from Dan Batha ACTION TAKEN: Moved to request a memo from staff MOTION BY: Beatty-Hansen SECOND BY: Corrieri VOTING AYE: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: None SENT FROM: Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk SENT TO: Kelly Diekmann, Planning and Housing Director Sara Van Meeteren, Building Official 1 Neefus, Jeramy From:Hall, Renee Sent:Wednesday, December 17, 2025 8:55 AM To:Neefus, Jeramy Subject:FW: Code compliance/property usage and zoning Attachments:IMG_2563.jpeg; IMG_2565.jpeg; IMG_2564.jpeg; IMG_2561.jpeg; IMG_2562.jpeg From: Daniel Batha <db449@nau.edu> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 3:29 PM To: City Council and Mayor <mayorcouncil@amescitycouncil.org> Subject: Code compliance/property usage and zoning [External Email] Hello, I wanted to draw the council’s attention to an ongoing issue in my neighborhood. I’ve attempted to resolve it by contacting the code enforcement office multiple times. It happened again this past weekend and it is clear the property owner does not care to fix the issue. This is regarding the property located on south 4th street next to ioway creek and bordering the pedestrian trail in Stuart Smith park. It’s across the street from stadium view apartments and near the old haunted forest area. The property is solely used for parking vehicles during ISU home football games at $50 per car. The area holds over a hundred vehicles, possibly more. There is nearly always trash left by folks tailgating in the lot, and it is not picked up. Animals and the wind then spread it into the park next to it where I routinely walk my dogs. I am inquiring about what steps can be taken to force the property owner to clean up the area after parking vehicles? Clearly what has been done in the past has not worked. It is disgraceful that someone making thousands of dollars for a single day parking cars cannot pay someone to properly clean up afterwards. That brings me to my next question-how is that property zoned and is the owner paying taxes on this income? Does the owner have permission/permits to use the public trail north of their lot to allow vehicles to exit after the game? This causes issues with my safe usage of the trail and also causes traffic issues in front of my house on south Russell Ave. Thank you for hearing my concerns and I look forward to receiving information regarding this issue. Dan Batha 301 south Russell Ave