HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated February 24, 2026ITEM #:20
DATE:02-24-26
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION APPROVING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2025
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 2026 WORK PLAN
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Under the Certified Local Government (CLG) Agreement with the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO), local governments and their Historic Preservation Commissions (HPCs) are
responsible for submitting an annual report documenting the City’s and Commission’s
preservation work during the previous calendar year (Attachment A). The report documents
that the City has met the requirements of the CLG program and is in good standing. The report
also includes a proposed Work Plan for 2026 (Attachment B).
SHPO requires that an HPC representative provide details of the HPC's 2025
accomplishments and the Work Plan for 2026 to the City Council, followed by the Mayor
acknowledging completion of this requirement. The Ames Historic Preservation Commission
(HPC) met on December 8, 2025 and January 12, 2026, to develop and approve a
recommended 2026 Work Plan based upon the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation
Plan Goals and Objectives (updated in 2021). The HPC also documented its accomplishments
for 2025.
Attached is the portion of the CLG Report that addresses the accomplishments, successes,
and challenges of the previous calendar year (2025).
With City Council’s approval of the CLG report, the 2026 Work Plan will also be approved. It
does not include any specific requests for funding beyond the annual $2,000 appropriation for
awards, outreach, and education.
The 2026 Work Plan focuses on the following items:
1. Secure a speaker to address tax credit opportunities for historic properties in Ames.
2. Look for ways to engage the community to inform property owners about how the historic
review process works.
3. Collaborate again with the Ames History Museum to host a second "Glimpse Inside"
event, a tour of historic properties and architecture, in 2026.
4. Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information.
5. Consider changes to historic material requirements for substitute materials and for
replacement of non-compliant materials
The education items are work tasks for the Commission to undertake with staff administrative
support as needed. The HPC likely will utilize subcommittees to address some of the tasks in
the Work Plan. Many of the items on the Work Plan are consistent with prior initiatives. HPC
had a concern about disclosure of historic requirements in relation to Old Town and added a
specific measures to investigate what can be done in coordination with the Neighborhood
Association and Realtors.
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Item #5 is potentially a significant initiative based upon the discussion by the
Commission of their interest to create more flexibility in relation to applying design
criteria and guidelines focused on historic materials. Historic materials requirement is a
foundational requirement of the structure of Chapter 31 that applies to all contributing
resources and types of alterations, e.g., siding, windows, doors, etc., unless a stated exception
as a substitute material is allowed. In general the Commission has discussed revising the
overall requirements of Chapter 31 in the past, but at this time the discussion focused on the
the application of specific design standards related to historic materials, with the most common
examples being window materials and siding materials. Staff believes that due to the
complex nature of this issue and the likely significant neighborhood interest in the
issue, this type of project would require prioritization by City Council in the Planning
Division Work Plan to define the Council's interest in this issue, staff resources, and
the process that it would employ for stakeholder involvement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 2025 accomplishments of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and
the Work Plan for 2026, as described in the 2025 Certified Local Government Report
and direct the Mayor to acknowledge presentation of the report and authorize the report
to be submitted to the State.
Note that subsequent Planning Division Work Plan prioritization by City Council would
apply to significant Chapter 31 updates.
2. Direct staff to modify the Work Plan.
3. Refer the Work Plan and Report back to the HPC for additional information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The HPC has documented its accomplishments for 2025 and has developed a 2026 Work
Plan that represents its priorities for the current calendar year. The Work Plan focuses on
resources utilized by the HPC. Most of the work can be accomplished within current budgets
and support levels, with the exception of any expectation for significant neighborhood
engagement regarding significant changes to Chapter 31.
Approval of the Work Plan with the understanding that Chapter 31 updates regarding
Item 5 above would require more discussion with the Council and prioritization would
be acceptable to comply with CLG requirements. Therefore, it is the recommendation of
the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - 2025 CLG Annual Report Excerpts.pdf
Attachment B - Work Plan - 2026.pdf
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Attachment A
(Portion of the Ames 2025 CLG Report)
8.1 Describe your community’s historic preservation activities in this calendar year.
• 2025 Work Plan – On January 13, 2025, the Ames Historic Preservation Commission approved the
draft 2025 Work Plan for the year. It was approved by the City Council on February 25, 2025.
• Awards Program – In January and February, nominations were received for the 2025 Annual Historic
Preservation Awards Program.
o The Ames Historical Society received an award for rehabilitation of the former Ames
Pantorium building, now part of the Ames History Museum at 416 Douglas Avenue.
o Keeping the Past Alive – awarded to Shellie Orngard for the historic preservation of
her single-family home at 928 Burnett Avenue
o Keeping the Past Alive – awarded to Karen Lasche for historic preservation of her
single-family home at 911 Burnett Avenue
• National Historic Preservation Month Proclamation – On April 22, 2025, the City Council made a
proclamation in observance of May National Historic Preservation Month.
• HPC Budget – The Ames City Council approved a fiscal year 2025/26 budget of $2,000 for historic
preservation activities. The funding is to be used for training and conferences for members of the
Ames Historic Preservation Commission ($1,000), as well as for the Historic Preservation Annual
Awards Program, tours, brochures, and other educational programs ($1,000).
• Ames Historical Society Funding – Additionally, the Ames City Council granted $59,500 to the Ames
Historical Society for the 2025/26 budget.
8.2 Describe your community’s assistance with preservation issues or projects in this calendar
year. *Please be specific (address(es) of the property(ies), issue(s), and assistance provided).
• City staff and the HPC reviewed applications for approval of alterations, demolitions, and new
construction on the following properties in the Old Town Historic District:
o 307 8th Street – roof replacement (Approved Administratively)
o 317 9th Street – demolition of detached garage (Approved by HPC)
o 722 Burnett Avenue:
▪ Install vinyl siding (Approved by HPC)
▪ New gutters and downspouts (Approved Administratively)
o 809 Burnett Avenue:
▪ Removal of a chimney (Approved by HPC);
▪ Construction of a faux chimney (Approved by HPC);
▪ Removal of a window at the rear (Approved Administratively)
o 702 Clark Avenue:
▪ Installation of a deck (Approved Administratively)
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▪ Replacement of a door (Approved Administratively)
▪ Elimination of a window opening on the rear (Approved by HPC)
▪ Elimination of a window on the side (Approved by HPC)
▪ Replacement of wood windows (Approved Administratively)
o 722 Clark Avenue:
▪ Install new porch flooring (Approved Administratively)
▪ New porch column bases and new balustrades and handrails (Approved
Administratively)
o 825 Clark Avenue – roof-mounted solar array (Approved Administratively)
o 709 Douglas Avenue – new fence (Approved Administratively)
o 704 Duff Avenue – new fence (Approved Administratively)
o 704 Kellogg Avenue:
▪ Demolish detached garage (Approved by HPC)
▪ New detached garage (Approved by HPC)
▪ Amended new detached garage (Approved by HPC)
o 803 Kellogg Avenue – new cellar door (Approved Administratively)
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) was issued by the Planning Department for each project. A
total of 21 Certificates were issued in 2025. Staff reviewed 12 and the Historic Preservation
Commission reviewed 9.
• On May 1, 2025, the Iowa State Government enacted legislation mandating that cities and counties
allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The law went into effect on July 1, 2025. The City of Ames
already allowed ADUs, but the new law required changes to City code. In response, staff presented
relevant amendments to the HPC, which reviewed and commented on the proposed ordinance.
Council adopted the new Rental Housing Code, Zoning Code, and Historic Preservation Districts Code
language on June 24, 2025.
8.3 Please describe your community's public education programs in this calendar year. *Please provide
specific details such as date of event, description of the event, how many people participated, whether
the commission partnered with other organizations.
• The City of Ames Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) joined several other organizations in
hosting “A Glimpse Inside,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. This one -day event
showcased historic and architectural resources at 10 locations in Ames’ Old Town National Register
Historic Districts and Main Street. The event was free and open to the public. Hosts at each location
provided additional information about the property, stories about how people connected to the
locations helped to shape Ames, and details about how the structures have been preserved,
restored, and adapted for use today.
• Awards Program – In January and February, nominations were received for the 2025 Annual Historic
Preservation Awards Program.
o The Ames Historical Society received an award for rehabilitation of the former Ames
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Pantorium building, now part of the Ames History Museum at 416 Douglas Avenue.
o Keeping the Past Alive – awarded to Shellie Orngard for the historic preservation of
her single-family home at 928 Burnett Avenue
o Keeping the Past Alive – awarded to Karen Lasche for historic preservation of her
single-family home at 911 Burnett Avenue
9. Were there any issues, challenges, or successes your preservation commission encountered or
accomplished this year?
Issues –
• HPC identified an inability to address energy efficiency with the existing historic preservation tools.
• HPC also identified how the historic preservation requirements interfered with the City’s goal of
“livability”
Challenges –
• HPC felt that Chapter 31 did not provide enough guidance for review. The Commissioners did a
review to request staff make revisions.
• Additionally, the HPC created a subcommittee to:
o Review code
o Presented findings
o Suggested edits
Successes –
• A notable success for 2025 was the continued progress of the National Register Nomination for the
Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Additions, which include s 150 properties. This project received a
Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant to prepare the nomination. The City hired NHPA Consultants
LLC, with offices located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to prepare the nomination. Work on the nomination
began on July 1, 2024. The project has been submitted to SHPO for review.
• The Downtown Façade Improvement Program was modified to include funding for maintenance of
properties that are contributing resources to the Ames Main Street Historic District. Mailings were
sent to eligible properties. The first funding round in which the se grants were eligible was in the
spring of 2025. Funding was awarded to three projects, approved by the City Council at the meeting
on June 10, 2025.
o 136 & 138 Main Street
o 202 Main Street
o 313 Main Street
• Additionally,
o The City of Ames continues to provide funding to the Ames Historical Museum for a variety
of services including education and research.
o The City of Ames Historic Preservation Commission had representation by Devon Lewis, Kate
Gregory (HPC Members), and Ray Anderson (City Staff Liaison to the HPC) at the 2025
Preserve Iowa Summit in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, held in June 2025.
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o Granting Certificates of Appropriateness. Review of applications resulted in the timely
issuance of 21 Certificates of Appropriateness for 11 properties.
o The Historic Preservation webpage on the City of Ames website continues to be regularly
updated. It is frequented by the public and the Commission as a tool for public awareness
about historic preservation in Ames and as a resource for information.
14. Based on the work plan submitted last year for your commission please provide a self -assessment
of the progress your commission made on the initiatives and programs that were identified last year.
2025 WORK PLAN – [ACHPP” = Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan]
Educate the Public Concerning the Value and Benefit of Historic Preservation [GOAL #4, ACHPP]
• Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
o Collaborate with the Ames History Museum to host a community “history” event in 202 5.
[Objective 4.A, & 1.C, ACHPP].
o Reach out to Old Town Historic District property owners with educational materials on
preserving and improving historic properties. [Objective 2.C & 4.C, ACHPP]
o Continue to keep the Historic Preservation webpages updated. [Objective 4.B & C,
ACHPP]
• Continue with funding for training of Commission members and developing educational
resources about Ames history and historic resources. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Participate in educational opportunities afforded by the 2025 Preserve Iowa Summit, June
5-7 in Muscatine, IA. [Objective 5.A, ACHPP]
• Continue Historic Preservation Commission Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program,
and present awards with the Mayor at a City Council meeting in April or May. [Objective
4.C, ACHPP]
• Continue to recognize May as Preservation Month with a Proclamation by City Council.
[Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2025:
• Dissemination of Information – The Ames City Council funded $59,500 to the Ames
Historical Society as described in question 8.1.
• On October 18, 2025, the HPC did collaborate with the Old Town Neighborhood Association,
KHOI Community Radio, the Ames History Museum, and Downtown Ames to host “A
Glimpse Inside”, which offered tours of historic properties.
• The HPC did support the Public Engagement Meeting on the draft of the Chautauqua Park-
Ridgewood historic district nomination.
• Training- Funding for HPC training was included in the City budget by the Ames City Council.
Commissioner Devon Lewis, Commissioner Kate Gregory, and Ray Anderson (City Staff
Liaison to the HPC) participated in the 2025 Preserve Iowa Summit in Muscatine, Iowa, held
on June 5-7, 2025.
• Awards – The 2025 Awards Program honored one institution and two individuals for their
significant contributions to historic preservation, as described in question 8.1.
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• Proclamation – The Mayor and City Council made a proclamation on April 22, 2025, to
recognize May as Preservation Month.
Promote the Economic Development and Vitality of the City through Historic Preservation. [GOAL
#6, ACHPP]
• Review Tax Credit speaker opportunities for 2024. [Objective 2.B & 4.A, ACHPP]
• Continue granting Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely manner. [Objective 3.E,
ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2025:
• The Commission continues to pursue options for a speaker to discuss tax credit
opportunities.
• Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) – The timely granting of COAs continued in 2025 as in
past years as described in question 8.1. City staff has the authority in Chapter 31 to issue a
COA for alterations to existing structures provided the alterations are consistent with the
Design Guidelines and Design Criteria. Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission
is required for all new construction or any building addition that increases the amount of
gross floor area.
Enhance municipal policies to protect historic resources and implement policies through
identification, effective legislation, and efficient regulatory measures. [GOAL #3, ACHPP]
• Consider changes to Chapter 31, Historic Preservation, in the Municipal Code to allow
exterior materials on historic structures that would meet the standards and be energy
efficient.
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2025:
• Chapter 31 continued to be reviewed during 202 5. The Commission established a few
subcommittees to examine the code.
• The HPC made recommendations to City Council regarding the use of double-pane windows
for historic properties.
Continue to Use the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan as a Working Document.
[Objective 5.C, ACHPP]
• Review the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report and determine next
year’s priorities and Work Plan, in November or December. [Objective 5.C.1, ACHPP]
• Obtain approval from the City Council for priorities determined by the Commission
following each review of the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report.
[Objective 5.C.2, ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2025:
• In December 2024 and January 2025, the Ames Historic Preservation Commission discussed
and approved the draft 2025 Work Plan, based upon the priorities in the Ames
Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan.
• Approval by the City Council of the 2026 Work Plan, as part of the 2024 CLG Annual Report,
will be on the City Council Agenda in February 2026.
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Attachment B
(Work Plan – 2026)
PROPOSED – 2026 WORK PLAN – [Note: “ACHPP” = Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation
Plan]
Educate the Public Concerning the Value and Benefit of Historic Preservation [GOAL #4,
ACHPP]
• Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information. [Objective 4.C,
ACHPP]
o Support a community “history” event in 2026. The event in 2025, “The Glimpse”,
was considered a success and the intent is to host it again [Objective 4.A, & 1.C,
ACHPP].
o Continue to keep the Historic Preservation webpages updated. [Objective 4.B & C,
ACHPP]
• Continue with funding for training of Commission members. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
o Participate in educational opportunities afforded by the 202 6 Preserve Iowa
Summit on June 2-3 in Ankeny, IA. [Objective 5.A, ACHPP]
• Continue Historic Preservation Commission Annual Historic Preservation Awards
Program, and present awards with the Mayor at a City Council meeting in April or
May. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Continue to recognize May as Preservation Month with a Proclamation by City
Council. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Offer the Old Town Neighborhood information to include in their Newsletter
regarding Historic Preservation District Requirements.
• Consider speaker opportunities, such as Daniel Clark, for the public and HPC related
to tax credits, targeted at Old Town and Chautauqua Park. This could include a
representative from SHPO.
• Identify opportunities to engage with local realtors about historic preservation. This
goal is aimed at helping to inform potential home buyers of the rules for
modifications in historic districts.
Promote the Economic Development and Vitality of the City through Historic Preservation
[GOAL #6, ACHPP]
• Continue granting Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely manner. [Objective 3.E,
ACHPP]
• Continue support for Historic Preservation Façade Grants for Downtown Historic
District Contributing Structures
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Enhance municipal policies to protect historic resources and implement policies through
identification, effective legislation, and efficient regulatory measures. [GOAL #3, ACHPP]
• Consider changes to Chapter 31, Historic Preservation, in the Municipal Code to
allow exterior materials on historic structures that would meet the standards and be
energy efficient.
o HPC has proposed new language related to double pane windows
o HPC has proposed new language regarding allowance for infill of openings
o HPC might consider addressing vinyl siding alteration
• Consider changes to historic material requirements for substitute materials (such a
vinyl siding) and for replacement of non-compliant materials.
• Research how other cities handle exceptions to the use of historic materials, such as
aluminum siding.
• Consider how to address nonconforming structures in historic districts.
Continue to Use the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan as a Working
Document. [Objective 5.C, ACHPP]
• Review the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report and determine
next year’s priorities and Work Plan, in November or December. [Objective 5.C.1,
ACHPP]
• Obtain approval from the City Council for priorities determined by the Commission
following each review of the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan
Report. [Objective 5.C.2, ACHPP]
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