HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Extended Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 24, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:01 p.m. on the 24th 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, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex
officio Emily Boland was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to approve the consent
agenda.
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of February 1-15, 2026
3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
February 10, 2026
4. Motion approving new 5-Day (February 23-27, 2026) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co, 520 6th Street
5. Motion approving new 5-Day (March 24-28, 2026) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License - Apres Bar Co, 2321 North Loop Drive
6. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. Casey's General Store #2905, 3612 Stange Road, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
b. Coldwater Golf Links, 1400 S. Grand Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service
c. Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas Avenue, Class F Retail Alcohol License,
Pending Dramshop Review
d. Homewood Golf Course, 401 E. 20th Street, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
e. Pizza Pit Extreme, 207 Welch Avenue Ste 201, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
f. Sams Club #6568, 305 Airport Road, Class E Retail Alcohol License
g. Maverik #5365, 2801 E 13th Street, Class E Retail Alcohol License
h. Maverik #5119, 2108 Isaac Newton Drive, Class E Retail Alcohol License
i. Buffalo Wild Wings, 400 South Duff Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
7. Motion authorizing Mayor to sign the $500,000 Grant Contract with the Iowa
Finance Authority for the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial
Assistance Program (WTFAP) associated with the Water Pollution Control
Facility Nutrient Reduction Modifications Project
8. Motion authorizing staff to apply for and participate in the 2026 AARP
Community Challenge grant program for up to $15,000
9. Motion accepting the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Monthly Report
*. ADDITIONAL ITEM Requests from Ames Regional Economic Alliance for Ames
Main Street Farmers' Market on Saturdays from May 2 - October 17, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit and blanket
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V ending License for Central Business District from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m.
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-081 approving closure of 200, 300, and 400 blocks
of Main Street, Burnett Avenue from Main Street to the U.S. Bank drive-
through, and Tom Evans from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-082 approving suspension of parking enforcement
in CBD Lots X and Y from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays from May
2 - October 17, 2026
d. RESOLUTION NO. 26-083 approving usage of waiver of electrical fees
and waiver of fee for blanket Vending License for the event from 5:30 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays from May 2 - October 17, 2026
e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-084 approving request to waive fees for parking
meters on the 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Main Street
10. Requests from Ames Main Street for 515 Day on May 15, 2026:
a. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving Blanket Vending License
c. Motion approving street closures of 5th Street from Burnett Avenue
through Douglas Avenue, Kellogg Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street,
and Douglas Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street
d. Motion approving new 5-Day (May 14-18, 2026) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service for Thirsty Pigs (515 Day Ames),
215 5th Street
e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-085 approving waiver of parking meter fees and
enforcement for portions of 5th Street, Kellogg Avenue, and Douglas
Avenue
f. RESOLUTION NO. 26-086 approving waiver of Vending License fee
g. RESOLUTION NO. 26-087 approving usage of electricity and waiver of
fees for electricity
h. RESOLUTION NO. 26-088 approving suspension of enforcement of
Municipal Code Section 17.16 related to minors on premises
11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-089 relating to financing of a project to be undertaken by
the City of Ames, Iowa; establishing compliance with reimbursement bond
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code (Prairie View 161 kV Substation
and Prairie View 161 kV Line Expansion)
12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-090 approving second amendment to the Land Purchase
Option with Keystone Equity Group for Surplus Land at Harrison and Welbeck
to Extend Final Plat Deadline
13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-091 approving third amendment to Restrictive Covenants
Designating Affordable and Market Rate Housing Lots for Baker Subdivision
14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-092 approving the third Supplemental Agreement for
Public Improvements for Kingsbury's Fifth Addition Lots 1 through 4
15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-093 approving an Application for Property Tax
Abatement and a Minimum Assessment Agreement for Tax Abatement at 329
Southeast 5th Street (Furniture Mart)
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-094 awarding contract with SVPA Architects, of West
Des Moines, IA, for the Technical Services Complex Renovation Project in the
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amount of $157,500
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-095 awarding contract to Play-Pro Recreation, of Clive,
IA, for playground equipment and installation for Parkview Park, 1730
Buchanan Court, in the amount of $64,000
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-096 approving Change Order No. 8 with Woodruff
Construction, of Ames, IA, for the Water Pollution Control Facility Nutrient
Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project in the amount of $3,841.91
19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-097 accepting FY 2022/23 Story County Edge of Field
Project as completed by Hands On Excavating, LLC of Radcliffe, IA, the amount
of $217,527.17
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.
Brooke Elliston, Ames resident representing the South Russell and Lincoln Way
neighborhood, shared pedestrian safety concerns regarding the intersection following a
recent accident. She presented traffic study information and submitted a report of the
data, as well as a neighborhood petition for safety improvements, to the City Council.
James Chidister, 111 North Russell, shared that he was first on the scene of the recent
accident involving a pedestrian on Lincoln Way. He urged the City Council for action,
recommending enhanced street lighting, marked and signed pedestrian crossings, a
lowered speed limit, and broader sidewalks with a more considerable buffer from traffic.
Caleb Whitehouse, Transportation Planner for the Iowa Department of Transportation
(DOT) and resident at 1003 Lincoln Way, also advocated for safety improvements at the
intersection of Lincoln Way and South Russell. He referenced a prior study that
recommended a road diet reducing Lincoln Way from four lanes to three, as well as
painted crosswalks and improved lighting.
Brooke Whitehouse, 1003 Lincoln Way, echoed the call for a road diet on Lincoln Way
between Grand and University Avenues to protect bicyclists and pedestrians.
Annabella Marquez, Ames resident, asked the City of Ames to formally register opposition
to House File 2541. She referenced the recent discussion regarding gender identity
protections, urging the City Council to affirm the importance of local control and officially
register its opposition.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 2026
WORK PLAN: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann, alongside Assistant
Planner Parker Walsh and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Members Melissa
Goodwin and Kate Gregory, introduced the HPC 2025 Accomplishments and 2026 Work
Plan, as described in the 2025 Certified Local Government (CLG) Report. Director
Diekmann explained the two actions before the City Council: approval of the CLG annual
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report and endorsement of the 2026 Work Plan as proposed by HPC. The annual report
focused primarily on the work plan, which included both accomplishments from the
previous year and proposed activities for the year ahead. The goal was to ensure the
accomplishments were accurately represented and that the proposed work plan aligned
with the expectations of the City Council. Staff was recommending approval of both the
accomplishments and the work plan, with one minor clarification that the Ames History
Museum was not the lead organization for the A Glimpse Inside program, although it was
a partner last year.
Commission Member Goodwin reviewed the 2025 accomplishments, which included
conducting the annual preservation awards program, proclaiming National Historic
Preservation Month in May, and supporting the inaugural A Glimpse Inside program, an
open house event that allowed residents to tour historic buildings throughout the City.
For the 2026 Work Plan, Commission Member Goodwin outlined several goals:
continuing the awards program, supporting a second iteration of A Glimpse Inside,
securing a speaker to address residential historic tax credit opportunities, improving
dissemination of information to property owners entering the Old Town Historic District,
and beginning work on potential energy efficiency improvements to Chapter 31 of the
Municipal Code.
Council Member Betcher raised a concern that two dates in the CLG annual report read
"2024" when they should read "2025," and asked that these be corrected before
submission. She also voiced her opinion that some of the work plan language was
insufficiently concrete, for instance, "consider speaker opportunities" and "offer
information." She requested that the language be made more action-oriented. Director
Diekmann explained the word "offer" had been used because the Commission did not
control the Old Town neighborhood newsletter, but did agree to update the language.
Council Member Betcher also suggested including A Glimpse Inside as a budget item,
highlighting its importance to the community and potential recurring nature.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to make corrections to the dates in
the annual CLG Report and revisions to the work plan language to be more concrete —
specifically, to "provide information" rather than "offer" and to "bring in a speaker" rather
than "consider speaker opportunities.”
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-098 approving
Historic Preservation Commission 2025 Accomplishments and 2026 Work Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
TEXT AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 31 OF THE AMES MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION: Director Diekmann, alongside Assistant
Planner Walsh and HPC Members Goodwin and Gregory, presented two text amendment
proposals for Municipal Code Chapter 31 developed by an HPC subcommittee, which
included adding language explicitly permitting double-pane windows within the historic
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district, and adding language governing the removal and infill of window openings.
Council Member Betcher expressed reservations about Option 1 regarding permitting
double pane windows, arguing it was part of a larger and more complex discussion. She
noted that national preservation bodies, including the National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions and the National Park Service, generally do not recommend replacement
windows. This was in part because their lifecycle was significantly shorter than original
windows, and in part because approving replacement windows may open the door to
broader alternative material requests, such as vinyl siding, that could erode the character
of the historic district. She argued that the appropriate path would be holding a workshop
to engage Old Town property owners and the broader community before any Chapter 31
amendments were made on alternative materials. She advocated for postponing
decision-making on the issue in order to determine how it would fit within the work plan
and ensure appropriate public input.
Director Diekmann responded by acknowledging the depth of the materials issue that
Council Member Betcher raised. He clarified that Option 1 specifically focused on the
narrow scope of permitting double-pane windows under the conditions that preserve
existing appearance and materials, and Option 2 specifically focused on whether existing
openings could be filled, while the larger issue of substitute material standards required
broader community discussion and was identified as part of the work plan for 2026.
Director Diekmann suggested that the question was whether the two smaller issues
addressed in Options 1 and 2 could progress independently, or should they be deferred
to a broader conversation incorporating public engagement that would also include
discussion on use of alternative materials.
Council Member Betcher questioned Director Diekmann on the level of involvement of
Planning and Housing staff regarding the work plan for HPC. Director Diekmann
explained that in this case the subcommittee did most of the legwork, and until it had a
concrete proposal, staff was not heavily involved. Once the subcommittee made
presentations to the Commission and provided some background research, staff offered
a little guidance but was not engaged in the initial research. The broader, more complex
issues like substitute material standards might involve more staff involvement within the
work plan, depending on the expected scope and methodology for public engagement or
research implementation. Director Diekmann noted that he planned to present the
Planning and Housing workplan at the City Council Meeting on April 14, 2026.
During discussion, HPC Commission Member Goodwin elaborated on the research
process used by the subcommittee to provide additional context. The original goal had
been to identify opportunities within Chapter 31 to accommodate energy efficiency
improvements while maintaining the overarching preservation goals of the ordinance. The
subcommittee focused on windows because siding changes would not produce
meaningful improvements in R-value. It identified an ambiguity in the current code, in that
it neither explicitly permitted nor prohibited double-pane windows, and proposed clarifying
that double-pane windows were allowed, provided the exterior appearance, material, and
profile of the window remained consistent with the existing design guidelines.
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Commission Member Gregory added that the Commission had also observed during
Certificate of Appropriateness reviews that the code lacked clarity on window infill,
prompting the second proposal.
Council Member Gartin was sympathetic to the energy efficiency concern, noting his own
experience where single-pane windows made his previous house uncomfortably cold in
winter. He argued that requiring residents to continue with single-pane windows when
double-pane wood-framed windows would not visually alter the exterior seemed
unreasonable, and suggested that a broader conversation about Chapter 31 could
proceed in parallel with moving on the window issue.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Hail a when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve Option 2: Direct staff to prepare a Text
Amendment to add code language regarding the removal and infill of windows .
Vote on Motion: 1-5. Voting Aye: Betcher. Voting Nay: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin,
Junck, and Rollins. Motion Failed.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Option 3: Direct staff to
prepare a Text Amendment to allow double pane windows and address removal and infill
of windows.
During discussion, Commissioner Goodwin confirmed that the intent was for replacement
windows to remain subject to all existing design guidelines, including material, shape, and
configuration, with the only change being that two panes of glass would be permitted
within a single sash. Mayor Haila asked whether this assurance would be captured in the
text amendment language, and staff confirmed that it would be.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, and Junck. Voting
Nay: Betcher and Rollins. Motion declared carried.
Director Diekmann also sought guidance from the City Council regarding public outreach,
specifically whether the prioritization and engagement process should start before the
discussion of the work plan for the Planning Department. He explained that the initial
suggestion from staff was to use mailed notices rather than conducting public meetings
about the specific text amendment issues. The standard process entails a hearing at a
meeting of the HPC, followed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and finally the
City Council.
Council Member Betcher suggested deferring decisions related to the public outreach
process and timing for the text amendment until after the department work plan discussion
on April 14, rather than initiating postcard notifications immediately.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to delay decisions regarding public outreach until
after the workplan discussion in the April 14, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City
Council.
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Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Director Diekmann also formally introduced new Assistant Planner Parker Walsh, who
had assumed responsibility for staffing the HPC and reviewing Certificates of
Appropriateness.
RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM: Sustainability Coordinator Nolan
Sagan, alongside Public Works Director Justin Clausen and Assistant City Manager Brian
Phillips, presented the details of the proposed residential curbside recycling program .
Coordinator Sagan noted that the transition away from the waste-to-energy model toward
the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C) transfer station, scheduled to
begin in 2027, would necessitate a robust curbside recycling program to maintain the
waste diversion goals of the City.
The recycling program scope encompassed approximately 14,000 residences, including
all single-family homes and multifamily properties up to four units. Each eligible household
would receive a 96-gallon cart delivered in June, with service beginning in July. For the
first year, material would be transported directly to a sorting facility in Des Moines. Once
construction of the R3C transfer station was complete in mid-2027, material would route
through that facility. The contract term was five years with extension options, and
ownership of the carts would transfer to the City at the conclusion of the five -year term.
Coordinator Sagan reported that a Request for Proposals had been issued in December
2025. Five proposals were received and thoroughly evaluated, three firms were
interviewed, and Aspen Waste Systems, based in Ames, was selected as the
recommended contractor. Aspen Waste Systems was the only hauler planning to operate
from an Ames base, which staff believed would provide faster response times and
improved customer service. Staff highlighted the demonstrated willingness of Aspen to
tailor the program to the specific goals of the City, while featuring the strongest pricing
proposal.
In response to questions from Mayor Haila regarding house-side service, Coordinator
Sagan confirmed that house-side service would be available for elderly, disabled, or other
residents unable to bring carts to the curb. He noted that this service would require
application and arrangements with the hauler in advance.
The proposed monthly fee was $7.75 per household, with approximately half going to the
hauler and cart costs, a portion for R3C capital and operations, disposal costs, City
administration costs for billing and customer service, and a reserve fund to accommodate
program cost fluctuations. The fee would be charged to all eligible customers regardless
of participation. The goal of staff was to keep the fee relatively flat over the five-year
contract period.
Coordinator Sagan emphasized that public outreach and education would remain a top
priority throughout the implementation of the new recycling program. He outlined the
launch of a comprehensive education campaign including the City website, informational
email notifications, in-person events, and mailings.
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Staff displayed cart color options in blue, green, and gray, noting that darker variants of
the same colors were also under consideration. Assistant City Manager Phillips
announced that a community poll would open the following day to allow residents to vote
on their preferred color. The final cart would include City of Ames recycling program
branding on both sides and printed guidance on acceptable materials on the lid.
Coordinator Sagan explained that staff was requesting a delay of the contract award until
the March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, to provide the community
an opportunity to understand the details of the proposed contract before it was approved.
Ex officio Boland asked about the possibility of expanding the program to multifamily
properties with more than four units. Coordinator Sagan confirmed that a $20,000 pilot
project for multifamily recycling had been authorized from City Council priority funds and
a virtual public meeting had been scheduled. A grant application to AARP for up to
$15,000 to extend recycling to senior living communities was also approved on the
consent agenda.
In response to questions regarding the existing glass collection containers, Director
Clausen indicated that options were still being evaluated, including potentially converting
those locations to commingled recycling drop-off points. He noted that cardboard was a
particularly valuable commodity and that additional drop-off options for cardboard may be
explored.
During discussion, Mayor Haila asked what types of plastics were acceptable for
recycling. Director Clausen clarified that acceptable plastics were currently numbers 1
and 2 (those with screw-top lids), noting the importance of education to minimize
“wishcycling” and placing items in the recycling bin that are not actually recyclable.
Council Member Gartin raised the question of non-payment enforcement, asking whether
failure to pay the recycling fee could ultimately result in utility shutoff. Assistant City
Manager Phillips responded that various collection tools were available, including referral
to collections and the Iowa setoff program.
Council Member Gartin also requested that staff build in an opportunity to report back to
the City Council on the program's performance in its first year or two, separate from the
normal budget cycle. Staff acknowledged this request.
Mayor Haila opened Public Input.
Thor Nelson, Executive Vice President of Aspen Waste Systems, expressed the company’s
investment in the community and enthusiasm for the partnership with the City.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to accept staff report on program outline and fees
and direct staff to place the collection contract on the agenda for the March 10, 2026,
Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council for consideration of final approval.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH STORY COUNTY FOR PRELIMINARY
ENGINEERING AND TSIP GRANT APPLICATION (G.W. CARVER AVENUE AND
CAMERON SCHOOL ROAD INTERSECTION): Public Works Traffic Engineering
Manager Damion Pregitzer, alongside Director Clausen, presented the proposed
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as the next step in the development of a potential
roundabout at the intersection of G.W. Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road in the
northwest part of Ames, adjacent to the Ames Golf and Country Club. Staff emphasized
that this step is one of feasibility only; a concept would be developed, right-of-way impacts
identified, and a safety grant application pursued, with no obligation for either the City or
Story County to proceed with construction at this stage. Once the preliminary engineering
was complete and a safety grant application submitted, the results would be brought back
to the City Council in time for the fall Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) development cycle.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen inquired about the expected timeline. Manager Pregitzer
responded that once the MOU was approved, staff would solicit and select a consultant
to start working on the technical details. Through the summer, options for right -of-way
impacts would be assessed, and a safety grant application prepared. By fall, in time for
the next CIP development cycle, the necessary details about right -of-way impacts and
potential project options should be available, and a proposal would then be presented to
the City Council.
City Manager Steve Schainker and Mayor Haila acknowledged and thanked Story County
Board of Supervisors for its prompt and supportive response to the request from the City
for cost-sharing, noting the positive partnership between the City and County.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-099
approving Memorandum of Understanding with Story County for Preliminary Engineering
and TSIP Grant Application (G.W. Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road
Intersection).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to allocate $50,000 from
unobligated American Rescue Plan Act Funds to support the City’s share of the
preliminary engineering and grant application work.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION: Director Diekmann reported that 52
applications under the City's adopted tax abatement programs were complete and in
compliance, all relating to single-family owner-occupied homes under the ownership
housing program. One application for a property on Ada Hayden Road was found to be
ineligible because the home was not owner-occupied. Director Diekmann noted that while
the program had been in place for two full years, it had not produced a meaningful change
in single-family home construction patterns. The program would continue through the end
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of 2027 for new housing starts, though future adjustments may be necessary given
potential interactions with tax increment financing in certain new subdivisions.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve Alternative 1, adopting:
• RESOLUTION NO. 26-100 certifying property tax abatement applications.
• RESOLUTION NO. 26-101 authorizing staff to submit property tax abatement
applications to the City Assessor for determination of abated value.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
URBAN RENEWAL AREAS AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROJECTS: Director
Diekmann explained that following the initiative approved by the City Council in December
to plan for development incentive packages, five projects were identified as likely to require
some form of urban renewal area designation and tax increment financing. Rather than
returning to City Council for permission to initiate each project individually, staff sought a
single authorization to proceed with all five projects in the order they become ready.
Director Diekmann clarified that this action would not commit the City Council to any actual
incentive; it would simply set up the necessary procedural tools more efficiently.
In response to questions from Mayor Haila regarding the order of the projects, Director
Diekmann explained that it was likely that the projects would become ready in the order in
which they were listed in the Council Action Form; however, the sequence could change
depending on how the different projects progressed.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve Alternative 1: Direct staff to proceed
with preparing Urban Renewal Areas, Plans, and TIF Ordinances consistent with the
project list and descriptions outlined above.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR THE SALE OF SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET-
RATE LOTS LOCATED IN THE BAKER SUBDIVISION: Housing Coordinator Vanessa
Baker-Latimer, alongside Director Diekmann, presented the RFP for the sale of six of the
12 market-rate lots on the north side of the Baker Subdivision. Coordinator Baker-Latimer
reported that the south side of the subdivision had been completed with eight Habitat for
Humanity homes and 38 low-income housing tax credit townhomes. Of the 18 remaining
lots on the north side, lots 18, 19, and 20 were currently unavailable due to geothermal
system issues that were being corrected, and six lots were proposed for sale at this time
to manage the flow of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in come in
a manner that would allow the City to meet requirements for its Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) timeliness test in May 2027.
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Minimum requirements in the RFP included a minimum home size of 1,200 square feet
(1,250 for multi-story), a required basement, at least three homes built in the past seven
years by the builder, owner-occupancy only, connection to the geothermal system within
the subdivision, and construction to begin within six months of lot closing with completion
within 12 months of construction start. Developers would be allowed to submit for
purchase of one to six lots, with no two identical home plans permitted on adj acent lots.
Scoring criteria weighted housing design and neighborhood compatibility at 50 points,
quantity and quality of lots purchased at 30 points, and price at 20 points.
Coordinator Baker-Latimer stated that a minimum sales price had been established based
on the City's CDBG investment: the land purchase cost of approximately $550,000 and
65 percent of infrastructure costs totaling just over $1 million, averaged across the 26
lots, yielding an approximate per-lot cost of $53,000. A minimum price of $50,000 was
recommended, with pricing scaled by lot size. Staff acknowledged that HUD require d
sales at market value and that the RFP process was intended to constitute an arm's-
length transaction satisfying that requirement, though more specific guidance from HUD
had not been forthcoming.
Two corrections were noted during discussion: the pre-proposal meeting date should read
Tuesday, March 10, and lots 21 and 22 should be listed as available in the text of the
RFP.
Mayor Haila asked for clarification that the intent is to sell no more than six lots in this
RFP round. Staff confirmed that while buyers may choose any of the available lots and
one party could purchase up to six, the total number to be sold in this round was capped
at six due to CDBG program income management requirements.
Council Member Gartin raised a concern about the requirement for all homes to be
connected to the geothermal system. He noted that the geothermal requirement had
caused significant cost increases for Habitat for Humanity during the south side
development and asked whether it should remain mandatory or be made optional,
suggesting that the RFP process itself might reveal whether the requirement deters
bidders. Director Diekmann confirmed that geothermal connection was currently required
by the subdivision covenants and would require City Council action to amend. He also
noted that the covenants had already been amended twice. Council Member Gartin
suggested the City remain open to revisiting the covenants if the RFP reveals the
requirement to be a barrier.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-102
approving a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale of single -family market-rate lots
located in the Baker Subdivision with the corrections noted during discussion.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
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Mayor Haila also asked staff to clarify the RFP language to make plain that no more than
six lots will be sold in this round to prevent confusion among potential bidders.
WAIVER REQUEST FOR A RURAL TWO-LOT MINOR SUBDIVISION OF LESS THAN
35 ACRES WITHIN TWO MILES OF AMES AT 50184 180TH STREET: Director
Diekmann reviewed a request from a property owner to divide a roughly 7.5 -acre parcel
into two lots, one of which already contained a house, on the extreme fringe of the City's
two-mile jurisdiction. Director Diekmann reported that the City's land use map designates
the area as natural area or agricultural, and that the City typically does not support lot
divisions in those areas. However, given the location on the fringe and the City's lack of
intent to grow in that direction, staff was presenting the option for the City Council to
indicate support for the applicant to proceed with platting, with a formal waiver resolution
to come back to the City Council once the plat application was submitted.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Option 1: Approve Waiver of City
Review.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Director Diekmann added clarification after the motion was made, explaining that
although the City Council expressed support for the waiver of City review, the applicant
would still need to apply for the waiver formally. Once the application was made, the City
Council would officially adopt a resolution specifically exempting this property, allowing
Story County to proceed.
STAFF REPORT ON 2026 NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS INITIATIVE:
Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames, alongside Assistant City Manager Pa Vang
Goldbeck, presented the proposed Neighborhood Connections Initiative designed to
support the emphasis on strong communication and meaningful public engagement
recognized by the City Council at its January goal setting session. The initiative was
comprised of four strategies.
Strategy 1 involved reaching out to active neighborhood associations via survey to
understand their current activities, identify how the City could assist, gather contact
information, and collect input to inform the program.
Strategy 2 involved reviving and updating the Neighborhood Improvement Grant program,
using survey results to make the program more accessible and relevant. The two core
components of the grant would remain collaborative neighborhood projects and
neighborhood beautification.
Strategy 3 involved five mobile "road trip" events across five geographic zones of the City
(north, south, east, west, and central). Each event would feature the City's mobile
command trailer, food and beverages, a designated space for the "Up Close" podcast to
connect community members, a survey for input on current and upcoming City projects,
a neighborhood block party promotion, an interactive neighborhood assets map, and
departmental tabling with display boards.
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Strategy 4 involved outreach to faith-based organizations, cultural associations,
nonprofits, and civic groups to build partnerships, leverage trusted community leaders for
advertising, and ensure all audiences were reached.
Coordinator Eames concluded that the 2026 Neighborhood Connections Initiative aim ed
to bring City staff directly to residents by being mobile and accessible through Citywide
events. The initiative sought to enhance social connections among neighbors, revamp
the neighborhood grant program for greater impact, and improve residents' overall quality
of life.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen noted that neighborhood association information and
maps of neighborhood boundaries previously housed under the Planning Department
were currently absent from the City website. Assistant City Manager Vang Goldbeck
acknowledged this as an unintended omission during the website migration and
committed to restoring that information. The point was made that residents cannot
connect with neighborhood associations if the information was not accessible online.
Council Member Betcher observed that the five-zone map places the Oak-Riverside and
South Campus Area neighborhoods in the same central zone despite being separated by
Iowa State University (ISU) campus, and noted that many students in that zone were
absent in summer. Coordinator Eames agreed that the timing of the central zone event
could be adjusted to late August or September to capture student participation, and
emphasized flexibility in refining zone boundaries based on input from the City Council.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
Christina, resident of the Oak-Riverside neighborhood, came forward and asked how one
would go about forming a formal neighborhood association. Mayor Haila directed her to
speak with Coordinator Eames for assistance following the meeting.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
HEARING ON 2022/23 BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROGRAM (S. 4TH PEDESTRIAN
BRIDGE OVER IOWAY CREEK): Director Clausen was present to answer any questions
regarding the series of hearings on Public Works projects.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-103
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Boulder
Contracting, LLC, of Grundy Center, IA, in the amount of $1,577,234.95.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor , and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2023/24 STORMWATER EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM (INIS
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GROVE): The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came
forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-104
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Nagel
Construction, of Allerton, IA, in the amount of $346,267.50.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025/26 COLLECTOR STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(BLOOMINGTON ROAD) PROJECT: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing
when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-105 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Manatt's, Inc., of Ames, IA,
in the amount of $896,852.24.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025/26 CONCRETE STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
PROGRAM NO. 1 (CLARK AVE): The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor
Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junk, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-106
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Con -Struct, Inc., of
Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,114,875.50.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025/26 CONCRETE STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
PROGRAM NO. 2 (SUNSET DR): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing
when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-107
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Con -Struct, Inc., of
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Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,295,903.20.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025/26 CONCRETE STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
PROGRAM NO. 3 (CAMPUS AVE): The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor
Haila when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to accept report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-108 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, IA,
in the amount of $838,938.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION (E. LINCOLN WAY AND
NIKKOL TRUNK LINE) PROJECT: Director Clausen noted that staff was requesting
award of this contract be delayed to follow the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan procedure.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to accept report of bids and direct staff to
delay award of bid to follow SRF procedure.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON SANITARY SEWER AND MANHOLE REHABILITATION (BASIN 11)
PROJECT: Director Clausen again noted the SRF delay requirement.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to accept report of bids and direct staff to delay
award of bid to follow SRF procedure.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE REVISING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 28 FOR
WATER METER SETTING REQUIREMENTS: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public
Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on first reading an ordinance
revising Municipal Code Chapter 28 for Water Meter setting requirements.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE RENAMING CENTER AVENUE TO
CHANTLAND AVENUE: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on
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second reading an ordinance renaming Center Avenue to Chantland Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4587 REZONING
PROPERTY WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF HARRISON ROAD AND WELBECK
DRIVE FROM RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (RL) TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL
LOW DENSITY (FS-RL) WITH A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4587
rezoning property west of the Intersection of Harrison Road and Welbeck Drive from
Residential Low Density (RL) to Suburban Residential Low Density (FS -RL) with a
Planned Unit Development.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4588 MODIFYING
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10, GARBAGE AND REFUSE: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Corrieri, to postpone third reading and adoption to the March 10, 2026,
Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted there were ten
items for consideration. The first item was from Mimi Wagner regarding a request related
to Handicap Parking Regulations.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request from Ironwood Homeowners Association for the City of Ames to apply for Iowa
DOT Highway Planting Grant from Valerie Bohlen was the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was a request regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Lincoln Way
and South Russell Avenue from Brooke and Dave Elliston.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth items were memos from Manager Pregitzer
written in response to the following traffic concerns: Mortensen Road Corridor concerns
from Bonnie Alley, Oakland Street parking and speed concerns from Brad Trinkle, Ross
Road parking regulation concerns from Brent Dunn, and Lincoln Way and South Dakota
Avenue intersection concerns and College Creek Trail Crossing at Thackeray Avenue
suggestions, both from Grant Olsen.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to forward each memo to the appropriate
requester.
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Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Gartin requested reconsideration of the fifth item regarding Oakland
Street parking and speed concerns from Brad Trinkle , noting necessary consideration of
access and safety issues.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to reconsider the fifth item.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Betcher. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, and Rollins.
Voting Nay: Betcher. Motion declared carried.
The ninth item was a memo from Director Diekmann and Building Official Sara Van
Meeteren in response to a complaint regarding game day parking and trash at 1325 South
4th Street from Dan Batha.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to communicate to the
requester the next steps outlined in the memo regarding notification issued to the property
owner of their non-compliance.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Information from Ames Climate Action Team regarding reducing Ames’ dependence on
waste incineration was the final item.
Moved by Betcher to provide the information to staff. Motion died due to lack of a second.
Staff acknowledged that the information had been received.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Gartin reported on behalf of Discover
Ames that the standard hotel utilization reports had been received.
Council Member Betcher provided an update on legislative matters being tracked by
Discover Ames, including: a proposal buried in an education bill to move the school start
date earlier, which could cost millions in revenue per day; an entertainment district bill that
would allow open container districts for festivals; a tourism improvement district bill that
would allow hotels to charge an additional fee for local improvements and marketing,
subject to a hotelier vote; a proposal to narrow the definition of allowable tourism expenses
under the hotel/motel tax; and continued consideration of regional sports authority district
grants with a 2-to-1 match from the governor's budget, an area in which Ames has
historically been successful.
Council Member Rollins reported that the Ames Regional Economic Alliance meeting was
scheduled for Friday. She noted that progress was being made on the proposed hotel and
event center project, with an architecture firm retained and renderings available. She
highlighted that the architects had specifically identified Ames' historic downtown as a
significant community asset and were actively exploring ways to ensure the new facilities
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would be complementary to, rather than competitive with, the historic character of
downtown.
There were no updates to report from Story County Emergency Management Agency or
Ames Transit Agency Board of Trustees.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland announced the joint meeting with ISU Student
Government scheduled for the following day, noting that an agenda had been distributed.
She mentioned it would be her last joint meeting as she was graduating in May and
described the occasion as bittersweet. She indicated that parking passes were available
for Council Members and that she would send a follow-up email about potential additional
discussion topics.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen thanked the neighbors from the Lincoln Way and Oak-
Riverside area who spoke during the public forum, expressing sympathy regarding the
passing of Margaret Olson.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen also addressed the request from Annabella Marquez
made during the Public Forum. She inquired about the ability of the City to formally oppose
House File 2541. City Attorney Mark Lambert confirmed that the City Council could pass a
resolution or send a letter to local legislators, citing the recent example of another Iowa city
that had done so. He confirmed the City was not a registered lobbying entity but that a
formal letter from the City Council to its legislators would be permissible.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to place a discussion regarding the City
Council sending a formal letter regarding its opposition to House File 2541 to legislators on
a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a legal
reason to go into Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Section
21.5(1)(c), Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to go into Closed Session at 8:17 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 8:37 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting
at 8:37 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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______________________________ ______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk