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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - February 10, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council, Extended Minutes1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 10, 2026 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:15 p.m. on the 10th 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. FY 2026/27 BUDGET WRAP-UP: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips kicked off Budget Wrap-Up with a presentation of funding for the arts. He noted that the Public Art Commission (PAC) requested $46,000, which remained the same as was provided in recent years. As for the Commission on the Arts (COTA), the City Council had previously authorized a 3% funding increase over FY 2025/26 , bringing the total allocation to $260,567. Assistant City Manager Phillips shared that the COTA Commission Members reviewed applications from 23 agencies and recommended awarding $253,815 to these agencies, with the remaining $6,7 52 being held in reserve for spring and fall special project grants for unforeseen needs or opportunities that might arise. Council Member Gartin noted that FY 2026/27 may be the last year of "business as usual" budgeting due to potential changes from the legislature that could impact the City's funding allocations. He emphasized that local organizations relying on City funding for programming should pay close attention to legislative developments, as the City Council cannot guarantee future funding. Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck continued with an overview of the recommended funding allocations for activities related to the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET). She recognized the volunteers that served on the ASSET Board that helped formulate the budget recommendations , thanking them for their time and dedication. The total funding request from agencies was just over $6.3 million, which was slightly less than last year, though Assistant City Manager Goldbeck noted it did not indicate decreased demand for services. Rather, agencies were being more thoughtful about the requests submitted and diversifying revenue sources. She highlighted that about 81.5% of the total request was being recommended for funding by the ASSET Board, with $5.5 million made available by all four funding partners. The City's contribution was $2,081,431, which reflected the 3% increase authorized by the City Council. Assistant City Manager Goldbeck highlighted that two new agencies joined the ASSET process and had funding allocations recommended in the budget: Creative Counseling Services and Nevada Food at First. Additionally, three existing agencies brought forward six new services. Furthermore, Assistant City Manager Goldbeck identified emergency shelter services as a funding challenge. For these services, $62,814 was 2 dedicated to ACCESS, $30,000 to the Salvation Army hotel voucher program, and an additional $91,843 reserved for emergency shelter services that could be requested by any ASSET agency able to provide emergency shelter. No funding was recommended from any of the funders for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), with current funding from the City and United Way of Story County already being sequestered due to lack of financial audits performed by the organization. Similarly, there was no City funding recommended for The Bridge Home, due to concerns over a lack of complete information and ongoing financial management issues. Council Member Betcher thanked the volunteers for their hard work in holding agencies accountable, ensuring that recommendations are based on data received and meetings with the agencies. Next, Assistant City Manager Phillips presented the Outside Funding Requests, which were those that did not fit into other funding categories. The City Council had authorized $365,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund for these requests. Additional requests for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance workforce program and parking meter waiver reimbursements were recommended to come from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund due to the relation to economic development. Assistant City Manager Phillips explained that these requests were evaluated based on criteria including the uniqueness of the service being provided, alignment with City Council's adopted goals and priorities, and how broad-based the appeal is. The recommendations attempted to offer reasonable increases to agencies requesting increases. There was one new request from The Ames Foundation for a mural program. Once the funding amounts were approved, staff planned to work with individual requesters to develop contracts specifying what services would be provided in exchange for the funding. Since most organizations were not fully funded, some aspects of the proposals would need to be dropped based on the prioritization provided in the applications. With the presentations concluded, the Public Input on the 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), FY 2025/26 Adjusted Budget, and 2026/27 Proposed Budget was opened by Mayor Haila. The Public Input was subsequently closed when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan as amended. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to approve Adjusted Budget for FY 2025/26 as amended, including interfund transfers and General Fund carryover funding. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 3 Before the approval of the FY 2026/27 proposed budget, City Manager Steve Schainker provided an overview of the budget for the Ames Intermodal Facility , which was projected to cover all expenses and yield excess revenue of about $40,000. This excess revenue would be placed in a reserve account. This reserve would help address any future infrastructure problems without requiring the City and Iowa State University (ISU) to share capital improvement costs. He noted that this overview was for information only. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to approve proposed budget for FY 2026/27 as amended, including interfund transfers. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve proposed budget for FY 2026/27 as amended, including the recommended funding amounts for the ASSET, COTA, Public Art, and Outside Funding Requests as well as interfund transfers. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Finance Director Corey Goodenow reminded the City Council that there would be two more opportunities for public input on the budget: on March 24th at the hearing to adopt a property tax levy, and on April 7th for the formal statutory adoption of the budget. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to set March 24, 2026, as date of final public hearing to adopt a property tax levy for FY 2026/27. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The FY 2026/27 Budget Wrap-Up portion of the meeting was recessed by Mayor Haila at 5:41 p.m. Mayor Haila reconvened with the start of the Regular Meeting agenda at 5:45 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 8: Motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance to revise Chapters 10, 17, 21, 22, 27, and Appendix D of the Municipal Code relating to licenses and permits issued by the Office of the City Clerk. Council Member Beatty-Hansen requested to pull Item No. 13: Resolution certifying the grant application for the 2027/28 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements Program - East 13th Street and East Lincoln Way/Dayton Avenue intersection. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve the consent agenda less Item No. 8 and Item No. 13. 1. Motion approving payment of claims 2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of January 16 -31, 2026 3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on January 27, 2026, and Special City Council Meetings on January 30, 2026, and February 3, 4, and 5, 2026 4. Motion approving Civil Service Candidates 4 5. Motion approving new Special Class C Retail Alcohol License (BW) with Living Quarters - Staybridge Suites, 2111 Isaac Newton Drive, Pending Favorable Inspection 6. Motion approving Ownership Update for Special Class C Retail Alcohol License - Clouds, 119 Stanton Avenue Suite 701 7. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses: a. The Dot, 127 Dotson Drive, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review b. Wal-Mart Supercenter #4256, 534 South Duff Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol License c. Campus Cheers, 131 Welch Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License 8. Motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance to revise Chapters 10, 17, 21, 22, 27, and Appendix D of the Municipal Code relating to licenses and permits issued by the Office of the City Clerk 9. Motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance to revise Chapter 28 Division II, changing the specific water meter setting requirements to accommodate a change to Automatic Metering Infrastructure (AMI) 10. Requests for Midnight Madness on July 10, 2026: a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-061 approving partial street closures of Kellogg Avenue from 12th Street to 5th Street; 10th,11th, and 12th Streets from Burnett Avenue to Kellogg Avenue; 5th Street from Kellogg Avenue to Pearle Avenue; Pearle Avenue from 5 th Street to Main Street; Main Street/Northwestern Avenue from Pearle Avenue to 9 th Street; 9th Street from Northwestern Avenue to Hodge Avenue; Hodge Avenue from 9 th Street to 7th Street; and 7th Street from Northwestern Avenue to Hodge Avenue for the race route b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-062 approving closure of Burnett Avenue from 5th Street to 6th Street for post-race activities 11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-063 accepting Resource Recovery System 2025 Annual Report 12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-064 authorizing the expenditure of approximately $3,003 from Council Contingency Account to sponsor 2026 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet 13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-065 certifying the grant application for the 2027/28 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements Program - East 13th Street and East Lincoln Way/Dayton Avenue intersection 14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-066 certifying grant application for the 2027/28 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements Program - Duff Ave (6th Street - East 13th Street) 15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-067 certifying grant application for 29/30 Arterial Street Pavement Improvement Program - East 13th Street (McCormick Ave to Dayton Ave) 16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-068 approving contract and bond for the FY 2023/24 Story County Edge of Field Project with Hands On Excavating, LLC, of Radcliffe, IA, in the amount of $292,849.82 17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-069 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2025/26 Downtown Street Pavement Improvement Program (Alley - North of 5 Lincoln Way Between Kellogg Ave and Sherman Ave) project, setting March 4, 2026, as the bid due date and March 10, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing 18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-070 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2025/26 Alley Pavement Improvement Program (Alley - South of Lincoln Way Between South Kellogg Ave and South Sherman Ave) project, setting March 4, 2026, as the bid due date and March 10, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing 19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-071 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2025/26 Seal Coat Street Pavement Improvements Program and Water System Improvements Program (Ferndale Avenue and Furman Drive) project, setting March 4, 2026, as the bid due date and March 10, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing 20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-072 awarding contract to Dewey Ford, of Ankeny, IA, for three Ford Police Hybrid Interceptors in the amount of $130,862.04 21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-073 approving change order to Simmons, Perrine, Moyer, Bergman PLC of Cedar Rapids, IA, for Outside Legal Services related to the Steven L. Schainker Plaza 22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-074 accepting the 2024/25 Traffic Signal Program (S. 16th & University) as completed by Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, IA, in the amount of $142,043.15 23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-075 accepting 2024/25 Collector Street & Water System Improvements (Oakland Street - Oliver Avenue to Hawthorne Avenue) project as complete by Manatt's, Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $662,342.48 24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-076 accepting 2023/24 Campustown Public Improvements (Welch Avenue and Chamberlain Place) project as complete by Con-Struct, Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $1,553,172.12 Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. REVISIONS TO CHAPTERS 10, 17, 21, 22, 27, AND APPENDIX D OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK: Council Member Betcher and Mayor Haila pointed out two points of clarification to be added to the requested revisions. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to amend Section 10.14 to replace the language listing the title of “Resource Recovery Superintendent” with “City Manager or Manager’s designee.” Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to amend Section 27.5(3) to clarify “fiscal” year. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to revise Chapters 10, 17, 21, 22, 27, and Appendix D of the Municipal Code relating to licenses and permits issued by the Office of the City Clerk, as amended. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 6 GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE 2027/28 ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM - EAST 13TH STREET AND EAST LINCOLN WAY/DAYTON AVENUE INTERSECTION: Council Member Beatty-Hansen asked Public Works Director Justin Clausen to explain what was being done to prepare for a future bike connection at East 13th Street as it crosses under the interstate. Director Clausen explained that the project would evaluate if infrastructure could be put in place for a future expansion of the shared use path , confirming that staff would seek expansion opportunities under Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) owned bridges should the grant be awarded. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-065 certifying the grant application for the 2027/28 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements Program - East 13th Street and East Lincoln Way/Dayton Avenue intersection. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum. Jim Roch expressed concerns about the proposed pet licensing program and the replacement of electric meters to advanced metering infrastructure when current meters have not reached end of life, citing fiscal responsibility. Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one came forward to speak. MODIFICATIONS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14, HUMAN RELATIONS, REGARDING CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR GENDER IDENTITY: City Attorney Mark Lambert presented an ordinance that would create a protected class of gender identity under Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code, as previously directed by the City Council. He mentioned that there was a bill in the State Legislature that would remove cities' authority to enact such ordinances, and while it has moved out of a House Subcommittee, it is uncertain whether it would ultimately pass. Council Member Gartin expressed his concern that the City lacked jurisdiction to enact the aforementioned ordinance due to home rule limitations. He noted that Iowa ha d a prohibition on men participating in female sports, indicating the Legislature's desire to remain active in this area of legislation. He pointed out that with the Legislature now in session and actively considering a bill to explicitly prohibit cities from doing what was proposed, it would be prudent to pause efforts to observe the outcome of the Legislature. Council Member Corrieri disagreed, stating that while she believed the Legislature would likely pass the proposed bill, she did not think that the Legislature had shown interest in listening to municipalities. She questioned why the City Council would set aside protecting people from discrimination to try to build a relationship with a group that had shown no interest in doing so. Council Member Beatty-Hansen agreed. She 7 emphasized the importance of making the stance of the Ames community on this issue clear as local governments face a state government that seeks to increasingly control local decisions. Mayor Haila asked for a show of hands from those in the audience who were in favor of the ordinance and those opposed. A significant number of people indicated support, with only one person opposed. Moved by Gartin to pause efforts related to the aforementioned ordinance in order to observe the outcome of the current Legislative session. Motion died due to lack of a second. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance approving modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 14, Human Relations, regarding Civil Rights Protection for Gender Identity. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to suspend the rules. Council Member Gartin voiced concern about suspending the rules, stating that the action was typically for situations where a timing issue existed. He shared that no timing issue was present, expressing his feeling that rushing action was counterproductive to the democratic norms. Council Member Beatty-Hansen responded with her belief that there was a timing issue, noting the importance of promptly formalizing the stance of the City Council before the passing of any State legislation related to the matter. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried. Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance approving modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 14, Human Relations, regarding Civil Rights Protection for Gender Identity. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4586 approving modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 14, Human Relations, regarding Civil Rights Protection for Gender Identity. Roll Call Vote: 5-1. Voting Aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Rollins. Voting Nay: Gartin. Motion declared carried. RENAMING CENTER AVENUE TO CHANTLAND AVENUE: Assistant City Manager Phillips explained that this request was initiated by City staff to honor former Public Works Director Arnold O. Chantland, who recently passed away at age 98. In 1991, the City Council approved naming the Resource Recovery Plant (RRP) in his honor. He 8 noted that as the City moved to a new facility, staff felt it would be fitting to rename Center Avenue, where the current plant is located, to Chantland Avenue. Assistant City Manager Phillips highlighted that this change would also comply with the Public Works Street Naming Guide by eliminating potential confusion with Center Drive on ISU campus. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an ordinance renaming Center Avenue to Chantland Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 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 Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second reading an ordinance 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. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE MODIFYING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10, GARBAGE AND REFUSE: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance modifying Municipal Code Chapter 10, Garbage and Refuse. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 2023/24 MULTI-MODAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (SOMERSET IMPROVEMENTS - STANGE ROAD): Civil Engineer II Mark Gansen provided a comprehensive presentation concerning the design alternatives for improvements along Stange Road in the Somerset area, with Director Clausen and Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer providing input. He noted that staff sought the City Council's guidance on selecting the most suitable design alternative for the proposed improvements under the primary objectives of reducing speeds, improving safety, and enhancing visibility. Two design alternatives for achieving these objectives were examined. The first, Design Alternative A, designed by consultant Shive-Hattery, featured a designated shared-use path, a strategic parking loop on the west side of the road, and solutions to decrease potential vehicle and pedestrian conflicts. An added benefit of this design was its approach toward solving stormwater runoff issues in the southwestern quadrant of the corridor, which intended to improve water management and prevent flooding or water logging during heavy rains. Design Alternative B was the original design developed by City staff. This approach used all-way stop controls to improve traffic management and called for transitions to a single lane of traffic in each direction between the key intersections. This alternative also outlined modifications to existing parking arrangements with back-in angle parking. Further, this alternative included a designated bicycle facility on the west side of the road, integrating cyclists more effectively into existing traffic patterns, and ensuring 9 safer passage. Engineer Gansen highlighted that both design alternatives propose approximately 10 additional parking stalls and the inclusion of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant stalls, which address current accessibility gaps in the area. He noted that staff leaned towards Design Alternative A, citing that th e plan was more consistent with user expectations and had received robust backing through neighborhood feedback. Director Clausen emphasized that the foremost safety improvements aimed at by the project are achieved through shortened crossing distances for pedestrians, responding to the significant visibility concerns at the north and south intersections alleviated through the implementation of four-way stops. Reducing the number of lanes from four to two lanes would substantially assist in controlling and calming traffic speeds, addressing a common concern raised by the community regarding excessive speeding along the corridor. Council Member Gartin asked staff to clarify if Alternative A could improve or move traffic to GW Carver Avenue and whether cars currently utilizing Stange Road would remain or transition to other routes. Traffic Engineer Damion Pregitzer responded with insights into the broader transportation plan and the historical context of four -lane arterial streets in the area. He mentioned that while significant volumes would not require four lanes even by 2050, the proposed design seeks to make GW Carver Avenue a preferred commuting route over cutting through residential neighborhoods. Moreover, transitioning from a four to two -lane configuration along Stange Road would align better with modern traffic needs and balancing expectations of a walkable, village neighborhood environment. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Kevin Bourke, 3716 Fletcher Circle, noted ownership of 2511 Aspen Road and 2730 Stange Road, expressed concerns about not receiving notification about the project , and worried about noise impacts from buses stopping at the four-way stops near residential units. Jeri Neal, 916 Ridgewood Avenue, shared thoughts in support of the proposed design from the Consultant on behalf of the Ames Bicycle Coalition. Despite acknowledging some persisting conflict points, Ms. Neal highlighted the value four-way stops contribute by helping cyclists and other non-vehicular users safely navigate the area. The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. Council Member Gartin raised questions about how solicited feedback aligns with the staff recommendations, emphasizing City Council's intention to ensure thorough public engagement through proper notification methods to gather inputs from those directly affected by these changes. 10 Engineer Gansen indicated that initial efforts to gather input involved collaborating with the Somerset Property Owners Association (SPOA), which served as a conduit for contacting various stakeholders, including business and residential property owners. Staff attended two SPOA meetings, including the annual meeting, to present plans and take questions. Additionally, a six-week survey was made available to gather input from the neighbors in the area. The City Council Members deliberated on the sufficiency of the notification process and resolved to clearly define expectations for the notification process going forward. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to employ the same notice standard for the 2023/24 Multi-Modal Roadway Improvements project as is used for proposed Zoning changes. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to place discussion of future notices for similar roadway projects on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The City Council Members agreed to table any further action related to this item until the noticing process was completed. ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025: Director Goodenow presented the annual audit report, highlighting that the City received a clean audit opinion, meaning the auditors found the financial statements to be accurate, complete, and in full compliance with auditing standards. There were no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies, and no significant findings. Finance Director Goodenow noted that the timing of the report was slightly delayed due to a federal government shutdown that affected the City’s ability to obtain the requirements for the schedule of federal expenditures and accounts. He also mentioned a recurring related party transaction that was noted in the audit. To address this issue in the future, staff planned to proactively work with departments to educate all employees on the Purchasing Policy. Additionally, Accounting staff would monitor recurring charges monthly to ensure compliance. Accounting and Budget Manager Kara Nady provided an overview of the financial report. For governmental activities, which included public safety, public works, culture and recreation, and general government, the net position improved from last year by approximately $14 million for a total of $248 million. The fund balance modestly improved by $700,000, totaling $83 million. For business-type activities, which include the City's utilities, the net position was stronger than the previous year by almost $15 million for a total of $425 million. The City's utilities continued to operate as designed, paying their own operating costs and not relying on the General Fund for day-to-day operations. 11 The City took approximately $11 million in additional debt during the year, making the total across all funds almost $238 million, $78 million in governmental activities and $159 million in business-type activities. Despite the increase, the City remained $253 million below the statutory debt limit. Furthermore, over the past year, the City invested nearly $48 million in capital assets, including construction and improvement of streets, transportation infrastructure, utility systems, and parks and recreation facilities. Council Member Gartin thanked staff for the thorough report and noted the importance of these audits in maintaining public confidence in the City's handling of public funds. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-078 approving the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025 . Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. CITY COUNCIL VALUES, GOALS, AND TASKS FOR 2026-2027: Assistant City Manager Phillips reviewed the values, goals, and tasks compiled by staff after the City Council retreat on January 17th. City Manager Schainker noted that the retreat was an informal gathering where no motions were made. He encouraged the City Council to take action on any amendments to the values, goals, and tasks that were needed. Council Member Beatty-Hansen proposed the removal of the sentence "Develop a shared understanding of ‘affordable housing’” from Value B, Task 1. She believed the rest of the task captured the intent clearly without including a potentially confusing statement. Council Member Betcher agreed, highlighting the difference between the defined term of “affordable housing” and the undefined reference of “housing affordability.” Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to strike “Develop a shared understanding of affordable housing” from B1.T1. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Mayor Haila suggested splitting the combined items in Value C, Task 3, into two distinct tasks to provide clearer direction and dedicated focus on each task. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to decouple the tasks listed in C1.T3. to separate discussion regarding the Event Center at The Linc and the Entry Corridor Beautification Project into two tasks. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-079 adopting City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks for 2026-2027, as amended. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. 12 HEARING ON REZONING OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK, 4200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD (S 530TH), SOUTH OF THE CURRENT RESEARCH PARK BOUNDARY FROM AGRICULTURAL (A) TO RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT (RI): Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann explained that the aforementioned property was previously considered; however, the real estate description had been increased by roughly an acre, necessitating a restart of the rezoning process. The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning of the property located at Iowa State University Research Park, 4200 University Boulevard (S 530th), South of the Current Research Park Boundary from Agricultural (A) to Research Park Innovation District (RI). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to suspend the rules. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance rezoning of the property located at Iowa State University Research Park, 4200 University Boulevard (S 530th), South of the Current Research Park Boundary from Agricultural (A) to Research Park Innovation District (RI). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Gartin, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4585 rezoning of the property located at Iowa State University Research Park, 4200 University Boulevard (S 530th), South of the Current Research Park Boundary from Agricultural (A) to Research Park Innovation District (RI). Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK PHASE IV FIRST ADDITION AT 4200 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD: Director Diekmann presented the preliminary plat for approval, detailing its implications for both immediate and future development in the area. The proposed plat aimed to create one development lot with frontage along University Boulevard, while also establishing a large outlot behind the primary site. This arrangement was indicative of strategic planning to accommodate both near-term construction needs and future growth, aligning with the broader expansion efforts of the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP). Two unique conditions linked to this plat were highlighted by Director Diekmann. First, the applicant had requested a waiver from the City's standard access management policy, seeking approval to establish additional driveways along University Boulevard. This particular request stemmed from the recognition that conventional access 13 management could limit the functionality of large facilities expected to be developed. He explained the necessity of balancing development flexibility with regulatory oversight, noting the support of staff for granting a secondary driveway for Lot 1. Director Diekmann furthered that the rationale behind this decision was the absence of a street block that would ordinarily provide additional access points. The second waiver involved the requested deferral in meeting water looping requirements. Recognizing the significance of this infrastructure for both redundancy and fire protection, Director Diekmann emphasized the City’s diligence in addressing long-term sustainability and utility service continuity. ISURP authorities proposed a ten- year deferral period, allowing flexibility in managing immediate capital requirements while planning a comprehensive infrastructure strategy. To address these considerations, staff recommended the initiation of a development agreement at the time of final plat approval. This agreement would stipulate that ISURP would assume responsibility for the timely completion of the looping water main. This requirement acknowledged potential future development projects that could naturally integrate this infrastructure upgrade without unnecessary financial burdens or delays. The City Council Members raised several questions about the water looping process, with Council Member Gartin asked about the sizing of the lines and capacity align ment with future developments. Planning Director Diekmann assured that the planned lines had been designed to accommodate potential developments both west, to areas not yet in the comprehensive plan, and east, to the remaining ISURP-controlled lands. Mayor Haila inquired if fire protection standards were being met, to which Director Diekmann affirmed the loop design maintains an appropriate water pressure essential for fire safety. Council Member Gartin expressed concern about whether the City staff had explored similar approaches in other areas, to which Director Diekmann clarified that due to the territory and development trends, this was a unique situation. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-080 approving Preliminary Plat for Iowa State University Research Park Phase IV First Addition at 4200 University Boulevard with conditions. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT OUTLINE FOR DOMANI I (COTTONWOOD EXTENSION): Director Diekmann introduced a revised plan for the Domani development incentive. The developer initially requested assistance for the Cottonwood extension, with the condition that no development of Green Hills would proceed until Cottonwood Road was completed. During the December discussions regarding development incentives, the City Council opted for Option 3, which implied that the City would assume responsibility for Cottonwood Road while the developer would undertake the completion of the Green Hills Drive extension and its connection to Ansley. 14 This project was initially placed on the timeline for fiscal year 2027-2028. However, the developer expressed a desire to expedite the process ahead of the City's capabilities. A compromise was developed in which the developer would shoulder a portion of the road improvements. According to the revised proposal, the developer would extend Green Hills Drive at its own expense and complete the connection to Ansley. Once this was achieved, the City's role would be to carry out the Cottonwood Road improvements on both the eastern and western sides of Green Hills Drive. Additionally, the developer would lay down preliminary water and sewer infrastructure to the east, enabling the City to finalize those extensions. The estimated arrangement would keep the project within the $371,000 City obligation previously discussed, with the developer investing in approximately 15 -20% of the total project costs. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Haila, Director Diekmann pointed out that although it would be more economical to finalize the entire project simultaneously, the City lacks the necessary resources to accomplish this within the current fiscal year. Staff was also evaluating the possibility of incorporating a mini- roundabout in the design to further enhance the plan. Council Member Gartin inquired about how the hybrid approach of the developer handling part of the project privately would affect overall costs, given that City projects typically go through a public bidding process. Director Diekmann confirmed that the City would go through a public bidding process for the paving and the utility work, while the developer secured a private contractor. He noted that being able to contract the work simultaneously would decrease the overall project cost but was prohibited through the Code of Iowa. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Keith Arneson, 4114 Cochran Parkway, expressed gratitude as the developer for the collaborative strategy and explained his eagerness to expedite project progress in order to augment the housing inventory promptly with various lot options. The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to approve Alternative 1: Direct staff to amend the existing development agreement prior to the next final plat approval for Domani to allow for the Developer to extend Green Hills Drive in 2026 and plat the remaining 23 lots in Domani I and for the City to assume the responsibility for the future completion of the Cottonwood Extension at a time approved by the City Council with a goal of doing the extension in FY 2027/28. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were seven items for consideration. The first was from Mayor Dale Higgins from the City of Maxwell requesting a release from the 28E agreement for Solid Waste Services. 15 Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Statements opposing the annexation of the Irons Subdivision from Joyce Vegge and Jane Olson were the next items. Council Member Gartin noted that he had responded to Ms. Vegge. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to request the Mayor respond to Ms. Olson. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Suggestions from Kody Olson for investments in North Grand Mall comprised the fourth item. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request the Mayor respond with appreciation for the provided input and share that with uncertain budget times, the suggestions will be considered but cannot be promised. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The fifth item was from Sam Bryant related to reassessing current rental regulations. Moved by Junck, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from staff concerning the three specific items referenced by Mr. Bryant with information on which of the requirements apply to owner-occupied units. Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting Aye: Betcher, Junck, Gartin, Rollins. Voting Nay: Beatty- Hansen, Corrieri. Motion declared carried. Concern regarding smart meter infrastructure in Ames from Clinton Richard Cabney was the sixth item. No action was taken on this item. The final item was from Planner Justin Moore regarding a request for a waiver to subdivide land in Story County within the Ames Urban Fringe. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to place the item on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: Council Member Beatty-Hansen reported on the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), highlighting that there was a presentation delivered on the changing face of funding streams with the state changes regarding property tax that focused on how to generate more sales tax. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ex officio Boland mentioned that the ISU Student Government Local Affairs Committee had been working on agenda topics for the joint meeting with the City Council and she would be sending the agenda to the City Council Members for input. She also expressed appreciation for the values, goals, and tasks adopted by the 16 City Council, noting that many addressed concerns students voiced, which she attributed partly to the recurring joint meetings between the two bodies. She looked forward to the upcoming joint meeting on February 25th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Council Member Beatty-Hansen mentioned she would be bringing forward a motion at the next meeting to ask for a memo on how to prevent left -hand turns from northbound Grand Avenue onto Allen Drive. Similarly, Council Member Rollins indicated she would like to bring forward a request for a staff report on Stanton Avenue and Lincoln Way, noting it remained a challenging intersection with many safety concerns. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. _______________________________ _______________________________ Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor _______________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk