HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - April 28, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilTo:Mayor & City Council
From:City Clerk's Office
Date:April 28, 2026
Subject:Approval of Minutes
Item No. 6
MEMO
Attached for the City Council's review are the minutes from the Regular City
Council Meeting on April 14, 2026, and Special City Council Meeting on April 21,
2026.
ATTACHMENT(S):
C26-0414 Summary.pdf
C26-0421 Summary.pdf
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 14, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at
6:00 p.m. on the 14th day of April, 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, Rachel Junck, Anita Rollins, and Tim Gartin. Ex officio
Emily Boland was also present.
PROCLAMATION FOR "FAIR HOUSING MONTH," APRIL 2026: Mayor Haila
proclaimed April 2026 as “Fair Housing Month.” Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker -
Latimer accepted the proclamation alongside Annabella Marquez, Chair of the Ames
Human Relations Commission, and Tracy Jennings, President of the Central Iowa Board
of Realtors.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD," APRIL 11-17, 2026: April 11-
17, 2026, was proclaimed the “Week of the Young Child” by Mayor Haila. Chuck Gilarsky
of the Ames Morning Rotary Club and Jerri Heid of Raising Readers of Story County
accepted the proclamation.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK," APRIL 19-25, 2026: Mayor
Haila proclaimed April 19-25, 2026, as “National Library Week.” The proclamation was
accepted by Ames Public Library Director Sheila Schofer alongside members of the Ames
Public Library Board of Trustees.
PROCLAMATION FOR "NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK," APRIL 19-25, 2026: April
19-25, 2026, was proclaimed “National Volunteer Week” by Mayor Haila. Jehan Faisal,
Volunteer Coordinator for the Ames Public Library, accepted the proclamation along with
other vital volunteer organizers in the Ames community.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
5. Motion approving payment of claims
6. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of March 16-31, 2026
7. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on
March 24, 2026, Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on March
24, 2026, and Minutes of the Special Meeting on March 27, 2026
8. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service - Sips and Paddy's Irish Pub, 126 Welch Avenue, May 14 - May
17, 2026
9. Motion approving new 5-Day (May 1-5, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License - Schonert's Patisserie LLC, 2321 North Loop Drive
10. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Mary
Jane's, 119 Main Street, Pending Dramshop Review
11. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
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a. Cyclone Experience Network, 1705 Center Drive - Hilton Coliseum, Class C
Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending
Dramshop Review
b. Hy-Vee Ames Fast and Fresh 2, 636 Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
c. Provisions Lot F, 2400 North Loop Drive, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
d. Wasabi Somerset, 2707 Kent Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
12. Motion approving appointment of Steve Schainker to the Executive Board of the
Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance
13. Motion accepting Fiscal Year 2025/26 Third Quarter Financial Report
14. Motion approving request from Iowa Multisport for the Ames Triathlon to close three
CyRide Brown Route Stops on Bloomington Road from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on
Sunday, June 28, 2026
15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-213 setting April 28, 2026, as date of Public Hearing on a
long-term lease with Xenia Rural Water District for portions of 900 S 500 th Avenue
(Mortensen and County Line Water Tower parcel)
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-214 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Story
County to apply for grant funding under the 2025 Department of Justice, Office of
Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and authorize application for that grant
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-215 approving Encroachment Permit for sign located at 119
Main Street - Mary Jane's Bar & Stage
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-216 waiving Purchasing Policies and Procedures
requirement for competitive bids and approving a contract to ESI FAB Systems,
LLC, of Olathe, KS, in the amount of $69,975 for the purchase of a Pressure
Reducing Valve Assembly for the Freel Drive Paving project
19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-217 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period
ending March 31, 2026
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-218 approving Iowa DOT Funding Agreements for Iowa
Clean Air Attainment Program funding of $1,213,760 and Carbon Reduction
Program funding of $940,000 for the Intelligent Transportation Systems Program
(Phase 5)
21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-219 approving enhanced penalties for nuisance party
violations for Cyclone Welcome Weekend beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August
21 and ending at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026
22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-220 approving immediate towing of illegally parked vehicles
for Cyclone Welcome Weekend on Saturday, August 22, 2026
23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-221 approving contract and bond for the Sanitary Sewer and
Manhole Rehabilitation (Basin 11) Project with Municipal Pipe Tool Co. LLC, of
Hudson, IA, in the amount of $1,616,102.90
24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-222 approving contract and bond for the Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation (E. Lincoln Way and Nikkol Trunk Line) Project with Municipal Pipe
Tool Co. LLC, of Hudson, IA, in the amount of $4,462,230.40
25. RESOLUTION NO. 26-223 approving Waiver of City Review for a Rural Minor
Subdivision within Story County at 50184 180th Street
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26. RESOLUTION NO. 26-224 approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of
$81,792.08 for the 2024/25 CDBG Infrastructure Program (S Riverside Drive - S 4th
St to Lincoln Way) Project
27. RESOLUTION NO. 26-225 awarding a contract to Eide Bailly, LLP, Dubuque, IA,
in the amount of $86,000 to professionally audit the City’s financial statements for
Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026
28. Iowa State Research Park Phase IV First Addition Final Plat:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-226 approving Major Final Plat and Public
Improvements Agreement
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-227 approving Agreement to Accept the Transfer of
Approximately 16.06 Acres of Water Service Territory from Xenia Rural
Water to City of Ames
*. ADDITIONAL ITEM: Final Plat for the Bluffs at Dankbar Farms 5 th Addition (Domani
II):
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-239 approving the Final Plat
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-240 accepting the Public Improvements Agreement
29. Townhomes at Creekside HOME Agreement Amendment Request
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-228 authorizing amendments to Duration of
Affordability Period
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Jason Allen addressed homelessness issues and concerns regarding services provided
by The Bridge Home.
Rhonda Frerichs spoke about the Ontario Workforce Housing Subdivision , encouraging
the City Council to maintain the current zoning of residential low density.
Max Porter highlighted comments concerning the proposed Planning Division Work Plan.
Mayor Haila requested that Dr. Porter reserve his comments until that agenda item.
Luke Jensen presented a unique opportunity to add residential housing in the Downtown ,
which had a due diligence period ending in June.
Grant Olsen opposed the Ontario Workforce Housing Subdivision , highlighting safety
needs for multi-modal transportation and a preference for prairie preservation.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
HEARING ON CITY OF AMES BUDGET: Finance Director Corey Goodenow and Budget
Manager Nancy Masteller were available for questions.
The Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Adjusted Budget and Fiscal Year 2026/27
Budget was opened by Mayor Haila. The Public Hearing was subsequently closed by
Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak.
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Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-229 authorizing
and approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Adjusted Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-230 authorizing
and approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2025/26 CDBG/HOME ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
(HUD): Coordinator Baker Latimer requested approval to amend the 2025/26 Annual
Action Plan to relocate water and sewer infrastructure improvements from FY 2026/27 to
the current year to ensure timely spending of program income.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-231 approving
the submittal of a substantial amendment to the 2025/26 CDBG/HOME Action Plan .
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 RIGHT-OF-WAY RESTORATION PROGRAM: Public Works
Director Justin Clausen explained that the aforementioned program consolidated
vegetative restoration for all capital improvement projects under one contract to achieve
better results and cost management.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-232 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Steven's Erosion Control of Des
Moines, IA, in the amount of $166,264.49.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON FREEL DRIVE PAVING PROGRAM: Director Clausen discussed the
paving project for Freel Drive adjacent to the new Resource Recovery and Recycling
Campus, including an alternate for sidewalk installation.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
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Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-233
approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Con -Struct of Ames,
IA, in the amount of $1,012,310.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
AMES: A GLIMPSE INSIDE EVENT : City Manager Steve Schainker reviewed a request
for funding a historic architecture tour scheduled for October 17, 2026, highlighting City
Hall as one of the selected tour sites.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-234 approving
$1,500 from the Council Contingency Fund for FY 2026/27 for the Ames: A Glimpse Inside
Event.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WEB INFORMATION AND SERVICES POLICY: Assistant City
Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck alongside Communications and Outreach Manager Susan
Gwiasda presented the City's comprehensive digital accessibility compliance efforts to
meet Department of Justice requirements with an April 24, 2026, deadline.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-235
approving Accessibility of Web Information and Services Policy .
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PROPOSED 2026/27 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PROJECTS FOR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME PROGRAMS: Coordinator
Baker-Latimer discussed the proposed projects to address the needs of low- and
moderate-income households in the Ames community consistent with the goal s and
priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan along with the estimated budget.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-236 approving
draft annual action plan projects.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PLANNING DIVISION WORKPLAN: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann
reviewed major projects requiring City Council prioritization.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
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Max Porter encouraged the City Council to eliminate the Ontario Workforce Housing
Subdivision from the Planning Division Work Plan, highlighting his opposition to the project
and emphasizing traffic concerns.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to remove Priority #4: Affordable Housing
Demographic Analysis from the Planning Division Work Plan.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request Planning staff forward the
report relating to housing analysis that was completed two years prior to the City Council
for consideration.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to maintain the Downtown Parking Structure
Planning Grant Project as Priority #1 and direct Planning staff to commence work on that
project as soon as it is feasible.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to relocate the Downtown Housing
Project North of 6th Street to Priority #2.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to relocate the Unified Development Code (UDC)
Project to Priority #3.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to table the priority related to the Old
Town Historic District Outreach Project, until scope and timeline are established for the
top three priorities.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct Planning staff to define data
centers within the Municipal Code and clarify standards for accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) as staff time allows.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct Planning staff to initiate text
amendments to Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code outside of the Unified Development
Code Project to address double pane windows, infill of openings, heat pump mini-splits,
and radon mitigation equipment with new guidelines for exterior alterations.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
WATER AND SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENTS: Director of Water and Pollution Control
John Dunn presented the annual rate analysis, highlighting model projections over a
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period of ten years with modest increases.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to increase
water rates by 3.5% and sewer rates by 5.5% for bills due on or after July 1, 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REZONING AND MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT
FOR 4605 AND 4510 HYDE AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES TO THE NORTH
(AUBURN TRAIL DEVELOPMENT): Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on
second reading an ordinance rezoning and master plan amendment for 4605 and 4510
Hyde and Adjacent Properties to the North (Auburn Trail Development).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
SECOND READING OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT CREATING A NEW ZONING
OVERLAY DISTRICT (WEST UNIVERSITY PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENT DISTRICT)
RELATED TO DENSITY, PARKING, AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS TO BE APPLIED
BETWEEN SHELDON AND HYLAND AND LINCOLN WAY AND OAKLAND: Moved by
Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on second reading an ordinance related to
a zoning text amendment creating a new zoning overlay district (West University
Pedestrian Enhancement District) related to Density, Parking, and Design Requirement s
to be applied between Sheldon and Hyland and Lincoln Way and Oakland.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4590 REZONING OF
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1323 NORTHWESTERN AVENUE FROM RESIDENTIAL
LOW DENSITY (RL) TO GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT DISTRICT (S-GA) WITH A MASTER
PLAN: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-
237 approving the Master Plan and Rezoning Agreement at 1323 Northwestern Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading ORDINANCE NO. 4590
rezoning of property located at 1323 Northwestern Avenue from Residential Low Density
(RL) to Government/Airport District (S-GA) with a Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4591 REVISING MUNICIPAL
CODE CHAPTERS 10, 17, 21, 22, 27 RELATING TO LICENSES AND PERMITS
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri,
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-238 adopting amended Appendix D.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4591 revising Municipal Code Chapters 10, 17, 21, 22, 27 relating to licenses and
permits issued by the Office of the City Clerk.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4592 TO AMEND THE
MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA BY ENACTING A NEW SECTION
24.21 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
DISTRICT WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN REINVESTMENT DISTRICT URBAN RENEWAL
AREA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 4592 to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa by
enacting a new Section 24.21 thereof, for the purpose of creating Tax Increment Financing
District within the Downtown Reinvestment District Urban Renewal Area.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
nine items for consideration. The first item was a letter from Travis Small, Real Estate
Development Manager for KwikStar, requesting an amendment to the current
Convenience General Services (CGS) Zone Development Standards, regarding the
maximum size of gasoline service.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried.
A request from Aaron Rodriguez proposing parking restrictions for circles within cul-de-
sacs to ensure safety was the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Corrieri dissenting. Motion declared carried.
The third item was a letter from Jeri Neal on behalf of the Ames Climate Action Team
Energy Working Group encouraging the City Council to commit to a solar array at the
James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport. City Manager Schainker noted that no
action was needed as the topic would be addressed at the City Council Workshop the
following week.
A request from Kirk Youngberg on behalf of Ames Silversmithing regarding zoning issues
related to the expansion of its storefront on Main Street was the next item.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from City Attorney Mark Lambert was considered as the fifth item, which Mayor
Haila noted was under advisement.
The sixth item was from Rhonda Frerichs concerning the Ontario Workforce Housing
Subdivision. City Manager Schainker noted that the item had been discussed during the
Planning Division Workplan and no action was needed.
A request from Chuck Winkleblack and Justin Dodge of Hunziker Companies to amend
Ames Plan 2040 to allow housing development on a 35-acre plat of land west of the Ames
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Country Club was the seventh item.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The eighth item was a request from Luke Jensen of RES Development, Inc., proposing
residential development in Downtown Ames.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Diekmann concerning the request from Steve Bur gason of Ansley
Development to amend the development agreement incentive for the subdivision was the
final item for consideration.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Members of the City Council and Mayor provided
highlights from their attendance at various board and commission meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various
events attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the meeting at 8:29
p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 21, 2026
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Anita
Rollins at 6:00 p.m. on the 21st day of April, 2026, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall,
515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen,
Gloria Betcher, and Rachel Junck. Council Member Tim Gartin joined the meeting
electronically. Mayor John Haila and Council Member Amber Corrieri were absent.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to approve Consent Agenda.
1. RESOLUTION NO. 26-241 approving Change Order No. 16 with Van Maanen
Electric, In., of Newton, IA for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Bid Package
26-1 in the amount of $17,430
Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by Mayor Pro Tem
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
WORKSHOP ON NEW THERMAL GENERATION PROJECT: Director of Electric Services
Donald Kom, along with Assistant Director Curtis Spence, and PFM Managing Director Chris
Lover presented a comprehensive update on the Ames Municipal Energy Center, explaining
the need to construct new thermal generating capacity by installing reciprocating internal
combustion engines (RICE). Director Lover emphasized that the RICE units serve as risk
mitigation tools for both capacity and energy price volatility.
The City Council Members engaged in discussion with staff. No action was required currently
from City Council. However, in the next few months, Director Kom noted City Council would
be asked to take several steps to facilitate the project moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Rollins opened and closed Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
WORKSHOP ON SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT AT AMES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT: Director
Kom presented the opportunity to develop a 24.9-megawatt utility-scale solar farm at the
Ames Municipal Airport, working with Recall Strategies, a solar development firm who has
been identified as having an interest in constructing this project. The City Council Members
engaged in discussion with staff.
Director Kom requested City Council direction for next steps, highlighting the
recommendation to pursue Step 1 and therefore attempt to develop a revocable land lease.
Mayor Pro Tem Rollins opened the Public Input.
Bob Haas expressed support for the solar project, highlighting it as beneficial to customers
during peak demand periods.
Jeri Neal, on behalf of the Ames Climate Action Team, emphasized the benefits of the project
including diverse energy portfolio, financial hedging, and disaster resilience.
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Mayor Pro Tem Rollins closed Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to proceed with Step 1: Develop a
revocable lease agreement with Recall Strategies.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor and City Council Members reported on various events
attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to reach out to the Iowa
Department of Transportation regarding maintenance and upkeep of its right-of-way along
Grand Avenue between Lincoln Way and Sixth Street, particularly addressing garbage
cleanup.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the meeting at
8:47 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Renee Hall, City Clerk Anita Rollins, Mayor Pro Tem
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