HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 12, 2026ITEM #:15
DATE:05-12-26
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:FY 2026/27 AIRPORT ENTRYWAY IMPROVEMENT (SOUTH PARKING LOT
EXPANSION)
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) includes the FY 2026/27 Airport Entryway
Improvements program, which provides for expansion of paved parking areas and related
access improvements at the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport. This phase
focuses on development of the southern portion of the planned parking expansion to address
existing parking demand. This is the first phase of a multi-phase parking expansion program.
In August 2023, staff completed a qualifications-based selection process in accordance with
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and selected Bolton & Menk, Inc. to
provide professional engineering services under a Master Agreement. Each subsequent
project is authorized under a separate Task Order approved by the City Council.
Due to current uncertainties at the federal level, including past federal government
shutdowns, the pending expiration of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
funding authorizations, and the high volume of projects being administered by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Central Region, this project has been placed on
an accelerated schedule to meet federal funding deadlines. To maintain eligibility for
federal funding and the accelerated timeline, Bolton & Menk proceeded with design
services at its own risk prior to formal approval of this Task Order. Note that this was
undertaken at at Bolton and Menk's discretion and not at the direction of City staff.
The engineering services performed to date have been completed in accordance with FAA
standards and City of Ames requirements, consistent with all federally funded airport projects.
The proposed Task Order #8 provides for design services completed to date, as well as
bidding, construction administration, and inspection services for the Airport Parking Lot
Improvements project. Staff has received authorization to bid, which represents the FAA’s
concurrence that the design meets all applicable requirements.
An Independent Fee Evaluation (IFE) was completed by DGR Engineering in
accordance with FAA requirements. The IFE determined that the proposed engineering
fee is reasonable, consistent with industry standards, and meets federal auditing
requirements.
The FY 2026/27 CIP anticipates $560,000 in federal grant participation for this phase of the
project. Based on current FAA grant programming, the City now anticipates receiving
$584,000 in federal funding, which exceeds the amount identified in the CIP. This
additional federal participation will reduce reliance on local funding for this phase of
the project.
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The table below summarizes the most current revenues and expenses for this phase of the
project:
Revenues Expenses
General Obligation
Bonds $140,000 Administration and Independent Fee
Evaluation $4,750
Federal Aviation
Administration Grant
(AIG)
$584,000
Design and Construction
Administration/Inspection
Services
(This Council Action)
$144,800
Construction (Estimated)$549,000
Total Revenues $724,000 Total Expenses $698,550
The difference between total revenues and expenses provides a contingency to address
potential bid variability and construction-related adjustments.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement (Task Order #8) with Bolton & Menk, Inc.,
in an amount not to exceed $144,800, for design, bidding, and construction
administration and inspection services associated with the FY 2026/27 Airport Entryway
Improvement (South Parking Lot Expansion) project.
2. Reject the Professional Services Agreement and direct staff to solicit alternative
proposals.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed Airport Parking Lot Improvements project will expand paved parking
capacity, improve safety, and enhance the functionality of the airport as a gateway to
the Ames community. The engineering fee has been independently evaluated and
determined to be reasonable. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that
the City Council approve Alternative No. 1, as shown above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
PSA
Authorization to Bid
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