HomeMy WebLinkAboutA012 - Resolution approving request from Story County Auditor for parking waivers for Election Day June 2, 2026ITEM #:15
DATE:05-26-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUEST TO PROVIDE FREE PARKING FOR POLLING PLACES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Story County Auditor supervises the election process, including all 20 polling places within
Ames. Two of these city polling locations (Ames Public Library and Collegiate United
Methodist Church) use metered parking as the primary public parking resource. The other 18
locations in the city have private parking associated with the facility or, in the case of Iowa
State University, already allocate parking for poll workers and voters.
The next local election is on June 2, 2026. The Story County Auditor has requested the
following allocation of 29 parking spaces and the waiver of meter fees, as done in
previous election years.
Up to 20 parking meters on Douglas Avenue between 5th Street and 6th Street
Up to nine parking meters on the south side of Lincoln Way in front of Collegiate United
Methodist Church
These waivers result in an estimated loss of $90 to the Parking Fund. While there is no
statutory requirement to provide parking, meter fees may serve as a potential barrier to
voting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request from the Story County Auditor for election day-related allocations of
parking spaces and waiver of fees at the locations noted above for June 2, 2026,
election only
2. Do not approve the waiver of fees for election-related parking spaces
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The allocation of parking spaces and the waiver of meter fees will assist in making
polling places accessible for Ames voters. The total estimated loss of meter revenues
will not have a significant impact on the health of the Parking Fund. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted
above.
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