HomeMy WebLinkAboutA020 - Resolution in Consideration of Agreement for Easement & Gate Installation Reimbursement for the Police Shooting Range at 701 Dayton AveITEM #:21
DATE:07-14-26
DEPT:POLICE
SUBJECT:RESOLUTION IN CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT FOR EASEMENT
AND GATE INSTALLATION REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE POLICE
SHOOTING RANGE
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City maintains a Police Department shooting range that requires secure and reliable
access for training and operational purposes. The range is located just west of the former City
landfill near Watt Street in west Ames. Currently, access to the range or the City's former
landfill involves traversing private property located to the east (see attached map). The range
and landfill have been in existence for many decades, but staff has been unable to find
record of any formal easement granting the right to cross the adjacent properties to
access it.
One of the two properties that must be crossed to access the range is located at 701 Dayton
Avenue. The property was recently sold and is in the process of being developed for industrial
use. The new property owner desires to install a gate to secure the property, and the owner's
engineer approached City staff about the prospect of sharing the cost. City staff has
suggested an alternative whereby the City would pay for the entire cost of the gate's
initial installation, in exchange for granting an access easement.
The property owner has identified an electronic gate to install, and will provide the Police
Department with access codes and keys necessary to operate it outside of business hours.
This gate not only enhances site security for the property owner; it adds an additional
layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to the range.
If approved, the property owner will cause the gate to be installed at the entrance to 701
Dayton Avenue. The City will reimburse the cost of the installation not to exceed
$19,419.21. The property owner will own the gate and be responsible for all future
maintenance, repairs, and replacement. The approval is contingent upon receiving an
access easement for ingress and egress to the City's properties to the west.
The cost of this payment will be incorporated into the adjusted FY 2026/27 Police
operating budget. There remain vacancies in several authorized Police Officer positions
which will generate salary savings sufficient to cover the expense.
If approved, staff will also need to secure an access easement with the property owner
of the former Ames-Story Environmental Landfill (2099 Watt Street). This property lies
between the City property and the property at 701 Dayton. Staff will pursue an
easement with this property owner separately from this action.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to reimburse the property owner at 701 Dayton Avenue for the installation
of an electronic gate in an amount not-to-exceed $19,419.21, contingent upon receipt of
an access easement.
2. Do not approve the proposed reimbursement.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Securing permanent access to the shooting range supports the City’s public safety
objectives by ensuring that law enforcement personnel have reliable facilities for
training and qualification. The addition of an electronic gate further enhances safety,
accountability, and property security. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Map.pdf
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