HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - June 23, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Minutes1
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JUNE 23, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 6:07 p.m. on the 23rd day of June, 2026, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515
Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen,
Amber Corrieri, Rachel Junck, Anita Rollins, and Tim Gartin. Ex officio Trey Anderson
was also present. Council Member Gloria Betcher joined the meeting telephonically.
Mayor John Haila opened the meeting with a welcome and acknowledgment of the
attendees' interest in various topics, particularly the upcoming discussion on the data
center project. He expressed gratitude for public involvement and assured that the City
Council was taking into account the numerous emails and communications regarding
residents' concerns. He emphasized that no decisions would be made about the data
center project at the meeting, as it was intended for presentations and questions from the
members of the City Council, with opportunity for public input scheduled for a future
Special Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION ON DISCOVER AMES YEARLY REPORT : Kevin Bourke, President
and CEO of Discover Ames, presented the annual report, highlighting the economic
impact of visitors and strategic pillars employed by the organization that bring guests to
Ames.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila pulled Item No. 14 for clarification.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item No. 14.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of June 1 -15, 2026
4. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
June 9, 2026, and Summary of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on
June 16, 2026
5. Motion approving new Class E Retail Alcohol License - World Liquor & Tobacco +
Vapors, 111 Duff Avenue
6. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege - Los
Compadres, 1610 S Kellogg Avenue, Pending Favorable Inspection
7. Motion approving new 5-Day (July 15-19, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License - Apres Bar Co, 520 6th Street
8. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Outdoor Service - Torrent Brewing Company, LLC, 504 Burnett Avenue,
Midnight Madness
9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. Kwik Star #1158, 1910 Isaac Newton Drive, Class E Retail Alcohol License
b. Northcrest Community, 1801 20th Street, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service
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c. Red Lobster #0747, 1100 Buckeye Avenue, Class C Retail Alcohol License
d. Welch Ave Station, 207 Welch Avenue Ste 101, Class C Retail Alcohol
License
e. Botanero Latino, 604 East Lincoln Way, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service
f. Ichiban Japanese Restaurant, 117 Welch Avenue, Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License
10. RESOLUTION NO. 26-387 approving closure of 5th Street from Kellogg Avenue to
Library exit and additional metered parking spaces for Ames History Museum Big
Bash on July 3, 2026
11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-388 approving salaries for Council Appointees for FY
2026/27
12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-389 approving the FY 2026/27 Pay Plan
13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-390 approving and adopting Supplement No. 2026 -3 to the
Municipal Code
14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-391 adopting annual fee schedule for FY 2026/27
15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-392 approving Commission on the Arts (COTA) Fall 2026
Special Project Grant Contracts
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-393 approving an Interfund Loan from the Electric Fund to
the Resource Recovery Fund
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-394 approving amendment to Intergovernmental
Agreement for Combined Law Enforcement Investigations of Controlled
Substances
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-395 approving contract renewal with ABM Industry Groups,
LLC, of Des Moines, IA, for Custodial Services for Ames Public Library for the one -
year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not-to-exceed
$101,620.44
19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-396 approving contract renewal with TEI Construction
Services Inc., of Duncan, SC, for Boiler Maintenance Services Contract for Power
Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an
amount not-to-exceed $250,000
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-397 approving contract renewal with InfoSend Inc., of
Downers Grove, IL, for print to mail services for the one -year period from July 1,
2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not -to-exceed $208,500
21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-398 approving contract with Apache Industrial, of La Vista,
NE, for the Scaffolding and Related Services and Supply Contract at the Power
Plant for the one-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an
amount not-to-exceed $90,000
22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-399 approving contract with Open Systems International,
Inc., of Medina, MN, for Monarch Support for Power Plant (SCADA System) for the
one-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $
73,196
23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-400 approving contract with Schupan Recycling, of Des
Moines, IA, for Recycling Processing Services in the amount of $203,500
24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-401 approving contract with Fleetside Ford, LLC, of
Waukee, IA, for the purchase of a cargo van (prisoner transport vehicle) for the
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Police Department in the amount of $56,178
25. Underground Trenching Contract for Electric Services:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-402 approving primary contract with
Communications Data Link, of Grimes, IA, for the one-year period from July
1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $150,000
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-403 approving secondary contract with Ames
Trenching & Excavating, of Ames, IA, for the one -year period from July 1,
2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $100,000
26. RESOLUTION NO. 26-404 approving Professional Services Agreement with Foth
Infrastructure & Design, LLC, of Cedar Rapids, IA, for the Lincoln Way Corridor
Study in an amount not to exceed $125,000
27. RESOLUTION NO. 26-405 approving Professional Services Agreement with
WHKS, of Ames, IA, for the 2026/27 CyRide Route Pavement Improvements
project, in an amount not-to-exceed $272,000
28. RESOLUTION NO. 26-406 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for
competitive bidding and authorizing City staff to enter into FY 2026/27 software
maintenance contract with Superion, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, at an
estimated cost of $280,113.42
29. RESOLUTION NO. 26-407 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the
2025/26 Low Point Drainage Improvements Program project (Various Locations),
setting July 22, 2026, as the bid due date and July 28, 2026, as the date of Public
Hearing
30. RESOLUTION NO. 26-408 approving Change Order No. 7 with Keller Excavating,
Inc. of Boone, IA, for the North River Valley Well Field and Pipeline Project, in the
deduct amount of $505,353.34, and adjusting the substantial completion date by
209 days and the final completion date by 212 days
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
ANNUAL FEE SCHEDULE FOR FY 2026/27: Mayor Haila noted that there was an error
in Schedule L and entertained a motion to amend. He emphasized that no dollar amounts
were incorrect.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to amend Schedule L, Rental Housing Inspection
& Enforcement Fees, on page 8, so that the dollar and cents expressed in words match
the numbers in parentheses and adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-391 adopting annual fee
schedule for FY 2026/27 as amended.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion/Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by
the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Ianka Mitchell-Conway shared concerns regarding the marketing and practice of a local
medical clinic specializing in the care of reproductive health.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak.
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REQUEST TO INITIATE PLAN 2040 LAND USE DESIGNATION AMENDMENT FOR
300 AIRPORT ROAD: Mayor Haila requested to table this item until the July 28, 2026,
Regular City Council meeting or after.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to table the item to a future meeting.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION ON LIGHTEDGE DATA CENTER PROJECT: Assistant City Manager
Brian Phillips and Director of Electric Services Donald Kom presented the request from
Lightedge to lease property at the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport in
order to construct and operate a data center. Planning and Housing Director Kelly
Diekmann offered comments regarding zoning and development. City staff was joined by
the team from Lightedge including Matthew Biegacki, Chief Marketing Officer; Mike
McDaniel, Vice President of Development; Jody Gehl, Human Resources Director; Mehdi
Benlaala, General Counsel; and Chris Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer.
Staff and the Lightedge team engaged in robust conversation with the members of the
City Council concerning the logistics and impacts of the operation of the data center.
Mayor Haila emphasized that no action would be taken at the meeting, and that the
presentation was intended solely to inform the City Council and public. He reiterated the
Public Input would be heard at the Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00
p.m.
Mayor Haila recessed the meeting at 8:17 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:27 p.m.
STAFF REPORT ON PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ALONG LINCOLN WAY AT SOUTH
RUSSELL: Public Works Director Justin Clausen reported on pedestrian safety at Lincoln
Way and South Russell following a fatal accident. He outlined four options identified by
staff to address both immediate and long-term concerns for the intersection. Traffic
Engineering Manager Damion Pregitzer highlighted the benefits and risks of different
traffic calming measures. Transit Director Barb Neal added data regarding bus stop
locations in the area and discussed solutions to impact pedestrian behavior.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Dave Elliston addressed the City Council on behalf of his family and neighborhood. Mr.
Elliston, a civil engineer, noted that the South Russell crossing was rated as the highest
stress level and lowest service level for pedestrians under the Walk Bike Roll Ames Plan.
He expressed concern that the options presented largely deferred action and called for
immediate interventions including increased police enforcement of speeding, repainting
of the crosswalk, and installation of a radar feedback sign, as well as longer-term
infrastructure improvements.
Brooke Elliston described Lincoln Way as a barrier dividing the neighborhood and cited
examples of neighbors choosing significant detours to avoid crossing the street. She
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called for the same level of planning urgency that had been applied to the East Lincoln
Way corridor. She requested immediate enforcement, speed feedback signage, and a
clearly marked crosswalk, in addition to longer-term redesign.
Brooke Whitehouse echoed her neighbors' requests for immediate safety interventions
including increased police presence, a painted crosswalk, and speed monitoring, along
with future consideration of sidewalk widening and a road diet.
Katie Chidister spoke to the emotional impact on the neighborhood after the fatal accident
and the ongoing sense of danger residents feel when using Lincoln Way, and asked the
City Council how many fatalities would be required before immediate action is taken.
James Chidister expressed support for the positions articulated by his neighbors and
requested both a concrete timeline for corridor improvements and near-term interim
measures.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Following the Public Input, the City Council discussed a range of short and long -term
responses.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the purchase of a set of
dynamic feedback signs to be placed at the South Russell intersection of Lincoln Way,
with placement of the temporary speed feedback trailer until installation occurs, and
request increased enforcement of speeding by the Police Department.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to place the intersection at South Russell
and Lincoln Way on the list of high-priority intersections identified by the Comprehensive
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Bike Walk Roll Ames).
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to request staff investigate lighting
improvements along the Lincoln Way corridor from Grand Avenue to University
Boulevard.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mayor Haila asked whether the ongoing Lincoln Way Corridor Study from Duff Avenue to
Grand Avenue could be expanded to include Grand Avenue to University Boulevard.
Director Pregitzer indicated that the expansion of the project scope could be explored,
though Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) funding requirements for the current
study may pose a procurement complication. Staff indicated a proposal could be returned
to the City Council by the July 14, 2026, meeting.
AMES REGIONAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE CONTRACT: Council Member Betcher
identified a drafting error in Section 5 of the contract, which described "two City Council
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members appointed by the Mayor and the City Manager" in a manner suggesting the City
Manager participated in the appointment, rather than serving as the third board
representative. Council Member Betcher proposed revised parenthetical language
reading "the City Manager and two City Council members appointed by the Mayor."
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to amend the contract so the parenthetical of
Section 5 reads "the City Manager and two City Council members appointed by the
Mayor."
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Council Member Junck noted her interest in a more substantive future discussion of the
direction of the contract and overall economic development policy goals but indicated she
did not wish to hold up approval of the contract for the upcoming fiscal year and proposed
discussing the matter at a City Council Workshop .
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-409
approving renewal of the contract for economic development related services with the
Ames Regional Economic Alliance for the one-year period of July 1, 2026, through June
30, 2027.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future agenda for
discussion at a City Council Workshop.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS ON THE FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC
CENTER AND THE STEVEN L. SCHAINKER PLAZA BUILDING: Parks and Recreation
Director Keith Abraham reported that proposals came in favorably and that sufficient
funds were available to complete the project as proposed.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-410 awarding a
contract to CB Solar, Inc., of Des Moines, IA, to install solar panels on the Fitch Family
Indoor Aquatic Center and the Steven L. Schainker Plaza building in the amount of
$463,760.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING TO AMEND THE APPROVED FLOATING SUBURBAN
RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (FS-RM) WITH MASTER PLAN FOR THE BLUFFS
AT 4899 EVEREST AVENUE: Planner Justin Moore presented a request from Friedrich
Land Development Company to amend the approved Master Plan for The Bluffs at
Dankbar Farms. The proposed amendment would allow a broader mix of housing types
within the approximately 10.86-acre medium density parcel, while maintaining the
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approved density range of 60 to 100 units.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Kurt Friedrich, Friedrich Companies, described the strong absorption rate at The Bluffs to
date and the anticipated mix of twin homes, single -family detached association homes,
and condominium-style 12-plex apartment buildings similar in architecture to existing
Somerset development buildings.
The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning to
amend the approved Floating Suburban Residential Medium Density (FS-RM) with
Master Plan for The Bluffs at 4899 Everest Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE NORTHEAST
GATEWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT (O-GNE) STANDARDS: Planner Moore reviewed a
zoning text amendment to update the Northeast Gateway Overlay District (O-GNE), which
governed the area east of Interstate 35 on either side of East 13th Street. The overlay was
originally crafted to set design standards for a regional mall that was never built.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an ordinance on a Zoning
Text Amendment modifying the Northeast Gateway Overlay District (O-GNE) Standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON 69KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION FROM TOP O
HOLLOW SUBSTATION TO AMES PLANT SUBSTATION: Director Kom was available
for questions.
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. 26-411 approving final
plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Watts Electric Company, of Waverly,
NE, in the amount of $3,356,570.41.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4598 REZONING THE
PARCEL AT 5120 TABOR DRIVE FROM "A" (AGRICULTURAL) AND "FS-RL"
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(FLOATING SUBURBAN-RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) TO "FS-RL" (FLOATING
SUBURBAN-RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) WITH MASTER PLAN: Moved by Rollins,
seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-412 approving the Master Plan and
Rezoning Agreement for the parcel at 5120 Tabor Drive.
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 Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 4598 rezoning the parcel at 5120 Tabor Drive from "A" (Agricultural) and "FS -RL"
(Floating Suburban-Residential Low Density) to "FS-RL" (Floating Suburban-Residential
Low Density) with Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4596 ON ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENT FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU): Moved by Beatty-
Hansen, seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4596
on Zoning Text Amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4597 REGARDING
PROPERTY REZONING FOR 3329, 3312, 3699 EAST 13TH STREET AND 1699 570TH
AVENUE FROM PLANNED REGIONAL COMMERCIAL (PRC) WITH "O-GNE"
(NORTHEAST GATEWAY OVERLAY) TO ONLY PRC WITH O-GNE THEREBY
REMOVING THE CONTRACT ZONING AGREEMENT: Moved by Beatty-Hansen,
seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4597
regarding property rezoning for 3329, 3312, 3699 East 13th Street and 1699 570th Avenue
from Planned Regional Commercial (PRC) with "O-GNE" (Northeast Gateway Overlay)
to only PRC with O-GNE thereby removing the Contract Zoning Agreement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were eight items for consideration. The first was from Deborah Pitt requesting the addition
of four-way stops in the Bloomington Heights neighborhood.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request the memo on the
aforementioned topic already prepared by staff with updates related to the request if
needed.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request to formalize Hyde Avenue as a snow route from Shelley Ackermann was the
second item. Mayor Haila noted that the item has ready been addressed by staff and no
action was needed.
The third item was a proposed amendment to the Public Nuisance Ordinance to
incorporate restrictions on garden containers from Sharyl Black.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to thank the sender for their feedback.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Objections from Katy Phelps concerning the proposed roadway improvements along the
Duff Avenue corridor comprised the fourth item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to thank the sender for their feedback and
forward the concerns to the Public Works department for inclusion in the project feedback.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The fifth item was a request from Steven Shickell for a waiver of covenants for the
property located at 2702 North Dakota Avenue.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer the item to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from City Attorney Mark Lambert concerning the term of office for the City
Assessor was the sixth item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance
clarifying the term of office for the City Assessor to be placed on the agenda for the July
14, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The seventh item was from Director Diekmann regarding a Request for Plan 2040 Urban
Fringe Amendment to Change from Urban Reserve to Rural Residential for the 35 -acre
parcel of land in Story County on the south side of West 190th and north of the Bella
Woods development.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The final item was from City Manager Schainker regarding the Impacts of Senate File
2472 related to property taxes.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, 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 Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adjourn the meeting at
10:01 p.m.
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Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Carly M. Watson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk