HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated July 14, 2026To:Mayor and City Council
From:Mark O. Lambert, City Attorney
Date:July 14, 2026
Subject:Court Services in City Hall
Item No. 24
MEMO
BACKGROUND:
Although the City of Ames is not the county seat of Story County, for many years
the Iowa Judicial Branch has maintained a courtroom in Ames City Hall. This
arrangement has served as a convenience for the Ames community, since a
variety of court proceedings and services can be accessed without necessitating
travel to Nevada. This is also a substantial benefit for City operations, since less
staff time and mileage is required for police officers and City Attorney's Office
staff to travel back and forth to Nevada.
A 28E agreement currently exists between the Second Judicial District of the
Iowa Judicial Branch, Story County, and the City of Ames regarding the court
system having operations in the Ames City Hall location. The current 28E
agreement was approved in 2010.
Last year, the Iowa Judicial Branch has indicated its desire to implement a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU; see Attachment), which would replace
the 28E Agreement. All parties approved the MOU last year, and this is the
second year of utilizing an MOU. If the MOU is approved by Council, it is
effective retroactively to July 1, 2026, and will expire on June 30, 2027, unless
terminated earlier in accordance with the agreement. It may be renewed for
additional terms upon mutual written agreement prior to expiration.
In consideration of the convenience of the Judicial Branch offering services in
Ames, the Judicial Branch is not charged rent or utilities for its space in City Hall.
However, the MOU obligates the City to reimburse the Iowa Judicial Branch for
its information technology costs associated with holding court in Ames. These
itemized costs total $11,506.43. Of this amount, 10% is paid from the Legal
Department's operating budget and 90% is paid from the Police Department's
operating budget.
Legal 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
OPTIONS:
1. Approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding with the Iowa
Judicial Branch, Second District, and Story County for court services in
Ames City Hall.
2. Do not approve the Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Refer this item back to staff to negotiate different terms for the MOU.
STAFF COMMENTS:
This partnership benefits residents and City staff by providing a convenient
location to access the court system, file documents, and attend hearings
for small claims actions, municipal infractions, mental health and
substance abuse proceedings, and simple misdemeanor criminal offense.
Staff has reviewed the MOU and finds it acceptable. Therefore, staff believes
approving this MOU for an additional year, Option #1, can be supported.
ATTACHMENT(S):
MOU FY26-27.pdf
Legal 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org