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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on July 14, 2026, and Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on July 21, 2026To:Mayor & City Council From:City Clerk's Office Date:July 28, 2026 Subject:Approval of Minutes Item No. 4 MEMO Attached for the City Council's review are the minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting on July 14, 2026, and Special City Council Meeting on July 21, 2026. ATTACHMENT(S): C26-0714 Summary.pdf C26-0721.pdf Administration 515.239.5105 main 515.239.5142 fax 515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811 Ames, IA 50010 www.CityofAmes.org 1 1 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA JULY 14, 2026 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:06 p.m. on the 14th 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, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Trey Anderson was also present. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 22. Council Member Junck requested to pull Item No. 32. Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item Nos. 32 and 22. 1. Motion approving payment of claims 2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of June 16-30, 2026 3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on June 23, 2026, and Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on June 30, 2026 4. Motion approving Minutes of Civil Service Commission meeting on June 25, 2026 5. Motion approving Ownership Update for Class C Retail Alcohol License - Red Lobster #0747, 1100 Buckeye Avenue 6. Motion approving new Class C Retail Alcohol License - Studio 13, 400 Main Street (Basement), Pending Favorable Inspection 7. Motion approving new 5-Day (August 28 - September 1, 2026) Class C Retail Alcohol License - Christiani's Events LLC, 2321 North Loop Drive 8. Motion approving new 5-Day (September 1-5, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License - The Travelling Nova LLC, 220 S Teller Avenue 9. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses: a. AJ's Liquor II, 2515 Chamberlain Street, Class E Retail Alcohol License b. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 105 Chestnut Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License c. Cyclone Experience Network, 1800 S 4th Street - Jack Trice Stadium, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service d. Patio Bar & Grill, 4518 Mortensen Road Stes 101-104, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service e. Sportsman's Lounge, 123 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Living Quarters f. 313 Bar, 115 5th Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering Privilege 10. Motion approving request for pyrotechnics display during the Post Malone & Jelly Roll concert at Jack Trice Stadium on July 17, 2026 11. Motion approving request for Fireworks Permits for display from Jack Trice 2 2 Stadium for 2026 ISU Home Football Games on the following dates: a. Saturday, September 5, 2026 b. Saturday, September 19, 2026 c. Saturday, September 26, 2026 d. Saturday, October 3, 2026 e. Saturday, October 31, 2026 f. Saturday, November 14, 2026 g. Saturday, November 28, 2026 12. Motion approving requests from Octagon Arts Center for Octagon Art Festival on September 27, 2026: a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-415 approving closure of the following streets from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: i. Main Street, east of Clark (not blocking Wells Fargo Driveway) to just west of Duff Avenue (allowing traffic to access parking lot behind businesses) ii. Douglas Avenue, 5th Street to Main Street iii. Kellogg Avenue, south of alley to Main Street iv. Burnett Avenue, south of alley to Main Street b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-416 approving waiver of costs for electricity during the event ($10 estimated loss) c. Motion approving Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Central Business District d. Motion approving Blanket Vending License for duration of the event e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-417 approving waiver of fee for Blanket Vending License ($50) 13. Motion directing staff to notify Mediacom Communications that the City of Ames is relinquishing Government Access Channel 12 and Public Access Channel 16 14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-418 approving requests for Fitness Sports Ames' Turkey Trot on November 26, 2026, for road closures from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the following streets: a. 5th Street from Kellogg Avenue to Pearle Avenue b. Pearle Avenue from 5th Street to Main Street c. Main Street/Northwestern Avenue from Douglas Avenue to 13th Street d. 9th Street from Northwestern Avenue to Ridgewood Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue to Hodge Avenue e. Ridgewood Avenue from 9th Street to 13th Street f. 10th Street from Northwestern Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue g. Roosevelt Avenue from 10th Street to 9th Street h. Hodge Avenue from 9th Street to 6th Street i. 6th Street from Hodge Avenue to Northwestern Avenue j. Douglas Avenue from Main Street to East 7th Street k. East 7th Street from Main Street to Kellogg Avenue l. Kellogg Avenue from East 7th Street to 5th Street 15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-419 approving the expansion of the Neighborhood Improvement Grant to encourage community connections 16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-420 approving the allocation of $20,000 in FY 2026/27 3 3 from the Council Priorities Fund sustainability reserve to be made available through the Net-Zero Ready High Performance Home Pilot Project 17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-421 accepting the update on the Homelessness Ames and Story County Action Plan 2025 Report 18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-422 approving FY 2027/28 Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team Priorities 19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-423 approving Quarterly Investment Report for period ending June 30, 2026 20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-424 to adopt business and market changes to City of Ames Depository 21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-425 in Consideration of Agreement for Easement and Gate Installation Reimbursement for the Police Shooting Range at 701 Avenue in the amount not-to-exceed $19,419.21 22. Resolution designating the Police Department Lobby as the Official Posting Site for City Council Meeting Agendas and Public Notices 23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-427 approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2025/26 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal Program, setting August 5, 2026, as the bid due date and August 11, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing 24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-428 approving Memorandum of Understanding with Judicial Branch, Second Judicial District, Story County for court services in City Hall for Fiscal Year 2026/27 25. RESOLUTION NO. 26-429 approving Professional Services Agreement with Olsson of Des Moines, IA, for 2026/27 Collector Street Pavement Improvements (State Ave) in an amount not to exceed $149,680 26. RESOLUTION NO. 26-430 approving Professional Services Agreement with Strand Associates of Ames, IA, for 2026/27 Arterial Street Pavement Improvements (East Lincoln Way) in an amount not to exceed $350,000 27. RESOLUTION NO. 26-431 awarding contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc., of Des Moines, IA, for the Geotechnical Services for the Ames Municipal Energy Center, in the amount of $189,569 28. RESOLUTION NO. 26-432 awarding a contract to Niagara Power Transformer, of Buffalo, NY, for the Transformer for Mortensen Substation Improvements, in the amount of $1,756,932 29. RESOLUTION NO. 26-433 awarding contract to WESCO, of Des Moines, IA, for the purchase of 15kV, EPR cable for Electric Services in an amount not- to-exceed $146,376 inclusive of all applicable sales taxes 30. RESOLUTION NO. 26-434 awarding contract to HDR Engineering, of Omaha, NE, to conduct an arc flash study for the Water Treatment Plant and three pump stations in the amount of $65,207 31. RESOLUTION NO. 26-435 awarding contract to Van Wall Equipment, of Madrid, IA, for a utility tractor for the Parks and Recreation Department for general parks maintenance in the amount of $56,041.84 32. Resolution awarding contract to Agriland FS Inc., of Winterset, IA, for FY 2027 Fuel Purchases for CyRide and Fleet Services 33. RESOLUTION NO. 26-437 Resolution awarding contract to Electric Pump, of Des Moines, IA, to provide and install a variable frequency drive (VFD) on a high 4 4 service pump at the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $60,250 34. RESOLUTION NO. 26-438 awarding contract to Aspen Waste Systems, of Des Moines, IA, for Waste Collection & Disposal Services at City Facilities for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $51,594.12 35. RESOLUTION NO. 26-439 awarding contract to Eocene Environmental Group, of West Des Moines, IA, for Engineering Services for FY 2025/26 Story County Edge of Field in the amount not-to-exceed $106,500 36. RESOLUTION NO. 26-440 waiving the City’s Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Badger Meter, of Milwaukee, WI, to purchase water meters and related accessories for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not-to-exceed $222,367.13 37. RESOLUTION NO. 26-441 approving an extension of contract for Solid Rubber Tires and Accessories for Resource Recovery for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with SETCO, of Idabel, OK, in the amount of $44,264.68, including freight 38. RESOLUTION NO. 26-442 approving contract and bond for the 69kV Transmission Line Reconstruction from Top O Hollow Substation to Ames Plant Substation Watts Electric Company, of Waverly, NE, in the amount of $3,356,570.41 39. RESOLUTION NO. 26-443 approving Change Order No. 1 with Denco Highway Construction Corporation, of Mingo, IA, for the 13th Street Emergency Storm Sewer Pipe Repair in the amount of $10,130 40. RESOLUTION NO. 26-444 approving Change Order No. 1 with Sargent & Lundy LLC, of Chicago, IL, in the amount of $205,300 for additional Engineering Services for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) Electric Generation Facility 41. RESOLUTION NO. 26-445 approving Change Order No. 2 for the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus with Con-Struct, Inc, of Ames, IA, for Bid Package 31-1 – Site Demolition & Earthwork, in the amount of $160,851 42. RESOLUTION NO. 26-446 approving Change Order No. 10 with Woodruff Construction, of Ames, IA, for the Water Pollution Control Facility Nutrient Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project in the amount of $230,920.52 43. RESOLUTION NO. 26-447 setting July 28, 2026, as date of Public Hearing for vacation of Electric Utility Easement and approval of the Disclaimer of Interest in Realty for the 161KV Transmission Line relocated for Iowa Department of Transportation 44. RESOLUTION NO. 26-448 setting July 28, 2026, as date of Public Hearing to consider vacation of an existing public utility easement at Discovery Place 2nd Addition Subdivision 45. RESOLUTION NO. 26-449 accepting the 2025/26 Shared Use Path Maintenance Contract No. 1 as completed by TK Concrete, of Pella, IA, in the amount of $155,901 46. Amendment to ISU Research Park Phase IV, First Addition: a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-450 approving Waiver of requirement for a preliminary plat b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-451 accepting additional easements and amendments to Agreement for Public Improvements for the First 5 5 Addition *. ADDITIONAL ITEM City Attorney Recruitment Plan Update a. Motion accepting recruitment timeline update Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT LOBBY AS THE OFFICIAL POSTING SITE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAS AND PUBLIC NOTICES: Council Member Betcher pulled the item to clarify for residents that the Police Department lobby designation was an additional posting site. She emphasized that the agenda and other notices would continue to be available inside the East entrance to City Hall. Mayor Haila added that the Police Department lobby was open 24/7, whereas the City Hall entrance was not accessible during evenings and weekends, which was the rationale for the addition. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-426 designating the Police Department Lobby as the Official Posting Site for City Council Meeting Agendas and Public Notices. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO AGRILAND FS INC., OF WINTERSET, IA, FOR FY 2027 FUEL PURCHASES FOR CYRIDE AND FLEET SERVICES: Council Member Junck noted that she had pulled Item No. 32 to recuse herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-436 awarding contract to Agriland FS Inc., of Winterset, IA, for FY 2027 Fuel Purchases for CyRide and Fleet Services. Roll Call Vote: 5-0-1, Junck abstaining due to conflict of interest. Resolution declared carried, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum. Grant Olsen spoke regarding the proposed downtown intermodal facility and its planned bus transfer point. He expressed concerns about air quality and noise conditions inside enclosed transit facilities, citing his personal experience at a similar facility in Nashville. He urged the City Council to critically evaluate air quality data as well as sound levels before finalizing a design for the Ames facility. Beau Gilbert voiced concerns regarding the quality of Ames tap water as well as the current state of water quality in Iowa and throughout the country. He encouraged the City to invest more resources in water improvement efforts, citing Iowa State University as a potential resource. Mayor Haila closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak. 6 6 DATA CENTERS: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, alongside Director of Electric Services Donald Kom and City Attorney Mark Lambert, presented a comprehensive staff report on data centers as well as a memo from the City Attorney outlining available legal actions to regulate data centers. Staff identified four specific actions from the presented list that it recommended the City Council pursue at a minimum, regardless of which broader course of action was chosen. The recommended actions were Nos. 1, 10, 11, and 12, and involved defining data centers as a use in the zoning ordinance, reconciling the electric tariff and utilities chapter, adding excess facilities charge provisions to the water utility chapter, and adding similar provisions to the wastewater utility chapter. Moved by Junck, seconded by Betcher, to approve Option No. 1: Temporarily delay any decision about Lightedge, or any other data center, locating within Ames and request additional information. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to ask staff to pursue the changes recommended in action Nos. 1, 10, 11, and 12. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Mayor Haila recessed the meeting at 7:26 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 7:32 p.m. CONSTRUCTION ADVISOR SERVICES FOR AMES FIRE STATION NO. 2 PROJECT: City Manager Steve Schainker explained that, following a City Council Workshop on alternative project delivery methods, the City issued a request for proposals for a construction advisor to serve in the capacity of the owner's representative and De Novo, Inc. had been selected. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-452 approving agreement with Denovo, Inc., of West Des Moines, IA, for Construction Advisor Services for Ames Fire Station No. 2 Project in the amount of $95,000. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. RESOLUTION APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 5120 TABOR DRIVE: Planner Benjamin Campbell presented the preliminary plat for a property on the south side of Tabor Drive, north of the new Lutheran Church of Hope. The applicant proposed to satisfy the 10% open space requirement of the Floating Suburban Residential Low Density (FS- RL) zoning by joining the Sunset Ridge Homeowners Association. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. 7 7 Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-453 and approve the Preliminary Plat with the condition that prior to Final Plat approval the applicant provides proof the property is part of the Sunset Ridge HOA as dues -paying properties for the purpose of meeting open space set-aside requirements. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. RESOLUTION APPROVING CONVEYANCE PARCEL PLAT OF SURVEY WITH UTILITY EASEMENTS FOR 701 DAYTON AVENUE: Planner Campbell explained that the conveyance parcel plat of survey was brought before the City Council because the applicant declined to provide the easement documents that staff require d as companion items to the plat when existing water and sewer utility mains cross the property. The applicant contended that a prescriptive easement already existed in the City's favor, making formal easement documents unnecessary. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 2 as follows: • Conditionally accept the Plat of Survey by directing the Planning Director to approve the Plat of Survey with water main and sanitary sewer easement documents consistent with the attached examples, or as approved by the City Attorney. Both the plat and easements must be recorded prior to approval of a Minor Site Development Plan for the new use. • Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-454 Approving Conveyance Parcel Plat of Survey with Utility Easements for 701 Dayton Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. RESOLUTION APPROVING DOWNTOWN FACADE GRANTS FOR SPRING OF FISCAL YEAR 2025/26: Planner Campbell reported that six facade grants were being presented for City Council approval, five new maintenance grants and one traditional grant. Staff confirmed that all requests complied with program requirements and that sufficient funding existed in the grant pool to award all six without any competitive ranking process being necessary. Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-455 and approve the Downtown Facade Improvement and Maintenance Grants as proposed by the applicants for: a. 118 Main Street (Traditional) for up to $23,000 in estimated eligible costs for facade repairs and requiring the front door to be recessed. b. 118 Main Street (Maintenance) for up to $14,509.73 in estimated eligible costs for facade and roof repairs. c. 413 Kellogg Avenue (Maintenance) for up to $23,000 in estimated eligible costs 8 8 for facade repairs and $2,000 in design fees. d. 236 Main Street (Maintenance) for up to $23,000 in estimated eligible costs for facade repairs and $2,000 in design fees. e. 203, 205, and 207 Main Street (Maintenance) for up to $23,000 in estimate eligible costs for facade and foundation repairs and $2,000 in design fees. f. 226-228 Main Street (Maintenance) for up to $23,000 in estimate eligible costs for facade and foundation repairs and $1,800 in design fees. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. FITCH FAMILY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER - STAINING UPDATE: Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham reported that, following the City Council's direction in the March 24th meeting, a larger mock-up of the staining had been completed in late June on the north side of the building. Staff reviewed the results and was satisfied, recommending that staining proceed for the entire building. Director Abraham noted that the contractor was performing the work at no current cost to the City. However, the contractor had submitted a notice of potential claim for approximately $52,000, which the contractor could pursue in the future. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT FOR CONVENIENCE GENERAL SERVICES (CGS) DISTRICT STANDARDS RELATED TO FUELING POSITIONS: Planner Campbell presented a proposed Zoning Text Amendment to the Convenience General Services (CGS) district that would create a special use permit process allowing convenience stores with gas stations to exceed the current limit of five fuel pumps. Staff recommended Alternative No. 1, which did not include a waiver of second and third readings. Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing. Travis Small, Real Estate Development Manager with KwikStar/KwikTrip, spoke in support of Alternative No. 2 and explained that the company's timeline was constrained by a purchase agreement with the seller and that the extended text amendment process, combined with the forthcoming Zoning Board of Adjustment process, ha d consumed a significant portion of the due diligence period. He requested that the City Council waive second and third readings so that KwikTrip could finalize civil design plans and submit them to staff, enabling the City Council to consider the full project, including the proposed roundabout, at the next meeting. The Public Hearing was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative No. 2: Pass on first reading an ordinance on a Zoning Text Amendment revising the Convenience General Service 9 9 (CGS) Standards in Section 29.810(2) and (3) to require a Special Use Permit for all fueling stations, and suspend the rules to approve on second and third readings and adopt the text amendment. Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to suspend the rules and allow for second and third readings. Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to pass on second reading an ordinance on a Zoning Text Amendment revising the Convenience General Service (CGS) Standards in Section 29.810(2) and (3) to require a Special Use Permit for all fueling stations. Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4600 on a Zoning Text Amendment revising the Convenience General Service (CGS) Standards in Section 29.810(2) and (3) to require a Special Use Permit for all fueling stations. Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Beatty-Hansen dissenting. Motion declared carried. Council Member Beatty-Hansen clarified that she was supportive of passing the first reading of the ordinance, but was not supportive of suspending the rules to allow for second and third readings. HEARING ON 2025/26 CDBG WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (S 3RD STREET- S RUSSELL AVENUE TO S OAK AVENUE) AND (S MAPLE AVENUE - S 2ND STREET TO S 4TH STREET): The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to accept the report of bids and adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-456 approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Iowa Water & Waste Systems LLC, of Boone, IA, in the amount of $490,722.50. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. HEARING ON THE 2026/27 AIRPORT AIRSIDE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (RECONSTRUCTION OF RUNWAY 01/19): Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve Alternative No. 1: • Accept the report of bids. • Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-457 approving final plans and specifications for the 2026/27 Airport Airside Improvements Project (Reconstruction of Runway 01/19) and awarding a contract for the Base Bids and Bid Alternate A to Flynn Company, Inc., of Dubuque, IA, in the amount of $19,118,791, contingent upon FAA 10 10 concurrence and receipt of the necessary Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding. • Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-458 approving submission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant application requesting federal funding for the full 2026/27 Airport Airside Improvements Project (Reconstruction of Runway 01/19), including the Base Bid and Bid Alternate A. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. CITY ASSESSOR TERM OF OFFICE: The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on first reading an ordinance clarifying the term of office for the City Assessor. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to suspend the rules and allow for second and third readings. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second reading an ordinance clarifying the term of office for the City Assessor. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4599 clarifying the term of office for the City Assessor. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE APPROVED FLOATING SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (FS-RM) WITH MASTER PLAN FOR THE BLUFFS AT 4899 EVEREST AVENUE: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second reading an ordinance 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. SECOND READING OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE NORTHEAST GATEWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT (O-GNE) STANDARDS: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to pass on second 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. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were five items for consideration. The first item was a memo regarding base bid 11 11 adjustments to the Ames Animal Services project from Fleet Services Director Corey Mellies. This item was noted to be for information only. A request for annexation at 1901 South Dayton Avenue from Manatt’s Environmental Manager Joe Mills was the second item. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to refer to staff for memo. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The third item was a request from Bonnie Alley regarding considerations for the Mortenson Road Corridor Study. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to refer to staff for an updated speed analysis. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The fourth item was regarding support for the Data Center proposal from Ames Regional Economic Alliance, which was noted to be for information only. A memo from Planner Justin Moore regarding a request to waive the requirement for Rural Subdivision covenants for a Plat of Survey at 2702 North Dakota Avenue was the final item. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to let requestor know that the City Council was not interested in waiving the requirement. Vote on Motion: 5-0-1, Gartin abstaining due to conflict of interest. Motion declared carried. 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. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to send information regarding water sources and quality in Ames to Public Forum speaker Beau Gilbert. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Haila asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was legal reason to go into Closed Session. Attorney Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c), Code of Iowa, to discuss matters presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to go into Closed Session at 8:09 p.m. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Ex-officio Anderson exited the meeting at 8:09 p.m. 12 12 The City Council reconvened Regular Session at 8:22 p.m. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-459 approving a settlement agreement with Alison Southern in the amount of $75,000. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ______________________________ ______________________________ Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor ______________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk 13 1 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA JULY 21, 2026 The Ames Special City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Anita Rollins at 6:00 p.m. on the 21st day of July 2026, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, and Rachel Junck. Council Member Amber Corrieri joined the meeting electronically. Council Member Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen and Mayor John Haila were absent. WORKSHOP ON DUFF AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY: Transportation Planner Kyle Thompson opened by framing the Duff Avenue Corridor Study providing background and stating the presentation was designed to be high-level on the geographic limits of the study area. He explained that the corridor runs along Duff Avenue from the Union Pacific Railroad crossing just south of Main Street northward through the Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic campus, continuing to 16th Street. He introduced the project team, noting his own role as the City's project manager, acknowledging colleagues Traffic Engineer Manager Damion Pregitzer and Public Works Director Justin Clausen, and introducing consultant John Witt, Foth Traffic Engineer, who would co-present the material. Planner Thompson emphasized that the study builds upon priorities already established through existing plans. He highlighted a map from the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan produced by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and noted that the Duff Avenue corridor had been designated as part of the high-priority safety network for the region. He also referenced the Walk Bike Roll Plan, which identified two specific priorities along the corridor: installing a shared use path or bikeway and enhancing the East 12th Street pedestrian crossing near Mary Greeley Medical Center. Transportation Planner Thompson outlined the principal goals of the corridor study: • Evaluate existing and future traffic operations, safety, walkability, and connectivity. • Assess the impacts of the railroad crossing near Main Street, noting that frequent train crossings cause vehicle delay, queuing, and extended recovery times. • Forecast future traffic volumes to 2050 as the planning year, framing the study as a long-term visioning document. • Evaluate pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity, with particular attention to the 12th Street crossing serving Mary Greeley and McFarland Clinic. • Identify long-term improvement concepts that enhance safety, traffic operations, and multimodal connectivity while supporting the needs of residents, businesses, and corridor users. Planner Thompson summarized the first phase of public and stakeholder outreach for the corridor study, which began in late March 2026. Outreach included an online survey and project website, mailed notices to nearby property owners, direct emails to stakeholders and neighborhood associations, MPO communications, and City social media posts. 14 2 The survey received 547 responses, including 144 from residents, property owners, and business owners near the corridor. Results showed that 95% of respondents drive the corridor, 45% walk or bike, 10% use CyRide, and more than half have ties to the Mary Greeley or McFarland Medical Campus. The most frequently identified concerns were traffic congestion, train-related delays, and pedestrian safety. Respondents identified the highest priorities as improving safety for all users, reducing congestion and delays, and enhancing walking and bicycling. The most requested improvements were traffic signal upgrades, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved sidewalks and shared-use paths. Planner Thompson also reported on a meeting with representatives from Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic. Key discussion points included prioritizing EMS and ambulance access, recognizing the continued importance of the East 12th Street crossing for staff, support for a potential three-lane roadway configuration, and consideration of future medical campus plans to ensure they are reflected in the study. Traffic Engineering Practice Lead John Witt then took over to walk through the engineering analysis underlying the study. He spoke about robust data collection from many areas including crash data statistics, speed study findings, railroad crossing analysis and Walk Bike Roll Ames. He also showed conceptualized designs for Duff Avenue going from four lanes to three lanes and a mini roundabout at 16th and Duff Avenue. Planner Thompson resumed the presentation to describe the second round of public outreach, conducted in June 2026. The same distribution channels were used, with the addition of a press release. This round yielded 711 responses, approximately 164 more than the first survey. The second survey was focused specifically on gathering feedback on the initial recommended concepts. Summarizing the overall sentiment, Planner Thompson reported that approximately 57% of respondents were either very unsupportive or unsupportive of the proposed improvements, while 43% were neutral, supportive, or very supportive. He acknowledged this represented a "slightly negative reaction" overall. On specific questions within the survey: • Railroad crossing study: 75% of respondents indicated they would like to see a detailed study of the railroad crossing conducted, versus 25% who said no. • Mid-block crossing at Bandshell Park: 64% indicated the crossing was not necessary, with many comments noting that nearby signals at Main Street and 6th Street already provided protected crossing opportunities. • Pedestrian crossing improvements at 12th Street near Mary Greeley: 65% felt those improvements were needed, versus 35% who said they were not necessary. • Traffic control at Duff and 16th Street: 59% preferred the two-way stop option; 41% preferred the roundabout. Many written comments also requested that the existing all- way stop be retained as a third option. 15 3 Planner Thompson walked through the top concerns raised through the second survey and explained how the study team analyzed each one. He concluded the technical presentation by summarizing the three-lane section as the alternative that best advances the goals identified through public outreach and the City's adopted planning documents. He clarified that staff was not seeking formal direction at this workshop, rather, the intent was open dialogue with the Council. He noted if Council Members did not view the three-lane section as the appropriate treatment or wished to see other alternatives such as a four-lane or five- lane option, included in the final report, staff would benefit from some indication to that effect. Similarly, if Council had preferences regarding sub-options such as the 16th Street intersection treatment or the Bandshell Park crossing, that input would help as the study moves toward finalization. He indicated that the study would be finalized and returned to council in the fall of 2026 for formal direction and acceptance of findings. He reminded Council that the study is a long-term visioning and guiding document, not a near-term construction commitment, and that any eventual implementation would proceed through phased Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) programming and would include final design and additional public input processes. Council engaged in extensive technical dialogue with staff regarding CyRide stops, frustration with the railroad crossing, shared use path options and crash data information. Council Member Gartin also asked for clarification on some of the statistics presented and Planner Thompson said he would come back with better defined statistical information. STAFF REPORT ON AMES MUNICIPAL ENERGY CENTER GENERATOR AND STEP- UP TRANSFORMER PROCUREMENT: Electric Services Director Donald Kom introduced the second workshop item, providing background on the Ames Municipal Energy Center project. The project involved adding three reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) generator sets to the former coal yard site just south of the existing power plant and south of the railroad tracks, totaling approximately 54 megawatts of generating capacity. Sargent and Lundy serves as the Design Engineer. Council Member Gartin asked Director Kom to clarify what staff was asking the Council to do before the presentation proceeded further. Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips explained that the workshop was intended to prepare the Council for two significant contract approvals at the regular Council meeting on July 28, 2026. The first action would be approval of a contract for the generator step-up (GSU) transformer, at approximately $2.3 million. The second and substantially larger action would be approval of a contract with a RICE engine supplier for three generating sets, at approximately $73 million, representing slightly over 40 percent of the total $192 million project budget. Assistant City Manager Phillips emphasized the urgency for the validity date for the pricing proposal and that the manufacturing slot for the engines would expire on July 31, 2026. Failing to execute by that date would risk losing the proposed pricing and delivery schedule, which would, in turn, jeopardize the City's ability to meet its generating capacity obligations when needed. Director Kom addressed the project’s financing. The City intended to bond for the full project. A financial model was developed in collaboration with financial consultant PFM and Finance Director Corey Goodenow, examining the project over a 30-year horizon. The modeling concluded that implementing a 2.5% annual electric rate increase for approximately 18 years, using conservative assumptions including higher interest rates, followed by a 1.5 % annual 16 4 increase for the subsequent 12 years, would be sufficient to fund the project. Director Kom noted that approximately 1% of the 2.5% annual increase was attributable to debt service on the project bonds, with the remaining 1.5% representing an assumed baseline inflation rate. Director Kom summarized the overall project budget of approximately $192 million, noting the two items before Council were the RICE equipment and the GSU transformer, and together they represented slightly over 40 percent of that total. He noted that the project design shows three generating sets on the northern portion of the site, with a step-up transformer off to the west, and that the maintenance and electrical building at the center of the site was designed for the ultimate buildout of six engines. Assistant Electric Services Director Curtis Spence presented the details of the RICE engine procurement. A Request For Proposal (RFP) was issued in March 2026 for three large RICE units, each 18 megawatts or greater. The scope of supply encompassed the engine itself, the coupled generator, ventilation units, intake structure, exhaust systems, intake air filters, engine coolant closed-loop circuit, and other auxiliary equipment. Two vendors submitted proposals: Wärtsilä of Finland and Everlance, from Germany. A weighted evaluation matrix developed by Sargent and Lundy across ten criteria was used to evaluate the findings. The criteria included total cost. The formal RFP evaluation matrix produced a final score of 260 points for Wärtsilä versus 203 points for Everlance. Staff recommended award to Wärtsilä North America. Sargent and Lundy concurred and indicated it would issue a letter of recommendation. There was discussion around the need for a surety bond given the substantial upfront payment obligation with no equipment in hand. Staff investigated the availability of a surety bond to protect the City against Wärtsilä's potential bankruptcy during the manufacturing and delivery period. It was confirmed that Wärtsilä had provided surety bonds to other customers who were legally required to obtain them. The cost of such a bond for this contract would be approximately $1.5 million. Director Kom noted this cost would be passed through to the City as an addition to the contract price. Staff noted that Dorsey and Whitney, the City's bond counsel, had been asked to weigh in on the surety bond question but had not yet responded. Director Kom committed to providing that input prior to the July 28, 2026, Council Meeting, acknowledging it would be a helpful data point for the Council. City Manager Steve Schainker reconfirmed that the rate increase for residents had a relatively low impact of 2.5% increase for 18 years and then 1.5% increase for 12 years, ending in FY 2056/57. Assistant City Manager Phillips concluded with recognition of staff, particularly Director Kom and Assistant Director Spence, for their extensive work researching the technologies, evaluating proposals, visiting sites, working through contractual details, and negotiating with both vendors. COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Members reported on various events attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m. 17 5 Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Renee Hall, City Clerk Anita Rollins, Mayor Pro Tem 18