HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated July 28, 2026ITEM #:11
DATE:07-28-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FOR ECOFAIR ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
City staff is planning to host the 2026 EcoFair from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday,
October 17, 2026. This year's event will host vendors focused on educating citizens of all ages
about sustainability, water quality, water conservation, energy conversation, environmental,
and climate change.
To facilitate this event, City staff has requested the following:
a. Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Blanket Vending License
c. Closure of the south half of Lot M including 6 metered spaces, Lot MM, Lot N including 8
metered spaces, 33 metered spaces along 5th Street, and 11 metered spaces along
Clark Avenue from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026
d. Waiver of Vending License fee ($50 loss to City Clerk's Office)
e. Waiver of parking meter fees ($145 loss to Parking Fund)
The waiver of metered parking fees is estimated to result in a loss of $145 to the Parking
Fund. The City Council's policy regarding the waiver of metered parking fees is to consider
whether to require reimbursement on a case-by-case basis.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for EcoFair on Saturday, October 17, 2026 as outlined above.
2. Approve the requests, but require the event budget to be used to reimburse the lost
revenues for the Vending License and parking waiver.
3. Do not approve the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
EcoFair is a biennial event that connects the Ames Community with City Staff and
sustainability experts who provide a range of resources focused on reducing energy
consumption and water, land, and resource conservation. The EcoFair furthers the City
Council’s Goal to expand Sustainability Efforts. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the
City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
EcoFair Special Event Application 2026
Ecofair Layout Map 2026
1
2
Rain Date (if applicable)10/17/2026
Rain Location (if applicable)515 Clark Gym
Upload the event site plan here:Ecofair Layout Map 2026 Draft.pdf
Parking Ecofair 2026.jpg
Is this an annual event?Yes
How many years?13
Region Other
Upload your letter of support from AREA here.
Upload your letter of support from ISU here.
Upload your letter of support from Ames Main Street here.
Please explain:515 Clark West Parking Lot M, City Hall Community Center
Timeline 10-16-2026 Set parking barricades after 5 p.m. in lot M.
10-17-2026 7:00 A.M. Set up for event
10-17-2026 Event Starts
10-17-2026 Event end at 12:00 P.M. Break down and clean up by
1:0
Description of Event Activities City of Ames Outreach Event with booths set up in parking lot M.
Non-profit and private business who promote sustainability are
also invited to have a booth.
Event Category Other
Is the event open to the public?Yes
Anticipated Daily Attendance 600
Audience Profile Ames Residents
Is your event being held in conjunction with another event?
(e.g. Farmers' Market, 4th of July etc.)
Yes
Please list.Oct 17th. Last Farmers market.
Organization Status Bona Fide Tax Exempt
Are patron admission, entry, or participant fees required?No
2 of 7 3
4