HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - July 28, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council Minutes1
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JULY 28, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila
at 5:59 p.m. on the 28th day of July, 2026, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515
Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Council Member
Amber Corrieri joined the meeting electronically. Ex officio Trey Anderson was absent.
CHILDCARE FEASIBILITY STUDY PRESENTATION: Story County United Way
Community Impact Director Sarah Mansell presented an update on the childcare
feasibility study. Findings of the study emphasized that workforce shortages were a major
barrier and suggestions included implementing a leadership group across industries to
address the challenges.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila requested to pull Item No. 10, noting that staff had
requested that no action be taken on the item. Council Member Rollins requested to pull
Item No. 15.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item Nos.
10 and 15.
2. Motion approving payment of claims
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of July 1-15, 2026
4. 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,
2026
5. Motion approving Minutes of Civil Service Commission Meeting on July 23, 2026
6. Motion approving new Class B Retail Alcohol License - Hy-Vee Ames Pop
Up Shop, 1472 South 4th Street
7. Motion approving Temporary Outdoor Service for Class C Alcohol License with
Outdoor Service - Sips and Paddy’s, 126 Welch Avenue on:
a. September 24 - September 27, 2026
b. October 1 - October 4, 2026
8. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. Fareway Meat Market 189, 3720 Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
b. Hickory Park, 1404 S Duff Avenue, Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License
c. HuHot Mongolian Grill, 703 S Duff Avenue Ste 105 , Special Class C
Retail Alcohol License
d. Inside Golf, 2801 Grand Avenue Ste 1075, Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Catering Privilege, Pending Dramshop Review
e. Sweet Caroline’s, 316 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License
with Catering Privilege and Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review
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f. Maverik #5299, 4506 Lincoln Way, Class E Retail Alcohol License
9. Motion accepting Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fourth Quarter Financial Report
10. Motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a Certificate of Consistency with the 2024 -
2028 City of Ames CDBG Consolidated Plan on behalf of YSS for renewal
funding of a Rapid ReHousing Program
11. Requests for EcoFair on Saturday, October 17, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving blanket Vending License
c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-460 approving 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. RESOLUTION NO. 26-461 approving waiver of Vending License fee
e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-462 approving waiver of parking meter fees
12. Request from City of Kelley to withdraw from Resource Recovery
System 28E Intergovernmental Agreement
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-463 approving amendment terminating the 28E
Intergovernmental Agreement as of August 31, 2026
13. Request from City of Slater to withdraw from Resource Recovery
System 28E Intergovernmental Agreement
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-464 approving amendment terminating the 28E
Intergovernmental Agreement as of July 1, 2026
14. Request from City of Zearing to withdraw from Resource Recovery
System 28E Intergovernmental Agreement
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-465 approving amendment terminating the 28E
Intergovernmental Agreement as of August 31, 2026
15. Resolution accepting the 2026 City Boards and Commission Survey Results
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-467 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
the 2025/26 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvements (Hillcrest Ave, Ellis St,
Kentucky Ave, Illinois Ave, Indiana Ave, Oklahoma Dr, and Delaware Ave)
project, setting August 19, 2026, as the bid due date and August 25, 2026, as
the date of Public Hearing
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-468 approving contract renewal with Tyler Technologies,
of Dallas, TX, for Permitting Software Agreement for July 1, 2026, through June
30, 2027, in the amount of $50,154.61
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-469 approving the water monitoring services agreement
for FY 2026/27 water quality monitoring with Prairie Rivers of Iowa, of Ames,
IA, in the amount of $59,000
19. Contracts for the purchase of cable and wire for Electric Services:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-470 awarding contract to RESCO, of Elkhart, IA,
for cable, in an amount not-to-exceed $92,555, inclusive of all applicable
sales taxes
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-471 awarding contract to WESCO, of Des Moines,
IA, for wire, in an amount not-to-exceed $18,821.30, inclusive of all
applicable sales taxes
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-472 awarding contract to Stivers Ford Lincoln, of
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Waukee, IA, for two one-ton 4WD dual rear wheel crew cab chassis for Electric
Services in the amount of $110,178
21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-473 approving Change Order No. 1 to Van Maanen
Electric, Inc., of Newton, IA, for 2020/21 & 2021/22 Intelligent Transportation
System Program (Phases 1 and 2)
22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-474 approving Change Order No. 6 to All Star Concrete
LLC, of Johnston, IA, Bid Package, 03 -1 Building Concrete Work for Paint
Touch-Ups after the removal of concrete splatters on the precast panels for the
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center in the deduct amount of $2,058
23. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-475 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 04-1 Unit Masonry Work with Forrest & Associate, Inc., of Des
Moines, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in the amount of
$85,432
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-476 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 06-1 General Carpentry Work with Lansink Construction, Inc.,
of Johnston, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center in the amount
of $1,130,962
c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-477 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 08-1 Entrance, Storefront, Curtainwall & Glazing Work with
Orning Glass Company, of Ames, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic
Center in the amount of $774,193
d. RESOLUTION NO. 26-478 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 09-1 Gypsum Board Assembly, Acoustical Ceiling, Paint &
Ceiling Work with Hilsabeck Schacht, Inc., of West Des Moines, IA for
the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center in the amount of $544,100
e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-479 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 13-1 Swimming Pool Work with Sande Construction & Supply
Co., of Humboldt, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in the
amount of $4,182,043
f. RESOLUTION NO. 26-480 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 21-1 Fire Suppression Systems Work with Midwest Automatic
Fire Sprinkler Company, of Des Moines, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor
Aquatic Center, in the amount of $129,400
g. RESOLUTION NO. 26-481 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 32-1 Paving & Sidewalk Work with Lakeside Contractors LLC,
of Ames, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in the amount of
$384,126
h. RESOLUTION NO. 26-482 approving partial release of retainage of the
contract for bid package 22-1 Plumbing & HVAC Work with Brockway
Mechanical & Roofing Co, Inc., of Des Moines, IA, reducing the contract
retainage to $20,000 for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
24. RESOLUTION NO. 26-483 accepting the 2025/26 Traffic Signal Program (S.
Duff Avenue & S. 3rd Street) as completed by Iowa Signal Inc., of Grimes, IA, in
the amount of $75,423.95
25. Minor Final Plat for Monte's Subdivision at 2100 SE 16th Street
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a. Partial Waiver of Requirement to Install Sidewalk
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-484 approving Minor Final Plat
26. Dakota Townes Subdivision at 113 North Dakota Avenue
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-485 accepting public improvement agreement
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-486 approving the Final Plat
27. Story County Low and Moderate Income Housing Support Program Application
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-487 authorizing application to Story County for
$230,000 to assist in the construction of three single-family affordable
ownership housing units in the Baker Subdivision
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2026 CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSION SURVEY
RESULTS: Council Member Rollins explained that she pulled the item to allow staff to
comment on the survey. Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck explained that this
was the second year of the survey, which originated from a City Council goal to ensure
the community was aware of service opportunities and that multiple perspectives were
represented on boards and commissions. Approximately 120 community members who
volunteer on boards and commissions were surveyed.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-466 accepting
the 2026 City Boards and Commission Survey Results.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Stephen Veysey addressed the City Council regarding solar energy. He urged the City
Council and staff to proactively prepare shovel-ready projects for solar farm
development in anticipation of future federal tax incentives for green energy.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to
speak.
DATA CENTERS: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, alongside Planning and Housing
Director Kelly Diekmann, presented an update on data center regulations. He explained
that staff had taken the list of 12 items previously presented to the City Council and
placed them on a calendar to provide an estimated timeline. Staff also requested direction
from the City Council regarding any additional items of interest to be added, as well as the
length of the delay for allowing data center development in Ames.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to direct staff to research the 12 items
on the provided list, with Option IV for Item No. 7 regarding a rezoning process with either
a Master Plan or Overlay that allows for a contract rezoning.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to request a memo from Water & Pollution
Control staff regarding water quality issues, specifically in relation to water discharged
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from data center systems.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to research if other cities
have required that energy be sourced through renewables or credits purchased towards
renewables or some other system where companies are asked to help build green
infrastructure.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to form a study committee to look at
environmental impacts not considered within the previous 12 items, including heat
generation and localized temperature increases, and impacts on wildlife, habitats, and
human health.
Vote on Motion: 4-2, Corrieri and Gartin dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff report back to the City
Council with information regarding possible public benefits of data centers and to direct
staff to work with the City Assessor to determine what aspects of data centers generate
property tax.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Corrieri dissenting. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to report back to the City Council
with information regarding monitoring and accountability in relation to data centers,
specifically what monitoring is possible and what are the enforcement mechanisms.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to direct staff to include in the report
information about electric reconnection in the case of an emergency scenario and which
users would have power restored first.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-488 enacting a
temporary delay in allowing data center development in Ames until May 1, 2027.
Vote on Motion: 4-2, Corrieri and Gartin dissenting. Resolution declared adopted, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON ANNEXATION OF AMES GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AND IRONS
SUBDIVISION PROPERTIES: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann presented
information regarding the annexation of Ames Golf and Country Club and the Irons
Subdivision properties, highlighting a property tax transition incentive with reductions of
75, 50, and 25 percent over three years.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Daryle Vegge spoke against the annexation, requesting that the City Council stop the
annexation process. He also inquired why the City wanted to annex the area.
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Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Council Member Gartin explained that it was not good planning to leave large tracts of
land in the path of development unannexed, that property owners in the area would
receive City services and thus pay taxes for them, and that the City Council had a duty to
the broader community to follow best practices for growth and development.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-489
approving the annexation and a three-year imposition of the transition taxes.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING FOR APPROVAL OF 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR
THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (CDBG) & HOME PROGRAMS:
Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer presented the 2026/2027 Annual Action
Plan for the City’s Community Development (CDBG) and HOME Programs. She noted
the plan had been in development since March, including public input, and was now
ready for early submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-490 approving
the submittal of 2026-2027 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 2025/26 LOW POINT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
PROJECT (VARIOUS LOCATIONS): Public Works Director Justin Clausen provided a
brief update on the 2025/26 Low Point Drainage Improvements Program, reporting that
favorable bids had been received.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to approve Alternative No. 1:
• Accept the report of bids.
• Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-491 approving final plans and specifications and
awarding a contract to JC Midwest Services, of St. Charles, IA, in the amount of
$174,637.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolution declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING TO CONSIDER VACATION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT AT DISCOVERY PLACE 2ND ADDITION SUBDIVISION: Director Clausen
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was present to answer questions.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-492 approving
vacation of existing public utility easement.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON 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: The Public
Hearing was opened by Mayor Haila.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to continue the Public Hearing at staff’s request
to August 11, 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
APPEAL OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS FOR 904 KELLOGG AVENUE: Planner Parker Walsh,
alongside Director Diekmann, presented information regarding an appeal of conditions of
approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 904 Kellogg Avenue. In 2025, the
property owner installed a mini-split HVAC system without first obtaining a COA as
required for exterior alterations. The Historic Preservation Commission approved the
retroactive COA with conditions, one of which required encasing and concealing the
exposed supply lines running along the exterior of the house. It was this specific
condition that the property owner was appealing.
Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Input when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-493 to deny
the appeal of the conditions of approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 904 Kellogg
Avenue.
Roll Call Vote: 5-1, Gartin dissenting. Resolution declared adopted, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUEST TO INITIATE PLAN 2040 LAND USE DESIGNATION AMENDMENT FOR
300 AIRPORT ROAD: Mayor Haila noted that the applicant had requested the item be
moved to future agenda.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to table the item to the Regular
Meeting of the Ames City Council on August 11, 2026.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING EASEMENTS AND APPROVING PURCHASE
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AGREEMENTS FOR THE 2024-26 TRAFFIC SYSTEM CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (13TH & GRAND): Civil Engineer II Mark Gansen, alongside Director
Clausen, presented an update on the 13th Street and Grand Avenue intersection
project. Engineer Gansen explained that negotiations on property acquisition had been
ongoing since November 2025, and that of the 12 easement and acquisition packages
remaining, 10 were being presented to the City Council for approval. The other two
remained in active negotiations.
The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to
speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-494
accepting easements and approving purchase agreements for the 2024-26 Traffic
System Capacity Improvement Program (13th & Grand).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor,
and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
AMES MUNICIPAL ENERGY CENTER: Director of Electric Services Donald Kom,
alongside Assistant Director of Electric Services Curtis Spence and Finance Director
Corey Goodenow, presented the Ames Municipal Energy Center update. Director Kom
provided an overview of the project budget and explained that the two contracts before
the City Council covered the top line items: the Generator Step-Up (GSU) transformer,
and three Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE). After recent developments
regarding the negotiation of a performance and supply bond, staff was recommending
Alternative No. 2.
Mayor Haila tabled the item until later in the meeting to allow staff additional time to
determine the exact dollar amounts of the contracts requested to be approved by the City
Council.
THE BLUFFS AT 4899 EVEREST AVENUE: Moved by Rollins seconded by Betcher, to
pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4601 Rezoning Ordinance with
Master Plan.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-497 approving
Rezoning Agreement.
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. 4602 ON ZONING
TEXT AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE NORTHEAST GATEWAY OVERLAY
DISTRICT (O-GNE) STANDARDS: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to
pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4602 on Zoning Text
Amendment modifying the Northeast Gateway Overlay District (O-GNE) Standards.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there
were eight items for consideration. The first item was a letter regarding mowing at 1706
Amherst Drive from John Schuh.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to request a memo from Public Works
staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request for investigation and action regarding the July 4 storm drain failure on Nixon
Avenue from Ann Shuey was the second item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from Public Works staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The third item was from Craig Sackett regarding safety concerns for the road curve
located by Stonehaven Apartments.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to request a memo from Public Works
staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A proposal regarding the Lightedge Development Project from Mike McDaniel was the
fourth item. This item was noted to be for information only.
The fifth item was a concern from Mike Frisk regarding flooding in North Ames.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to include this item in the formerly
requested memo from Public Works staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A request to waive the requirement for rural subdivision covenants for a Plat of Survey
at 3500 360th Street from Erin Ollendike was the sixth item.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from Planning and Housing
staff.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The seventh item was a request for golf cart use for fraternities and sororities from ISU
Interfraternity Council.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to request a memo from the Chief of
Police and Risk Manager.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo regarding Senate File 2378 from City Attorney Lambert was the final item.
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Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, 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.
AMES MUNICIPAL ENERGY CENTER (CONTINUED): Director Kom, alongside
Assistant Director Spence and Director Goodenow, presented the finalized contract
amounts for the GSU transformer and three RICE units.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-495
awarding contract to Cahoon Sales, Inc., of Iowa City, IA, for the Generator Step-Up
(GSU) Transformer for the Ames Municipal Energy Center, in the amount of $2,470,416,
inclusive of all applicable taxes.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-496 awarding
contract to Wartsila North America, Inc., of Houston, TX, for three 18V50DF engines and
auxiliary equipment, in the amount of $76,789,739.52, inclusive of all applicable taxes,
tariffs, and performance and supply bond (subject to currency conversion rate).
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
8:36 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
______________________________ ______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk