HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated August 25, 2026ITEM #:11
DATE:08-25-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FOR THE AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY FAMILY FARM FESTIVAL
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Ames Public Library (APL) is requesting to hold a new event in the Downtown area titled
"Family Farm Festival with Author Jill Esbaum" from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Saturday,
September 19, 2026.
The event will consist of a petting zoo, kids' activities, vendor booths, and various exhibits
including "Touch a Tractor," where children will be able to explore different types of farm
equipment. An author talk with Jill Esbaum will be held in the APL Auditorium at 11:00 a.m.,
followed by a book signing.
To facilitate these activities, APL has requested the following for Saturday, September 19:
Closure of Douglas Avenue between 5th and 6th Street between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00
p.m.
A blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
A blanket Vending License and waiver of fee ($50 loss to the City Clerk's Office)
Closure of 17 on-street metered parking spaces along Douglas Avenue within the event
area, and waiver of fees (estimated loss of $34 to the Parking Fund)
The City Council's policy regarding the waiver of parking meter fees in areas that are less than
District-wide is to consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
Ames Main Street has submitted a letter in support of the event. Event organizers indicated
that they will publicize the event via email and flyers, and place signs throughout the affected
area prior to the event.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests from the Ames Public Library, including the waiver of fees.
2. Approve the requests from the Ames Public Library but require payment for the blanket
Vending License and reimbursement for the lost parking meter fees.
3. Do not approve the requests.
1
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The APL Family Farm Festival provides an opportunity to attract families to the
Downtown. This is a free event that includes kids' activities, educational exhibits, and a
presentation by author Jill Esbaum. The organizers have provided all necessary
documentation supporting their requests, including a letter of support from Ames Main
Street. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Special Event Application - Family Farm Festival
Family Farm Festival Map.pdf
APL LOS 2026.pdf
2
Special Event Application
Submitted on 29 July 2026, 3:24PM
Receipt number 42
Related form version 4
Event Organizer Information
Name
Organization Ames Public Libray
Email Address
Phone Number
Street Address
City/State/Zip Ames, IA 50010
Additional Responsible Parties
Item 1 Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Event Details
Event Name Family Farm Festival with Author Jill Esbaum
Date 09/19/2026
If your event is more than one day, please specify date
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range.
Location/Address 515 Douglas Ave- Street closed on Douglas Ave. between 5th
and 6th streets (both intersections can remain open).
Rain Date (if applicable)
Rain Location (if applicable)
Upload the event site plan here:COA Special Event Family Farm Festival- Sept. 2026 (1).docx
Is this an annual event?No
How many years?
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:Library Event, but we are requesting letter of support from
Downtown Ames as well.
Timeline Set-up begins at 8am, Should be cleaned up and ready to open
the street again by 1pm.
Description of Event Activities Family Farm Festival with Author Jill Esbaum
“Touch a Tractor"
Have reached out to local farmers to see about tractors coming
and also a traveling group who has vintage tractors. Hope to
have 4-6 different types of tractors or farm equipment available
to look at and climb into.
Petting Zoo
Have contacted a couple of local options and are working out
pricing to have one of them bring an assortment of farm animals
for kids to interact with.
On the plaza of the Library:
Tabling from local co-ops and CSAs, Community organizations
Tabling from ISU Extension and Outreach and possibly a couple
4-H groups
Have contacted 14 local options, hoping to have 5-7 of them, at
least, commit
Inside the Library:
Author talk (11:00am) in our Auditorium
Jill Esbaum
First 50 families to attend the author event gets a free copy of the
book
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30-45 minute presentation and author signing
Event Category Festival/Celebration
Is the event open to the public?Yes
Anticipated Daily Attendance 125
Audience Profile Families
Is your event being held in conjunction with another event?
(e.g. Farmers' Market, 4th of July etc.)
No
Please list.
Organization Status Bona Fide Tax Exempt
Are patron admission, entry, or participant fees required?No
Percentage of net proceeds going towards fundraising:
Percentage of net proceeds going towards for-profit entity:
Are vendor or other fees required?No
Would you like to make a formal request to the City
Council for waiver of some fees associated with the event?
Yes
Waivers Requested Blanket Vending License
Electric Usage
Parking Meter Fees
Estimated Value of Requested Waivers Vendors on Library Plaza but could have 2-4 in the street area;
17 parking spots 4hrs
Fee waivers are generally granted only in unique
circumstances or in exchange for specific benefits. What is
different about this event from most special events making
it uniquely deserving of fee waiver(s)?
Library/ City sponsored event promotes literacy, community
resources
Benefits Provided to the City in Exchange for Requested
Waivers
Positive community engagement and promotion of city resources
Formal Letter to the City Council Requesting Fee Waivers Fee Waiver Request.docx
Security & Communication
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