HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - August 25, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council1
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA AUGUST 25, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at
6:01 p.m. on the 25th day of August, 2026, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515
Clark Avenue, pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen,
Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Trey Anderson was
also present. Council Member Gloria Betcher joined the meeting electronically.
PROCLAMATION FOR "WATER AND WASTEWATER WORKERS WEEK," AUGUST
23-29, 2026: Mayor Haila proclaimed August 23-29, 2026, as "Water and Wastewater
Workers Week,” recognizing the essential contributions of the City’s water and
wastewater workforce to public health, environmental protection, uninterrupted utility
operations, and the community’s quality of life and economic vitality. The proclamation
was accepted by Director of Water and Pollution Control John Dunn, alongside Water
and Pollution Control staff members.
AMES EVENT CENTER PRESENTATION BY DISCOVER AMES: Discover Ames
President and CEO Kevin Bourke presented a proposal for an Ames Event Center. President
Bourke stated that Discover Ames, its board, hospitality businesses, small-business owners,
regional business leaders, and other community members were in support of the project. He
asked the City to consider committing approximately half of the estimated $25 million
construction cost for the event center, with Discover Ames, the Ames Regional Economic
Alliance, and other partners collaborating to raise the remaining share. He suggested that
the City own the event center as a public asset. Lastly, he proposed establishing an Ames
Event Center working group with representatives from the City, Discover Ames, and other
stakeholders in order to move the project forward.
The Mayor and Council Members thanked President Bourke for the presentation and
acknowledged the letters that had been received from various stakeholders and community
members in support of the project.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to approve the Consent
Agenda.
3. Motion approving payment of claims
4. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of August 1-15, 2026
5. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on
August 11, 2026, and Special City Council Meeting on August 18, 2026
6. Motion approving new 5-Day (September 13-17, 2026) Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service - Hy-Vee #2, 1407 University Boulevard
7. Motion approving new 5-Day (September 26-30, 2026) Special Class C Retail
Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Hy-Vee #2, 1407 University Boulevard
8. Motion approving new 5-Day (October 3-7, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service - Hy-Vee #2, 1407 University Boulevard
9. Motion approving new 5-Day (October 31-November 4, 2026) Special Class
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C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Hy-Vee #2, 1407 University
Boulevard
10. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses:
a. Whiskey River, 132-134 Main Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with
Catering Privilege
b. Wallaby's Bar and Grille, 2733 Stange Road, Class C Retail Alcohol
License with Outdoor Service
c. Kwik Stop Liquor & Groceries, 125 6th Street, Class E Retail Alcohol
License
11. Requests for the Ames Public Library Family Farm Festival with Author Jill
Esbaum on Saturday, September 19, 2026:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving blanket Vending License
c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-522 approving closure of Douglas Avenue from
5th Street to 6th Street, including the closure of 17 metered parking
spaces, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026
d. RESOLUTION NO. 26-523 approving waiver of fee for blanket Vending
License
e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-524 approving waiver of parking meter fees
12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-525 approving Encroachment Permit for sign located at
400 Main Street - Studio 13
13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-526 amending FY 2026/27 outside funding request
contract with Ames Regional Economic Alliance for Campustown activities
14. RESOLUTION NO. 26-527 approving special funding request for FY 2026/27
from The Arc of Story County
15. Lime Sludge Disposal Contract:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-528 accepting year three of the five-year Lime
Sludge Disposal Contract as completed by Wulfekuhle Injection and
Pumping, of Peosta, IA, in the amount of $302,635.49
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-529 awarding year four of the five-year Lime
Sludge Disposal Contract to Wulfekuhle Injection and Pumping, of
Peosta, IA, in an amount not-to-exceed $392,140
16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-530 approving one-year (November 1, 2026, through
October 31, 2027) renewal agreement for a Transportation Data & Analytics
Subscription Service with StreetLight Data, Inc., of San Francisco, CA, in an
amount not to exceed $72,000
17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-531 approving IDOT Detour Agreement for US 30
Pavement Project
18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-532 approving Professional Services Agreement with
McClure Engineering Company, of Clive, IA, for the 2026/27 Sanitary Sewer
Extension: North Growth East West Sanitary Sewer project, in an amount not to
exceed $100,060
19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-533 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
the construction of the Ames Animal Services Facility, setting September 30,
2026, as the bid due date and October 13, 2026, as the date of Public Hearing
20. RESOLUTION NO. 26-534 approving preliminary plans and specifications for
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the Water Treatment Plant Split Treatment Modifications Project, setting
September 23, 2026, as bid due date and October 13, 2026, as date of public
hearing
21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-535 awarding contract to Travis Body & Trailer, of
Houston, TX, for the purchase of seven walking floor solid waste trailers in the
amount of $942,585
22. RESOLUTION NO. 26-536 approving Change Order No. 4 with Petrotech Inc.,
of New Orleans, LA, for Combustion Turbine Controls Upgrade in the amount of
$10,039.81 (inclusive of sales tax)
23. RESOLUTION NO. 26-537 accepting CyRide's 2025 Facility Fire Protection
Improvement Project Closeout as completed by Henkel Construction Company,
of Ames, IA, and releasing retainage in the amount of $12,415.52
24. Water Treatment Plant Well Rehabilitation Program:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-538 accepting year four of the five-year Water
Plant Well Rehabilitation Contract as completed by Northway Well and
Pump Company, of Waukee, IA, in the amount of $126,472.94
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-539 awarding year five of the five-year Water Plant
Well Rehabilitation Contract to Northway Well and Pump Company, of
Waukee, IA, in the amount of $98,613.48 for mobilization and
rehabilitation of three wells in FY 2026/27
25. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-540 accepting completion of the contract for bid
package 22-1 (Plumbing & HVAC) with Brockway Mechanical & Roofing
Co. Inc., of Des Moines, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in
the amount of $4,308,269
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-541 approving partial release of retainage for bid
package 26-1 (Electrical, Communications, Electronic Safety & Security)
with Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, IA, reducing the contract
retainage to $14,000 for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
26. RESOLUTION NO. 26-542 approving Minor Final Plat for Northridge Heights 20th
Addition
27. RESOLUTION NO. 26-543 approving Plat of Survey for 999 E 190th and 6494
Arrasmith Trail in Rural Story County
28. Tabor Ridge Final Plat:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-544 approving the Major Final Plat for Tabor Ridge
b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-545 accepting the Public Improvements
Agreement
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed
by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened the Public Forum.
Karin Sevde, Story County Community Foundation Executive Director, reported that the
Foundation awarded nearly $300,000 in grants during the prior year, including an impact
grant to Story County Conservation. She encouraged eligible nonprofit organizations and
small businesses to apply by September 30, 2026. She directed those interested in
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learning more to visit storycountyfoundation.org.
Stacey Ross, Friends of Roosevelt Park Chairperson, extended an invitation to the
Mayor, City Council, and public to attend the final Roosevelt Summer Sundays concert
of the season, scheduled for August 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Roosevelt Park. She highlighted
that Southbound, a local band, would be performing and thanked donors, the Ames
Commission on the Arts, and Ames Parks and Recreation, for their support of the concert
series.
The Public Forum was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
BUILDING AND FIRE CODE DISCUSSION: Fire Chief Rich Higgins, alongside Building
Official Sara VanMeeteren and Assistant Building Official Scott McCambridge, presented
proposed updates to the City’s building and fire codes, detailing new state standards and
public outreach efforts.
The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila.
Jake Hanson, Co-Owner of Prairie Land Homes, spoke on behalf of the Ames Home
Builders Association. He thanked staff for conducting deliberate outreach and for
involving builders and the Building Board of Appeals. He stated that housing affordability
was a significant concern and asked the City Council to adopt Alternative No. 3, reflecting
the Building Board of Appeals’ recommendations.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to pass on first reading an ordinance revising
Municipal Code Chapters 5 and 8, including the adoption of the proposed 2024
International and Uniform Codes, with State and local amendments, as presented by staff.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE REVISING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14 REQUESTED BY AMES
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen,
to pass on second reading an ordinance revising Municipal Code Chapter 14
requested by Ames Human Relations Commission.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION IN
ALLEYS: Mayor Haila noted that he moved this item forward on the agenda because of
the anticipated length and complexity of the discussion. Public Works Director Justin
Clausen, alongside Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, presented a report on options for
residential curbside recycling service in alleys. Staff stated that the new curbside recycling
program served 13,461 properties. About 1,000 properties in 82 blocks had alley access.
Staff had received concerns from residents at 27 properties regarding the difficulty of
moving recycling carts from alley-served homes to curbside collection locations.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Input.
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Thor Nelson, Executive Vice President of Aspen Waste, stated appreciation for City staff’s
thorough analysis and partnership. He said the request for proposals had asked how
alleys could be served, and that Aspen Waste had stated rear-loading trucks could serve
alleys that automated side-loading trucks could not. He emphasized that the executed
contract controlled the scope of service and that it was structured as an automated
curbside collection program. He said that if all alley areas had been expressly specified
for rear-loading service, Aspen Waste would have submitted a different price.
Melanie Rogotzke spoke as one of the 27 residents who had contacted the City with
concerns regarding the program. She stated that her home had alley trash collection, no
driveway or curbside access, and a distance of more than 200 feet, including stairs and
a steep hill, between the alley and street. She also expressed concern that vehicles
parked continuously along the street would make curbside placement difficult and could
create potential liability if a cart fell against a vehicle. Ms. Rogotzke expressed
disappointment that recycling had initially been collected from her alley but was later
discontinued. She stated that she believed alley conditions should have been evaluated
more thoroughly before the contract was approved.
The Public Input was closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck, to approve Alternative No. 2: Approach the issue
in the same manner as Alternative No. 1 (continue with curbside service as is), but identify
limited criteria to allow for a full opt-out of the fee, and direct staff to prepare an
amendment to the curbside recycling ordinance that would allow for certain alley -adjacent
customers to opt out of the program and paying the mandatory $7.75 per month recycling
fee.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to prepare a communication
to residents along alleys describing the City Council’s decision, stating that the City
intended to continue examining alley recycling issues, and reminding residents of alley -
clearance and vegetation-setback requirements.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL DATA CENTER STUDY COMMITTEE PLAN: Council Member Gloria
Betcher reported that she, Council Member Beatty-Hansen, and ex officio Anderson had
developed a proposed plan and timeline for the Data Center Study Committee. She stated
that the intent was to recruit committee members efficiently, provide the committee flexibility
to finish its work earlier than the maximum schedule if possible, and complete the process
within the nine-month delay period previously established by the City Council.
Council Member Betcher stated that the proposed September 15 meeting date on page 2 of
the plan should be modified to provide flexibility for either September 15 or September 22,
because the September 15 special meeting might not occur.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-546 approving
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the City Council Data Center Study Committee Plan with the aforementioned amendment.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
APPOINTING AN INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF AMES: Assistant City
Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck was present to answer questions.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Junck, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-547 appointing
interim City Attorney for the City of Ames.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
STAFF REPORT ON IMPACTS OF SF 2472 RELATED TO PROPERTY TAXES
AND DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES: Finance Director Corey Goodenow, alongside
Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann, presented an overview of Tax Increment
Financing (TIF), urban revitalization tax abatement, industrial tax abatement, and the
implications of Senate File 2472. Staff reviewed five recommended strategies for City
Council consideration.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to place a discussion of potential Urban Renewal
TIF Districts on the agenda for the September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City
Council.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Director Diekmann noted that staff was looking for approval of Strategy Nos. 2 through 5
this evening and that Strategy 1 would be revisited in the discussion on September 8 and
approved in that meeting by adoption of a resolution listing the specific projects.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Junck to approve Strategy Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
STAFF REPORT ON FY 2025/26 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE: Sustainability
Coordinator Nolan Sagan, alongside Director of Electric Services Donald Kom and Green
Iowa AmeriCorps Members DiMaucia Phanfil and Ava Brunner, presented the report on
the Climate Action Plan update. Ongoing initiatives included rebate programs, a Rural
Energy Savings Program, and pilot projects such as high-performance residential
construction and alternative fuel usage in municipal vehicles. Green Iowa AmeriCorps
Members Brunner and Phanfil reported successful educational outreach in various
community sectors.
RESOLUTION FIXING A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER
INTO AN ELECTRIC REVENUE LOAN AND DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT AND TO
BORROW MONEY THEREUNDER: Director Goodenow, alongside PFM Managing
Director Susanne Gerlach, presented an updated financing plan for the Ames Energy
Center generation project. Staff explained that the City had approved a contract of
approximately $72 million for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines and that
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substantial payments would occur sooner than originally anticipated.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-548 fixing
September 8, 2026, as the date for public hearing on proposal to enter into an Electric
Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a
principal amount not to exceed $53,930,000.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF GENERAL
OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE BONDS, SERIES 2026C, AND PROVIDING
FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME: Director Goodenow, alongside PFM
Director Gerlach, reported on the competitive sale of the City’s General Obligation
Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026C. The bonds would finance annual Capital
Improvements Program projects, the fire station, and the solid-waste transfer station.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-549 accepting
bids and approving the sale and issuance of General Obligation Corporate Purpose
Bonds, Series 2026C, in an amount not-to-exceed a combined par and premium amount
of $43,610,000 and providing for the Levy of Taxes to pay the same.
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 ASPHALT STREET PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
(HILLCREST AVE, ELLIS ST, KENTUCKY AVE, ILLINOIS AVE, INDIANA AVE,
OKLAHOMA DR, AND DELAWARE AVE) PROJECT: Director Clausen was present to
answer questions.
The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing when no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to accept the report of bids.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-550 approving
final plans and specifications and awarding contract to Manatt's, Inc., of Ames, IA,
in the amount of $4,513,414.65.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and
hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were
14 items for consideration. The first item was a memo from Planner Justin Moore
regarding a request to waive City subdivision standards and land use designations at
3500 560th Avenue.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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A request from Tanner Hoegh for data center rate payer protections was the second item.
No action was taken on this item.
The third item was a request for rezoning of land and sanitary sewer from Chuck
Winkleblack.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to refer to staff for a memo.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Attorney Mark Lambert regarding unilateral bidding error was the fourth
item. This item was noted to be for information only.
The fifth item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding
accessible parking regulations.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to respond to the requestor and thank
them for their input.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding cul-de-sac parking
was the sixth item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to respond to the requestor and thank
them for their input.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The seventh item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding
the Grand Avenue shared use path at Allan Drive.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to respond to the requestor and thank
them for their input.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding the Lincoln Way
Corridor study expansion was the eighth item.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The ninth item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding the
Campus Avenue sewer claim from Steve Bock.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Rollins, to take no action.
Vote on Motion: 5-1, Gartin opposed. Motion declared carried.
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A memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding street parking
concerns on Stonehaven Drive was the tenth item.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Corrieri, to respond to the requestor and thank them for
their input.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The eleventh item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding
Food at First parking meter enforcement hours.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to take no action.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding pedestrian safety at
Gray Avenue and Sunset Drive was the twelfth item.
Moved by Rollins, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to share the memo with the
requestor.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The thirteenth item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to a request regarding
the north-south railroad quiet zone.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Rollins, to take no action.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
A memo from Director Diekmann regarding a request for annexation from Manatt’s was
the final item.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to place the item on a future agenda.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
REPORT OF GOVERNING BODY: The Mayor and City Council Members 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.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Junck, to adjourn the meeting at 10:24
p.m.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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______________________________ ______________________________
Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
______________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk