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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilTo:Mayor & City Council From:City Clerk's Office Date:September 8, 2026 Subject:Approval of Minutes Item No. 3 MEMO Attached for the City Council's review are the minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting on August 25, 2026 and Special City Council Meeting on August 28, 2026. ATTACHMENT(S): C26-0825 Summary.pdf C26-0828.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 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 2 2 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 3 3 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 4 4 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. 5 5 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 6 6 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 7 7 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. 8 8 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. 9 9 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. 10 10 ______________________________ ______________________________ Taylor Swanson, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor ______________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk 11 1 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA AUGUST 28, 2026 The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 12:00 p.m. on the 28th day of August, 2026, pursuant to law. As it was impractical for the Council Members to attend in person, Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins joined the meeting electronically. Council Member Amber Corrieri was absent. Ex officio Trey Anderson was also absent. RESOLUTION APPROVING M2 MILESTONE PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $435,200 FOR GENERATION INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT WITH MID-CONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (MISO) FOR THE AMES MUNICIPAL ENERGY CENTER: Donald Kom, Director of Electric Services, provided an overview of the Council Action Form and noted Electric Services is in the process of adding new electric generation resources. It is required that MISO perform a series of studies to ensure the regional grid is not negatively impacted once the new generation is installed and operating. The cost of these studies will be financed from the New Thermal Generation Capital Improvement Project. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-551 approving M2 milestone payment in the amount of $435,200 for Generation Interconnection Agreement with Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) for the Ames Municipal Energy Center. Roll Call Vote: 5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes DISPOSITIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there was one item for consideration, a request from Ames Chamber of Commerce for Sip and Stroll Ordinance. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 5-0 Motion declared carried unanimously. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher shared they have received 16 viable applications for the Data Center Study Committee. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Rollins, seconded by Betcher, to adjourn the meeting at 12:04 p.m. Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ___________________________ ________________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor 12