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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council 1 SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL AMES, IOWA SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:58 p.m. on the 8th day of September, 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 and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Trey Anderson was also present. Council Members Amber Corrieri and Rachel Junck were absent. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila requested to table Item No. 14, noting that the plans and specifications had not yet been delivered to City Hall. Mayor Haila also pulled Item Nos. 6 and 7. Council Member Betcher pulled Item No. 8(b). Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to approve the Consent Agenda less Item Nos. 6, 7, 8(b), and 14. 1. Motion approving payment of claims 2. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for period of August 16-31, 2026 3. Motion approving Summary of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on August 25, 2026, and Special City Council Meeting on August 28, 2026 4. Motion approving new 5-Day (September 2-6, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service - Apres Bar Co, 2120 Lincoln Way 5. Motion approving the renewal of the following Alcohol Licenses: a. Dollar General Store #22303, 3407 Lincoln Way, Class B Retail Alcohol License b. Neighborhood Liquor Mart, 3505 Lincoln Way Ste 105, Class E Retail Alcohol License c. Mega Saver, 3111 S Duff Avenue, Class E Retail Alcohol License d. AJ's Ultra Lounge, 2401 Chamberlain Street, Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service, Pending Dramshop Review 6. Requests from Ames High School for Homecoming Parade on September 21, 2026: a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. Resolution approving closure of City Parking Lot MM, southern three aisles of City Parking Lot M, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for parade staging c. Resolution approving closure of Pearle Avenue, Burnett Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, and Clark Avenue (all from Main Street to 5th Street), Main Street from Pearle Avenue to Duff Avenue, and 5th Street from Grand Avenue to Clark Avenue, from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7:45 p.m. d. Resolution approving closure of 219 metered parking spaces along the parade route from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and waiver of fees (Loss of $750 to the Parking Fund) e. Resolution approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 19 metered parking spaces in Lot N (Loss of $9.50 to the Parking Fund) 2 7. Requests from Ames Booster Club for Homecoming Tailgate on September 21, 2026: a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. Motion approving blanket Vending Permit c. Resolution approving closure of Burnett Avenue from 5th Street to 6 t h Street, including the closure of 14 metered parking spaces, from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. d. Resolution approving waiver of lost parking meter funds (Loss of $7 to the Parking Fund) e. Resolution approving waiver of blanket Vending Permit (Loss of $50 to the City Clerk's Office) 8. Requests from ISU Homecoming Central Committee for ISU Homecoming Events on Friday, October 2, 2026: a. ExCYtement in the Streets: i. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit ii. Motion approving blanket Vending License iii. RESOLUTION NO. 26-559 approving closure of portions of Sunset Drive, Ash Avenue, Gray Avenue, Pearson Avenue, and Lynn Avenue from 7:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 iv. RESOLUTION NO. 26-560 approving suspension of parking regulations for closed areas from 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 b. Central Campus Events: i. Motion approving Fireworks Permit for Friday, October 2 beginning at 11:59 p.m. for Central Campus Mass Campaniling 9. Requests from Ames Regional Economic Alliance for Campustown Fall Classic on October 14, 2026: a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-561 approving closure of Campustown Lot Y and adjacent portion of Chamberlain Street, including the closure of 19 metered parking spaces, from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. 10. 2027 Ames Triathlon at Ada Hayden Heritage Park: a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-562 waiving enforcement of Section 19.15 of Ames Municipal Code to allow swimming in the north lake at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 7:00 - 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, June 27, 2027 b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-563 waiving enforcement of Section 19.9 of Ames Municipal Code for Iowa Multisport to utilize two motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles on the trails from 3:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2027, at Ada Hayden Heritage Park for the Ames Triathlon 11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-564 approving re-accession of 15 ceramic reliefs into the City's Public Art Inventory for installation at Schainker Plaza 12. RESOLUTION NO. 26-565 setting September 22, 2026, as date of public hearing for first amendment to FY 2026/27 Adopted Budget 13. RESOLUTION NO. 26-566 accepting Iowa DNR Solid Waste Alternatives Program grant funding in the amount of $24,999 for Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (Yard Waste Area) 3 14. Resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for the Technical Services Complex HVAC Improvements Project setting October 14, 2026, as bid due date and October 27, 2026, as date of public hearing 15. RESOLUTION NO. 26-568 approving contract renewal for the purchase of oils, lubricants, and fluid analysis for Fleet Services and Ames Transit Agency (CyRide) to Heritage Petroleum, LLC, of Evansville, IN, for the one -year period from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 16. RESOLUTION NO. 26-569 approving contract and bond for 2025/26 Asphalt Street Pavement Improvement with Manatt's Inc., of Ames, IA, in the amount of $4,513,414.65 17. RESOLUTION NO. 26-570 waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Macqueen Equipment, of St. Paul, MN, for the purchase of a street sweeper in the amount of $422,105.41 18. RESOLUTION NO. 26-571 awarding a contract to Power Systems Engineering, Inc, of Madison, WI, for Engineering Services for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Improvements in the amount not -to-exceed $77,735 19. RESOLUTION NO. 26-572 approving Change Order No. 11 with Woodruff Construction, of Ames, IA, for the Water Pollution Control Facility Nutrient Reduction Modifications Phase 1 Project in the amount of $55,909.91 20. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center: a. RESOLUTION NO. 26-573 accepting completion of the contract for bid package 07-3 (Membrane Roofing & Sheet Metal Flashing Work) with Central States Roofing Co. Inc., of Ames, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in the amount of $813,063 b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-574 accepting completion of the contract for bid package 26-1 (Electrical, Communications, Electronic Safety & Security) with Van Maanen Electric, Inc., of Newton, IA, for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, in the amount of $1,629,57 4 21. RESOLUTION NO. 26-575 approving partial completion of public improvements and reducing financial security on file for Domani Subdivision 3rd Addition to $123,144 Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motions/Resolutions declared carried/adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. REQUEST FOR ISU HOMECOMING FIREWORKS PERMIT FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 BEGINNING AT 11:59 P.M. FOR CENTRAL CAMPUS MASS CAMPANILING: Council Member Betcher explained her reason for pulling Item No. 8(b), stating that she pulled it annually due to concerns about the midnight fireworks display. She noted that she had consistently received complaints from her neighborhood about fireworks occurring at midnight rather than at a more reasonable hour such as 10:00 p.m. Mayor Haila invited Addie Jennetton and Miles Francis, logistics coordinators from Iowa State University’s (ISU) Homecoming Committee, to address the City Council. They shared their excitement for ISU homecoming and highlighted the partnership with Dance Marathon on the kickoff event as well as the pancake breakfast on central campus. 4 Events also included a pep rally and ExCYtement in the Streets. Coordinators Jennetton and Francis emphasized that the tradition of f ireworks and mass Campaniling brought together students as well as alumni. The fireworks were seen as the closing of the homecoming events with the football game following the next day. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to approve the Fireworks Permit for Friday, October 2, beginning at 11:59 p.m. for Central Campus Mass Campaniling. Vote on Motion: 3-1, Betcher opposed. Motion declared carried. REQUESTS FROM AMES HIGH SCHOOL FOR HOMECOMING PARADE & REQUESTS FROM AMES BOOSTER CLUB FOR HOMECOMING TAILGATE ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2026: Mayor Haila pulled Item Nos. 6 and 7 to allow representatives from Ames High School and the Athletics Booster Club to address the City Council. Ames High Associate Principal Kenneth Damron, alongside Ames High Parade Co-Chairs Laura Wang and Savya Sirigireddy came forward to speak about the Homecoming Parade. The downtown parade, recognized as the kick-off event for homecoming week, would be held Monday, September 21, at 6 p.m. Associate Principal Damron noted that the parade was largely student-organized, with students taking responsibility for safety and cleanup logistics. He reported that the previous year there were about 35 to 38 floats representing different parts of the high school, including sports, clubs, and activities showing diversity in the school. Jenny Schill, Ames High Athletics Booster Club President, noted that a tailgate component had been added so that families coming into downtown would have the option of a convenient meal before or after the parade. Tailgate would also serve as a place for attendees to gather after the parade, with members of the Ames High athletics teams signing posters and taking photographs. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve: • Requests from Ames High School for Homecoming Parade on September 21, 2026: a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. RESOLUTION NO. 26-552 approving closure of City Parking Lot MM, southern three aisles of City Parking Lot M, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for parade staging c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-553 approving closure of Pearle Avenue, Burnett Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, and Clark Avenue (all from Main Street to 5th Street), Main Street from Pearle Avenue to Duff Avenue, and 5 th Street from Grand Avenue to Clark Avenue, from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7:45 p.m. d. RESOLUTION NO. 26-554 approving closure of 219 metered parking spaces along the parade route from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and waiver of fees (Loss of $750 to the Parking Fund) e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-555 approving waiver of parking meter fees and enforcement from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 19 metered parking spaces in Lot N (Loss of $9.50 to the Parking Fund) 5 • Requests from Ames Booster Club for Homecoming Tailgate on September 21, 2026: a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit b. Motion approving blanket Vending Permit c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-556 approving closure of Burnett Avenue from 5th Street to 6th Street, including the closure of 14 metered parking spaces, from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. d. RESOLUTION NO. 26-557 approving waiver of lost parking meter funds (Loss of $7 to the Parking Fund) e. RESOLUTION NO. 26-558 approving waiver of blanket Vending Permit (Loss of $50 to the City Clerk's Office) Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motions/Resolutions declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and herby made a portion of these Minutes. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened and closed the Public Forum when no one came forward to speak. URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – BOW HUNTING: Police Chief Geoff Huff, alongside Andy Kellner from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, provided a report on the Urban Deer Management Program, highlighting deer population issues and amendments for private property hunting. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-576 approving continued bow hunting within the park system Urban Deer Management Program as detailed in the Urban Deer Management Ordinance. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SOCIAL DISTRICT (SIP AND STROLL) ORDINANCE: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips, along side Chief Huff, discussed a new state law allowing cities to create "Sip and Stroll" districts, enabling alcohol consumption and transport on certain public streets under specified conditions. This require d amending local zoning rules, needing Planning and Zoning Commission review and public notice. Staff reported that Ames Main Street had requested to have the ordinance implemented by early October for the Witches Walk event. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Ronnie Bartmess, Ames Main Street Director, emphasized gratitude and appreciation of City staff for its efforts given the tight timeline, advocating for a larger boundary to include all businesses. She stressed that Ames Main Street was a "community-wide initiative" and underlined the importance of event organizers providing strong marketing and clear signage for patrons, noting the need for well-communicated district boundaries beyond City-installed signs. 6 Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1: Direct staff to prepare an ordinance enabling the designation of a Social District as provided under state law for the consumption of alcohol in the Downtown area consistent with staff's recommended refined map (designated as Option A), and refer the pro posed ordinance to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously URBAN RENEWAL AREA AMENDMENTS AND NEW DESIGNATIONS: Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann summarized proposed amendments to existing Urban Renewal Areas and new designations, aiming to enhance the City's economic development incentives in light of recent property tax law changes. The City Council had previously directed staff to identify opportunities to expand Tax Increment Financing (TIF) areas before a crucial January 1 deadline, after which new TIF areas would receive $5.40 less per dollar in TIF rate under the new law. The presentation was organized into four categories: Infrastructure-Based Expansions, Downtown and Campustown, New Economic Development Areas, and Housing Development Projects. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1: Direct staff to proceed with the Urban Renewal Area amendments and new designations as presented. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place economic development policy guidelines, including the bulleted criteria items outlined in the staff report, on a future agenda no later than the end of the first quarter of 2027. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. REQUEST TO INITIATE AMES PLAN 2040 LAND USE AMENDMENT FOR RURAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 3600 190th STREET: Director Diekmann presented a request from Hunziker Companies requesting a land use change for 20 acres at 3600 190th Street, proposing a shift from Agricultural with an Urban Reserve overlay to Rural Residential. This designation under Ames Plan 2040 applie d to areas unlikely to be annexed into the City, where the City might waive infrastructure standards due to low urban integration expectations. This marked the first request for such a change since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Justin Dodge, of Hunziker Companies, spoke in support of Option No. 1, stating his intention to bring a rural residential subdivision to the market. He reported that the Story County Board of Supervisors were in favor of the project and noted that this project would bring a unique development from Hunziker Companies to the area. 7 Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. At the request of Council Member Gartin, the Public Input was reopened by Mayor Haila in order for Mr. Dodge to clarify the impact of the timing in response to questions from the City Council. Mr. Dodge indicated that while he had hoped to begin earth-moving work in the fall, he understood that was not possible. He acknowledged that staff would not be able to begin work until spring 2027, but expressed concern regarding Option No. 3, stating that this option could delay projects significantly and increase interest costs. The Public Input was again closed by Mayor Haila when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Option No. 1: Initiate Applicant Request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment, with the added clarification of the mid- 2027 expectation for timing. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON REZONING OF 5571 HYDE AVENUE TO PARTIALLY REZONE THE SITE TO FLOATING SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW (FS-RL) DENSITY WITH AN AMENDED MASTER PLAN: Director Diekmann outlined the rezoning proposal for 5571 Hyde Avenue, known as Hayden's Preserve. This 170-acre property had a protracted zoning history. The developer proposed two main changes: increasing the total allowable units from 620 to 670 and altering zoning from Floating Suburban Residential Medium (FS-RM) to Floating Suburban Residential Low (FS-RL), shrinking the commercial zoned area to about 2.5 to 3 acres, and removing apartment units from the master plan. The Public Input was opened by Mayor Haila. Nick Halfhill, of ATI Group, spoke representing the Hayden's Preserve development. He expressed gratitude for ongoing support, noting the project's long history. He highlighted significant improvements in the amended master plan, such as the park relocation, the reinstated east-west road, and the box culvert, which he said would improve development efficiency while respecting the Ada Hayden watershed. Mayor Haila closed the Public Input when no one else came forward to speak. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to approve Alternative No. 1: • Pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning 5571 Hyde Avenue (Hayden's Preserve) to Floating Suburban Residential Low (FS-RL) with an Amended Master Plan, subject to a zoning agreement for the Master Plan prior to third reading for approval of the rezoning request. • Direct staff to work with the Developer to address the housing incentives and development agreement terms included within the report. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. 8 HEARING ON REZONING FOR GREENBRIAR DEVELOPMENT AT 4600 GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER TO FLOATING SUBURBAN RESDENTIAL LOW (FS-RL) DENSITY WITH AN AMENDED MASTER PLAN: Director Diekmann outlined a rezoning proposal for 150 acres of the former Borgmeyer Farm, annexed last year. The first phase covered the southern half with FS-RL zoning despite the site's RN-4 designation for diverse housing, meaning a more varied housing mix was expected later. Long-term plans involved an east-west sewer redirect. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to speak. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative No. 1: • Approve the request for rezoning from A-Agriculture to FS-RL Suburban Low Density with a Master Plan, based upon findings and conclusions as found in the report, subject to the following stipulations: a. Zoning Agreement to be signed prior to third reading of the rezoning ordinance that includes: i. Limitation of 100 sanitary sewer connections unless additional connections are authorized in writing by the City's Municipal Engineer at the time of approval of a Final Plat that exceeds a total of 100 lots within the rezoning area. ii. Update of the Master Plan Exhibit with a designation of a site to be dedicated to the City for the construction of a Fire House along Stange Road. iii. The Fire House site shall meet the specifications of the City and be dedicated to the City at no cost. iv. Specification of the timing for the Fire House site to be included within a Final Plat as a lot with all required City Subdivision code requirements for service of a lot with standard utility and public infrastructure. b. Approval of a Final Plat prior to third reading of the rezoning ordinance creating two lots within the rezoned area that matches the proposed rezoning description. • Pass on first reading an ordinance rezoning Greenbriar Development at 4600 George Washington Carver (Greenbriar Development) to Floating Suburban Residential Low (FS-RL) with a Master Plan. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO AN ELECTRIC REVENUE AGREEMENT: Finance Director Corey Goodenow provided an overview of the proposal for electric revenue loan agreements totaling nearly $54 million, which had been set for a public hearing at the August 25th meeting following a financial adviser's presentation. Post-hearing, staff requested City Council approval of a resolution to proceed with actions like preparing an official offering statement, legal proceedings, and starting the ratings process with the City's rating agency. The Public Input was opened and closed by Mayor Haila when no one came forward to 9 speak. Moved by Rollins, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 26-577 taking additional action on the proposal to enter into an Electric Revenue Loan Agreement. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE REVISING BUILDING AND FIRE CODE: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to pass on second 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. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. THIRD READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 4603 REVISING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14 REQUESTED BY AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Rollins, to pass on third reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 4603, revising Municipal Code Chapter 14 as requested by the Ames Human Relations Commission. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mayor Haila noted that there were five items for consideration. The first item was a request from Janet S. Padgitt to authorize mitigation planning and to allocate sufficient funding to resolve flooding issues on Stone Brooke Road. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to forward the information to the Public Works director and notify the requestor that this will be considered in a future report. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. A request from Jason Dietenbach to amend the Municipal Code regarding the size of religious institutional signage in residential districts for Lutheran Church of Hope was the second item. Moved by Gartin, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff for a memo. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The third item was from Travis Small on behalf of Kwik Star requesting a text amendment to the sign code for special use, digital scrolling signage, and a separate request to extend the special use permit by 24 months due to road construction impacts on the KwikStar development timeline. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to refer to staff for a memo regarding signage. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Gartin, to refer to staff for a memo regarding the special 10 use permit. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. A memo from Public Works Director Justin Clausen on the City of Ames Pollinator- Friendly Community Plan was the fourth item. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to place the item on a future agenda. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. The fifth item was a memo from Director Clausen in response to the request for additional on street accessible parking at the Ames Public Library. Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Betcher, to take the information under advisement but take no further action at this time. Vote on Motion: 3-1, Gartin opposed. Motion declared carried. The final item was a request from Tim Stewart regarding the Roosevelt Summer Concert noise ordinance. Moved by Betcher, seconded by Rollins, to refer to staff for a memo regarding the process for approving noise permits for recurring events in residential areas. Vote on Motion: 4-0. 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 Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously. _______________________________ ______________________________ Allison Mae Warrenburg, Principal Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor _______________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk