HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated September 22, 2026ITEM #:41
DATE:09-22-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUEST FOR ACTIVATION OF SOCIAL DISTRICT ORDINANCE FOR
WITCHES WALK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
During an authorized Social District event, businesses that hold a retail alcohol license
and have been approved by the City Council to be part of the Social District may
dispense it into a special marked container that has been approved by the City Council.
This container could then be carried and consumed outdoors, on streets, sidewalks,
and in other public spaces within the Social District. The alcohol may be taken into
other alcohol-licensed, participating businesses that consent to it, but not into non-
licensed premises.
On December 16, 2025, the City Council approved requests from Ames Main Street to hold
Witches Walk in the downtown area (see report here). Witches Walk will occur on October 8,
2 0 2 6 . Assuming that the City Council approves all three readings of the ordinance
creating the Social District at the September 22 City Council meeting (a previous item
on this agenda), Ames Main Street is requesting the activation of the Social District for
the Witches Walk event. The activation of the social district would occur from 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. on October 8. It includes 19 participating alcohol vendors.
The Social District ordinance requires the applicant (Ames Main Street) to provide a plan for
each proposed activation, including:
1. Proposed dates and times for activation of the social district
2. A list of the vendors requesting approval to participate in the social district activation as
participating vendors
3. A description of the marked container that each participating vendor will use during the
social district activation
4. A plan to ensure the social district boundaries are clearly marked
5. A plan to ensure the social district rules are followed by those participating in the social
district, whether participating vendors or persons purchasing alcohol from participating
vendors
6. A plan to inform businesses and residents within the social district of the proposed
activation
7. Proof that the recognized Main Street Iowa organization designated for downtown has
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been consulted regarding the activation of the social district
8. Any other information required by the Chief of Police to evaluate the proposed activation,
its applicant, and the risks involved with the proposal
Ames Main Street has completed an application responsive to these requirements.
Additionally, the organization has agreed to hire back an Ames Police Officer to assist
in monitoring this first activation of the Social District.
The ordinance requires the Chief of Police to review the application and provide a
recommendation to the City Council. The Chief has reviewed the application in this
specific instance and is recommending approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request from Ames Main Street to activate the Social District from 6:00 pm
to 8:00 pm on October 8, 2026.
2. Approve the request with conditions.
3. Do not approve the request.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City Council has been requested to implement a new ordinance allowing for alcohol
to be carried from licensed establishment to licensed establishment and within the
boundaries of an established Social District. The application for this activation of the
Social District has been reviewed by staff and determined that it complies with the
requirements of the new ordinance. The Police Chief has recommended approval.
Therefore, assuming the City Council has approved the Social District ordinance and
suspended the rules to adopt that ordinance earlier in the September 22 meeting, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as described
above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Application_Redacted.pdf
Social District Map.pdf
Sip and Stroll Vendors for WW.pdf
Sip and Stroll Vendors' Cups for WW.pdf
Letter of Support.png
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Describe how the physical boundaries of the Social District
will be marked so patrons do not remove alcohol from the
area.
The physical boundaries of the Social District will be clearly
marked at each intersection with designated “Sip & Stroll” signage
installed on light poles. Additional A-frame signs will be placed at
larger intersections and near areas adjacent to properties that are
not included within the Social District boundaries.
The A-frame signs will display a map clearly identifying the
boundaries of the Social District, as well as a QR code linking
patrons to a current list of participating establishments authorized
to provide alcoholic beverages for consumption within the district.
Participating establishments will communicate the Social District
boundaries and applicable rules to patrons when alcoholic
beverages are purchased. Information regarding the Social
District, including the boundaries, map, participating
establishments, and applicable rules, will also be shared through
Downtown Ames social media channels and community
newsletters and communications so patrons can familiarize
themselves with the district prior to visiting. Signage and other
information will be positioned at key entry and exit points to
clearly identify where alcoholic beverages may and may not be
carried.
Upload a site map indicating the boundaries here.Social District Map v2.pdf
Informing Vendors & Patrons of Rules
Describe how participating vendors and patrons will be
informed of the rules for alcoholic consumption within the
Social District.
Participating vendors and patrons will be informed of the rules
and regulations for alcoholic beverage consumption within the
Social District through multiple communication methods before
and during each event.
Prior to implementation, Downtown Ames will host an
informational session for participating businesses at Della Viti on
September 29, contingent upon approval of the Social District.
This session will provide an opportunity to review the rules and
regulations, discuss expectations and procedures, and answer
questions. Downtown Ames staff will also communicate directly
with each participating business leading up to events to review
the applicable requirements.
Downtown Ames will actively share information regarding the
Social District, including the rules and regulations, through social
media, community newsletters, and business newsletters.
Participating businesses will receive event-specific information
and posters to display and share with their customers.
During events, A-frame signs will be placed throughout the Social
District with a QR code linking patrons to a webpage containing
the complete rules and regulations, district map, and participating
establishments. Downtown Ames will have two staff members
circulating throughout the district, along with at least five board
members, to help educate patrons and businesses and address
questions as they arise. A police officer will also be present during
the event to assist with questions, compliance, and any issues that
may arise.
This combination of advance business education, ongoing public
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communication, visible signage, and staff and law enforcement
presence will help ensure that participating vendors and patrons
understand and follow the Social District requirements.
Notification of Businesses and Residents
Describe how businesses and residents will be notified:Email Notification
Hand-Delivered Notice
Social Media
Date notification will begin:09/28/2026
How will the applicant document that notification was
provided to affected residents and businesses?
Downtown Ames will maintain documentation of notification
provided to affected residents and businesses. This will include
copies of written notices and communications, distribution lists or
records showing which businesses and residents received
notification, and copies/screenshots of public notices shared
through newsletters and social media.
For participating businesses, Downtown Ames will maintain
records of communications and informational materials provided
leading up to implementation and individual events, including
attendance records from the informational session. Copies of the
Social District map, rules and regulations, and other informational
materials provided to businesses will also be retained.
This documentation will provide a record of the dates, methods,
and recipients of notification regarding the Social District.
Letter of Support
Upload your letter of support from Ames Main Street here.scansaccesssystemscopier.com_20260918_074949.pdf
Applicant Certification
Applicant Signature
Link to signature
Applicant Title/Organization Executive Director, Ames Main Street
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Vendor Name Address Contact Person Phone Number Email Address
Dog-Eared Books 203 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Ellyn Grimm 515-598-7508 ellyn@dogearedbooksames.com
Aunt Maude's 547 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Steve Heller 515-233-4136 auntmaudes@isunet.net
Cornbred BBQ 526 Main St., Suite 106, Ames, IA 50010 Emily Vincent 515-715-1066 info@cornbredbbq.com
London Underground 212 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Jess Clyde 515-233-8500 jaclyde77@gmail.com
The Recipe 412 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Mindy Bergstrom 515-766-9909 cooksemp@gmail.com
Sweet Caroline's 316 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Nicki Romare 515-802-4105 drink@whiskeyriveronmain.com
Della Viti 323 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Bethany DeVries 515-232-0241 dellaviti.ames@gmail.com
Torrent Brewing Company 504 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Andy McCormick 515-297-9916 info@torrentbrewingco.com
Studio 13 405 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Jason Zemn 319-594-7602 info@icnightlife.com
Time out 120 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Chris Harding 515-233-1778 chris@timeoutentertainment.co
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters 111 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010 Kari Storjohann 515-257-6637 sip@morningbellcoffee.com
Sams Place 125 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Mia Montang 515-815-6079 tm19682004@gmail.com
Mary Jane's 119 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Bryon Dudley 515-337-8966 bryon.dudley@gmail.com
Sportsman's Lounge 123 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Margaret Jacobson 515-233-6320 lskinner@mediacombb.net
Whiskey River 134 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Nicki Romare 515-802-4105 drink@whiskeyriveronmain.com
The Spice 402 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Totesachin (Ken) Prapamongkol 515-232-0200 thespiceames@gmail.com
Ames History Museum 416 Douglas Ave #101, Ames, IA 50010 Casie Vance 515-232-2148 info@ameshistory.org
Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Heather Johnson 515-232-5331 director@octagonarts.org
Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. 129 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010 Joan Warren-Sherwood 515-232-4263 office@greatplainspizza.com
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Vendor Name Address Contact Person Phone Number Email Address Container description
Dog-Eared Books 203 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Ellyn Grimm 515-598-7508 ellyn@dogearedbooksames.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Aunt Maude's 547 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Steve Heller 515-233-4136 auntmaudes@isunet.net Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Cornbred BBQ 526 Main St., Suite 106, Ames, IA 50010 Emily Vincent 515-715-1066 info@cornbredbbq.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
London Underground 212 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Jess Clyde 515-233-8500 jaclyde77@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
The Recipe 412 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Mindy Bergstrom 515-766-9909 cooksemp@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Sweet Caroline's 316 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Nicki Romare 515-802-4105 drink@whiskeyriveronmain.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Della Viti 323 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Bethany DeVries 515-232-0241 dellaviti.ames@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Torrent Brewing Company 504 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Andy McCormick 515-297-9916 info@torrentbrewingco.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Studio 13 405 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Jason Zemn 319-594-7602 info@icnightlife.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Time out 120 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Chris Harding 515-233-1778 chris@timeoutentertainment.co Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters 111 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010 Kari Storjohann 515-257-6637 sip@morningbellcoffee.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Sams Place 125 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Mia Montang 515-815-6079 tm19682004@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Mary Jane's 119 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Bryon Dudley 515-337-8966 bryon.dudley@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Sportsman's Lounge 123 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Margaret Jacobson 515-233-6320 lskinner@mediacombb.net Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Whiskey River 134 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Nicki Romare 515-802-4105 drink@whiskeyriveronmain.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
The Spice 402 Main St, Ames, IA 50010 Totesachin (Ken) Prapamongkol 515-232-0200 thespiceames@gmail.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Ames History Museum 416 Douglas Ave #101, Ames, IA 50010 Casie Vance 515-232-2148 info@ameshistory.org Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA 50010 Heather Johnson 515-232-5331 director@octagonarts.org Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. 129 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010 Joan Warren-Sherwood 515-232-4263 office@greatplainspizza.com Alcoholic beverages will be served in a clear, non-glass, disposable plastic container. Each container will be appropriately marked/labeled with the name of the participating licensed business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased or provided.
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