Resident Satisfaction Survey

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation

• 12. Resolution waiving the City's Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Motorola Solutions, Inc., of Schaumburg, IL, for the purchase of Body-Worn Cameras for the Police Department in the amount of $76,608.
  The Ames PD has been utilizing body-worn cameras for all sworn officers since 2018. The current cameras are Motorola, and the PD reports satisfaction with their products and how they function. Due to increasing maintenance/replacement costs and expired warranties on the current equipment, staff recommend this purchase of new cameras and included warranties.
  
  
• 18. Presentation of the Resident Satisfaction Survey 2026.
  The annual RSS results are in, again showing high levels of satisfaction with City services with 98% of respondents rating Ames services as "good" or "very good" generally speaking. Of course, the survey also shows a number of (sometimes conflicting) suggestions for improvements in City services. 
  
  
• 19. Request to initiate Zoning Text Amendments regarding Signage Regulations of “CGS” Convenience General Service Zone.
  This request was initiated by Kwik Star to ask for an additional building sign beyond what is currently allowed, an additional 'monument' sign (one placed in the yard and not attached to the building), and fully lit electronic messaging signs. Staff recommend further study on the issue of lit signage, but suggest that the other requests may be compatible with CGS zoning.
  
  
• 21. Discussion of Options and Conditions regarding Voluntary Annexation of Manatt's Laydown Area at S.17th Street and Hwy 30 Interchange.
  
  
• 23. 219/223 Sondrol Avenue - Sanitary Sewer.
  This item was delayed from the last meeting at the request of the applicant.
  
  
• 26. Duff Avenue (Railroad to 16th Street) Corridor Study.
  Due to current (and future predicted) traffic patterns and crash analysis, staff recommend redesigning Duff Ave. to be a three-lane road from 6th St. to the north (one lane each way and a turn lane). Duff Avenue currently sees about 9-12k cars per day, with an expected 10-14k by 2050. Current federal standards recommend 4-lane configurations when cars-per-day reach 15-20k. With such a road redesign, crashes are expected to decrease by 23%. Staff reiterate that the current speed limit of 30 mph is appropriate for this stretch of road, and speed calming is best achieved through such a redesign. 
  
  
• 28. Ordinance amending Chapter 10 of Municipal Code Residential Curbside Recycling Program to allow for Limited Alley Opt-Out.
  As discussed at a recent Council meeting, some properties on alleys aren't currently able to be served by our curbside recycling program, so we directed staff to develop opt-out criteria for those residences.

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Animal Services Facility Bids, Ontario housing

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation

• 40. Resolution approving City of Ames proposed Plat of Survey for Land in Rural Story County for Future Water Wells and Open Space located southeast of Ames near I-35 and 260th Street.
  The City is looking to acquire land for future wells south of Ames, and this plat of survey is the first step towards land acquisition. 
  
  
• 41. 219/223 Sondrol Avenue - Sanitary Sewer.
  The property owner at 219 and 223 Sondrol is requesting permission to put a building over an existing sanitary sewer line, a practice which has not been allowed in the past. 
  
  
• 43. Residential Curbside Recycling Program Limited Alley Opt-Out Criteria.
  Because of the difficulties with recycling pickup along some alleys, Council allowed for opt-out criteria for some residences for whom pickups aren't possible. With the first attempt at defining these criteria, only 3 of over 900 properties would qualify to opt out. Staff recommend broadening the criteria.
  
  
• 44. Signage for Churches in Residential Zones.
  In addition to a specific request from a church in west Ames, staff recommend that Council consider policy changes regarding lit signs in residential areas. (Since lighted signs are much more common now than in the past.)
  
  
• 45. Motion directing staff to begin proactive Code Enforcement for Campustown Business District.
  In an effort to improve compliance with codes related to litter, mis-used garbage containers, and other environmental nuisances, Council recently directed staff to develop a proactive enforcement schedule for Campustown. 
  
  
• 47. Hearing on Ames Animal Services Facility.
  Bids have come in for the Animal Services facility, with a $5.5 mil price tag, which is just above the $5.44 mil estimated cost. Council is being asked to accept bids but delay awarding a bid. Council is also being asked to weigh in on prioritizing bid alternates.
  
  
• 49. Resolution approving Preliminary Plat for Ontario Park and Ontario Townes.
  This preliminary plat is the next step in the construction of 26 single-family homes east of Scholl Rd. just off of Ontario Street to the north. The area west of Scholl Rd will be discussed in a subsequent preliminary plat sometime this winter.
  
  
• 50. Initiating the Creation of and Amendments to Urban Renewal Areas (URA).
  Due to changes to TIF at the State level, the City is creating a number of URAs within which TIF districts may be proposed to be deployed if needed for economic development or infrastructure purposes.
  
  
• 51. First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 28 of Municipal Code to modify Electric rates. 
  Electric rates were scheduled to increase in order to pay for the new generation equipment for the Electric Department, and increases in project costs have nudged that increase to 2.5%. 

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Data Center Committee

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

Due to time constraints and a head cold, I was unable to summarize this weeks’ highlights, but I encourage you to check out the staff reports if you have any questions!!

• 34. Hearing on rezoning of property at Ontario Street & Scholl Road from Special Purpose Government/Airport District (S-GA) to Floating Suburban Residential Low Density (FS-RL) with Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay and Master Plan.

• 35. Hearing on proposed Ordinance to establish a Social District (Sip & Stroll).
  
  
• 36. Hearing on rezoning property at 259 and 263 Hyland Avenue from Residential High Density (RH) with West University Impacted District Overlay (O-UIW) to Residential High Density (RH) with West University Pedestrian Enhancement District Overlay (O-WUPED) with a Major Site Development Plan .
  
  
• 37. Hearing on amendment to the City-wide Urban Revitalization Area Designation and Plan.
  
  
• 38. Hearing on an Amendment to a Planned Unit Development Overlay for the South Lincoln Sub-Area Mixed Use District (S-SMD) Zoning District Major Site Development Plan for 322-410 Juniper Street.
  
  
• 41. Resolution approving request from Ames Main Street to activate Social District for Witches Walk on October 8, 2026.
  
  
• 42. Resolution approving appointments to City Council Data Center Committee.
  
  
• 43. Updates to Chapter 28, Electric Rate Modifications.
  
  
• 45. Request for a Waiver of City Subdivision Standards within two miles of the Ames City Limits in the Urban Fringe at 3500 560th Avenue.
  
  
• 46. Staff report regarding options for a potential study of Lincoln Way from Grand Avenue to University Boulevard.
  
  

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Data Center Study Committee, Recycling in Alleys, and Property Tax & TIF Changes

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 29. Building and Fire Code Discussion.
  Most of proposed changes to building and fire code are based on periodic State-mandated updates, though staff outline a few for further discussion. These include; fire protection for floors over unfinished basements, stair rise and run, outdoor guardrails, and smoke & CO2 detectors.
  
  
• 31. Resolution approving City Council Data Center Study Committee Plan.
  This proposal outlines the process for forming and guiding a study committee related to environmental impacts of data centers. The next step would be seeking applications for committee members that might be experts or have experience in fields related to this topic. This might range from those in ecology-based fields to those in the technical trades such as mechanical or electrical. The committee members will work to find, summarize, and present factual evidence and studies to Council. 
  
  
• 32. Resolution appointing an interim City Attorney for the City of Ames.
  The current City Attorney is nearing his date of retirement, and the City recently opted to go with a search firm to help in recruiting applicants. Since this is still underway, an interim City Attorney will need to be named.
  
  
• 33. Staff Report on Impacts of SF 2472 related to Property Taxes and Development Incentives.
  This staff report outlines impacts of recent change at the State level regarding property tax and also TIF development incentives, as well as how these might relate to the City of Ames budget.
  
  
• 34. Staff Report on FY 2025/26 Climate Action Plan Update.
  Council gets a report annually on the progress toward our Climate Action Plan, and every two years the greenhouse gas inventory is updated. The staff report details progress toward the "six big moves" and out lines next steps. The big moves include; Renewable Energy Generation, Municipal Building Retrofits, Net-Zero Ready Construction, Green Transportation, and Reducing Waste Emissions. 
  
  
• 37. Staff Report on Residential Curbside Recycling Collection in Alleys.
  The curbside recycling program is still being worked out for a number of properties that are adjacent to certain alleys in Ames. Staff outline four options that range from serving alley residents at a slightly greater cost to allowing those residents whose alleys can not be serviced to opt out of the program. 
  
  

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Mid-Year Review of Council Goals

Bronwyn's Council Preview

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at the Ames Water Treatment Plant Conference Room, 1800 E 13th St, Ames, IA 50010. The meeting is Tuesday the 18th, starting at 5:15 p.m. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

The following agenda will guide Council through our mid-year goal-setting check in. While we don't typically add or subtract goals mid year, we check in on progress made toward current goals and check if any realignment is needed.

Mid-Year Review of Council Goals – August 18, 2026
January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

5:15 p.m. Call to Order (Mayor)

5:15 – 5:20 p.m. Welcome and Opening Comments (Mayor)

5:20 – 5:25 p.m. Affirming Values (Council)

5:25 – 5:40 p.m. Mid-Year Review (Pa)

        a. What has gone well so far this year? (Council)

        b. What could we improve upon? (Council)

5:40 – 6:00 p.m. Staff Review of Goals and Task Items – A, B, D, C (Assistant City Managers). See staff housing report for item B.

1. What should be dropped or continued?

2. Are any adjustments to the goals needed?

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Prioritization of Major Projects as of January 2026 (City Manager)

1. Indoor Recreation Center (focusing on serving local participants, focusing on attracting regional participants and visitors for tournaments, or both) - $20 million, excludes operating subsidies and capital replacement costs

2. Downtown Ramp - $20 million, assumes no operating subsidy, but excludes capital replacement costs

3. Ontario Park - $12 million, excludes operating subsidies and capital replacement costs

4. Event Center - $12.5 million, excludes operating subsidies and capital replacement

5. Corridor Beautification (University Boulevard) – primarily operational costs for maintenance

Key Questions:

• What is the timing of each of these projects?

• How will each of these projects be financed?

• What’s the approval process?

6:45 – 7:20 p.m. Communications and Engagement Check in (Mayor)

• What has gone well so far this year?

• What could we improve upon?

1. Residents

2. Other Government Entities

3. Internal among City Council

4. City Staff

7:20 – 7:25 p.m. Effective Council Meetings

1. Length of Council Meetings: Data from the Past Years (Pa)

2. How are we doing so far? (Council)

7:25 – 7:30 p.m. Wrap Up and Next Steps 

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Study committee to evaluate environmental impacts of data centers

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 25. Update on Roundabout Improvements at G.W. Carver and Cameron School Road
• This intersection is being considered for a roundabout. The staff report shows support for a roundabout due to overall safety and traffic flow measurements but the decision to proceed with a roundabout or a traffic signal will still depend on a few factors like future funding and partnership with the County.

• 26. Council discussion of study committee to evaluate environmental impacts of data centers.
• This was one of the methods Council proceeded with in order to gather more input on data centers and potential environmental impacts.
  
  
• 29. Ames Animal Services Facility Project.
• The low bid for this project was higher than the estimates, and staff are asking for more time (one week) before awarding the bid to crunch some numbers and see if any savings can be achieved. 
  
  
• 30. Resolution approving request from Interfraternity Council to use golf carts on designated City streets for formal recruitment on August 14-20, 2026.

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1

Direction on Data Center research, update on Municipal Energy Center

Bronwyn's Council Preview

 

Usually some of the agenda items will have a period where members of the public may briefly speak to Council.

TO REACH THE MAYOR AND ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL:
Send email to MayorCouncil@AmesCityCouncil.org
(Note that emails to elected officials are generally subject to Iowa Open Records requests)

MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL

This Ames City Council meeting is at 6:00 at City Hall. The council meeting agenda includes the following. Note that you can generally click on individual agenda items below to get the full staff report or other explanation.

• 15. Resolution accepting the 2026 City Boards and Commission Survey Results.
  This survey was developed in order to gather feedback from current board/commission members about their role as a volunteer, and what obstacles might prevent others from service on a board or commission. 
  
  
• 28. Data Centers:
  This topic is back after guidance was given at the most recent regular Council meeting. Council will be asked to provide direction to staff regarding which topics related to data centers should be further researched by staff and Council. In addition, Council still needs to set the length of time for the temporary delay on data centers. 
  
  
• 29. Hearing on Annexation of Ames Golf and Country Club and Irons Subdivision Properties.
  This item is the result of a decision in 2025 to proceed with annexation of the Irons and the Ames Golf and Country Club. The development of the residential properties near the AGCC back in 2014/2015 included a provision that required future annexation of these properties into the City of Ames. 
  
  
• 34. Appeal of Conditions of Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 904 Kellogg Avenue 
  The Historic Old Town neighborhood has a number of unique design standards that were created to preserve the historic look and feel of that neighborhood. The property at 904 Kellogg had two heat-pump (mini splits) units put in without first consulting the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the appearance of the piping lines. The HPC asked that the property owners cover and paint the piping to better match the color of the house, and the property owners are appealing that decision by the HPC to the City Council.
  
  
• 36. Resolution accepting easements and approving purchase agreements for the 2024-26 Traffic System Capacity Improvement Program (13th & Grand).
  Work is underway to secure the property and easements needed to add a dedicated turn arrow on the east and westbound lanes of 13th St at Grand Avenue. Staff recommend allowing for a few more months to secure voluntary transfers of property or easements, which would mean relocation of existing utilities and preconstruction coordination in 2027 and then intersection reconstruction in 2028.
  
  
• 37. Ames Municipal Energy Center.
• This is an update on our progress toward replacing the current power plant with new generation equipment, a process which has been in the works for a number of years.
  
  
  

Communications to Council: The following items are requests and communications to Council that aren't published on the agenda, so we won't deliberate them substantially. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically, Council will ask city staff for more information, put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action.

Council Communications  

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, Ward 1