Ames City Council Packet Summary — 08-11-2026
Meeting Overview
The Ames City Council packet outlines the agenda for the August 11, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and includes proclamations, consent agenda items, project updates, proposed resolutions, public hearings, and opportunities for public comment.
The packet includes items for council consideration ranging from routine approvals and licenses to infrastructure projects, contracts, land use matters, and municipal policy updates.
Key Items on the Agenda
Consent Agenda Items
The consent agenda includes a group of items scheduled to be considered together unless a council member requests separate discussion before the vote. Items include payment of claims, approval of prior meeting minutes, alcohol license actions, policy updates, contracts, project-related resolutions, and other administrative matters.
The packet includes several proposed contract and project actions, including:
- A proposed contract award to Tenaska Power Services Co. for Partial MISO Service Requirements through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $99,000.
- A proposed contract award to Country Landscapes for the Maxwell Avenue Retaining Wall Replacement in the amount of $129,800.
- Proposed engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for Hauled Waste Receiving Improvements at the Water Pollution Control Facility in the amount of $239,300.
Major Financial and Infrastructure Items
Capital Projects and Construction Contracts
The packet includes several infrastructure-related resolutions involving construction contracts, project completion, and change orders.
Items scheduled for consideration include:
- A change order with Denco Highway Construction Corporation for the 13th Street Emergency Storm Sewer Pipe Repair in the amount of $14,500.
- A contract and bond for the 2025/26 CDBG Water System Improvements Program to Iowa Water & Waste Systems, LLC, in the amount of $490,722.50.
- A contract and bond for the 2026/27 Airport Entryway Improvement (South Parking Lot Expansion) project to Absolute Group in the amount of $373,970.75.
The agenda also includes project completion items, including acceptance of the 2023/24 Airport Improvement Program (Wildlife Fence) project in the amount of $2,606,157.01 and completion of the Furman Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater Project in the amount of $297,600.30.
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
The packet includes multiple items related to the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, including completion of contract work for demolition and earthwork with Con-Struct, Inc. in the amount of $597,039 and site utility work with Iowa Pipe & Grading, LLC in the amount of $400,218.
The agenda also includes a proposed change order with Story Construction for Construction Management Services for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center in the amount of $132,270.
Planning, Development, and Land Use
Domani Subdivision
The agenda includes several proposed actions related to Domani Third Addition, including:
- Approval of the Domani I Supplemental Development Agreement for Cottonwood Road Extension.
- Approval of the Major Final Plat on Domani Third Addition.
- Acceptance of a Public Improvement Agreement and Security on Domani Third Addition.
- Approval of a supplemental agreement for construction of a trail on Domani Third Addition.
Land Use Designation Amendment Request
The packet includes a request to initiate a Plan 2040 Land Use Designation Amendment for 300 Airport Road. The proposed action would allow an application to change the designation from Commercial to Employment.
Policy and Governance Items
The agenda includes a first reading of an ordinance revising Municipal Code Chapter 14 requested by the Ames Human Relations Commission.
The packet also includes a resolution approving revisions to ASSET Policies and Procedures.
Discussion and Future Planning Topics
The council agenda includes discussion items on several forward-looking topics:
- An update on roundabout improvements at G.W. Carver and Cameron School Road, including a proposed motion directing staff.
- Council discussion of a study committee to evaluate environmental impacts of data centers.
- An Ames Animal Services Facility Project item including a proposed motion directing staff.
The agenda includes a public forum for comments on city business topics not otherwise listed on the agenda. The packet notes that council action will not be taken on public forum comments at that meeting due to Open Meetings Law requirements, though action may occur at a future meeting.
Scheduled hearings include:
- A hearing on the 2025/26 Pavement Restoration - Slurry Seal Program.
- A hearing on vacation of an Electric Utility Easement and approval of a Disclaimer of Interest in Realty related to the 161KV Transmission Line relocated for the Iowa Department of Transportation.
What to Watch at the Meeting
The council is scheduled to review a broad set of infrastructure investments, development agreements, utility-related matters, and policy updates. Key areas to watch include proposed actions involving major capital projects, land use changes, the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, and future planning discussions related to city growth and services.
The agenda may be changed up to 24 hours before the meeting time as permitted under Section 21.4(2) of the Code of Iowa.
