City of Ames

The council discussed various items including a collaborative work session held with the Ames Community School Board, the approval of a fireworks permit for the Independence Day celebration, and an update on the construction and future features of the Steven L. Schanker Plaza, including the planned removal and replacement of a defective ice ribbon. Additionally, the council reviewed a proposal for a short-term general obligation bond for the solid waste disposal facility, which was ultimately not pursued due to unfavorable interest rates. Other topics included modifications to the accessory dwelling unit ordinance to align with state legislative changes and the approval of a contract for airport parking lot expansion and associated FAA grant applications.

The Council meeting included a second reading of a proposed Zoning Text Amendment regarding Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) standards, detailing requirements for permitted locations, independent dwelling units, development, size limitations, and design review. Additionally, the Council held a workshop featuring presentations from industry contractors on various construction delivery methods, including Design/Bid/Build, Construction Manager as Advisor, Construction Manager at Risk, and the role of a Construction Advisor, to inform future infrastructure project approaches.

The Commission discussed a request to amend the master plan for the property located at 48.99 Everest Avenue, specifically for the Bluffs at Dankbar Farms. The proposal involves changing the plan to allow for a broader mixture of housing types, including small apartment buildings, while maintaining the same total number of units and density as the original concept. The meeting included discussions on fire service accessibility, building height restrictions, and the potential configuration of housing types.

The council discussed the amendment to the FFY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program to accelerate the I-35 widening project, which was approved following a public hearing. Additionally, the council deliberated on the annexation process for the Iron subdivision and the Ames Golf and Country Club, voting to proceed with the proposed schedule. The meeting also covered the development outline for 'The Bluffs' project, with the council deciding to defer a final decision on cost allocations for road infrastructure improvements, including a proposed roundabout or lane widening, until further engineering estimates are available in July.

The committee reviewed and held a hearing on an amendment to the FFY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program regarding the Interstate 35 widening project. The meeting also included the presentation and approval of a new Transportation System Management and Operations plan, which serves as a regional coordination framework, and the approval of the final FY 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program. Additionally, committee members discussed infrastructure projects, including a roundabout at the intersection of Hyde Avenue and 190th Street and funding applications for transportation projects.