Ames City Council | October 13, 2026

At the October 13, 2026 Ames City Council meeting, council accepted the animal services building bid report but delayed awarding the contract because the project is approximately $250,000 over available funding before alternates. Council directed staff to pursue value-engineering discussions on seven add alternates, excluding the building automation system, and return with revised costs and financing options; staff had identified shade structures, epoxy flooring, additional parking, and a catio as preferred options. The project was discussed as an approximately $6.7 million investment, with construction potentially starting in November and completion targeted for September 2027. Council also awarded Orchard Incorporated of Grimes a $182,800 contract for the water treatment plant split-treatment modification project; the motion passed by roll call.

Council approved, as amended, moving forward with plans for 10 urban renewal areas and setting the process toward November public hearings and later approvals. The plans establish potential uses and boundaries for future tax increment financing (TIF), including public infrastructure and possible private-development incentives, but do not themselves authorize specific TIF awards; those remain subject to future council decisions and development agreements. Council also approved adding the JT Warehouse subdivision to the East 13th Street area. Other actions included advancing an electric-rate ordinance on first reading and approving a preliminary plat for the Ontario Road development; related TIF incentives and development terms remain for future consideration.