Ames City Council | October 13, 2026

The Ames City Council meeting on October 13, 2026, addressed several infrastructure and capital-funding items. The Council approved the sale and issuance of up to $53.93 million in electric revenue bonds for the first phase of the City’s thermal generation project; Robert W. Baird of Milwaukee was the winning bidder, while KeyBanc Capital Markets submitted a nonconforming bid. The Council also awarded Orchard, Inc. of Grimes a $182,800 contract for the water treatment plant split-treatment modification project. For the Cameron School Road/G.W. Carver intersection, Council approved Option 1, directing the City to manage both the planned roundabout and lane-widening work. The project is estimated at approximately $3.7 million, with a $500,000 state grant application pending; construction planning is expected to continue through 2027.

The Council considered bids for the animal shelter renovation and expansion, but the base bid exceeded the available budget and no construction award was made. Council directed staff to pursue value engineering for seven add-alternates, excluding the building automation system, and return with revised costs and financing options; staff noted a desired contingency of at least $250,000. Council also approved ten urban-renewal plans to advance to public hearings, establishing potential future TIF financing for City improvements and private development, subject to later Council decisions and agreements. These plans are intended to support capital projects and economic development, with the City aiming to adopt associated TIF ordinances before year-end.