Special Meeting of the Ames City Council | May 19, 2026

The Ames City Council held a special meeting on May 19, 2026, primarily to discuss procurement and contract-related issues concerning the development of solar facilities at the airport and the status of the Schainker Plaza project. The council approved a revokable lease option with Ames Greenfield Development, LLC for solar facility installation on approximately 165 acres at the airport. The meeting also included a detailed update on the Schainker Plaza construction, focusing on punch list items, state inspection permits, and operational readiness. The council discussed options for opening the plaza, emphasizing that the splash pad cannot open until state permits are obtained, and recommended working with the contractor Henkel on a mutually agreeable extension to complete remaining work. The council unanimously approved proceeding with this approach, ensuring no premature opening before full compliance and permitting are secured.