# Ames City Council | October 27, 2026

At its October 27, 2026 meeting, the Ames City Council reviewed the annual resident satisfaction survey, heard zoning and land-use requests, and took action on capital and transportation matters. The main procurement-related action concerned the animal services facility: after previously receiving bids and identifying a budget gap, Council approved the recommended funding alternatives, allocating approximately $562,000 from the Council Priorities Capital Fund to cover the remaining shortfall and provide contingency. Staff said it was continuing discussions with the apparent low bidder about product substitutions and other changes that could yield roughly $150,000 in deductions; the transcript does not record a final construction contract award. Council also discussed the downtown parking study RFP, including the scope, contract-parking needs, and a schedule that could extend into 2029, but no award is evident in the transcript. In closed session, Council directed staff to proceed as discussed regarding a real-estate purchase on Grand Avenue; terms were not stated publicly.

Council accepted the D Avenue-to-16th Street corridor study and approved the associated near-term direction, including a proposed restriping pilot, while the study’s longer-term concepts may inform future capital planning. The study estimated reconstruction costs of about $10 million in current dollars for the existing layout, with alternatives ranging to about $10.5 million. Other discussions included Quickstar’s request to amend CGS signage rules—Council advanced the non-EMC sign changes and directed staff to develop recommendations on electronic message signs—and a request concerning potential industrial use and annexation of Manatt property, for which staff will return with further analysis. No other contract awards or bid approvals were clearly recorded.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 27, 2026

### Sources
- [Ames City Council | October 27, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K06ixUYrmUc) - AmesTelevision