The Ames City Council approved a new ordinance for social service providers and moved forward with solid waste management and aquatic center plans.
The Ames City Council reviewed solid waste management strategies, focusing on partnerships for waste disposal as its Boone County agreement nears expiration. City staff chose the Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission as the most promising partner, aligning with Ames’ environmental values emphasizing recycling and waste minimization.
“This is nothing official yet, but what we’ve heard from Boone is that if we have a plan in place, which this would do, then they’d be willing to extend our agreement for another two years while we build our facilities and get the new process off the ground,” John Joiner, public works director, said.
The council approved submitting a letter of intent to negotiate with Carroll County to establish an agreement of at least 10 years. This partnership would include expanded recycling programs, yard waste management and food waste diversion.
The council also approved 4-2 the first reading of an ordinance to limit the establishment of social service providers in the Single-Family Conservation Overlay (O-SFC) district.
The proposed ordinance allows only one additional site by a social service provider in the O-SFC, requiring a Special Use Permit for approval. The original applicant, the Romero House, can then apply for the additional permit for a property on Clark Avenue.
The council reviewed a request to delay annexing 2114 and 2126 State Ave., properties currently receiving city water services under a 2011 annexation covenant. The property owners requested an 18-month to three-year delay. The request for delay was approved unanimously.
Additionally, the council saw a staff report regarding the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC). Due to staffing challenges, the FFIAC will have limited summer operations, focusing on swimming lessons, while the Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) will be open for programs and open swimming. The FFIAC will run year-round with complete programs from Sept. to May.
“With the opening of the facility a year away, we are now starting to transition to operations,” Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Abraham said.
A community survey conducted also aided in shaping FFIAC’s program offerings. The proposed fee structure for FFIAC is based on FAC’s upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 fees, with tiered pricing for user groups with daily admissions, punch passes and season passes.
The next city council meeting is slated for Tuesday.
