The Ames City Council reviewed the plan to build a new hangar and terminal at the Ames Municipal Airport; the ensuing discussion lasted well over an hour. 

The council delayed awarding a bid last month because the lowest bid for the first phase of the project was $80,000 more than the expected. The bid was also $200,000 more than what was budgeted in the city’s five-year Capital Improvements Plan.

After totaling up all the numbers with the exclusion of demolition and resurfacing of the old hangar; the project was predicted to be $749,500 over budget. 

City Manager Steve Schainker laid out seven options to bring down the project cost, discounting the chances of receiving a lower bid to save money. Shainker recommended reducing the size of the new terminal as the most viable option.

Schainker said shrinking the terminal could reduce the budget shortfall to $500,000. The extra funding would then be provided by the city and Iowa State.

Warren Madden, ISU senior vice president for business and finance, said the current terminal is detrimental to the university.

“Our existing terminal building is not a building that impresses anyone,” Madden said. “If you have a chance to go to any of the schools we’re competing with, the current building is not a building that helps sell and market Ames and Iowa State.”

The council approved reducing the terminal size with a 4-2 vote.

An amended cost-share agreement between the city and Iowa State will be written by City Attorney Judy Parks. 

The council also approved a zoning change for the ISU Research Park, allowing the addition of sidewalks and bike paths.

The meeting then concluded with the council going into closed session in order to discuss a litigation against the city.