Ames, Iowa Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Election Information and Departmental Commendation Shared at Council Meeting
The council discussed absentee ballots, early voting, and a public accuracy test for election equipment. Absentee ballots have been mailed out, and residents who requested one but haven't received it are asked to contact the clerk's office. Those wishing to request a ballot should also reach out. Early voting will commence on July 25th and conclude on August 2nd, with specific hours provided for weekdays and weekends. A public accuracy test for election equipment is scheduled for July 16th at 4:30 PM in the media center, offering the public an opportunity to observe the testing process and understand the measures taken to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. The council also acknowledged the significant efforts of city departments in addressing storm damage and water main breaks during a holiday weekend.
Police Vehicle Repair, Court Notification System, and Home Repair Projects Approved
Several procurement decisions were made. Down River Bodyworks was awarded a bid for police vehicle auto repair, with costs not to exceed an unspecified amount funded through the police repair fund. A sole-source purchase of a digital court notification system from Legal Notification Services was approved, with costs not to exceed an unspecified amount funded through federal funds. The council also approved a change order for project 2025-05 for $2,975 for exterior restoration work, and approved deferred loans for projects 2025-11 ($17,100) and 2025-09 ($14,000) for home repairs.
Community Development Projects and Housing Assistance Funded
Multiple project approvals were made that fall under community development initiatives. Project 2025-05, involving exterior repairs like siding and brickwork, was approved with a change order for $2,975, funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Rehabilitation Account. Similarly, projects 2025-11 and 2025-09, focused on roofing, windows, doors, and gutters, were approved with 0% interest deferred loans of $17,100 and $14,000 respectively, also funded through the CDBG account. Additionally, a sub-recipient agreement for the Wayne County Home Buyers Assistance Program was approved, allocating $239,966 for home funding. The Mayor was authorized to sign a purchase agreement for a parcel sale totaling $2,500, with proceeds directed to the general fund, which could indirectly support community initiatives.
Taylor City Council Approves Budget Amendments, Settlements, and Project Funding
The council approved a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting held June 16th, 2026, with amendments to item 6.4 for an amount not to exceed $222,000 and item 7.6 for an amount of $17,100. Additionally, they approved the re-appointment to the downtown development authority for a 4-year term and received and filed information from the fire department. A consent agenda was also approved. The council moved into closed session to discuss risk management, reconvened, and then approved final settlements for two risk management claims: claim 20 and claim P6152400474. They also approved a first reading to amend the code of ordinances regarding non-emergency response cost recovery for fire prevention and protection. Several change orders and loan approvals for various projects were passed, including project 2025-05 for siding, gutters, and brickwork ($2,975), project 2025-11 for roofing and windows ($17,100), and project 2025-09 for roofing, gutters, and doors ($14,000). The mayor was authorized to sign a purchase agreement for a parcel sale totaling $2,500, with proceeds going to the general fund. A sub-recipient agreement for the Wayne County Home Buyers Assistance Program was approved for $239,966. Approval was given for Down River Bodyworks for police vehicle repair, not to exceed an unspecified amount, and for the purchase of a digital court notification system from Legal Notification Services for an unspecified amount. Finally, a motion to adjourn was approved.
Lang Park and Heritage Park Projects Progressing
Guido provided updates on two park projects. Lang Park is progressing efficiently, with the BMX pump track installation starting and the parking lot expected soon. The sliding hill shaping has begun, and drainage infrastructure is being installed to address identified issues. The park is anticipated to open within the next month and a half. At Heritage Park, the pickleball courts are being prepped for painting and striping, with nets to be installed. Fence installation and ashvault paths to connect walkways are also planned. The courts will be accessible to the public, who will need to provide their own equipment like paddles.
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