Ames public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Ames City Council will consider several actions, including adopting Ordinance No. 2025-008 that sets a 48‑hour maximum parking period on public streets and penalties up to $300 per violation. The council will also review an amendment to Ordinance 2024-001, approve contracts for audit services and equipment purchases, and discuss financial transfers and term extensions for elected officials.

• Approve Ordinance No. 2025-008 regulating street parking, max 48‑hour period, penalties up to $300 per offense
• Approve Amendment 001 to Ordinance 2024-001
• Approve engagement agreement for audit preparation and bookkeeping services with Sabrina Woods, CPA
• Approve purchase of a paper shredder for $439.00
• Approve purchase of a folding machine for monthly sewer bills for $598.99

The Ames City Council unanimously approved a series of measures, including a new parking ordinance, an amendment to the manufactured‑home ordinance, and several procurement contracts. The council also voted to extend the mayor’s and council members’ terms from two to four years, subject to voter approval at a future election. All actions were adopted with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2025-008 parking regulation (5‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 2024-001 amendment 001 for manufactured homes (5‑0)
• Approved purchase of folding machine for monthly sewer bills for $598.99 (5‑0)
• Approved transportation services agreement with Brazos Transit District (5‑0)
• Approved designation of Eddie White as representative to Houston‑Galveston Area Council, Mayor Domain as alternate (5‑0)
• Approved transfer of $52,700 from savings to utility account for 2022 payroll tax (5‑0)
• Approved extension of mayor and council terms to four years, pending voter approval (5‑0)
• Approved additional $256 for aggregate base material to repair East Tebo Street (5‑0)

City Council

The Ames City Council will hold a workshop on December 2, 2025 to discuss legal matters with the city attorney and to address personnel issues. No votes are scheduled; the items are for discussion only. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Discussion of legal matters with the city lawyer
• Discussion of personnel issues
• Adjournment

The Ames City Council met on December 2, 2025. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which was approved by all five members. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Ames City Council will consider several regular agenda items, including approval of a $2,870 inspection‑training payment for Arlene Carrington and a $4,000 mural painting at the Food Distribution Center funded from the permit account. The council will also vote on an engagement agreement for audit preparation and bookkeeping services with Sabrina Woods, CPA, and on resolutions authorizing the city attorney to pursue delinquent property tax collections and to support the Liberty County Central Appraisal District board election. An executive session will be held for private attorney consultation, real‑property deliberation, and personnel matters. The council will receive a presentation from Texas Rebuild on a performance‑rebuilding concept for a lift station.

• Approve $2,870 payment for additional inspection training for Arlene Carrington
• Approve $4,000 payment to paint a mural at the Food Distribution Center (funded from the permit account)
• Approve engagement agreement for audit preparation and bookkeeping services with Sabrina Woods, CPA
• Approve Resolution 2025-027 authorizing the city attorney to represent the city in collection of delinquent property taxes and tax foreclosure proceedings
• Approve resolution supporting the Liberty County Central Appraisal District board director election for 2026

The council unanimously approved the minutes from previous meetings. It approved $2,870 for additional inspection training for Arlene Carrington. It passed Resolution 2025-027, letting the city attorney collect delinquent property taxes. It also appointed Charles Bowles as the Liberty County Appraisal District Board director for 2026, postponed a $4,000 mural project, and tabled an audit services agreement.

• Approved September 18, 2025, September 22, 2025 special, September 29, 2025 special, and October 6, 2025 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $2,870 training for Arlene Carrington’s plumbing inspection certification (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-027 authorizing the city attorney to collect delinquent property taxes (unanimous)
• Appointed Charles Bowles as Director of the Liberty County Appraisal District Board for 2026 (unanimous)
• Postponed $4,000 mural painting at the Food Distribution Center to next year
• Tabled engagement agreement for audit preparation and bookkeeping services with Sabrina Woods, CPA

City Council

The City Council will consider the demolition of a dilapidated structure and the acceptance of a bid for its disposal. The body will also discuss property tax collection and road repairs.

• Demolition and disposal bid for property at 514 E. Main St.
• Resolution 2025-027 authorizing the City Attorney to collect delinquent property taxes
• Purchase of aggregate base material for E. Tebo Street repairs not to exceed $2,500.00
• Discussion of manufactured and modular homes regulations

The council unanimously approved the demolition of a dilapidated building at 514 East Main Street and accepted a $7,300 bid from Dwayne Johnson Trucking Equipment to perform the demolition and disposal. It also approved up to $2,500 for aggregate material to repair East Tebo Street and approved the September 8 meeting minutes. Resolution 2025-027 to let the city attorney collect delinquent property taxes was postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved demolition of dilapidated structure at 514 E. Main St. (4‑0)
• Accepted bid from Dwayne Johnson Trucking Equipment for demolition and disposal of 514 E. Main St. for $7,300 (4‑0)
• Approved purchase of aggregate base material up to $2,500 to repair E. Tebo Street (4‑0)
• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Postponed Resolution 2025-027 authorizing city attorney to collect delinquent property taxes (postponed)
• Entered closed executive session (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:31 PM (4‑0)

City Council

The Ames City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 tax rate. It will consider adopting Ordinance No. 2025-007 to set the ad valorem tax at $0.5721 per $100 of assessed value. The council will also consider resolutions to ratify the budget‑reflected property tax increase and to establish a net‑30 vendor payment policy.

• Public hearing on the 2025 proposed tax rate
• Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-007 setting ad valorem tax at $0.5721 per $100 valuation
• Adopt Resolution No. 2025-025 ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the budget
• Adopt Resolution No. 2025-026 establishing a net‑30 policy for vendor invoice payments
• Adjournment

The Ames City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-026, establishing a policy to pay vendor invoices on a net‑30 basis. The motion was made by Councilwoman Elizabeth “Liz” Hardy and seconded by Councilwoman Tiffany Burgos. The resolution passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-026 establishing net‑30 vendor invoice payment policy (4-0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation Board will review the minutes from its August 28, 2025 meeting. It will also discuss the Ames First Annual Zydeco Fest. No other actions are listed on the agenda.

• Consider minutes of the August 28, 2025 meeting
• Discuss the Ames First Annual Zydeco Fest
• Public comments

City Council

The Ames City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget and consider adopting Ordinance No. 2025‑006 to approve that budget. Council members will also consider approving the purchase of new control panels for six lift stations at a cost of $4,995 per panel. The meeting includes standard items such as roll call, invocation, pledge of allegiance, and a citizen appearance.

• Public hearing on the 2025 proposed budget and consideration of Ordinance No. 2025‑006 to adopt the budget
• Approval of purchase of new control panels for six lift stations at $4,995 per panel

The council approved the 2025 municipal budget with a 4‑0 vote. They also approved a $10,000 purchase of new control panels for two lift stations, also by a 4‑0 vote. The council discussed the upcoming 2026 budget hearing and said it will keep reviewing the city’s drug and alcohol policy.

• Adopted 2025 budget (4-0)
• Approved $10,000 lift station control panel upgrade (4-0)
• Continued review of city drug and alcohol policy (no vote)
• Held public hearing on 2026 proposed budget (discussion only)

City Council

The Ames City Council will discuss and adopt a resolution on civil‑rights policies for the GLO Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (CDBG‑DRRP), referencing contracts #25-143-001-F192 and #25-143-002-F338. The council will also approve a resolution designating authorized signatories for those contracts and issue a proclamation naming September 2025 as Fair Housing Month. An executive session will be held to consult the city attorney about pending litigation, and the council will consider a promotion for a city maintenance technician.

• Adopt Resolution Regarding Civil Rights Policies for GLO CDBG‑DRRP (Contracts #25-143-001-F192 & #25-143-002-F338)
• Approve Resolution Designating Authorized Signatories for the same contracts
• Proclamation declaring September 2025 as City of Ames – Fair Housing Month
• Executive session on pending or contemplated litigation under Texas Gov. Code §§551.071 & 8551.074
• Consider promotion for city maintenance technician

The council approved a resolution establishing civil‑rights policies required for the GLO Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Relocation Program. It also adopted a resolution designating authorized signatories for grant contracts, proclaimed September 2025 as Fair Housing Month, and promoted Mike Glenn Jr. to Maintenance Leadman. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Adopted civil‑rights policy resolution for CDBG‑DRRP (5‑0)
• Approved resolution designating authorized signatories for CDBG‑DRRP contracts (5‑0)
• Passed proclamation declaring September 2025 Fair Housing Month (5‑0)
• Promoted Mike Glenn Jr. from Maintenance Tech to Maintenance Leadman (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:27 PM (5‑0)

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the proposed 2025 tax rate and setting public hearing dates for the 2026 city budget and 2025 tax rate. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding a dangerous building. Additionally, council will discuss the city's economic development incentive program.

• Resolution 2025-022: Proposed 2025 tax rate
• Resolution 2025-023: Public hearing on proposed 2026 city budget
• Resolution 2025-024: Public hearing on 2025 tax rate
• Public hearing on dangerous building at 514 E. Main St., Liberty, Texas 77575
• Discussion of City of Ames Economic Development Incentive Program

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the August meetings. It also approved the proposed 2025 tax rate of 0.5721, creating a 0.07‑cent increase. Additional actions included setting public hearing dates for the 2026 budget and the 2025 tax rate, nominating appraisal‑district board candidates, and approving demolition of the dilapidated property at 514 E. Main St.

• Approved August 11 & 26 meeting minutes (4‑0‑0)
• Approved proposed 2025 tax rate of 0.5721 (5‑0‑0)
• Adopted resolution to set public hearing on the 2026 city budget (5‑0‑0)
• Adopted resolution to set public hearing on the 2025 tax rate (5‑0‑0)
• Nominated Mark Sjolander and Jimmy Rollins for Liberty County Appraisal District board (5‑0‑0)
• Approved demolition of 514 E. Main St. property (vote not recorded)
• Directed Economic Development Corp. to develop incentive program guidelines (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0‑0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Ames Economic Development Corporation board will meet to approve July minutes, discuss specifics for the fall Zydeco event, and consider recommending economic development incentives to the City Council. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no financial amounts or project names specified.

• Approval of July 31, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of fall Zydeco event specifics
• Consideration of recommending incentives to City Council

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the proposed budget and tax rate. No other substantive items are listed for decision or discussion.

• Discussion of proposed budget and tax rate

The council approved the proposed tax rate of 0.5721, increasing the levy to $357,000. It raised the insurance budget from $7,000 to $25,000 and kept a street‑repair bond in the budget for further study. The council also adjusted the training stipend budget and discussed a bonus for employees and members. The meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Adopted proposed tax rate of 0.5721 (no vote recorded)
• Increased insurance budget to $25,000 (from $7,000)
• Adjusted city council training and meeting stipend budget
• Discussed possible bonus for city employees and council members
• Left street‑repair bond in the budget for further exploration
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (3-0)

City Council

The City Council workshop scheduled for August 16, 2025, was postponed. The agenda listed a discussion regarding the proposed budget and tax rate.

• Discussion of proposed budget and tax rate

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to determine if structures at 514 E. Main St. are dangerous or substandard. The council will also consider contracts for food distribution center upgrades and a hazard mitigation plan update.

• Proposed $14,600 contract with Dwayne Johnson Trucking and Equipment to demo 514 E. Main St.
• Public hearing on dangerous buildings regarding 514 E. Main St.
• Proposed $1,293.49 purchase of a 24,000 BTU mini split unit for the food distribution building
• Proposed 6% rate increase for Live Oak Environmental
• Resolution No. 2025-021 to adopt the Liberty County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update

The council unanimously approved the installation of spray foam insulation at the food distribution center for $4,212.00, the purchase of a 24,000 BTU mini‑split unit for $1,293.49, and Resolution 2025‑021 adopting the Liberty County Hazard Mitigation Plan update. It also approved a 3% rate increase for Live Oak Environmental trash service for the next five years. Two agenda items—public hearings on dangerous buildings and a demolition contract for 514 E. Main St.—were postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved minutes for July 14, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved spray foam insulation contract $4,212.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 24,000 BTU mini‑split unit $1,293.49 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑021 adopting county hazard mitigation plan (unanimous)
• Approved Live Oak Environmental 3% trash rate increase for five years (unanimous)
• Postponed public hearings on dangerous buildings to next meeting
• Postponed demolition contract for 514 E. Main St. ($14,600) to next meeting
• Exited executive session and adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet to receive updates on several community initiatives. The board will also discuss ways to secure additional funds for AEDC outreach.

• Update on the fireworks raffle
• Update on the CenterPoint Energy grant
• Discussion of funding opportunities for AEDC outreach
• Update on the food pantry

City Council

The City Council will discuss the installation and permitting of tiny homes and review a contract for a new city website administrator. The body is also considering professional consulting services to review city records from 2021-2023.

• Ordinance No. 2025-006 regulating tiny home installation and permitting
• CivicPlus website administrator packages costing between $5,514.00 and $7,472.00 initially
• Consulting agreement with Sabrina Woods, CPA, not to exceed $10,000.00
• Purchase of a 24,000 BTU mini split unit for the food distribution building for $1,293.49
• Resolution No. 2025-020 to apply for a $10,000.00 Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant for the food pantry

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 9 meeting. It approved the premium Civic Plus website contract ($7,472 initial, $5,772 annual) and engaged CPA Sabrina Woods for a review up to $10,000. It also authorized the mayor and EDC treasurer as signers on the EDC bank account, set $100 per visit compensation for a municipal deputy court clerk, and authorized a $10,000 grant application for the food pantry. Two items—the purchase of a mini‑split air‑conditioning unit and a tiny‑home ordinance amendment—were tabled for further study.

• Approved June 9 minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved premium Civic Plus website contract ($7,472 initial, $5,772 annual) (4-0-0)
• Tabled purchase of 24,000 BTU mini‑split unit for Food Distribution Building ($1,293.49) (4-0-0)
• Tabled ordinance to reduce tiny‑home minimum size from 800 sq ft to 500 sq ft (4-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑017 to engage CPA Sabrina Woods up to $10,000 (4-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑018 designating mayor and EDC treasurer as authorized signers on EDC bank account (4-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑019 compensation $100 per visit for municipal deputy court clerk (4-0-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑020 to apply for $10,000 Kentucky Fried Wishes grant for food pantry (4-0-0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation will consider recommending business incentives and criteria to the City Council. The board will also discuss fundraising for a marquee sign and a city brochure.

• Fundraising efforts for the purchase of a marquee sign
• Recommendation to City Council regarding incentives and criteria for businesses locating in Ames
• Discussion of a brochure for the City of Ames
• Updates on food bank activities

City Council

The City Council will review the preliminary 2024 audit and 2025 property value estimates. The body is also considering several infrastructure repairs, equipment purchases, and the demolition of dilapidated structures.

• Purchase of a culvert cleaner attachment for $5,124.39
• Contract with Brooks Concrete Services for culvert and header wall replacement at 750 CR 154 for $8,800.00
• Demolition of structure at 203 Martin Dr
• Acceptance of bids for demolition and disposal at 331 Martin Street, 203 Martin Dr, and 131 Wickliff St
• Application for CenterPoint Energy’s 2025 Community Safety Grants for up to $2,500

The council unanimously approved several items, including an interlocal agreement with the City of Daisetta to use its sewer jetter at no cost. It also approved purchases and contracts for drainage equipment, a FEMA‑funded culvert replacement, and demolition of a dilapidated property. Additionally, the council authorized a grant application for up to $2,500 and accepted bids for demolition of three city properties. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes for May 13, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Approved preliminary 2024 audit (5-0)
• Approved interlocal agreement with City of Daisetta to use sewer jetter at no cost (5-0)
• Approved purchase of culvert cleaner attachment for excavator $5,124.39 (5-0)
• Approved contract with Brooks Concrete Services to replace culvert at 750 CR 154 for $8,800.00 (5-0)
• Approved application to CenterPoint Energy 2025 Community Safety Grants for up to $2,500 (5-0)
• Approved demolition of dilapidated structure at 203 Martin Dr (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of demolition bids: 331 Martin Dr $3,600, 203 Martin Dr $5,800, 131 Wickliff St $5,200 (5-0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation board will meet to discuss ways to assist the city and the Higher Education Facilities Corporation Board. The board is also considering a fundraiser for a marquee sign and the creation of a city and AEDC brochure.

• Fundraiser to purchase a marquee sign
• Strategies for AEDC assistance to the city
• City of Ames Higher Education Facilities Corporation Board
• Creation of a brochure for the City of Ames and the AEDC

The board approved the minutes from the April 24 meeting and adopted the meeting agenda. It voted to hold quarterly raffles as a fundraising method and set a $25 seed contribution from each member due June 6, 2025. The board also approved continuing work on a City of Ames brochure and agreed to open a bank account for raffle proceeds. Additionally, the board decided to provide food for the community if possible.

• Approved minutes from April 24, 2025 meeting
• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved quarterly raffles for fundraising
• Set $25 seed contribution per member, deadline June 6, 2025
• Approved continuation of City of Ames brochure project
• Mayor to meet with Treasurer to open bank account for raffle funds
• Board decided to provide food for the community if possible

City Council

The City Council will certify the results of the May 3 municipal election and administer oaths of office to the Mayor and Council members. The body will also consider appointments for a municipal judge and the Higher Education Facilities Corporation board.

• Ordinance No. 2025-004 to canvass May 3 general municipal election results
• Resolution No. 2025-014 to appoint a municipal judge
• Lawn care contract for city right of way with Alonzo Baldwin for $400 per month
• SAM.gov five-year renewal payment of $2,000.00
• Ordinance No. 2025-005 requiring permits for utility service providers

The council adopted the election results ordinance and swore in Mayor Barbara Domain and new council members. It approved the appointment of Kimberly Judge as municipal judge and authorized several contracts, including lawn‑care services, a SAM.gov renewal, GIS training, a utility‑permit ordinance, and a board‑appointment resolution. All actions passed unanimously.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-004 declaring May 3 election results (4‑0)
• Swore in Mayor Barbara Domain and council members Eddie White and Tiffany Burgos
• Approved appointment of Municipal Judge Kimberly Judge (5‑0)
• Approved hiring Alonzo Baldwin for lawn care $400/month (5‑0)
• Approved $2,000 five‑year SAM.gov renewal (5‑0)
• Approved $12,000 GIS training agreement with Communities Unlimited (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025-005 requiring utility permits (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-016 appointing Economic Development Corp board to Higher Education Facilities Corp (5‑0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Ames Economic Development Corporation Board will hold a procedural meeting to approve minutes from April 3, 2025, and discuss past board activities and future agenda items. No significant decisions, rezonings, or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from April 3, 2025 meeting
• Discuss past activities of the board
• Discuss future agenda items

The Economic Development Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting. After those approvals, the board voted to adjourn. No other formal actions were taken; members discussed fundraising ideas and water‑infrastructure needs but did not vote on them.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion by Reggie Rollins, seconded by Anthony Landry)
• Approved minutes from April 3, 2025 meeting (motion by Reggie Rollins, seconded by Anthony Landry)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Anthony Landry, seconded by Reggie Rollins)

City Council

The Ames City Council will consider approving Resolution 2025-012 authorizing SPI invoices and future invoices for ARPA-funded sanitary sewer system improvements under an interlocal agreement with Liberty County. Other actions include installing electricity and a bathroom at the food distribution building for $1,200 and $1,900 respectively, appointing Kimberly Judge as EDC President, and approving a Harm Reduction Resource Fair. The council will also hold public hearings on six dangerous buildings and may issue repair or demolition orders.

• Resolution 2025-012 authorizing SPI Invoices 13-18 and future invoices for ARPA-funded sanitary sewer improvements with Liberty County
• Install electricity to food distribution building: $1,200
• Install bathroom to food distribution building: $1,900
• Appoint Kimberly Judge as President of Ames Economic Development Corporation
• Public hearings on dangerous buildings at 331 Martin St, 203 Martin Dr, 221 Tebo St, 510 HWY 90, 514 E Main St (Liberty), and Martin Block D Lot 16

The council unanimously approved several routine actions—including authorizing the mayor to sign ARPA‑funded sewer invoices, funding $1,200 for electricity and $1,900 for a bathroom at the food distribution building, appointing Kimberly Judge as president of the Ames Economic Development Corporation, and scheduling a Harm Reduction Resource Fair on June 5, 2025 at Mother of Mercy Hall. It also voted to declare three properties dangerous, ordering demolition of 331 Martin St, requiring repair or demolition of 203 Martin Dr, and mandating repair of 221 Tebo St within 30 days.

• Approved Resolution 2025-012 authorizing mayor to sign and submit SPI invoices (4-0-0)
• Approved $1,200 electricity installation for the food distribution building (4-0-0)
• Approved $1,900 bathroom installation for the food distribution building (4-0-0)
• Approved appointment of Kimberly Judge as president of the Ames Economic Development Corporation (4-0-0)
• Approved the Harm Reduction Resource Fair scheduled for June 5, 2025 at Mother of Mercy Hall (4-0-0)
• Declared 331 Martin St dangerous; ordered owner to demolish within 30 days (4-0-0)
• Declared 203 Martin Dr dangerous; ordered owner to repair within 30 days or city will demolish (4-0-0)
• Declared 221 Tebo St dangerous; ordered owner to repair within 30 days and report progress (4-0-0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Board of Directors will discuss the current EDC President stepping down. The board is scheduled to appoint and vote to approve a new EDC President.

• EDC President stepping down
• Appointment and vote for new EDC President

The board accepted President Emmett Albro’s resignation. A motion was passed to appoint Kimberly Judge as the new Economic Development Corporation president. The meeting agenda was approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted President Emmett Albro’s resignation (motion passed)
• Appointed Kimberly Judge as new EDC President (motion passed)
• Approved the meeting agenda (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation will consider updates to its bylaws and a business plan for the EDC. The board will also discuss the reelection of officers and a resource fair scheduled for June.

• Harm Reduction Resource Fair (June 5, 2025)
• Bylaws updates
• Business Plan for EDC
• Reelection of officers

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss procurement and financial policies for grant-funded projects. The body will also consider applications for disaster recovery funds and a contract for upcoming election services.

• Procurement and financial policies for grant-funded projects
• Resolution No. 2025-010: Applications for Texas General Land Office’s Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program
• Resolution No. 2025-011: 2025 Election Services Contract with Liberty County Elections Officer for May 3, 2025, election

The council unanimously approved a procurement policy and a financial policy for grant‑funded projects. It also approved Resolution 2025‑010 to submit applications for the Texas General Land Office Disaster Recovery Relocation Program, committing a $487,000 city match toward a $4 million grant. Additionally, the council approved the 2025 election services contract with Liberty County Elections Officer. All motions passed 3‑0‑0.

• Approved procurement policy for grant‑funded projects (3‑0‑0)
• Approved financial policy for grant‑funded projects (3‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑010 to apply for $4 M disaster recovery grant, matching $487,000 (3‑0‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑011 election services contract for May 03, 2025 election (3‑0‑0)

City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending the 2025 budget. It will also vote on awarding a $22,000 CPA contract to Sabrina Woods, auctioning a surplus 2008 Ford truck, appointing a treasurer for the Economic Development Corporation, and approving a grant writer.

• Award CPA contract to Sabrina Woods for $22,000
• Public hearing and ordinance for amendment to 2025 budget
• Resolution authorizing auction of surplus 2008 Ford truck (VIN: 1FTPF12538KD25432)
• Resolution appointing Jerry Reescano as city designee as treasurer for Economic Development Corporation
• Resolution approving Hogan Technologies as grant writer for Economic Development Committee

The Ames City Council unanimously approved a $22,000 contract with Sabrina Woods, CPA, for city accounting services, and amended the 2025 budget to increase the bookkeeping line by $15,000 to cover the cost. The council also authorized the auction of a surplus 2008 Ford truck, appointed Jerry Reescano as the city's designee to act as treasurer for the Economic Development Corporation, and approved Hogan Technologies as grant writer for the EDC. All votes were 3-0 with two council members absent.

• Approved $22,000 CPA contract with Sabrina Woods (3-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-003 increasing bookkeeping budget by $15,000 (3-0)
• Authorized silent auction of surplus 2008 Ford truck (3-0)
• Appointed Jerry Reescano as EDC treasurer designee (3-0)
• Approved Hogan Technologies as EDC grant writer (3-0)
• Approved minutes of Feb 10 and Feb 25 meetings (3-0)

City Council

The Ames City Council is holding an emergency meeting to select and approve contractors for administrative and engineering services related to the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The council will also vote on resolutions to apply for two specific grant opportunities (DR-4781 and DR-4798) and commit to the required local match. Failure to act by the February 28, 2025 deadline will result in the loss of essential disaster mitigation grant funding.

• Award contract for administrative services for HMGP grant application and implementation
• Award contract for engineering services for HMGP grant application and implementation
• Apply for Texas Division of Emergency Management grant opportunity DR-4781 and commit to local match
• Apply for Texas Division of Emergency Management grant opportunity DR-4798 and commit to local match
• Emergency meeting called because a quorum was not reached at the previously scheduled February 24 special meeting

The Ames City Council unanimously approved three resolutions related to the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. They awarded a contract to Traylor Associates as grant writer and LJA as engineer, and committed to applying for two grant opportunities (DR-4781 and DR-4798) with a required 25% local match. The grants would fund upgrading lift station generators and replacing culverts. No public comments were made.

• Approved Resolution 2025-003 awarding grant writer contract to Traylor Associates (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-004 awarding engineering services contract to LJA (4-0)
• Approved resolution to apply for TDEM grant DR-4781 and commit to 25% local match (4-0)
• Approved resolution to apply for TDEM grant DR-4798 and commit to 25% local match (4-0)

City Council

The City Council's special meeting scheduled for February 24, 2025, has been postponed until further notice. No actions will be taken at this time.

City Council

The Ames City Council will consider approving the Selection Review Committee's recommendation for a CPA to provide professional bookkeeping and accounting services, and authorize the mayor to negotiate an agreement. The meeting also includes approval of January 13, 2025 minutes, a mayor's report, and a closed session on legal consultation and real property matters. Other items are procedural.

• Consider and take action on approval of minutes from January 13, 2025 regular meeting.
• Consider resolution to approve Selection Review Committee's recommendation of a CPA for professional bookkeeping and accounting services, and authorize mayor to negotiate agreement.
• Mayor's report.
• Closed session under Texas Gov't Code §551.071 (consultation with attorney) and §551.072 (deliberation regarding real property).

The Ames City Council unanimously approved the Selection Review Committee's recommendation of a CPA to provide bookkeeping and accounting services, authorizing the mayor to negotiate a contract. The council also approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes with a spelling correction. No other substantive decisions were made; the mayor's report was empty and the closed session lasted less than a minute.

• Approved CPA recommendation for bookkeeping/accounting services (3-0)
• Authorized mayor to negotiate CPA contract (3-0)
• Approved January 13, 2025 minutes with name correction (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider an amendment to the 2025 budget. The body will also discuss acquiring 404 MLK South for the Ames Volunteer Fire Department and calling for a May 3, 2025, election.

• Public hearing for an ordinance regarding an amendment to the 2025 budget
• Resolution to acquire 404 MLK South for the Ames Volunteer Fire Department
• Order calling for the May 3, 2025, election
• Annual municipal judge training for Emmet Albro in the amount of $250.00
• Contract for Reclaim Environmental

The Ames City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring public necessity to acquire 404 MLK South via eminent domain for the fire and police departments, though no funds are budgeted yet. They also approved a $60,000 contract with Reclaim Environmental for maintenance services, with Councilwoman Harrison recusing herself. The council approved the May 3, 2025 election order, extended the RFQ deadline for bookkeeping services to February 7, opened a bank account for the fire department, approved a budget amendment to fund the Reclaim contract, and approved $250 for municipal judge training. A discussion on mobile home ordinance amendments was held with no action taken.

• Approved resolution declaring public necessity to acquire 404 MLK South for public use (4-0)
• Approved contract with Reclaim Environmental Services, not to exceed $60,000 (3-0, Harrison recused)
• Approved order calling for May 3, 2025 election (4-0)
• Extended RFQ deadline for bookkeeping/accounting services to February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM (4-0)
• Approved opening bank account for Ames Volunteer Fire Department (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amending 2025 budget to fund Reclaim contract (4-0)
• Approved $250 for municipal judge training for Emmet Albro (4-0)
• Approved minutes from December 9, 2024 meeting (4-0)