City of Ames’ Podcasts

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, March 10

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor Pro Tem Anita Rollins, an At-Large member of the Ames City Council, to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. Mayor Rollins joins the podcast while Mayor John Haila is away.
The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.
This agenda includes a number of items for Council consideration, and while this episode does not cover every topic, it highlights several discussions that may be of particular interest to residents and the community.
This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames.
In this episode, we discuss:
Key highlights from the March 10 City Council agenda
What selected items mean for residents and the community
How to follow the meeting and stay engaged in local government
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Have a question or topic you would like covered?
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Get involved
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand at www.CityofAmes.orgView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncilParticipate in public comment in person or online
Important note
City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

From Agenda to Action: Special Episode - What to Expect at an Ames City Council Meeting

Ever wondered what actually happens at an Ames City Council meeting? What all those agenda sections mean? Or how you can participate?
In this special edition of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Specialist Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to walk through the structure of a typical City Council meeting and explain what residents can expect, whether attending in person or watching online.
This episode breaks down:
How meetings are structured and why
How residents can participate in Public Forum
Expectations for decorum and respectful engagement
What each agenda section means, including:
Call to Order
Proclamations
Consent Agenda
Public Forum
Department Presentations
Hearings
Ordinances
Disposition of Communications to Council
Report of Governing Body
Council Comments
Closed Session (when applicable)
Adjournment
While City Council meetings follow a formal process, that structure exists to ensure transparency, fairness, and thoughtful decision-making for the Ames community.
If you have never attended a meeting before, this episode is a great place to start.
📺 Watch City Council meetings live or on demand at www.CityofAmes.org📄 View agendas and materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Stay informed. Stay engaged. That is how local government works best.

Ames in Focus: Coffee, Donuts, and Connection with Officer Nate Rivera

What does community policing look like when there’s no siren, no emergency, and no flashing lights?
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart welcomes back Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera for a conversation about connection. From Coffee with Cops to Donuts in the Park and National Night Out, these outreach efforts are designed to create space for conversation, build relationships, and strengthen trust across Ames.
Officer Rivera explains how these informal events allow officers and residents to connect in relaxed, everyday settings. No agenda. No pressure. Just real conversations. The discussion explores how proactive engagement builds long-term partnerships, helps break down barriers, and creates opportunities for feedback before problems arise.
The episode also highlights the importance of early engagement with youth through school visits and mentorship, and how neighborhood events like National Night Out can bring communities together in meaningful ways.
Whether you have attended one of these events or have simply wondered what community policing looks like beyond emergency calls, this episode offers a thoughtful look at presence, prevention, and partnership in action.
Episode Highlights
The purpose and impact of Coffee with Cops
What happens at Donuts in the Park
School outreach and youth engagement efforts
How National Night Out strengthens neighborhoods
Why proactive connection builds long-term trust
Encouraging open, welcoming conversations with law enforcement
 
 
If you see a Coffee with Cops sign or a squad car at your neighborhood park, consider stopping by. As this conversation makes clear, trust often begins with something simple, a conversation, a handshake, or even a donut.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council Feb. 24 Meeting

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to review key discussions and actions from the Tuesday, Feb. 24 Ames City Council meeting.
The conversation highlights several presentations, policy discussions, and community topics that help shape Council priorities and future decisions. Susan and Mayor Haila walk through what was discussed, why it matters, and what residents can expect next.
In this episode, we discuss:
A presentation from the Historic Preservation Commission outlining recent accomplishments and its future work plan.
An overview of the proposed Residential Curbside Recycling Program, which generated strong interest from Council and will return for consideration on March 10.
Approval of a memorandum of understanding with Story County related to improvements at the GW Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road intersection.
A presentation on the new Neighborhood Connections Initiative, aimed at strengthening relationships, communication, and engagement within Ames neighborhoods.
Approval of Ames Main Street’s annual “515 Day” celebration on May 15, a community event that continues to grow in popularity.
Public comment regarding safety concerns along the Lincoln Way corridor.
From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Get involved:
Watch meetings live or on demand at www.CityofAmes.orgView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?Email eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Ames in Focus: Meter Matters with Jake Sisson

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we turn our attention to something every Ames household relies on but rarely thinks about until there’s a problem: water service. Host Bill Gebhart sits down with Jake Sisson, Water Meter Supervisor for the City of Ames, to talk about the City’s Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) program and the new Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI), what it means for residents, and how it’s modernizing the way we manage water.
From behind-the-scenes utility operations to practical winter pipe protection tips, this episode blends smart infrastructure with everyday advice.
Jake Sisson shares his journey into utility work and explains what it takes to oversee the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of water meters across Ames. The conversation centers on the City’s Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) systems, what it is, how it works, and why it’s a major step forward for efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
They also tackle common questions about safety and data privacy, outline the citywide AMI rollout timeline, and explain how AMI technology helps detect leaks faster and reduce the need for in-home meter readings.
With winter temperatures in full swing, Jake offers practical tips for preventing frozen pipes and explains what residents should do if they suspect a water issue.
🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What AMR and AMI technology is and how it works
Why AMI improves accuracy and efficiency in utility billing
How the technology is safe and meets federal standards
Where the City is in the AMI rollout process
How AMI helps detect leaks early
Practical steps to prevent frozen pipes during extreme cold
When to call a plumber versus when to contact the City
❄️ Winter Reminder: Protect Your Pipes
As temperatures drop, Jake recommends:
Opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
Letting a small trickle of water run during extreme cold
Insulating exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces
Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located
Taking these simple steps can prevent costly damage and service interruptions.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Ames in Focus so you never miss a conversation about the people and programs that keep our community thriving.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 24

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Prior to the regular meeting, the Ames Conference Board will meet at 5 p.m.
This agenda currently includes 42 items, and while we will not cover every one, this episode highlights several topics that may be of particular interest to residents and the community.
This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames.
In this episode, we discuss:
Key highlights from the Feb. 24 City Council agendaWhat selected items mean for residents and the communityHow to follow the meeting and stay engaged in local government
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Have a question or topic you would like covered?
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Get involved:
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand at www.CityofAmes.orgView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncilParticipate in public comment in person or online
Important note:
City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Ames in Focus: From Parchment to Progress with Megan Klein-Hewett and Anessa Olson

America turns 250 in 2026, and the Ames Public Library is inviting the community to start reflecting now. In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill sits down with Megan Klein-Hewett and Anessa Olson from the Library’s Adult Services team to talk about how Ames is marking this milestone with thoughtful, engaging programming.
From hands-on history to conversations about the First Amendment, this episode explores how the Library is creating space for learning, dialogue, and community connection.
Whether you’re a history buff, a civic enthusiast, or just looking for something meaningful to do on a Friday morning, this is your invitation to get involved.
📜 Episode Highlights:
America 250: How the Ames Public Library is approaching the 250th anniversary of the United States with reflection, balance, and community conversation.
Library of Congress Transcribe-a-thon: Happening March 28 beginning at 10 a.m. with a presentation to kick things off, followed by a hands-on opportunity to transcribe historical documents.
What’s a Transcribe-a-thon? Learn how volunteers help make original documents from the Library of Congress searchable and accessible—no experience required.
Why It Matters: How transcribing connects participants directly to the voices and handwriting of the past.
First Amendment Days: Coming up in April, this annual Ames tradition explores the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition through engaging community programming.
The Role of the Library: Why public libraries are uniquely positioned to host civic dialogue and historical reflection.
What’s Ahead: Additional programs and events throughout the year as part of the America 250 initiative.
🔗 Resources:
✅ Learn more at AmesPublicLibrary.org✅ Explore upcoming events and First Amendment Days programming✅ Follow the Ames Public Library on social media for updates

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council Feb. 10 Meeting

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to discuss key actions and conversations from the Feb. 10 Ames City Council meeting.
Together, they walk through several topics addressed by Council, explain what decisions were made, and share how those outcomes may affect the Ames community moving forward.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Budget Wrap Up and what it means as the City finalizes priorities for the coming year
A change to Municipal Code and why the update was considered necessary
City Council's adoption of Values, Goals, and Tasks
Planned road construction on Stange Avenue
Housing incentives aimed at supporting community growth and housing availability
From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how Council decisions translate into real world impacts across Ames.
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Are there any City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Get involved:
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand at www.CityofAmes.orgView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncilParticipate in public comment in person or online
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.