City of Ames’ Podcasts

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.

Ames in Focus: So You Want to Be a Firefighter? with Karen Tapper

Thinking about a career in fire service? Recruitment for the Ames Fire Department is now open, and Deputy Chief Karen Tapper returns to Ames in Focus to break down what it really takes to join the team. From the application process to the recruit academy, this episode walks through every step with clarity and encouragement.
Whether you're ready to apply or just curious about the path, this is the perfect place to start.
🧯 Episode Highlights:
Recruitment Now Open: Applications accepted from February 1 through March 2.
Who They're Looking For: Minimum qualifications, helpful certifications, and personal qualities like resilience and teamwork.
Testing Process: Written exam, physical ability test, interviews, and background checks.
Physical Test Details: What to expect and how to get ready.
Recruit Academy: Insight into the training that prepares new firefighters for the field.
Supportive Culture: Mentorship and guidance for every new recruit.
Encouragement from the Top: Karen shares advice for anyone unsure about taking the leap.
Next Steps: Where to apply and how to learn more.
🔗 Resources:
✅ Learn more at CityOfAmes.org/FireFighter✅ Ready to apply? Visit CityOfAmes.org/Jobs

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

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. 10, beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.
This episode helps residents understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those items may impact the Ames community.
In this episode, we discuss:
Key agenda items scheduled for the Feb. 10 City Council meeting
What Council will be asked to consider and why it matters
How residents can watch the meeting or participate through public comment
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 any 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.org
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Participate 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: Behind the Budget with Corey Goodenow and Nancy Masteller

Budget season is officially underway in Ames, and while spreadsheets and line items might not sound thrilling, they’re the foundation for how our City runs.
In this episode, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Corey Goodenow, Finance Director, and Nancy Masteller, Budget Manager, to walk us through the development of the City’s 2026-2027 budget. From public hearings to tax levies, they break down the process in clear, practical terms and explain why it’s worth your attention.
🔍 In this episode:
Where we are in the budget timeline and what’s coming next
How residents can follow along and stay informed
What the budget actually determines (hint: it’s more than just numbers)
Why community values and input matter in this process
Key opportunities to listen in or get involved
Nancy and Corey offer an accessible, behind-the-scenes look at a process that touches everything from public safety to library hours. Whether you're a first-time budget follower or a longtime civic watcher, this episode is your guide to what’s happening and why it matters.
Explore the draft budget, try the Property Tax Calculator, and find meeting details at www.CityofAmes.org/Finance
Public Budget Hearings:All begin at 5:15 p.m. in Council Chambers (515 Clark Ave) and stream live on the City’s website, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tuesday, February 3
Monday, February 4
Thursday, February 5
Budget wrap-up: Tuesday, February 10

Ames in Focus: Staying Warm, Staying Informed with John Odenweller

As winter tightens its grip, many Ames residents are feeling the strain, especially when utility bills start to spike. In this episode, Bill Gebhart welcomes back John Odenweller, Utility Accounts Supervisor for the City of Ames, to help unpack what resources are available, how to navigate changes to your utility bill, and what you can do right now to stay warm and supported.
From LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) to emergency utility support and disconnection protections, John breaks down what assistance is out there, who’s eligible, and why it’s critical to act early. The episode also covers the City’s new utility customer portal, what’s changed, what’s easier, and how to get started.
Plus: A spotlight on The Ames Warming Place, a community-run overnight shelter that opens during extreme cold at First United Methodist Church (516 Kellogg Ave), offering refuge and warmth to those in need.
Episode Highlights:
What LIHEAP is and how to apply through MICA
Eligibility details and documentation needed
Emergency help for overdue bills and disconnection notices
Tips for accessing support without delay
Key changes to your monthly utility bill
Resources for in-person or online help
Information about The Ames Warming Place and how it supports the unhoused during dangerous weather
Resources Mentioned:
micaonline.org for LIHEAP applications under “Energy Assistance”
CityOfAmes.org/BoardsAndCommissions for civic engagement opportunities
City of Ames Utility Customer Service for help with billing questions
The Ames Warming Place located at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave
Stay warm, stay informed, and as always, thanks for tuning in to Ames in Focus.

Ames in Focus: Preparing for Digital Accessibility with Casandra Eames

In this episode, we dig into important changes on the horizon that will shape how cities across the U.S. serve their residents online. Starting in April 2026, new rules from the Department of Justice will go into effect under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring local governments to make their websites, mobile apps, and digital content accessible to people with disabilities.
Host Bill Gebhart is joined by Casandra Eames, Engagement Coordinator for the City of Ames, to break down what these updates mean, what "digital accessibility" actually looks like in practice, and how Ames is preparing to meet the new standards.
🔍 In this episode:
What the ADA is and why it applies to digital content
What the DOJ’s new rule requires and when it takes effect
Steps Ames is taking now: accessibility audits, staff training, content updates, and more
Real-world examples of digital accessibility features
Why this matters to everyone, not just people with disabilities
How residents can share feedback or report accessibility concerns
Casandra offers a thoughtful and practical look at how accessibility benefits the whole community and reflects the City’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
📘 Learn More:
Visit CityOfAmes.org for updates and resources on accessibility and digital inclusion.

Ames in Focus: A Legacy of Community with Vanessa Baker-Latimer

In this special episode of Ames in Focus, we celebrate a cornerstone of our community calendar: the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Now in its sixteenth year, the event brings together residents from across Ames and Story County for an evening of reflection, recognition, and inspiration. Host Bill Gebhart is joined by Vanessa Baker-Latimer, a driving force behind the event since its early days, to talk about what’s planned for 2026 and why this gathering continues to resonate.
What to Expect:
Cookie Reception (6:00–6:30 p.m.): Start the evening with cookies and live jazz from the Ames High School Jazz Band I.
Main Program (6:30 p.m.):
Humanitarian Awards presented by the Ames Human Relations Commission
Sixth Annual High School Essay Contest winners
Musical Performances, including the MLK Children’s Choir
Keynote Address by Quentin Hart, former Waterloo Mayor and inspiring civic leader
Vanessa shares the heart behind the celebration, the importance of community recognition, and how the event has grown into a beloved tradition that honors Dr. King's legacy while highlighting local voices and action.
📺 Watch or Attend:
The event is free and open to all, with a live stream available on the Ames/Story County MLK Celebration Facebook page and on YouTube.com/@CityofAmesTelevision.

Ames in Focus: Mayor John Haila Returns

In this New Year’s episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Mayor John Haila, who begins his third term leading the City of Ames. Mayor Haila reflects on the highlights of 2025, discusses major City initiatives, and shares his vision for 2026. From the relocation of Fire Station No. 2 and the planning of a new recycling facility to the early stages of Ontario Community Park and growing opportunities for civic engagement, this conversation offers an insightful look into where the City has been and where it’s going.
Episode Highlights:
Reflections on 2025 milestones and proud moments in Ames
How Mayor Haila’s leadership perspective has evolved entering a third term
The impact of relocating Fire Station No. 2 to State Avenue
Preparing for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C)
Why community input matters in shaping Ontario Community Park
Priorities for 2026 including the proposed Recreation Center
Encouragement for residents to stay involved with their local government
Resources & Links:
Learn more and get involved: CityOfAmes.org
Apply for a Board or Commission: CityOfAmes.org/BoardsandCommissions
Follow us on social media for updates and opportunities to engage with your City