City of Ames’ Podcasts

Electricity powers nearly every part of our daily lives, but many residents do not realize that when we use electricity can matter just as much as how much we use. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Layne Fober, Energy Services Coordinator with the City of Ames Electric Services, to break down the concept of Time-of-Use (TOU) electric rates.

Layne explains how electricity demand changes throughout the day, why peak usage times put pressure on the electric grid, and how shifting certain activities such as running dishwashers, doing laundry, or charging electric vehicles can help residents save money. The conversation also explores how TOU rates benefit the broader community by improving grid efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting long-term energy sustainability.

Whether you want to lower your electric bill or simply understand how Ames manages its electric system, this episode offers practical insights and easy-to-follow tips.

 

Episode Highlights

What Time-of-Use electric rates are and why they exist

Why electricity costs vary depending on time of day and demand

How peak hours affect the electric grid and infrastructure

Simple ways residents can shift energy use and save money

The role of electric vehicles and overnight charging

How Time-of-Use rates help keep Ames’ electric system efficient and affordable

Common misconceptions about TOU rates and how they actually work

Key Takeaways

Time matters. Electricity is typically more expensive during high-demand periods and less expensive during off-peak hours.

Small changes add up. Running appliances or charging devices during off-peak times can help lower your bill.

Flexible households may benefit most. Residents who can shift energy use such as charging EVs overnight or running appliances later in the evening may see the biggest savings.

Community impact. Managing demand helps the city avoid costly infrastructure expansion and keeps the electric system reliable.

 
Learn More
Interested in exploring Time-of-Use electric rates for your household?

Visit www.CityofAmes.org/TOU-Rates for details about peak hours, pricing, and tools to help determine if Time-of-Use rates are right for your home.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.org
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?
Email [email protected]

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.