City of Ames’ Podcasts

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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