City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Director Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Oct. 13 Ames City Council meeting.

They begin with proactive code enforcement in Campustown. Mayor Haila explains the City's approach to conducting regular code enforcement inspections in the Campustown area, why these efforts are important, and how they can help maintain safe and well-maintained properties in this busy part of Ames.

The conversation then turns to Curbside Recycling Opt Out criteria, specifically for residents whose garbage is collected in an alley. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the criteria for opting out of the City's curbside recycling program and what residents with alley garbage collection should know about their options.

Next, they discuss the approval of revenue bonds for the new Ames Municipal Energy Center. Mayor Haila explains how this financing supports the City's plans for the new facility and what the project means for the future of Ames' municipal electric utility.

Finally, they look at the Ames Animal Services Facility remodel and the bidding process for the project. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the next steps in moving the project forward and how improvements to the facility will support animal care and services for the Ames community.

From maintaining properties in Campustown and addressing recycling options to investing in the City's electric infrastructure and improving Animal Services facilities, this episode highlights several City Council decisions and what they mean for Ames residents.

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 on the City's YouTube page

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

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.

Have an idea that could make Ames a little more sustainable? Maybe it involves saving energy, reducing waste, planting native vegetation, improving recycling, or getting young people involved in climate action. A great idea is a good start, but sometimes turning that idea into reality takes a little financial help.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with City of Ames Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan and Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Ava Brunner to explore the City's sustainability grant programs and how they can help residents, organizations, businesses, property owners, and young people bring their ideas to life.

The City's Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals for creating a more sustainable Ames, but reaching those goals takes participation from the entire community. Nolan and Ava explain how the City's grant programs encourage community involvement, support creative solutions, and help turn local ideas into meaningful projects.

With several different funding opportunities available, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Bill, Nolan, and Ava break down four sustainability grant programs and explain who they're designed to help.

Community Climate Grants provide up to $10,000 for eligible organizations with projects focused on reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, conserving water, encouraging lower-emission transportation, or implementing nature-based solutions.

Residential Owner-Occupied Sustainability Grants help eligible Ames homeowners make significant energy improvements, including installing solar panels or whole-home heat pumps. The program can cover 30 percent of eligible project costs, up to $4,000, with income eligibility and other requirements.

The Multifamily Recycling Pilot helps owners of apartment buildings with five or more units establish recycling services for tenants. Funding can support expenses such as recycling containers, hauling services, educational materials, and other costs associated with getting a recycling program started. There might even be a pizza party involved!

The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund puts sustainability ideas into the hands of young people ages 15 to 24. Through microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, young people can develop and lead projects that support local climate action. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 16.

But having an idea is only part of the process. Nolan and Ava also discuss what makes a strong grant proposal, why education and community engagement are important components of sustainability projects, and how applicants can get help determining whether their ideas qualify.

In this episode:

How sustainability grants support the City's Climate Action Plan

Why community participation is essential to reaching sustainability goals

Examples of projects that can benefit from grant funding

Community Climate Grants of up to $10,000

Residential grants for solar panels and whole-home heat pumps

The Multifamily Recycling Pilot and how it supports apartment recycling

Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund grants for ages 15 to 24

The Friday, Oct. 16, Youth Climate Action Fund application deadline

What makes a strong sustainability grant proposal

The importance of education and community engagement

How to navigate the application process and avoid common mistakes

Where to find help when developing a project idea

Not every sustainability project needs to change the entire city overnight. Sometimes small steps can create a big impact, especially when residents and organizations work together to make Ames a more sustainable community.

Learn more about the City's sustainability grant opportunities, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application deadlines at www.CityofAmes.org/Sustainability and select Grants.

Have an idea but aren't sure which program is right for you? Contact the City's Sustainability team to learn more about available opportunities and how to get started.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to preview several key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages.

Bill and Mayor Haila take a look at several items coming before Council, including a proposed amendment to the City's sign regulations for churches located in residential zones, the beginning of biannual code enforcement inspections in Campustown, a preliminary plat for a proposed housing development, and plans for a new Ames Animal Services facility.

From neighborhood development and property maintenance to community facilities, these discussions touch on several aspects of life in Ames. Bill and Mayor Haila explore the background behind these agenda items, what Council will be considering, and why these topics matter to residents.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.

In this episode, we discuss:

Proposed changes to sign regulations for churches in residential zones

Biannual code enforcement inspections in Campustown

A preliminary plat for a proposed housing development

Plans for a new Ames Animal Services facility

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in 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 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.

Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.

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

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.

Cold weather means more time indoors, more time in close quarters, and unfortunately, more opportunities for respiratory illnesses to spread.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann takes a look at respiratory illness season and some of the steps you can take to help protect yourself and those around you. She covers common illnesses including influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia, along with everyday prevention strategies and seasonal vaccinations. Seasonal shots

Kacie also breaks down who may be recommended to receive different vaccines, when to consider getting them, and why recommendations can vary based on your age, health, and individual circumstances. Seasonal shots

Episode Highlights
Know the Basics
Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses can share many of the same symptoms. Kacie discusses common symptoms and the difference between antibiotics and antiviral medications. Seasonal shots

Everyday Prevention Matters
Washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and staying home or distancing yourself when you're sick can all help reduce the spread of illness. Seasonal shots

Understanding Seasonal Vaccinations
Recommendations aren't necessarily the same for everyone. Kacie walks through recommendations discussed in the episode for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia vaccines and explains how factors such as age, pregnancy, and individual health risks can affect them. Seasonal shots

Do the Vaccines Actually Work?
Kacie looks at research on how vaccination can reduce the risk of severe illness from influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and bacterial pneumonia, and why effectiveness can vary. Seasonal shots

When Should You Get Vaccinated?
Timing can make a difference. Kacie discusses why October can be a good time to consider seasonal vaccinations as we head toward the winter respiratory illness season. Seasonal shots

Can You Get More Than One Vaccine at a Time?
In many cases, vaccines can be given during the same visit. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help determine what's appropriate for you and the specific vaccines you're receiving. Seasonal shots

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider
If you've recently been sick or have questions about which vaccinations are appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare provider. Recommendations may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Seasonal shots

Resources
Your Local Epidemiologist: Your Guide to Fall 2026 Vaccines
An overview of seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, including recommendations and timing considerations.
Read the Fall 2026 vaccine guide

American Academy of Pediatrics: Immunization Schedule
Information and immunization recommendations for children and adolescents.
View the AAP Immunization Schedule

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Maternal Immunization Guidance
Guidance on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination during pregnancy.
Read ACOG's maternal immunization guidance

American Academy of Family Physicians: Adult Immunization Schedules
Vaccine recommendations for adults based on age and medical indications.
View the adult immunization schedules

Infectious Diseases Society of America: Seasonal Respiratory Illness Vaccinations
Guidance on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination for immunocompromised patients.
Read the IDSA guidelines

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Ames Fire Department is helping residents think about what they can do to keep themselves, their families, and their homes safe.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Fire Department Commander Brad Jerkins and Eric Deters to talk about Fire Prevention Week, seasonal fire safety, and one of the department's biggest community events of the year, the annual Fire Station Open House.

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower!" focuses on the growing number of rechargeable devices in our homes. Brad and Eric discuss safe charging habits, choosing the right chargers, recognizing warning signs from batteries and devices, and some of the common mistakes that can create a fire risk.

The conversation also goes beyond batteries and charging. Bill, Brad, and Eric talk about seasonal fire risks, smoke alarms, and the importance of having and practicing a home escape plan so everyone knows what to do when an alarm sounds.

Then, it's time to get ready for the Ames Fire Department's annual Fire Station Open House. This year's event is Saturday, Oct. 10, at Fire Station No. 1, 1300 Burnett Ave. A sensory-friendly hour will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by general admission from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors can tour fire trucks, meet Ames firefighters, watch safety demonstrations, spray a fire hose, play fire safety games, and meet a couple of familiar fire safety friends, including Freddie the fire truck and Sparky the dog. Brad and Eric also explain why the sensory-friendly hour is an important part of making the event welcoming and accessible to more members of the community.

And October means Ames firefighters will be heading into local elementary schools for fire prevention education. There's even a second-grade coloring contest with a pretty impressive grand prize: an Ames Fire Department T-shirt and a ride to school on a fire truck. That's some serious second-grade bragging rights.

In this episode:

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme and why safe charging matters

Safe practices for charging phones, tablets, tools, and other devices

Warning signs of a damaged or overheating battery

Common charging mistakes that can increase fire risk

Seasonal fire prevention reminders

Smoke alarm safety and home escape planning

What to expect at the annual Fire Station Open House

The sensory-friendly hour and why it's offered

Firefighters' visits to Ames elementary schools

The second-grade fire prevention coloring contest

And, of course, the Ames in Focus lightning round

Fire prevention starts with everyday decisions, whether that's safely charging a device, checking a smoke alarm, practicing an escape plan, or simply knowing what to watch for around your home.

Join the Ames Fire Department for the Fire Station Open House on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Fire Station No. 1, 1300 Burnett Ave. The sensory-friendly hour is from 8 to 9 a.m., with general admission from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is free and open to the public.