Mayor John Haila was the guest speaker at the June 11 meeting of Ames Golden K. The weekly meetings continue to be held virtually.  Forty-seven Golden K members were in attendance along with Al Wicks of Iowa City Capital Kiwanis and Don Bice of Ames Town and Country Kiwanis.

The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown has presented many challenges for the Ames community.  The Mayor said that the city’s primary goal has been to protect residents and city staff–especially Departments that are critical resources for Ames and Story County.  To date there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported for any Ames city staff members.  Many public facilities are now open, and some such as the Municipal Library and Animal Shelter will be fully open by early July.  Unfortunately, the Aquatic Center will not open this summer, and this decision was definitely not popular with some Ames residents and several City Council members.   Other Summer events that have been canceled include the July 4 community parade and breakfast, July 4 Fireworks and the majority of Iowa Games competitions.

Students will return to ISU this Fall. There is some concern that there could be some issues with obtaining a full 2020 Census tabulation for Ames, as the majority of students were not present when the Census was taken. An undercount could negatively affect the Federal funding Ames and Story County receives.  A special Census may be necessary.  Other items covered by Mayor Haila include:

–Ames Farmers Market will now feature food trucks {with restrictions on access}.

–Food pantries are very low on supplies–hopefully citizens will step up to help replenish.

–Mary Greeley Hospital continues with great capacity to handle Covid patients.

–Ames 2040 Long Term Development Plan will be ready by the end of 2020.

–Five Hybrid Ames Police Cruisers will contribute to lessening our Carbon footprint.

–The South Grand extension is on schedule.

–Miracle League Field/Park is nearing completion.

–A new clubhouse will be constructed for Homewood Golf Course.

–An indoor pool to replace the aging Municipal  Pool is needed.

–An alternative to the Healthy Life Center is necessary, especially for Ames/Story County Seniors.

–Jobs losses due to the Pandemic are 8.4%–a shock to the Ames economy where unemployment was 1.7% in February.

–Hotel and Restaurant shutdowns have been drastic to the overall economy, but most are recovering, with very few going out of business. Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau which is supported by Hotel/Restaurant Sales Tax has lost 80% of its revenue to date.

–Ames City Council and all Departments continue to meet via ZOOM.  Has worked well.

Mayor Haila’s very thorough presentation and his astute answers to Golden K members questions, was appreciated very much by all in attendance.