In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames City Councilmember Anita Rollins, who is stepping in for Mayor John Haila, to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, April 14 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact infrastructure, long range planning, and utility services across the community. Susan and Councilmember Rollins break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Paving improvements planned for Freel Drive and what that means for the upcoming Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus

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

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?

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.

Employee benefits can sometimes feel complicated or easy to overlook, but they play an important role in overall well being. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield are joined by Krista Hammer, HR Officer for the City of Ames, to talk about understanding and making the most of employee benefits.

Episode Highlights

Krista’s Path into Human Resources

Managing Benefits for City Employees

Navigating Your Benefits

Lesser Known Benefits

Common Misconceptions

Benefits and Well Being

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

April is Fair Housing Month, and this episode of Ames in Focus explores what that means for the Ames community. Host Bill Gebhart is joined by Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator for the City of Ames, along with Beth Skluzacek from the Iowa Board of Realtors. Together, they discuss why fair housing still matters, how to recognize housing discrimination, and the role local partnerships play in creating more equitable opportunities for residents.

They also highlight how Ames is bringing awareness to the community this month, including a City Council proclamation on Tuesday, April 14, a social media trivia campaign with prizes, and an upcoming panel discussion on April 22 at 9 a.m. at the Iowa Board of Realtors education center. The panel will bring together experts to share insights, answer questions, and connect residents with resources.

For more information on Fair Housing Month and upcoming events, visit CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with 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, April 14, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

A meeting of the Ames Conference Board will be held earlier that evening at 5:30 p.m. in the same location.

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:

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/CityCouncil

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.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Jehan Faisal, Volunteer Coordinator at the Ames Public Library, and dedicated library volunteer Dana Eaton. Together, they explore how volunteers help bring the library to life, from organizing book sales to supporting daily operations and community programs.

Jehan shares how she found her way into library work and what it takes to coordinate a diverse and passionate volunteer base. Dana offers a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to give back through service, along with a few memorable moments from her time at the library.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or just looking for a way to get involved in the community, this conversation highlights the meaningful impact of volunteering and why the library remains such a vital part of Ames.

Interested in volunteering or checking out the upcoming book sale?

Volunteering at the library isn’t just about books. It’s about building connections, supporting learning, and strengthening the community one story at a time.

Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine, but how much do we really know about it? In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore the ins and outs of caffeine.

The bottom line: enjoy your caffeine fix (because Kacie and Bailey definitely will), but stay informed about how it affects your body.

Episode Highlights

What Is Caffeine?

Where Caffeine Comes From

How Much Caffeine Is in Common Foods and Drinks

The Benefits and Downsides

Research on Caffeine and Health

How to Check Your Caffeine Intake

Resources

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772417424000104

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2844764

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70300713/caffeinated-coffee-tea-lower-dementia-risk-study/

https://CSPI.org

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459237/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine

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

The City of Ames is getting ready to open the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, and it is safe to say this is the kind of place kids will never want to leave. In this episode, Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham joins host Bill Gebhart to share what residents can expect, from pools and programs to year-round recreation opportunities. With an anticipated opening in April 2026, the facility is designed to serve swimmers of all ages, from early morning lap swimmers to kids who keep asking for just one more trip down the slide.

For updates on amenities, programming, and passes, visit:

The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is built for everyday moments, whether that is a quick swim, a fitness class, or a kid asking for one more turn down the slide. It is a space designed to bring people together all year long.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, March 24 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact City operations, community services, and future planning efforts. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The job description and recruitment process for Ames’ next City Attorney

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

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?

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, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to talk about two important federal funding programs that support housing and neighborhood development in Ames: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME.

They break down what these programs are, how they’re funded, and the types of local projects they support, from housing rehabilitation to community services. The conversation also highlights the importance of public input and how residents can help shape funding decisions at the upcoming public forums.

Whether you're a resident, part of a local organization, or just curious how these decisions get made, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at how these programs impact Ames.

What CDBG and HOME funding programs are and how they work

How federal funding from HUD supports local housing initiatives

Examples of projects funded in Ames, including housing rehabilitation and community services

Why public input is a critical part of the funding process

What to expect at the March 25 public forums

How residents and organizations can participate, even if they cannot attend in person

CDBG and HOME Public Forums

These forums are open to residents, organizations, and anyone interested in learning more or sharing input on how funding should be used.

CDBG and HOME funding play a key role in maintaining and improving housing options, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening neighborhoods. Community input helps ensure these resources are used in ways that reflect local needs and priorities.

Learn more on the City’s website on the Housing page.

Have ideas about future topics or guests? Let us know. We would love to hear from you as we continue highlighting the people and programs shaping Ames.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with 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, March 24, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

A special Ames City Council meeting will be held earlier that evening at 5:15 p.m., providing an opportunity for public input on the proposed 2026–2027 City budget and Tax Levy.

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 24 City Council agenda

The purpose and importance of the public input session on the proposed budget and Tax Levy

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/CityCouncil

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.