City of Ames’ Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Ames in Focus: Don't Do Laundry at 5 PM with Layne Fober Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, March 10 Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

From Agenda to Action: Special Episode - What to Expect at an Ames City Council Meeting Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

Ames in Focus: Coffee, Donuts, and Connection with Officer Nate Rivera Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council Feb. 24 Meeting Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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 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.

Ames in Focus: Meter Matters with Jake Sisson Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

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.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 24 Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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?

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.

Ames in Focus: From Parchment to Progress with Megan Klein-Hewett and Anessa Olson Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

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

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council Feb. 10 Meeting Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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.

Ames in Focus: So You Want to Be a Firefighter? with Karen Tapper Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Thinking about a career in fire service? Recruitment for the Ames Fire Department is now open, and Deputy Chief Karen Tapper returns to Ames in Focus to break down what it really takes to join the team. From the application process to the recruit academy, this episode walks through every step with clarity and encouragement.

Whether you're ready to apply or just curious about the path, this is the perfect place to start.

🧯 Episode Highlights:

Recruitment Now Open: Applications accepted from February 1 through March 2.
Who They're Looking For: Minimum qualifications, helpful certifications, and personal qualities like resilience and teamwork.
Testing Process: Written exam, physical ability test, interviews, and background checks.
Physical Test Details: What to expect and how to get ready.
Recruit Academy: Insight into the training that prepares new firefighters for the field.
Supportive Culture: Mentorship and guidance for every new recruit.
Encouragement from the Top: Karen shares advice for anyone unsure about taking the leap.
Next Steps: Where to apply and how to learn more.

🔗 Resources:

✅ Learn more at CityOfAmes.org/FireFighter
✅ Ready to apply? Visit CityOfAmes.org/Jobs

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