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Historic Preservation Commission approves 2025 work plan with added review of Chapter 31
Summary
The Ames Historic Preservation Commission amended and approved its 2025 work plan to include continued review of Chapter 31 of the municipal code alongside a new energy-related item, and forwarded the draft to city council for consideration.
The Ames Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve its 2025 work plan as amended and will forward the draft to the Ames City Council for review and approval.
The commission’s decision centers on adding a second, separate bullet in the work plan to “continue review of Chapter 31” of the municipal code in addition to a new item focused on allowing non-original but visually compatible materials that are more energy efficient. Commissioner Kate proposed restoring language from the 2024 plan to preserve a broader review of Chapter 31, not limited solely to energy-efficiency changes.
The change grew out of the Commission’s Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report review. Staff noted the report’s numbering had changed from the previous year but that the substance remained similar; the work plan is the primary item the Commission will send to council. The proposed 2025 item on energy efficiency was retained while a separate bullet was added to ensure Commission authority to review other aspects of Chapter 31 beyond energy improvements.
Commission members discussed the scope of historic resources the Commission should consider, with one commissioner noting that historic resources in Ames include more than buildings and suggesting the Commission consider recognition and education around non-structural resources tied to local history. Commissioners agreed that recognizing non-building resources could fit under the Commission’s education and awards goals and could be pursued subject to available staff time.
Ray (staff member) confirmed the amended work plan language would be included in the draft forwarded to City Council. A motion to approve the 2025 work plan as amended carried; the Commission will send the approved draft to Council for its review and possible adoption.
The Commission also noted procedural items for the CLG annual report, including questions about certificates of appropriateness, public education programs and a summary of challenges and successes from the prior calendar year. Staff said answers to those CLG questions were included in the meeting packet and that the report’s renumbering reflected changes to this year’s state form.
The Commission will include the amended Chapter 31 language in the packet it forwards to City Council and expects to pursue the Chapter 31 review as part of the 2025 work plan.
