Ames to consider resolution awarding solar contract for new aquatic center and plaza
June 19, 2026 | Ames City, Story County, Iowa
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A resolution on the June 23 Ames City Council agenda would award a contract to install solar panels on two new facilities, Mayor John Haila said on the City of Ames podcast preview.
The solar arrays would be added to the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (the natatorium) and a smaller plaza building at Shanker Plaza. Haila said council intentionally left solar out of base construction bids because the final available funds at project completion were unknown; now that money remains, the city is moving to invest it in solar to supplement electricity for the two buildings.
Haila said proposals were received and the resolution would award a contract to a company that installs solar panels. The podcast did not name the contractor or provide contract dollar amounts, timetable for installation, or motion/vote details.
Why it matters: adding solar panels uses leftover capital dollars to increase the city’s renewable-energy footprint on recently completed facilities, potentially reducing operating costs and the facilities’ power draw.
What’s next: the resolution is on the June 23 agenda; the podcast preview did not report whether the council will pull the item from consent for discussion or the expected vote tally.
(Reporter: Bill Gebhardt; source: John Haila, Mayor.)
The solar arrays would be added to the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (the natatorium) and a smaller plaza building at Shanker Plaza. Haila said council intentionally left solar out of base construction bids because the final available funds at project completion were unknown; now that money remains, the city is moving to invest it in solar to supplement electricity for the two buildings.
Haila said proposals were received and the resolution would award a contract to a company that installs solar panels. The podcast did not name the contractor or provide contract dollar amounts, timetable for installation, or motion/vote details.
Why it matters: adding solar panels uses leftover capital dollars to increase the city’s renewable-energy footprint on recently completed facilities, potentially reducing operating costs and the facilities’ power draw.
What’s next: the resolution is on the June 23 agenda; the podcast preview did not report whether the council will pull the item from consent for discussion or the expected vote tally.
(Reporter: Bill Gebhardt; source: John Haila, Mayor.)
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