City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, May 12 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several topics related to growth, planning, and community services. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions may impact residents across Ames.

We discuss:

• The newly appointed Ex-Officio representative from Iowa State University and the role this position plays in connecting the university and the community
• Development and traffic planning considerations along Stange Road in the Somerset area
• Requests and discussion surrounding a proposed four story apartment complex between Downtown and Old Town
• Plans for a new facility for Ames Animal Services and what it means for the future of animal care in the community

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
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected]

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 City Forester Gabriele Edwards to talk about one of the simplest ways residents can make a lasting impact: planting trees.

Spring is prime time for tree planting, but success starts long before the shovel hits the ground. Gabriele walks listeners through how to choose the right tree, pick the best location, and avoid common mistakes that can affect long term growth. From proper planting techniques to early care and maintenance, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone ready to put down roots.

Beyond aesthetics, trees play a vital role in the health of the community, providing shade, improving air quality, managing stormwater, and contributing to long term sustainability. As discussed in the episode, planting a tree is not just about today, it is an investment in the future.

Episode Highlights

Why spring is one of the best times to plant trees

What to consider before choosing a tree including location, space, sunlight, and utilities

How to select the right species for your yard and community

Step by step basics of proper tree planting

Early care tips including watering, mulching, and monitoring

Common tree planting mistakes and how to avoid them

The long term environmental and economic benefits of trees

Planting a tree is a small action with long term impact. Whether you are adding one to your yard or joining a community event, you are helping Ames grow today and for generations to come.

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 meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, minus the need to bring a chair.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The introduction of a new Ex-Officio role and what it means for Council collaboration
• Planning considerations for Stange Road in the Somerset area
• Updates and discussions related to the Ames Animal Shelter
• Upcoming Planning and Housing items shaping future development in 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.

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.

Burnout is more than a rough week or needing an extra cup of coffee to get through the day. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield take a closer look at what burnout really is, what causes it, and how to recognize it before it takes a bigger toll.

The bottom line: burnout is not a personal failure. It is often a response to prolonged stress, and there are ways to prevent it and recover from it.

Episode Highlights

What Is Burnout?
A breakdown of burnout as a recognized occupational phenomenon, including key components like exhaustion, detachment, and reduced sense of accomplishment.

Common Causes of Burnout
From heavy workloads and lack of control to unclear expectations and work life imbalance, the hosts walk through some of the most common contributors in the workplace.

Who Is Most Affected?
Burnout can impact anyone, but it is often more common in fields like healthcare, education, social work, and first response. The episode also highlights how neurodivergent individuals may experience additional challenges in certain environments.

The Biology Behind Burnout
Burnout is not just emotional. Kacie and Bailey explore how chronic stress affects the body, including hormone imbalance, nervous system disruption, and impacts on sleep and overall health.

Warning Signs to Watch For
Learn how to recognize burnout early, including chronic fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, physical symptoms, and withdrawal from others.

How Employers Can Help
A look at the role workplaces play in preventing burnout through consistency, clear communication, flexibility, and building trust with employees.

Practical Ways to Prevent Burnout
Simple, realistic strategies like setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, practicing mindfulness, getting quality sleep, staying active, and asking for help when needed.

What Research Says About Burnout
The hosts discuss findings that show workplace and organizational changes can reduce burnout, especially when addressing working conditions rather than focusing only on individuals.

Resources

Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) Free 5 minute screening tool

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to [email protected]

What makes a great park and how do you plan one that serves a growing community for decades to come?

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Keith Abraham, Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, to talk about the vision behind Ontario Community Park, a new park planned for the north side of Ames. From long-range planning and community input to balancing big ideas with practical realities, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how future recreation spaces take shape.

Whether you are a frequent park visitor or simply curious about how Ames continues to grow, this episode highlights the role parks play in building a vibrant, connected community.

Episode Highlights

Why Ames continues to invest in new parks as the community grows

What defines a community park compared to a neighborhood park

The vision and proposed location for Ontario Community Park

How resident feedback helps shape park design and amenities

Balancing community ideas with budget, maintenance, and long-term sustainability

Where the project currently stands and what timeline to expect

How parks contribute to quality of life and future development in Ames

Keith’s personal excitement about the project

Key Takeaways

Parks are planned with a long-term perspective, often years in advance of construction

Community parks serve a broader audience and typically include larger, more diverse amenities

Public engagement is a critical part of shaping spaces that reflect community needs

Thoughtful planning helps ensure parks remain sustainable, accessible, and impactful over time

Ontario Community Park represents an investment in the future growth and livability of Ames

Learn More
To stay updated on Ontario Community Park and other projects, visit the City of Ames website for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.

Thanks for listening to Ames in Focus. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow and share it with others who care about the future of our community.