2026/27 STORMWATER DETENTION/RETENTION MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (AIRPORT DAMS)
The James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport contains three large stormwater basins that are classified as dams. This project is for a dam breach analysis study of these three high hazard dams. The results of the study will inform staff if the airport dams are able to have the hazard classification lowered or removed under current and modified conditions while still maintaining proper flood protection. If the classification of the dams is modified by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it would allow greater flexibility for maintenance or future capital improvements.
Staff initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for professional services for a drainage study of the airport dams. Proposals for this work were received from seven engineering firms on October 1, 2026. The proposals were evaluated on their qualifications according to the following criteria: Project Understanding, Project Approach, Design Team/Key Personnel, and Previous Experience. The evaluation scores are as follows:
| Firm | Qualifications and Fee Score | Rank | Fee |
| Houston | 96.3 | 1 | $119,800 |
| MSA | 92.7 | 2 | $144,933 |
| Snyder | 92.5 | 3 | $146,500 |
| Nilles | 87.2 | 4 | $ 99,457 |
| HDR | 85 | 5 | $149,500 |
| Bolton & Menk | 82.8 | 6 | $124,713 |
| Foth | 80 | 7 | $ 82,000 |
Houston Engineering was the highest scoring firm highest based on qualifications. Staff believes Houston's proposal provides the best value for the services requested in the RFP.
Funding is available for this study in the Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program in the adopted FY 2026/27 Capital Improvements Plan. This program is financed from the Stormwater Utility Fund, with revenues and projected expenses for the project as shown below:
| Funding Source | Revenues | Expenses |
| Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program | $300,000 | |
| Ada Hayden Wetland Maintenance (separate location) | $ 150,000 | |
| Ames Municipal Airport Drainage Study (this Council Action) | 119,800 | |
| Administration | 30,200 | |
| TOTAL | $300,000 | $300,000 |
- Approve the professional services agreement with Houston Engineering for the 2026/27 Stormwater Detention/Retention Maintenance Program (Airport Dams) in an amount not to exceed $119,800.
- Direct staff to negotiate an engineering agreement with another consulting firm.
Based on staff's evaluation using the above criteria, Houston Engineering will provide the best value to the City for professional services for the 2026/27 Stormwater Detention/Retention Program (Airport Dams). Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No.1, as described above.