City of Ames, IA

After a national recruitment, the Ames Public Library Board of Trustees has named Iowa native Sheila Schofer as the new director of the Ames Public Library. Schofer, who has worked for the Brooklyn, N.Y., library system for more than 20 years, will begin her tenure in Ames on May 31.

The project to adjust all Downtown parking meter rates to 50 cents per hour has been completed.

The Public Works Department will begin its annual fire hydrant flushing program on Wednesday, March 27. The first area of hydrant flushing will take place in the central part of the city. To watch the progress in real time, go to www.cityofames.org/hydrants to view the hydrant flushing map.

The public is welcome to attend a reception for retiring Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in the Community Center Gym, 515 Clark Ave. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a program at 3 p.m.

The City of Ames Inspection Division has launched a new permitting portal, Citizen Self Service (CSS), through the City’s website that provides easy access and 24-hour convenience for customers.

With the addition of a new Animal Control Veterinary Technician, the City of Ames Animal Shelter has been able to add new services to improve shelter animal care. These services include microchipping, additional testing, and vaccinations for adoptable pets.

CyRide, the Ames community-wide transit system, completed a major service overhaul in 2018 after receiving extensive user input. C