City Manager’s Weekly Report for week ending Sept. 27, 2024
Resolution in Support of Proposition 1, Public Safety Levy Lid Lift
Last night the City Council approved a resolution in support of the Public Safety Levy Lid Lift on your November 5 ballot. During the Pandemic, the Council made the conscious decision to use federal relief funds (ARPA) to hire additional police officers in an attempt to bring department staffing closer to the state average. Federal funding is no longer available after 2024, so the Levy Lid Lift was proposed as a long term dedicated funding source to retain these officers as well as additional public safety positions. Our mental health crisis responder and crime analyst positions were also funded by ARPA and have been key in providing a compassionate response to individuals facing homelessness and in getting them prompt resources and off the streets and out of City parks. Without additional funding, in 2025 these added positions will no longer be funded and the City’s ability to adequately respond to those in crisis will be negatively impacted. More information about the Levy Lid Lift on the November 5 ballot can be found here.
Coffee with a Cop
Tomorrow – Saturday, September 28th, our police department will be having a coffee with a cop event at North Hill Espresso (20738 1stAve S). The event goes from 9–10:30 a.m. The next event is at Highline College Student Hub on Wednesday, October 2nd from 11-1230.
These are great opportunities to build and foster relationships and trust with our DMPD and community members. There will be no formal agenda for these gatherings and no formal speeches, just an opportunity to have small group and individual discussions on any topics that are important to you!
Great Washington ShakeOut – October 17
On October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m., our City will join millions of people across the state for the Great Washington ShakeOut, a state wide earthquake drill that offers a crucial opportunity to prepare for the unpredictable. Whether you’re at home, work, or school all residents of Des Moines can take part in this vital event. By participating, you can help ensure that you, your family, and your community are better prepared for the next major earthquake.
How to Participate: It’s easy to join the ShakeOut. Simply mark your calendar for **October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m., and set an alarm to remind you to drop what you’re doing and follow the steps:
- DROP to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked down.
- COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, or use your arms to protect yourself if shelter isn’t available.
- HOLD ON to the table or furniture, and be ready to move with it until the shaking stops.
The drill takes only a few minutes but could make all the difference during a real emergency.
Make It a Community Effort: Encourage your neighbors, family, and co-workers to participate as well. The more people who are prepared, the more resilient our entire community will be in the face of disaster
Let’s all make sure that when the ground starts shaking, we’re ready. Be sure to check out our local resources and emergency preparedness tips here.
Harvest Festival at the Farmers Market
Tomorrow, September 28, is the Harvest Festival and the last day of the Farmers Market for this year. Visit the cider press, get reacquainted with Gwendolyn the cow, take a picture at the Harvest Photo Booth, and see who wins our Market Bake-Off Apple Pie Challenge. There will be a Winter Market & Holiday Bazaar in November, but tomorrow marks the last day of the regular season market.
Animal Control Officer Updates
This week Chief Boe swore in 2 new CARES animal control officers, enabling them to issue tickets under their limited commission. Listening to community concerns, in recent weeks the PD has worked with CARES to institute new process improvements, including enhanced coordination between CARES animal control officers and DMPD’s code enforcement officer to assure compliance with City codes, particularly on investigations surrounding dangerous dogs/bites. The animal licensing side of this partnership is also being assessed and fine-tuned. CARES takes in over 200 animals per year from Des Moines and we are diligently working to ensure more efficiency in the future and also ensure pet owners are complying with our municipal codes.
City Council Summary
The City Council met on Thursday September 26th for a regular meeting, the agenda and materials can be found here. Highlights from the meeting included passage of a Resolution in favor of the Public Safety Lid Lift (details above) and the approval of the sale of Tract C in relation to the future Des Moines Creek Business Park-West project. The Municipal Facilities Committee and the Economic Development met as well, the agenda and materials can be found in the links.
Next week, the Council will hold a study session on Thursday October 3rd to discuss the 2025/26 budget. The agenda and materials can be found here.
The Finance Committee will meet on Thursday at 4 p.m. and the Public Safety/Emergency Management Committee will meet at 5 p.m. Agenda and materials can be found in the links.
Sports Update
The Huskies dominance of the Big-10 begins tonight as we play our first conference game against Rutgers under the lights at 5 p.m. on FOX. This will be a nice warmup before the Dawgs battle Michigan next week at Montlake in a National Championship rematch. The Seahawks have been soaring through the first three weeks of the season and return to the scene of the great Super Bowl robbery (SBXL) to face off against the Lions in primetime on Monday Night Football. The Mariners wrap up their 2024 regular season this weekend and head to Cabo on Monday for their ‘first week of October’ annual getaway. Apparently ownership books the dates before the season starts to get an early bird discount. Very wise! The Kraken continue their preseason with a game against the ‘Nucks tonight and the Sounders play Houston Saturday night at Lumen Field.
Have a great weekend!
– Tim George
Interim City Manager
