Des Moines City Manager’s Weekly Report for week ending July 26, 2024
Marina Steps Update
Steady progress continues on the Marina Steps Project as City staff has reviewed and provided comments to our Project Team on 90% design plans. We recently were informed the Project was awarded a storm-water grant that will cover expenses related to implementing bio-retention swales. As a result of the public forum that was held earlier this year and the feedback received, the final design will now include a spray park, play area, the undergrounding of overhead utilities, a pedestrian crossing, and additional geotechnical support. Our target remains to have complete bid documents and permits secured by the end of the year.
Field House Play Equipment Update
From the beginning, this project has been fraught with challenges but we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Initial construction was delayed earlier this year by the harsh winter weather and heavy rains, and then more recently by a berm slide design issue. After deliberations with the contractor, designer, and playground equipment supplier, we have found a design alternative, and the plan revision has been approved for construction. Construction will resume shortly and the project is anticipated to be completed by mid-September.
Public Safety Levy Lid Lift – August 6
The City Council has placed Proposition #1 on the August 6 ballot to provide dedicated funding for public safety purposes and to avoid a reduction in services. More information on this ballot measure can be found here.
New Crime Statistics Webpage
Our Des Moines Police Department has created a new crime statistics webpage where interested parties can find relevant crime data and information on law enforcement in the City. This information was prepared in an effort to enhance community awareness, promote safety, and encourage proactive measures to address and prevent crime. Residents are encouraged to review this comprehensive analysis to stay updated on crime trends and safety information in our City. Visit the crime statistics page here.
Community Block Party – July 30
The Des Moines Police Department and the City of Des Moines invite you to join us in a FREE COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY on Tuesday, July 30th from 5-8 pm at Steven J. Underwood Park – (21800 20th Ave. South). This party will be kicking off National Night Out and the theme is “Giving Crime a Going Away Party!” Come join us as we build safer communities through prevention, education, and partnerships.
SunStar Dog Training and Farmers Market Dog Daze
Did you know that our long-time, now-retired Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson provides dog training – both individual and group classes, at our Des Moines Field House? These courses are wildly popular, and they always fill up with a waitlist. Register early so you don’t miss out! Registration is currently open for the September 4 session, then registration will begin for the October 16 course. Check out SunStar All-Breed Dog Training here for more information.
Jan will also be at Dog Daze, at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug 3, highlighting all things dogs! She’ll provide free dog training advice and have dog treats to share. There will be costume contests, a doggy photo booth, dog vendors, and more.
Summer Concerts in Full Swing!
Summer concerts in the Beach Park continue next week, Wednesday, July 31st from 7-9 pm (full schedule below). Come on down to see Correo Aereo, for some soulfully melodic and richly polyrhythmic pan-Latin music.
Meetings of Interest
In addition to day-to-day administrative duties, this week we began our department budget meetings for the upcoming 2025-26 biennial budget process. I met with the Finance Director, Assistant City Manager, and City Clerk to review the City Clerk’s Office proposed budget. I met with our Legislative Policy Advocate to begin to draft the Council’s 2025 legislative priorities. I met with Mayor Buxton to discuss upcoming City issues. I met with Mayor Buxton and Deputy Mayor Steinmetz to prepare for this week’s City Council meeting. I attended the July meeting of the SCORE jail Administrative Board where I serve as the City’s representative. I met with Councilmember Harris to discuss items of interest to him. I hosted a roundtable meeting of the City’s Department Directors to discuss ongoing and upcoming issues. Finally, I attended the City Council Committee meetings and the Council meeting on Thursday evening.
City Council Meeting Summary
The Council met on July 25th for a Regular Council meeting, the agenda and materials can be found here. Highlights from the meeting included a presentation from the Finance Director on the Public Safety Levy Lid Lift (Proposition 1) as well as an update on the City Manager recruitment process.
The Municipal Facilities Committee and the Economic Development Committee also met. The agenda and materials can be found in the links.
The City Council will meet for a Study Session next week on Thursday, August 1. The agenda and materials can be found here.
The Finance Committee will also meet on Thursday. The agenda and materials can be found in the link.
Sports Update
After getting swept at home by the Angels, I was gearing up yesterday to write about how the wheels have fallen off, the car is on fire, we are tumbling down a mountainside and the seatbelts don’t work. And then the news broke late last night that the Mariners traded for Randy Arozarena. Yes, that Randy Arozarena. And now I’ve got the fever again! The M’s head into Chicago this weekend to take on the worst team in baseball with our new superstar joining the team on Saturday. We are only one game back of the Astros with about 55 left to play and hope is alive! But yes, let’s circle back next week. The Olympics officially kick off this week in Paris which means a heavy dosage of primetime swimming for the next two weeks. The Sounders take on Minnesota tonight and only 15 more days until the first Seahawks preseason game. Enjoy the sunshine!
Have a great weekend!
– Tim George
Interim City Manager
