The Des Moines City Council held their regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
A range of topics were discussed, including upcoming community events, budget updates, and infrastructure projects.
One highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a Trunk or Treat event at Steven J Underwood Park. This festive occasion will provide a safe and fun environment for children to collect candy and enjoy Halloween activities.
Additionally, the council discussed the proposed reinstatement of the Airport Committee and the upcoming budget town hall meeting.
Trunk Or Treat At Steven J. Underwood Park
During Public Comments, it was shared that Parks & Rec will be hosting the second annual Trunk or Treat event on Monday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This safe and contained trick or treating venue will feature candy, snacks, and festive activities for children. There will be a fire truck on site for kids to check out, as well as many organizations hosting plots to trick or treat at. Anyone can sign up to host a plot, and more information is available here.
City Budget Town Hall
Assistant City Manager AJ Johnson-Newton shared that there will be a City Budget Town Hall at the Beach Park Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The public is invited to come hear a presentation and give feedback. Deputy Mayor Harry Steinmetz suggested that people check out the city’s newly updated finance web page prior to the meeting.
Johnson-Newton also mentioned that the council will have a 4-hour budget retreat. This retreat will take place during the Nov. 14 City Council Study Session, when the public can be present or view online.
Federal Way Link Light Rail Update
Council heard a presentation on the light rail expansion that will add 7.8 miles and include three new stations. The stations in progress are Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. There was a significant delay in construction at one of the stations, but they say they are now 96% complete. Despite delays, they expect to be done with all three stations and have the light rail extension running by spring of 2026, in time for the World Cup.
Airport Committee Could Be Reinstated
Several council members expressed a strong desire to reinstate the Airport Committee; however Councilmember JC Harris said he strenuously opposed this idea. He explained that this kind of committee was already shown to be impractical; it suffered from a lack of member continuity over the years, and doesn’t actually help with achieving the stated goals of the committee. This will be discussed at a future meeting.
Public Safety Budget
Councilmember Matt Mahoney shared his opinion on the need to pass the levy lid lift on the coming ballot. He said costs for the city have gone up by 20%, while revenue has barely increased by 4%. This leaves the city struggling. He said anyone voting no on the levy lid lift, which would bring in additional revenue from property taxes to a special public safety fund, is essentially a vote to defund the police.
Deputy Mayor Steinmetz shared that at a recent meeting of deputy mayors, the universal subject of discussion was widespread budget shortfalls. He said that many cities are already starting to lay off staff.
Other News & Upcoming Events
Mayor Traci Buxton shared that Cecil Powell Park has reopened, complete with fresh landscaping, a new play structure, safety surfacing, and accessible paths.
Chief Ted Boe will be visiting Redondo on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., for anyone who would like to come and meet the new police chief. Everyone is welcome to come to the Meet & Greet to address concerns and offer feedback.
The Lighthouse 5K to support domestic violence awareness is happening on October 19th at 9am, in partnership with Des Moines Creek Parkrun. Registration for the Lighthouse 5k is available here.
