The council held a work session to initiate discussions regarding the Fiscal Year 2028 and 2029 budget. The discussion focused on addressing a projected budget gap of 12 to 17 million dollars necessitated by recent legislation regarding property tax relief. The meeting introduced a preliminary list of potential budget savings options, including service cuts and revenue increases. The city manager outlined a plan for public engagement through upcoming meetings and an online exercise that allows community members to explore and balance the budget based on provided saving options. The process aims for transparency, with the council planning to achieve consensus on a package of budget adjustments to resolve the financial shortfall.
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The City Council meeting included the approval of various alcoholic beverage license and cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vapor permit applications. Public improvement actions were taken regarding storm sewer and paving for the Des Moines Prep School. Property transactions, including land acquisition and right-of-way dedication, were authorized. Personnel matters included a resignation from the Library Board of Trustees and a new appointment. Several zoning and subdivision requests were processed, including setting future public hearing dates. The Council approved several property claim settlements, authorized travel for the Mayor, and reviewed various urban renewal and development agreements. Additionally, the Council approved purchases of playground and aquatic equipment, authorized telephone service fee funding, and passed several ordinances related to park vacations, land use, and municipal traffic regulations.
May 18, 2026·Board meeting
Des Moines City Council City Council Meeting
The council meeting addressed a wide range of administrative and operational items, including the approval of numerous liquor licenses and cigarette/tobacco permits. Public improvement projects were discussed, specifically storm sewer and paving improvements for the Des Moines Prep School. Property-related transactions included the acquisition of land on Euclid Avenue and the dedication of street right-of-ways. Additionally, the council managed appointments to the Library Board, reviewed preliminary plat requests, and set public hearing dates for lease agreements and rezoning applications. Legal matters, such as claim settlements, were addressed alongside city manager communications, including travel requests. Further agenda items covered urban renewal agreements, environmental covenants, and equipment purchases for the Parks and Recreation Department. The council also considered traffic regulation changes and ordinance vacations.
May 4, 2026·Board meeting
Des Moines City Council City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting included several proclamations recognizing Small Business Week, Drinking Water Week, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Bike Month, including a special recognition for a donation of bicycle racks to city parks. The Council also addressed various administrative and infrastructure items, such as the vacation of a portion of Base Park, the conveyance of easements for neighborhood sidewalk projects and parking facilities, and the rezoning of property for a new athletic field. Additionally, the Council approved contracts for sewer repairs, street rehabilitation, and traffic signal replacements.
