Bob Andeweg

The meeting featured a presentation from Amy Saylor of BRAVO of Greater Des Moines regarding their role as the region's arts counsel and the reinvestment of hotel/motel tax revenue into arts, culture, recreation, and tourism, noting a substantial annual investment from Urbandale. Updates were provided on Art Day planning, including new date and logistics considerations, and progress on the BRAVO grant application for local artist commissioning, which is due shortly. Furthermore, updates covered the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the Barrett Boesen Park commissioned art, with submissions reviewed in February and installation slated for Spring '27, and planning for 'Art Along the Trail' at Lakeview Park for April. Committee planning for 2026 focused on prioritizing new projects such as Artist in Residence and Rock Painting, alongside defining sub-committees for initiatives like Art Day, the Artist in Residence program, various events (July 4th, Party in the Park), and a Public Piano.

The primary action taken during the meeting was the approval of the Heavy Equipment Operator Revised Recruitment Plan. The agenda for the meeting was also formally approved.

The agenda for the Joint 28E Board Meeting included convening the meeting, a roll call, approval of the agenda, and the Administrator Report. A key item for discussion was Resolution 2026-01, concerning the approval of an amendment to the Reinvestment District Contract Number 22-RD-002 with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The meeting was conducted electronically via Microsoft Teams.

The Commission's agenda included the election of officers for 2026, resulting in Joshua Heggen being elected Chairperson and Aaron Smith as Vice-Chairperson. A significant discussion focused on the "Waterford Way Townhomes Plat 2" Final Plat, covering details regarding parcel size, unit count (73), street dedication (147th Street), setbacks, and required developer contributions such as fees for sanitary sewer and parkland dedication. Staff recommended approval subject to numerous conditions concerning plat documents, fees, addressing, and technical sheet revisions. The Commission subsequently approved the final plat subject to staff recommendations. Additionally, staff reported proposed changes to mobile food unit regulations, specifically clarifying that temporary use permits expire on December 31 and formalizing the requirement for property owner consent for mobile food unit placement.

The agenda for the meeting included the roll call, discussion and public hearing for the "Hilton Property" Rezoning Case No. 010-2026-02.01, which seeks to change the zoning from "A-1" Agricultural Reserve District to "PUD" Planned Unit Development District to permit a mixed-use development at 184th Street and Meredith Drive. Additionally, staff reports were scheduled, including a discussion of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and items brought forward by Commissioners.