Steve Johnson

The board meeting agenda includes a roll call and the approval of the meeting agenda. A key discussion topic involves the authorization for the City of Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency to submit a Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Des Moines Police Department's five-year strategic plan aims to strengthen its foundation through focused priorities and a unified culture, serving as a model of professionalism and community partnership. The plan aligns with the 21st Century Policing Framework and sets forth six strategic goals: building community partnerships and trust, ensuring exceptional patrol and emergency response, fostering a high-performance and healthy culture, preventing crime and reducing victimization, strengthening investigations and resolution, and enhancing technology, data systems, and accountability. The vision is to deliver outstanding service through integrity, commitment, and community, operating in a safe, welcoming environment.

The council reviewed updates from the water works utility regarding current source water conditions, including elevated nitrate levels and the ongoing operation of the nitrate removal facility. The discussion included the management of water sources such as the Fleur Drive Plant and the Maffitt Reservoir, as well as the use of aquifer storage and recovery wells. Additionally, the council reviewed a newly updated water use plan designed to manage peak demand and improve water conservation communication with the public.

The Commission discussed several development proposals, including a site plan and design alternative for an addition on North Waterberry Road, rezoning requests for properties on Mory Street and Hickman Road to accommodate residential and parking lot use, and a group living shelter request on Park Avenue. Additionally, a detailed presentation was made regarding a rezoning request for Kingman Boulevard to allow for the construction of three row home buildings totaling 20 residential dwelling units. The Commission reviewed neighborhood feedback and zoning conditions associated with these projects.

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.