City Manager Weekly Report
May 9, 2025
City Council Meeting Recap
The following Council Meeting was held on May 8, 2025:
City Council Regular Meeting:
• National Police Week Proclamation
• Port of Seattle Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable (StART) Committee Update
• Update on Administrative Services
• Addendum 2 with Moffatt Nichol Engineering for L, M & N Docks Replacement Project
• 2025 Des Moines Farmers Market Agreement
• Middle Housing Discussion
• Appointive Committee Structure Discussion
For more information, or to review packet information, click here.
For a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items, click here.
One of the items the Council discussed was restructuring a few of the current citizen committees, including the Citizen Advisory Committee, Human Services Committee, Arts Commission, and Senior Services Committee. Moving forward the CAC will be expanded to include additional at-large seats, and this group’s scope will expand to include the work done by the Arts Commission, Senior Services and Human Services Committee. Stay tuned for more information on this…we’d love to see increased citizen interest in serving on this board.
…and speaking of boards, there is still time to apply for the Airport Committee! Applications close end of day Tuesday, May 13. Interested? Find out more here.
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Capital Projects- Update Coming Soon!
I’ve seen on social media questions and comments looking for updates on several major capital projects including the Memorial Triangle, Redondo Pier and Marina Steps. At the May 22 City Council meeting, staff will provide an update on funding, project status and timeline. We will share that update following the meeting—but you’re always welcome to tune in or come in person to the meeting as well.
New Logo!
The City Council recently approved a new official logo for the City of Des Moines. This updated design will be used across all City branding, including social media, publications, and public communications. The new logo reflects our community’s identity and vision for the future, and marks a step forward in unifying the City’s image across all platforms. We’ll be rolling it out soon!
Additionally, I’ve seen some questions about the cost of this—especially given the City’s budget constraints. We have spent approximately $3,000 on the development of the logo. We’ll be switching out the logo on printed materials, signage, uniforms as those items come naturally up for replacement.
Senior Discounts for Garbage, Cable and Surface Water Management:
Did you know?
The City of Des Moines offers garbage, cable and surface water management assistance to qualifying low-income individuals who are either seniors or disabled. To be eligible, applicants must either be over the age of 65 with an income below the specified threshold, or be disabled and meet the same income criteria. The City defines a disabled person as someone who meets one of several specific medical conditions, including the loss of both limbs or hands, severe mobility limitations requiring a wheelchair or crutches, significant lung disease, or advanced cardiovascular disease classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association. Apply here today!
Field House Access & Organizational Transition
Effective Monday, May 5, the Field House will no longer be available for walk-in public access. The building will remain open for scheduled programs and activities only. Community members who need in-person support such as program registration or facility rental inquiries should visit the Activity Center at 2045 S 216th St during regular business hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. This change is part of our broader effort to consolidate Parks, Recreation, Senior Services, Events, and Facility Rentals into a single, more unified department.
As part of this transition, you will begin to see the new department name: Community Enrichment Services (CES). The CES team brings together services that have historically operated in parallel, allowing us to better coordinate and deliver meaningful programs and enrichment opportunities for the community. While Public Safety keeps us safe and Public Works supports our infrastructure, CES is about connection and creating opportunities for people to engage and build community. We chose this name because it better reflects what this team actually does. CES creates the spaces, programs, and events that bring people
Contact Information: 206-878-1642 or 206-870-6527
Staff Kudos
"On May 1, 2025, the Des Moines Police Department responded to a complex shooting scene. Evidence Specialist Ben Mollenhour, new to the role, was called in to collect and process evidence—his first time performing a particular detailed task in the field. Officer Colton Reyes, who was also on scene, noticed Ben could use some guidance and stepped in to offer support. Ben later shared his appreciation through the chain of command, recognizing Officer Reyes’ help as instrumental in building his confidence and skills.
Although Officer Reyes has been with the department for less than a year and doesn’t yet hold a formal leadership title, he showed strong leadership in the moment. He saw a chance to mentor a colleague and took it, helping to build both capability and camaraderie on the team. His initiative and support are being formally recognized with a commendation in his employee record and performance evaluation."
Chief Theodore Boe
Submit Your Staff Kudos!
Thank you, as always, to our wonderful and hardworking staff. This Staff Kudos section will serve as a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our City of Des Moines employees, volunteers, Council Members, and more.
Would you like to share staff kudos with me? Please email me at [email protected].
Traffic Calming
The City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is designed to address community concerns related to traffic safety within residential areas. Key focus areas include reducing accidents, discouraging non-local traffic, managing spillover parking, and minimizing vehicle speeds.
The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Standard Operating Procedure outlines how residents and community groups can engage in identifying issues and participating in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of solutions.
To request traffic calming measures, residents may complete a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Request form or visit the Report a Concern page on the city’s website.
SudSafe Car Wash Kit’s Available
Storm drains carry rainwater directly to nearby streams and lakes without any treatment, which means pollutants like soap, oil, and heavy metals from car washing can harm aquatic life. The SudSafe Car Wash Kit helps prevent this by capturing wash water and redirecting it to a grassy area or the sanitary sewer. Using the kit is a simple way to help protect the health and water quality of our local lakes and streams. Questions? Contact Casey Zaputil @ 206-742-8109!
Katherine’s Fun Stuff
With spring weather arriving, our family has been spending more time outside. My son loves a good s’more…so this is a great alternative for when it is a bit warmer. These don’t look pretty…but they taste delicious!
Frozen S’Mores:
6 graham crackers
Marshmallows (I think the larger ones are easier)
3 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1. Pre-heat your broiler, and adjust your oven rack so it’s near the top. Get out a small sized baking sheet that will fit in your freezer and line it with parchment paper.
2. Place 3 graham crackers on top of the parchment paper and top each graham cracker with a marshmallow-- and make sure you cover the whole graham cracker.
3. Place baking sheet under the broiler. Broil marshmallows until they brown up—only takes a minute or two…so don’t walk away! Pull out the browned marshmallows.
4. Immediately put the other 3 graham crackers on top of the browned marshmallows, and push down so the marshmallows adhere to the cracker.
5. Melt the chocolate chips—and then pour a bit of the melted chocolate on top of each graham cracker. Take a spatula and spread it out to form a thin layer.
6. Stick the tray with the crackers into the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Upcoming Events
For more detailed information on the events listed, as well as additional events, please visit the City's calendar on the website by clicking here.
MAY
May 10 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 10 Sip and Shop
May 10 Mrs. Roper Romp
May 10 South Sound Opening Day Boating Celebration
May 10 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 11 Live Music @ the Quarterdeck
May 12 Porto Vino Ribbon Cutting
May 13 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 17 Spring Pop Up Yoga @ the Des Moines Theater
May 17 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 17 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park – Sponsored by Lighthouse Northwest
May 20 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
May 21 Paintnite @ Tuscany
May 22 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
May 23 Sound Healing, Guided Meditation, Restorative Yoga
May 24 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 24 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 26 Memorial Triangle Ribbon Cutting
May 27 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 31 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
May 31 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 31 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
JUNE
June 5 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
June 7 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 7 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
June 7 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
June 7 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
June 10-12 Stormefest
June 10 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
June 12 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
June 14 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 14 Music in the Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 14 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
June 14 2025 Sneaker Ball @ Des Moines Yacht Club
June 14 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
June 14 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
June 15 Live Music @ the Quarterdeck
June 17 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
June 18 Paintnight @ Tuscany
June 21 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 21 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
June 21 MIBBB (Men In Black Birthday Bash) 2025 @ Quarterdeck
June 21 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
June 21 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
June 21 Waterland Pride Celebration @ Backstage Alley
June 24 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
June 26 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
June 28 Sewing Workshops @ Highline College
June 28 Des Moines Farmer’s Market @ Des Moines Marina
June 28 Discovery Day @ MaST Center
June 28 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
June 28 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
Have an upcoming event you want to share? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll get it on our calendar!
Click here for the City Manager Report in PDF Format