Stay informed about government news and updates in Des Moines, IA.
Des Moines public safety officials remind residents about local fireworks regulations ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, emphasizing that consumer fireworks are prohibited within city limits. The city will observe the Independence Day holiday on July 3, 2020, with no delays in waste collection services. Residents are also informed about the closure of city administration buildings due to COVID-19 precautions.
The City of Des Moines has amended its emergency proclamation to allow social, community, recreational, and sporting events on public property, provided they meet additional safety requirements. This decision marks a significant step towards normal operations as COVID-19 cases decline, with organizers required to obtain permits and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has been named a finalist for the 2020 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, recognizing their commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. The awards, sponsored by Musco Lighting, honor cities demonstrating exceptional management of parks and recreation services. The results will be announced during the NRPA Conference, held virtually in October 2020.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has achieved a notable rise to 34th place in the 2020 ParkScore rankings, outperforming major cities like Los Angeles and Austin. This advancement is attributed to strategic projects and strong community support, highlighting the department's commitment to enhancing urban green spaces and recreational facilities.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and regional partners have launched a Small Business Recovery Grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will be available for businesses with up to 30 employees, prioritizing those that have not yet received federal or state assistance, emphasizing a collaborative approach to community recovery.
Des Moines was awarded Gold recognition for its new website by the Horizon Interactive Awards, a prestigious international competition. The redesign, launched in April 2019 in collaboration with Revize Software Systems, focuses on user-friendly navigation and accessibility for over 650,000 users in its first year. This award highlights the city's commitment to enhancing online services for its residents.
Mayor Frank Cownie and the Des Moines City Council support the decision to close Des Moines Public Schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to distance learning is seen as a necessary measure to protect lives and flatten the curve, with strong encouragement for residents to adhere to health guidelines.
The City Council of Des Moines, Iowa, is set to hold a public hearing via teleconference regarding the proposed property tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2021 on April 8, 2020. Residents are encouraged to participate by voicing their support or concerns, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. The proposed tax rate remains unchanged from the previous year at $16.64 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
The Des Moines City Council will hold a meeting on March 23, 2020, with only select officials present due to COVID-19 safety protocols, allowing for remote participation by council members and the public. Key public hearings have been postponed to the next meeting scheduled for April 20, addressing significant local developments such as zoning changes and support for homeless services. This meeting underscores the city's commitment to public safety during the pandemic while ensuring community engagement through electronic access.
The City of Des Moines has announced the closure of several key municipal buildings, including City Hall and the Wastewater Reclamation Authority, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision, aimed at safeguarding public health, will remain in effect until at least April 12, 2020, with the possibility of extension. Residents are encouraged to access city services online or via phone during this period.