Stay informed about government news and updates in Des Moines, IA.
The Des Moines Park and Recreation Department will begin removing cemetery decorations on March 1, 2024, urging families to clear any items they wish to keep by February 29. This annual cleanup is crucial for maintaining the cemeteries, and materials left behind will be discarded. For further details, families can contact the Des Moines Municipal Cemetery Customer Service.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation reports record-breaking participation and volunteer contributions in 2023, highlighting increased engagement in community activities and swim lessons. The department prepares for a promising Spring/Summer 2024 with new activities and seasonal employment opportunities, showcasing its commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life.
Mayor Connie Boesen's February 2024 update highlights significant community initiatives in Des Moines, including the celebration of Black History Month, the launch of the Tiny Tree Program, and joining the Mayors for Parks Coalition. These efforts underscore the city's commitment to diversity, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The Des Moines Emergency Communications Center is hiring 7-9 public safety telecommunicators following a record-setting year of over 492,800 calls in 2023. The increase in emergency calls, up by over 24,500 from the previous year, highlights the critical role of dispatchers in public safety. Applications for these essential positions are open until February 15, 2024.
The City of Des Moines has launched a new online platform powered by enCodePlus to modernize planning and zoning processes, enhancing accessibility for small business owners and residents. This initiative aligns with Mayor Boesen's priorities to streamline the licensing and zoning procedures, making essential information more readily available.
Des Moines Public Works is preparing for the first significant winter storm of the season, with heavy snowfall expected to impact travel in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about snow removal operations and comply with parking restrictions to aid snowplow efficiency. The Public Works Department is providing resources for tracking plowing progress and snow removal assistance for those in need.
Des Moines public buildings will close on December 25 and 26, 2023, to observe the Christmas holiday, reopening on December 27. Garbage and recycling collection services will be delayed by one day, with specific guidelines provided for holiday waste disposal. Residents are encouraged to follow clean-up tips for items like Christmas trees and wrapping paper to ensure proper recycling and waste management.
Des Moines City Council plans to honor Mayor Frank Cownie by naming the new city administration building after him, recognizing his two decades of leadership. The former Nationwide building will undergo renovations to enhance city services and collaboration among various departments, with completion expected in 2026. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to transforming downtown Des Moines and improving public service efficiency.
The Des Moines Public Library will eliminate late fines for most materials starting January 16, 2024, a move aimed at increasing accessibility for low-income families. This policy, approved on December 19, 2023, will also retroactively remove past fines, allowing blocked patrons to renew their library cards. The initiative reflects the library's ongoing efforts to reduce barriers and enhance community engagement.
The City of Des Moines has received a comprehensive assessment and 46 recommendations for its police department from the independent firm 21st Century Policing Solutions. This report, initiated in November 2022, evaluates DMPD's policies and practices to enhance community interactions and public safety. City Manager Scott Sanders emphasized the report as a roadmap for improvement, demonstrating a commitment to high standards of public safety.