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The Des Moines Public Works Department is gearing up for a heavy snowfall expected to begin overnight on February 15, 2023, which may complicate Thursday morning commutes. Residents are urged to avoid driving and ensure vehicles are removed from designated snow routes to facilitate efficient snow removal operations.
The City of Des Moines has launched the "Improving Our Neighborhoods" (ION) initiative, providing financial assistance to homeowners for essential exterior repairs. With a budget of $3.5 million, the program aims to revitalize neighborhoods and prevent properties from becoming nuisances. Targeting approximately 4,000 homes, ION supports low-income residents with grants and forgivable funding to enhance community livability.
Des Moines Public Library has secured $1 million in federal funding to enhance early literacy programs, significantly impacting community outreach efforts. This funding, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, will expand initiatives aimed at fostering reading skills among children and support outreach to more families and educational institutions.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced potential prescribed burns across various parks from November 2022 to May 2023, emphasizing the ecological benefits of controlled fires for native plant and animal communities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through social media notifications and text alerts regarding burn locations, ensuring public safety during this process.
Des Moines Public Works is proactively preparing for potential snowfall by equipping over 100 pieces of snow removal equipment ahead of forecasts indicating a chance of snow early next week. Deputy Public Works Director Adam Smith emphasizes the importance of early preparation to ensure timely snow clearing across the city's 2,200 lane miles. The collaborative effort involves more than 200 equipment operators from various city departments.
The Des Moines Public Works Forestry Division is inviting residents to participate in the 2022 Fall Tree Photo Contest, accepting entries until October 31st. The contest encourages community engagement with the city's urban forest and offers winners the chance to influence future street tree plantings. This initiative highlights Des Moines' commitment to environmental appreciation and community involvement.
The Des Moines Fire Department is urging families to develop and practice home fire escape plans during Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 10-13, 2022. The campaign emphasizes fire safety education for all community members, including events at local libraries, and the recognition of elementary school students through a poster contest. Fire Marshal Jonathan Lund highlights the importance of preparedness in ensuring safety during emergencies.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has been honored with the 2022 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, marking a significant achievement as the first Iowa agency to receive this recognition since its inception in 1965. This award underscores the department's commitment to quality service and community engagement, as highlighted by Director Benjamin R. Page.
The Des Moines City Council is set to consider purchasing the former Nationwide building at 1200 Locust Street for $30 million to consolidate government operations and enhance services. This acquisition aims to improve efficiency, address overcrowded facilities, and foster economic development along the Des Moines River, marking a significant shift in city operations.
The City of Des Moines will initiate community-wide adult mosquito control treatments starting on August 25, 2022, in response to the detection of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes. Conducted by Clarke, the city's mosquito management provider, the treatment aims to reduce mosquito populations and protect public health. Residents are encouraged to take additional precautions against mosquito bites.