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The Des Moines Fire Department's Water Emergency Team (WET) conducted winter water rescue training on thin ice at MacRae Park, emphasizing the importance of ice safety as winter approaches. Captain Mike Morgan highlighted the dangers of unpredictable ice thickness and urged the public to heed safety advice from the Iowa DNR to prevent accidents. The training aims to prepare the team for emergency rescues, ensuring they are ready to respond when needed.
A forensic investigation into potential financial misconduct at the Des Moines Public Library revealed unauthorized purchases totaling $28,440.83 attributed to the late Library Office Manager, Bekki Kirkland. Following the discovery of suspicious transactions, the library is implementing enhanced financial oversight measures to prevent future issues.
Des Moines has extended safety measures in response to the ongoing COVID-19 spread during the winter holiday season, limiting outdoor gatherings to 30 people and prohibiting youth and adult sports on City property. Mayor Frank Cownie emphasized the importance of community compliance with health measures and the hope for a return to normalcy with the arrival of a vaccine. The city's administration buildings will remain closed to the public until at least February 1, 2021.
The City of Des Moines has allocated an additional $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds aimed at providing urgent housing assistance to residents affected by the pandemic. This funding will support mortgage and rental assistance, as well as aid for those experiencing homelessness, demonstrating a proactive response to community needs. Neighborhood Services Director Chris Johansen emphasized the immediate impact, with hundreds of appointments scheduled within hours of the announcement.
The City of Des Moines estimates a $25 million revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by City Manager Scott Sanders. The city is actively working on budget adjustments to address both immediate and long-term financial concerns while prioritizing the health and safety of its residents.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced potential locations for prescribed burns throughout December 2020, aimed at maintaining the health of local ecosystems. These controlled burns will help manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks while enhancing the natural beauty of the parks. Residents are advised to stay clear of burn areas during these operations for safety.
The City of Des Moines is delivering 649 hot Thanksgiving meals to elderly residents in apartment complexes, responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19. This initiative, in partnership with Hy-Vee, aims to ensure that vulnerable populations can enjoy a festive meal while remaining safe at home. The program reflects the city's commitment to supporting its elderly community during the holiday season.
A technical glitch with the Zoom network led to the early cancellation of a City Council work session in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 23, 2020. Mayor Cownie expressed apologies for the disruption and emphasized the city's commitment to transparency as they work to reschedule the meeting. The scheduled 4:30 p.m. Council meeting will proceed as planned.
Des Moines residents can now register their pets online for the first time, enhancing convenience and efficiency in processing over 20,000 pet licenses annually. This initiative, launched by the City Clerk's Office, aims to expedite the reconnecting of lost animals with their owners and improve dispute management in dog parks.
The City of Des Moines is launching a multi-year project to enhance downtown street parking through advanced technology, including multi-space pay stations and a pay-by-phone mobile app. This initiative aims to improve the parking experience by offering more payment options and consolidating parking efforts under the new brand "Park DowntownDSM." The upgrade is expected to boost parking revenue and optimize enforcement while providing valuable data insights.