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CITY MANAGER REPORT
December 12, 2025
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Animal Control Officer Services Returns in 2026
Under a contract between the City and Burien CARES, a dedicated animal control position will be back in service in Des Moines next year. Last night the City Council voted to reinstate the position, starting April 1, 2026.
The Des Moines animal control officer will provide:
- A regular shift of 40 hours per week, with 24/7 emergency response.
- A back-up officer for emergencies when the regular officer is off duty.
- Sheltering of animals for emergency and public safety issues.
Due to shelter space limitations, Burien CARES cannot accept animals dropped off by the public.
Burien CARES is expanding its facility in 2026. Once the expansion is complete, the City will review the possibility of offering public drop-off and shelter services. In the meantime, residents will be encouraged to call the animal control officer for assistance with stray animals.
Animal control services were reduced in the 2025 budget process, when the City was forced to make significant cuts to many City services. Reinstating the animal control position has been a top priority.
The reinstated animal control position is funded by a 0.1% sales tax, which amounts to one-tenth of a penny on purchases, and fees paid for pet licenses.
Why the delay on starting the contract? The City needs a few months to ensure the sales tax collection mechanism has been approved and is collecting the revenue for this service, and time for Burien CARES to gear up for supporting our community again.
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Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac File Joint Petition on FAA Decision
The Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac have jointly filed a Petition for Review with the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in response to the FAA’s recent approval of the Port of Seattle’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects. The cities believe the FAA’s Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact did not fully address concerns previously raised about environmental and community impacts.
To ensure a coordinated approach, the three cities entered into an interlocal agreement and secured legal representation to address both federal and state environmental review processes. While recognizing the airport’s economic importance, the cities emphasize the need to protect community health and environmental quality. This partnership strengthens ongoing efforts to advocate for residents and pursue collaborative, equitable solutions.
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Thank you, Mayor Buxton and Councilmember Mahoney!
Last night the Council recognized Mayor Traci Buxton and Councilmember Matt Mahoney’s service to the Des Moines City Council. Both have served since 2018 and made numerous meaningful contributions to our community.
We wish them they very best in what comes next for them!
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Charting Our Course Town Hall
Despite cold and rainy weather, we were pleased to have approximately 80 residents join us for the Charting Our Course Strategic Plan Town Hall this past Tuesday. We truly appreciated all the thoughtful ideas, and engagement from our community. Your participation makes a real difference, and we’re grateful for your time and commitment to Des Moines.
If you couldn’t attend—or still have more to share—there’s still time to take the community survey! We’ve received more than 900 responses so far. The survey closes this Friday—as in TODAY, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
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Celebrating Community Success:
Thousands of Marine Animals Rescued During Pier Clear Events
This year, Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium and the City of Des Moines partnered on a remarkable effort to protect the marine life living beneath the three aging piers scheduled for removal at the Des Moines Marina. Across three Pier Clear Events—held August 7, October 4, and December 7, 2025—more than 40 SCUBA divers and 30 surface-support volunteers came together to rescue and relocate over 3,000 animals, including sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs, chitons, crabs, and more. Divers worked carefully underwater to lift animals from the old pilings, sharing afterward that “helping thousands of animals survive the pier replacement made every minute underwater worth it.” On the docks, volunteers organized rescue buckets, recorded species, and engaged with interested community members.
This partnership not only protected marine life but also strengthened community stewardship and pride, creating a lasting legacy as the marina’s redevelopment continues.
The MaST Center Aquarium offers ongoing volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting this work.
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Please Join Us!
The City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Des Moines Steps on Tuesday, December 16 at noon. This project will create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly connection from Marine View Drive down to the Marina, improving access, safety, and walkability in the heart of our waterfront. Community members are invited to join us as we celebrate the start of this exciting new addition to our city.
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Burning Boat -New Year’s Eve!
The Des Moines/Normandy Park Rotary Club and the City of Des Moines are bringing back the Burning Boat Festival on December 31 from 6–9 p.m. at the Des Moines Marina.
This community event raises funds for Community Enrichment Scholarships, helping ensure all kids have access to play, learn, and grow. The evening will feature fire pits, s’mores, hot cocoa, kids’ activities, food trucks, beer and wine, a DJ, and the signature Burning Boat ceremony where participants can place wishes or intentions inside.
Tickets are limited—$25 for adults and $10 for youth. Scholarship donations are being matched up to $5,000 by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation. Purchase your tickets at the link below.
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Des Moines Marina and Redondo Parking Passes – Renewals begin December 15
Frequent User Parking Passes for the Des Moines Marina and Redondo Beach will be available for renewal beginning December 15. Community members are encouraged to call or visit the Marina Office to renew their passes and be ready for a great year of waterfront access and activity in 2026.
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Family Bingo Night – Holiday Edition
Join us for a festive evening of bingo, prizes, and holiday fun—perfect for kicking off winter break with friends and family! Concessions will be available, and space is limited, so be sure to register early. All ages are welcome.
The event takes place Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 pm at the Des Moines Activity Center (2045 S 216th Street). Cost is $5 per person; ages 3 and under are free.
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Upcoming Classes and Programs Offered through our Community Enrichment Services Department
Day Trips:
- Fantasy Lights Drive Thru – December 16
- Meeker Mansion Holiday Tour – December 19
- Bellevue Garden d’Lights – December 30
Socializing and Game Play:
- American Mahjong – Experienced - Wednesdays
- Scrabble, Chess and Cribbage - Thursdays
- Mexican Train Dominoes - Fridays
- Rummikub – Wednesdays
- Hand and Foot Card Game – Mondays
- Adult Coloring and Painting Club – Tuesdays
For program detail and a complete listing of classes and programs please visit our Community Enrichment Services Department, see link below.
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City Council Wraps Up 2025!
The City Council held their last meeting for the year last night. The next Council meeting, which will include the swearing in of newly elected Councilmembers, is January 8, 2026.
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Before becoming a city, Des Moines was a thriving logging community. Early settlers harvested timber from the surrounding forests, and local sawmills provided jobs and helped the town grow. Logging shaped the city’s economy and identity well into the early 20th century.
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Marina Dock Replacement Project
Watch the progress unfold in real time through our live video feed or catch up anytime with our time-lapse footage showing the docks being removed and the new ones being floated in. Stay connected and see this exciting transformation of our waterfront as it happens!
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Job Opportunities
Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:
- Police Officer
- Senior Mechanic
- Youth Basketball Referee
- Youth Basketball Scorekeeper
Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!
- Browse current Job Openings
- Click on a job title to learn more
- Apply!
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City Council Meeting Recap
The following items were presented to Council at last night’s meeting.
City Council Regular Meeting:
- Recognition of Outgoing Councilmembers
- Creating Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, Second Reading
- 2026 Vehicle Purchase
- 2026-2027 On-Call Consultant Agreements for Civil Engineering Services
- Planning Commission Ordinance, Second Reading
- Marina Steps Innovative Stormwater Bioretention Testing, On-Call General Engineering Services Task Assignment with PSOMAS
- Animal Control Contract
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16th Avenue Pipe Project Consultant On-Call Agreement Task Assignment for Engineering Services
- 2025/2026 Biennial Budget Amendments
- Wesley Homes Master Plan Amendment
- Grant Acceptance and Economic Development Partnership Agreement with Port of Seattle
- Economic Development Support Services – Professional Services Agreement with Eernissee Consulting
The next City Council meeting will be January 8, 2026
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Strategic Plan Survey Open
November 8 - December 12
Breakfast with Santa
December 13
Activity Center
Marina Steps Ground Breaking
December 16
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas
December 24 & 25
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
City Offices Closed in Observance of New Year's Day
January 1
2026 Events Calendar Coming Soon!
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
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Discovery Day
December 13
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 13
Des Moines Beach Park
Redondo Holiday Bonfire
December 13
Redondo
Script to Screen: Writing for the Movies
December 15
Woodmont Library
Community of Creators
December 16
Woodmont Library
King County Public Health Program Assistance
December 17
Des Moines Library
Weekly Wine Tastings
December 18
Marina Mercantile
Cozy Read Aloud for Tweens and Teens
December 19
Woodmont Library
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 19
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 20
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 20
Des Moines Beach Park
Marina Mamas Walking Group
December 26
Quarterdeck
Discovery Day
December 27
MaST Center
Des Moines Creek Park Run
December 27
Des Moines Beach Park
Burning Boat Event
December 31
Des Moines Marina
Polar Bear Plunge
January 1
Beach Park Beach
2026 Events Calendar Coming Soon!
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