City Manager Report - February 13, 2026

CITY MANAGER REPORT

February 13, 2026

City Offices Closed in Observance of President's Day

City Offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of President's Day. Emergency Services will remain open.

Fourth of July Drone Show Funding Reallocated to Broader Community Programming

The City Council has decided to cancel the Fourth of July drone show at the Des Moines Marina and redirect those funds to support other community events.

This decision was based in part on feedback received through the recent Community Enrichment Services (CES) survey, which indicated a desire for more community-wide events throughout the year, as well as consideration of the overall expenditure associated with producing the drone show. Council has directed staff to explore the possibility of hosting a scaled-down Fourth of July event without the drone component, while continuing to provide a meaningful community celebration.

The high cost of the drone contract has limited the City’s ability to fund more than one large-scale event annually.

The Fourth of July event cost over $123,000 in 2025. It was almost completely funded by the lodging tax, collected on overnight stays in Des Moines. Lodging tax revenue is dedicated to community events, promotion and tourism.

The lodging tax is scheduled to decrease by 20 percent in 2026. This will reduce the funding available for this year’s drone show. The difference would be an added cost to the City’s general fund, which pays for all City staff and services.

The Council determined that holding more smaller events is a higher priority than a single signature event.

Staff will develop a proposal for using lodging tax dollars to fund multiple community events in 2026, possibly including a Fourth of July celebration.

If you are interested in hearing the Council discussion on this, please visit the February 5 Committee of the Whole meeting video, link below.

Link to Community Enrichment Services Survey Power Point Presentation

February 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Video

February 12 City Council Meeting Recap

It was a busy night last night with a full agenda! Some highlights from last night…

Proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month.

Informational presentation on the City’s Automated License Plate Reader system by Police Chief Boe. The City’s use of the system is fully compliant with State law. In response to community demand for greater transparency and accountability, the City has committed to launching a transparency portal on our City website to provide greater public visibility into how our department uses the technology. Additionally, we are closely watching Senate Bill 6002, which the State legislature is currently considering and would create stricter parameters for the timing and use of the cameras. If you are interested in learning more about our system, I encourage you to watch Chief Boe’s presentation from last night.

Planning Commission appointments: The City Council received fifteen qualified applicants for the Planning Commission. At last night’s meeting, the Council selected seven candidates for the Commission. Council will meet with the selected applicants and make a final vote on March 12.

February 12, 2026 City Council Meeting Video

Marina Steps Construction

Construction on the Marina Steps project is officially underway. Over the next several days, the work area will be fenced off as crews prepare the site, and patrons will notice a temporary reduction in available parking near the north lot. During construction, access to the Marina Office will shift to the south parking lot entrance rather than the traditional north lot approach. We appreciate the community’s patience as these improvements move forward and will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Notice of Road Closure

The 16th Avenue South Force Main Project, led by the Midway Sewer District, is currently underway to complete critical sewer infrastructure upgrades along 16th Ave S between Kent–Des Moines Road and South 252nd Street. As part of this work, South 240th Street will be closed to through traffic on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The closure will extend from 16th Ave S west approximately 300 feet (near the Des Moines Elementary driveway), with signed detour routes in place. Two-way north/south traffic will be maintained via flagging at the 240th Street/16th Ave intersection; however, no east or west access will be permitted during closure hours. Residents are encouraged to follow posted signage. For additional project information, please contact Midway Sewer District at 206-824-4960.

SudSafe Car Wash Kits Available

As the weather begins to warm up and residents start thinking about washing their cars, the City has SudSafe Car Wash Kits available to help protect our local waterways. Storm drains carry rainwater directly to nearby streams and lakes without treatment, meaning pollutants such as soap, oil, and heavy metals from car washing can flow straight into the water and harm aquatic life. The SudSafe Car Wash Kit captures wash water and redirects it to a grassy area or the sanitary sewer, preventing contaminants from entering the storm system. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in protecting the health and water quality of our local lakes and streams. For more information, please contact Casey Zaputil at 206-742-8109 or by email, link below!

Email Casey Zaputil Today!

Contact the Marina Office

The Des Moines Marina was built on a former tidal flat and officially opened in 1970 after years of community planning and advocacy. To create the marina, engineers filled in part of the shoreline and constructed breakwaters to protect moorage. Today, it’s not only a hub for boating and events—it's one of the few city-owned marinas on Puget Sound and plays a key role in Des Moines’ identity as “The Waterland City.

Thank you, as always, to our wonderful and hardworking staff. This Staff Kudos section will serve as a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our City of Des Moines employees, volunteers, Councilmembers, and more.

Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!

Apply Here Today!

Job Opportunities

Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:

Community Engagement Officer (Community Services Officer)
Paralegal/Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
Volunteer Opportunities with Community Enrichment Services

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!

Your City - Your News

Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, and more - stay informed about what's happening in your community!

Subscribe Here!

Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management

Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!

City Council Meeting Preview

The following items were discussed at last night’s meeting:

February 12, 2026

City Council Regular Meeting

Black History Month Proclamation
Presentation from Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
Update from Citizens Advisory Board on Strategic Plan Public Engagement
Density Bonus for Religious Properties Ordinance, 1^st Reading
Planning Commission Appointments
Establishment of a Salary Commission

The next Council meeting will be a Council Workshop, February 26 & 27 at the Beach Park Dining Hall

Link to February 12, 2026 City Council Packet

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Youth Soccer League Registration Opens

January 2-March 1

City Offices Closed in Observance of President’s Day

February 16

Club KHAOS Break Camp

Field House

February 16

Spa Crafts Workshop

Activity Center

February 20

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

February 25

Monthly Dessert Social

Activity Center

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 26

City Council Strategic Planning Workshop

Beach Park Dining Hall

February 27

Out to Lunch Trips: Black Diamond Bakery & Museum

March 5

City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session

City Hall

March 5

Airport Committee Meeting

City Hall

March 9

Day Trip: Ben Franklin Crafts & Ooba Tooba Mexican - Redmond

March 10

Day Trip: Pike Place Market and Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub - Seattle

March 12

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 12

Family Bingo Night - Luck o' the Irish

Activity Center

March 13

Day Trip: Thrifting Around Bremerton

March 17

Out to Lunch Trips: Island Lodge - Lake Tapps Golf Course

March 20

Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino

March 25

Citizens Advisory Board Meeting

City Hall

March 25

Out to Lunch Trips: Farm 12 - Puyallup

March 26

City Council Meeting

City Hall

March 26

Spring Recycling Event

Des Moines Marina – South Parking Lot

March 28

Day Trip: Flower World/Maltby Cafe

March 31

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Email Us Today!

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 14

Brazilian Carnaval - Mardi Gras!

The Roadhouse

February 14

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 15

Woodmont Library Garden Club: Start Your Starts

Woodmont Library

February 15

Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Dedication

Des Moines Flag Triangle

February 16

Destination Roadhouse "Jazz Jam Night"

The Roadhouse

February 17

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 17

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 17

Bingo Jam at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 17

Block Print a Zine

Des Moines Library

February 18

Des Moines Evening Book Group

Des Moines Library

February 18

Cribbage Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 18

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 19

Handwriting Lab: Society of Scribes

Woodmont Library

February 19

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 20

Open Mic

Des Moines Library

February 20

Live Music at the Quarterdeck - Soulcem Acoustic Duo

Quarterdeck

February 20

Jason Spins 80s Night

Waterland Arcade

February 2

Destination Roadhouse "Music Around the World" Kwetu Band

The Roadhouse

February 21

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 21

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 21

Community of Creators

Woodmont Library

February 21

Comedy Day at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

February 22

English Language Learners (ELL) Classes

Des Moines Library

February 23

Tuesday Night Karaoke w/KJ Lo & Lil T

Waterland Arcade

February 24

Trivia Night at the Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck

February 24

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation

Woodmont Library

February 24

Des Moines Writing Group

Des Moines Library

February 24

Blues Jam at Creole Soul

Creole Soul

February 26

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

February 27

After School Hangout

Woodmont Library

February 27

Creation Station

Des Moines Library

February 27

Waterland Sockhop: For Crying Out Loud

Waterland Arcade

February 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

February 28

Watercolor: Create a Wax Resist Painting

Des Moines Library

February 28

Discovery Day

MaST Center

February 28

Destination Roadhouse "Music Around the World" Lion of Judah Band

The Roadhouse

February 28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 1

Travessias Brazilian Film Festival

The Roadhouse

March 1

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 6

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 7

Destination Roadhouse "Music Around the World" House of Tarab

The Roadhouse

March 7

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 8

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 13

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 14

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 15

Des Moines Historical Society Lecture

Odd Fellows Hall

March 18

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 20

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 21

Uncle Ernie

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant

March 21

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 22

Marina Mamas Walking Group

Des Moines Marina

March 27

Des Moines Creek Park Run

Beach Park

March 28

Waterland Yoga

Des Moines Theater

March 29