City Manager Report - July 31, 2025

CITY MANAGER REPORT

July 31, 2025

Masonic Home Environmental Impact Statement Released

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Zenith Property is final and posted on the City website.

The City ordered the EIS over three years ago in response to the property owner’s application to demolish the structures on the grounds, also known as the Masonic Home or Landmark on the Sound. The process included several rounds of public input.

The report presents discouraging conclusions for those of us who hoped the main building could be saved, citing the deterioration of the structure and the high cost of restoration. However, it prescribes mitigation measures that could preserve some elements and provide public access to the grounds.

City staff will present the EIS findings and implications to the City Council at its regular meeting, August 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. This is an informational presentation only.

The City Council does not vote on the EIS or the demolition permit. As with other permits, such as building permits, City staff takes action on applications, based on City policy and regulations set by the Council.

It is anticipated a decision on the Zenith demolition permit will be made on August 8, 2025 and the outcome of that decision will be shared publicly on August 8. Per State law, the City is required to wait at least seven days between the release of an EIS report and the decision on a pending permit.

The window to appeal the EIS and the City action begins on the permit decision date and closes 10 days later. More information on the appeal process can be found in Des Moines Municipal Code 16.05.320 (Agency SEPA Appeal).

I recognize the historic and cultural value the Masonic Home has in our community. The City is forced into a difficult position. As I consider next steps, I commit to you that I will keep the sustainability of our City and the best interests of residents at the top of my mind.

More details and links to the final EIS report are available on the City’s website. www.desmoineswa.gov/ZenithEIS

A community meeting where residents can ask questions is scheduled for August 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Beach Park auditorium.

National Night Out - Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars! National Night Out is coming soon—scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th. This yearly community event encourages police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make our neighborhoods safer and more welcoming places to live. It's a fantastic chance to meet your neighbors, enjoy family-friendly activities, and connect with local police, fire, and city staff in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Join us in celebrating community strength! Register your event by reaching out to CSO Tonya Seaberry at 206-870-7619 or tseaberry@desmoineswa.gov.

City Council Meeting Recap

There is no meeting this week. The following items are on the August 7, 2025 agenda

Zenith Properties Final Environmental Impact Statement
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan
Barnes Creek Trail Bid Award

The next Council meeting will be August 7, 2025

Click here to review packet

Click here for a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items

Camp KHAOS

June 23-August 29

Field House

National Night Out

August 5

Summer Concert Series - Queen Mother

August 6

Beach Park

City Council Regular Meeting

August 7

City Hall

Summer Concert Series - Nite Wave

August 13

Beach Park

City Staff Neighborhood Pop Up

August 18

Midway Park

Summer Concert Series - Pilot Seat

August 20

Beach Park

Zenith/Masonic Home Community Meeting

August 21

Beach Park Auditorium

Senior BBQ

August 21

Beach Park

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

September 4

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

September 11

City Hall

Citizens Advisory Board

September 24

Des Moines City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

September 25

City Hall

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

October 2

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall

Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

December 4

City Hall

Holiday Boat Lights

December 6

Des Moines Marina

Citizens Advisory Board

December 10

Des Moines City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

December 11

City Hall

Polar Bear Express Movie

December 13

Beach Park

Have an upcoming event you want to share? Email us today!

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 31

Marina Mercantile

Intro to Hawaiian Dance

August 1

Des Moines Library

Marina Mamas Walking Group

August 1

Quarterdeck

Wastemobile

August 1

Midway Elementary School

Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk

Camp Craft Away: A Day Camp for Craft Loving Adults

August 1-August 3

Beach Park Event Center

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 2

Redondo Beach

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 2

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

August 2

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 2

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

August 2

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR 3

August 3

Redondo Beach

Eric Ode: A Children's Book Celebration in Song

August 7

Des Moines Library

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 7

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

August 8

Quarterdeck

Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

August 8

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 9

Redondo Beach

Dino O'Dell Presents Color Our World

August 9

Des Moines Library

Yoga

August 9

Soundview Park

Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 9

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

August 9

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 9

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

August 9

Cambodian Culture Event

August 9

Saltwater State Park

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR 3

August 10

Redondo Beach

Improv Workshops with Jessica Avellone

August 12

Woodmont Library

DIY Printmaking: Lego Letter Press

August 13

Woodmont Library

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 14

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

August 15

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 16

Redondo Beach

Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 16

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

August 16

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 16

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

August 16

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

August 17

Redondo Beach

Woodmont Library Garden Club

August 17

Woodmont Library

King County Public Health Program Assistance

August 20

Des Moines Library

Garden Hotline Presents: Worm Composting 101

August 20

Woodmont Library

Tea & Tarot

August 20

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 21

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

August 22

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 23

Des Moines Beach

Brews & Blues

August 23

Beach Park

Yoga

August 23

Soundview Park

Des Moines Farmer's Market

August 23

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

August 23

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 23

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

August 23

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

August 23

Redondo Beach

Movie Night for Tweens and Teens

August 26

Woodmont Library

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 28

Marine Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

August 29

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 29

Redondo Beach

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

August 30

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

August 30

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

August 30

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

August 30

Marine Mammal Stewards Program

August 31

Redondo Beach