CITY MANAGER REPORT

June 27, 2025

City Finances: Where Your Tax Dollars Go

As your City Manager, I know how important financial health and transparency are to our community. Residents want to know that their tax dollars are being spent responsibly and in ways that support the services and infrastructure we all rely on. That’s why we’ve put together a clear and easy-to-understand financial report that outlines where our funding comes from and how it’s being used. At last night’s Council meeting, we presented City Council with the first quarter report for Fiscal Year 2025. It includes information on what taxes we receive, how we spend those tax dollars, and overall financial health. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review it and learn more about how your local government manages public resources.

Review Last Night's Presentation Here!

Want to Hear the Full Presentation? - Click here to watch the video from last night's meeting!

Police Promotion Ceremony

I am pleased to report that at last night’s Council meeting we promoted two internal police officers to Sergeant.

Sergeant Courtney Duncan has served our community since 2015, taking on roles in patrol, field training, drone operations, and peer support. As an ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) instructor, she plays a key role in fostering a culture of accountability and support within the department. Her promotion is a well-earned recognition of her dedication to service and professional growth. We were honored to celebrate this milestone with her and her family.

Sergeant Nate Chevallier has been a valued member of the department since 2008. His leadership has been evident through his work in patrol, recruitment, field training, and as a School Resource Officer. He currently leads the Defensive Tactics/Less Lethal program and serves as President of the Police Guild. His promotion reflects his ongoing commitment to excellence and support for his fellow officers. We were thrilled to have his family join us in recognizing this achievement.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeants Duncan and Chevallier on their well-deserved promotions!

City Offices Closed in Observance of 4th of July

City Offices will be closed Friday, July 4^th if observance of Independence Day. Emergency Services and Marina fuel dock will remain open.

REMINDER: Fireworks are Illegal in Des Moines

As you prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, please remember that fireworks are prohibited in the City of Des Moines under DMMC 9.42. This includes the sale, possession, and discharge of all fireworks—yes, even the small ones.

Fireworks pose serious fire and safety risks, create distress for pets and neighbors, and can lead to fines or criminal charges.

Let’s keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone this holiday. Leave the show to the professionals and join us for the Drone Show at the Marina on July 4th at 10:20pm!

Thank you for doing your part to protect our city.

4th of July Drone Show

Join us at the Des Moines Marina for an unforgettable 4th of July Drone Show celebration! This year’s event will take place entirely in the North Marina Lot, with Beach Park closed to the public for safety and to accommodate the drone launch area. The Promontory will remain open. Enjoy a festive evening with food trucks, BBQ, and beverages starting at 5:00pm, followed by live music at 6:00pm—all leading up to a spectacular drone light show over the water at 10:20pm. Parking will be free on July 4. Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs, and celebrate Independence Day with us at the Marina!

The Field House Park Slide is Open - Ribbon Cutting Time!

The playground project is complete and it’s time to celebrate! Join us on Monday, June 30^th, at 2:00pm, as we cut the ribbon to officially announce its long-awaited opening!

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently announced that the

City of Des Moines received GFOA's

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2025-2026 Budget.

According to the GFOA, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. It represents a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City of Des Moines had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation which assess how well the budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

Neighborhood Pop Up Alert!

Join City staff for a casual evening at Cecil Powell Park. This is your chance to chat with City staff about what's on your mind—big or small—and enjoy a refreshing Otter Pop while you're at it!

Can’t make it? We have one more pop-up coming your way: August 18 – Midway Park, 5:00-6:30PM

Come say hello, ask questions, and enjoy a sweet treat—we’d love to see you there!

Paid Parking Returns to Redondo

The parking gates are in—and the free trial period is coming to an end. Beginning July 7, 2025, paid parking will go into effect at the Redondo Lot.

Rates:

$2.50 for the first 2 hours
$1.50 for each additional hour
$12.00 for truck and trailer combos

Annual Parking Passes will be available starting July 7th:

Already have a Marina & Beach Park pass? Add Redondo for just $10 more
Redondo-only pass: $40 for residents, $100 for non-residents

MaST Center hosts “Shark in the Park” July 6 at Redondo Beach

Calling all shark enthusiasts! Do you have a soft spot for sharp teeth and fish gills? Maybe you want to support Highline’s Marine Science and Technology center (MaST)? Either way, join the MaST Center on Sunday, July 6, from 11-4, at Redondo Beach to celebrate the Sixgill Shark.

Visit our Website

City Council Meeting Recap

The following items were on the June 26, 2025 Agenda:

City Council Regular Meeting:

Police Sergeant Promotion Ceremony
2024 4^th Quarter Financial Report
2025 1^st Quarter Financial Report
Annual Generator Maintenance Agreement
Updating Public Works Contracting Policies
State Parks Grant Agreement for Funding of Annual Operating and Maintenance of the New Pump-Out Equipment
Commute Trip Reduction
Citizens Advisory Board Appointments
Transportation Improvement Plan (2026-2045) Public Hearing
Update on the City Strategic Planning and Facilitation Services

The next Council meeting with be July 10, 2025.

Click here to watch the meeting video or for more information

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

Did You Know??

In the early 1900s, Des Moines was known as a vacation getaway, and some Seattle visitors would arrive by steamboat for a day at the beach! The famous "Mosquito Fleet" of small steamships once made regular stops here, dropping off sunseekers who came for saltwater swims and clambakes.

Stay tuned for more fun facts next week!

Job Opportunities

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

Civil Engineer I - Plan Reviewer, Surface Water Management
Mobile Recreation Attendant
Seasonal Maintenance Workers
Facility Attendants

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
Need help? Call Human Resources at 206-878-4595 or email HR@DesMoinesWA.Gov

Apply today here!

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, Council Members, and more.

Staff Kudos

“Kathrine, we got a compliment on our first post “Meet our Staff” using Constant Contact! I want to acknowledge Alex Reyes (Communications and Community Programs Analyst)…she did a great job!

Below is the email I received:”

Adrienne Johnson-Newton, Assistant City Manager.

“This looks great!

Nice work!”

Ashley

If you want to share a staff kudos with me, email me today!

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Camp KHAOS

June 23-August 29

Field House

Fourth of July Drone Show

July 4

Des Moines Marina

City Staff Neighborhood Pop Up

July 7

Cecil Powell Park

City Council Regular Meeting

July 10

City Hall

Summer Concert Series - Watkins Glen

July 16

Beach Park

Summer Concert Series - Laborer and Universal Roots

July 23

Beach Park

City Council Regular Meeting

July 24

City Hall

Unlock the Power of AI

July 26

Normandy Park City Hall

Summer Concert Series - Joey Jewell and Chris Anderson

July 30

Beach Park

Citizens Advisory Board

July 30

Des Moines City Hall

National Night Out

August 5

TBD

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

Senior BBQ

August 21

Beach Park

City Council Council 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 Council 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 Council of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall

City Council Council 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!

Yoga

June 28

Soundview Park

Sewing Workshops

June 28

Highline College

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

June 28

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

June 28

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

June 28

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

June 28

Group Fine Arts Exhibit

June 28

George C. Scott Studio

Pups & Cups

June 29

Marina Mercantile

Tea & Silent Reading

July 2

Marina Mercantile

Watercolor Paint & Sip

July 2

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 3

Marina Mercantile

Live Music

July 3

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 4

Des Moines Beach

Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

July 4

Redondo Boardwalk

Live Music

July 4

Quarterdeck

Live Music

July 5

Quarterdeck

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

July 5

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

July 5

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 5

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

July 5

Shark in the Park

July 6

Redondo Waterfront & Wooton Park

Tea & Silent Reading

July 9

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 10

Marina Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 11

Des Moines Beach

Live Music

July 11

Quarterdeck

Live Music

July 12

Quarterdeck

Yoga

July 12

Soundview Park

Uncle Ernie

July 12

Arturos Mexican Restaurant

Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 12

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

July 12

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 12

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

July 12

Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

July 12

Quarterdeck

Car Show

July 13

Des Moines Marina

Uncle Ernie

July 13

Des Moines Marina

Tea & Silent Reading

July 16

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 17

Marina Mercantile

Live Music

July 17

Quarterdeck

Children's Festival

July 18

Field House

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 18

Des Moines Beach

Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 19

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

July 19

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 19

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

July 19

Waterland Parade

July 19

Pancake Canvas

July 19

LiUNA Local 242

Live Music

July 20

Quarterdeck

Tea & Silent Reading

July 23

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 24

Marina Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

July 25

Des Moines Beach

Live Music

July 25

Quarterdeck

Unlock the Power of AI

July 26

Normandy Park City Hall

Ugly Shoe Party

July 26

Waterland Arcade

Yoga

July 26

Soundview Park

Des Moines Farmer's Market

July 26

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

July 26

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

July 26

Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

July 26

Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

July 26

Quarterdeck

Live Music

July 27

Quarterdeck

Live Music

July 28

Quarterdeck

Live Music

July 29

Quarterdeck

Tea & Silent Reading

July 30

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

July 31

Marina Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 1

Des Moines Beach

Boardwalk Beats: Live Music

August 1

Redondo Boardwalk

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

Tea & Silent Reading

August 6

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 7

Marina Mercantile

Live and Local Sounds on the Sound

August 8

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 8

Des Moines Beach

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

Tea & Silent Reading

August 13

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 14

Marina Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 15

Des Moines 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

Tea & Silent Reading

August 20

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 21

Marina Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 22

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

Tea & Silent Reading

August 27

Marina Mercantile

Weekly Wine Tasting

August 28

Marine Mercantile

Marine Mammal Steward Program with SR3

August 29

Des Moines 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