City Manager Report - September 12, 2025

CITY MANAGER REPORT

September 12, 2025

Zenith Community Meeting Follow Up

Following up on the August 21 community meeting about the Zenith LLC/Landmark project, we are sharing the following questions and answers based on attendee inquiries.

The date for the administrative hearing for this matter has been tentatively set for October 21. Additional details and the link to the Zoom hearing will be provided on the City’s website when it is available.

Plans for the Property:

Have you talked with the property owner about their plans with the property?
Why couldn’t the City issue only a partial permit to demo the interior, leave the façade intact, and force the property owner to build inside the shell?
Can you keep part of the home and repair it?
Was a market analysis prepared to determine the highest and best use of the property?

City staff has conferred briefly with the property owner about the need for public access and historical commemoration on the site, but the owner has not shared plans for the property.

Current law provides strong protections for private property rights. Under the law, the City has three options for responding to a permit application: 1) Deny the permit; 2) Approve the permit without conditions; or 3) Approve the permit with conditions to mitigate the impacts of the project. No building plans were submitted with this application, so it is outside the City’s legal authority at this point to establish any conditions on what may be built on the property. If and when the property owner submits an application for a building permit, the City will have the authority to review the plans, identify impacts, and require modifications or mitigation.

The Final EIS includes a market analysis that evaluates the costs of restoration and determined it was not financially feasible. You can read more in EIS appendix E.

City Authority/Control:

How much control does the city have over the design review process (exterior in particular)?

The City cannot compel a private property owner to create or share development plans until a building permit is submitted. However, once submitted, the permitting process allows for public input and City oversight to ensure compliance with City code and state environmental laws. The Des Moines Municipal Code includes design review criteria per DMMC 18.235, which can help guide the look of the development.

How do we ensure the plans proposed are carried out? How can we be sure we aren’t subjected to just an empty lot? What guarantee can you give that the property owner won’t go out of business after demo?

The City cannot compel a property owner to build on land they own and cannot guarantee a private entity will continue to be successful. However, the City is committed to working with the property owner to ensure that the property is maintained according to City code and that any development is an asset to the community.

Zoning:

Under current zoning, what can be built on the property? What is the process to rezone if the property owner requests it?

The property is zoned Institutional Campus (I-C), i.e., authorized for colleges, universities, educational facilities, and retirement facilities.

The property owner may request rezoning. The rezoning process entails multiple steps with opportunities for public input:

Application is submitted
Staff review for compliance with city code
Environmental review for environmental impacts
Planning Commission holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council
City Council reviews the request
City Council hears public comment and votes on the rezone in a council meeting
If approved, the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan is amended to reflect the rezone.

City code does not require the property owner to submit plans for development when requesting a rezone. However, the City may encourage the owner to share development plans in order make the process go more smoothly.

Demolition/Construction Impacts:

Who will monitor the appropriate disposal of hazardous materials such as asbestos, etc.?
How will the effects of fumes in the air be mitigated?
What is the plan to mitigate traffic congestion?
Will 10^th Avenue South become a highway?
Where is all the debris going to be dumped?
How can we avoid the heavy equipment making already potholed roads worse?
What expenses are expected [that the City/residents] may have to bear?

As part of the conditional permit, Zenith Properties must take specific actions to reduce environmental and community impacts. These measures include noise and dust control, traffic management, wildlife and habitat protection, historic interpretation (the permit requires an on-site installation for historical interpretation with public access), and a $1.2 million preservation fund to be used for maintaining other city-owned or managed landmarks. The property owner bears the costs of mitigation.

Additional detail can be found in the link below:

Final Environmental Impact Statement

Our City’s Financial Forecast

A clear picture of our financial future helps the City make fiscally responsible decisions. This is especially important as we begin our strategic planning process: as we work with the community to set priorities, we need to know what resources we have at our disposal.

Last night, consultants from FCS Group presented the City Council with a financial forecast for the coming decade. While economic factors can change, the forecast provided a reasonable look at what we can expect.

The forecast showed expenses outpacing revenue, based on conservative revenue projections. That means the City must do two things to ensure financial stability:

We must continue to look for ways to cut costs and deliver services more efficiently
We must grow revenue

City staff and services have already sustained significant reductions. To maintain current City services--and certainly if we want to enhance or increase services to our community--revenue growth is a necessity. In the long term, economic development can be a significant source of revenue. In the short term, the City must consider increases to fees and assessments.

Staff will present the Council with information and options for growing revenue at the Sept. 25 Council meeting and at October meetings. You will find information about these options in the Council meeting agenda posted on the City website before each meeting.

Bird Book Nature Walk – Birds by the City by the Sea

From September 6–13, the Des Moines Creek Trail will host a special migrating art installation by West Seattle author and illustrator Lori Kothe. Birds by the City by the Sea highlights nine wild bird species that call Des Moines home, showcasing their unique personalities, songs, and charming qualities. Take a stroll along the trail and enjoy this creative celebration of our feathered neighbors!

Mount Rainier Pool Celebrates 50 Years

Join the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District in celebrating Mount Rainier Pool’s 50th Anniversary on Sunday, September 21! The celebration kicks off with a rededication ceremony at noon, featuring dignitary speakers, a ribbon cutting, plaque unveiling, and a community photo. Afterward, enjoy a free public swim from 1–3 p.m. and take home a commemorative 50th birthday rubber duck (while supplies last). It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month—a reminder for all of us to take simple steps to be ready for emergencies. Whether it’s building a basic emergency kit, making a family communication plan, or staying informed about local alerts, being prepared helps keep our community safe and resilient. For tips and checklists to help you get started, visit their website.

National Preparedness Month Website

Save the Date! - Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Des Moines is home to one of the few remaining saltwater state parks in Washington? Saltwater State Park, nestled between Des Moines and Federal Way, was dedicated in 1926 as a symbol of peace between Seattle and Tacoma. In fact, a “Peace Arch” once stood in the park to commemorate the agreement! Today, it remains a popular spot for tide pooling, scuba diving, picnics, and enjoying Puget Sound’s natural beauty—all just minutes from downtown.

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.

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

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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
Youth Soccer Referee - Fall Season

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

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City Council Meeting Recap

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

City Council Regular Meeting

Mount Rainier Pool Day Proclamation
Recognition of Legacy Foundation Skate Park Improvement Project
2025 2^nd Quarter Financial Report
Redondo Beach Condominium Public Drainage Easement
Interlocal Agreement with Midway Sewer District
Citizens Advisory Board, Draft Ordinance, Second Reading
Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Position Appointment
Citizens Advisory Board Appointments
Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Public Hearing
General Fund Financial Forecast and Development Impact Model by FCS Group
Discussion of Potential Management Agreement and License Between City of Des Moines and NWS Holdings (Perfect Game) for Steven J Underwood Fields
Executive Session – Labor Negotiations

Click here to review packet

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

Marina Dock Replacement Project Live Stream and Time Lapse Footage Links

Live Stream Marina Dock Replacement Project

Marina Dock Replacement Time-Lapse Footage

Fall Community Academy

September 16

Police Department

Fall Community Academy

September 24

Police Department

Citizens Advisory Board

September 24

Des Moines City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

September 25

City Hall

Monthly Desert Social

September 25

Activity Center

Halloween Costume Swap

October 1

Des Moines Field House

National Coffee with a Cop Day

October 1

Highline College - Building 8

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

October 2

City Hall

Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

October 8

Activity Center

City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall

Airport Committee Meeting

October 13

City Hall

Medicare Market Update Seminar

October 13

Activity Center

Shredding Event

October 15

Activity Center

Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair

October 18

Redondo Square

Boo Bash Family Dance Party

October 18

Activity Center

City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall

Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall

Monthly Desert Social

October 30

Activity Center

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

November 6

City Hall

Airport Committee Meeting

November 10

City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

November 13

City Hall

Monthly Desert Social November 20

Activity Center

City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session

December 4

City Hall

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

December 6

Des Moines Marina

Airport Committee Meeting

December 8

City Hall

Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

December 10

Activity Center

Citizens Advisory Board

December 10

Des Moines City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

December 11

City Hall

Burning Boat Event

December 31

Des Moines Marina

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

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 13

Redondo Beach

Yoga

September 13

Soundview Park

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 13

Des Moines Marina

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 14

MaST Center

Discovery Day

September 13

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 13

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

September 18

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 19

Quarterdeck

Uncle Ernie

September 20

Arturos

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 20

Des Moines Marina

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 20

MaST Center

Discovery Day

September 20

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 20

Des Moines Beach Park

Oktoberfest 2025

September 20

Quarterdeck

Oktoberfest 2025

September 21

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 21

Redondo Beach

Mount Rainier Pool Celebration

September 21

Mount Rainier Pool

Creek Restoration

September 21

Saltwater State Park

What’s Up Des Moines

September 23

Quarterdeck

Weekly Wine Tastings

September 25

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mama's Walking Group

September 26

Quarterdeck

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 27

Redondo Beach

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

September 27

Des Moines Marina

Discovery Day

September 27

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

September 27

Des Moines Beach Park

LITT Yoga Festival

September 27 & 28

Des Moines Beach Park

Marine Mammal Stewards Program with SR3

September 28

Redondo Beach

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 2

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 3

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

October 4

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 4

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

October 4

Forest Restoration

October 4

Saltwater State Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 9

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 10

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

October 11

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 11

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 16

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 17

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

October 18

MaST Center

Lighthouse Celebrate Event and Auction

October 18

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 18

Des Moines Beach Park

Creek Restoration

October 19

Saltwater State Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 23

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 24

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

October 25

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

October 25

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

October 30

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

October 31

Quarterdeck

Trick or Treat Path

October 31

Marine View Drive

Discovery Day

November 1

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 1

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

November 1

Forest Restoration

November 1

Saltwater State Park