2020 Street Project Update
There are some major improvements coming to several roads in Windsor Heights. Here are updates on four large projects.

University Avenue:
Bids for the University Avenue project will be opened February 18 th by the Iowa DOT . The project is expected to begin in April or May. The majority of the work is expected to be completed in 2020, but some work will have to be done in 2021. The project is a complete reconstruction of University Avenue from 73 rd Street to 70 th Street and an overlay from 63 rd Street to 70 th Street. A shared use pedestrian and bicycle trail will be added to the south side of the road. Rain gardens will be added along the length of the corridor. There will also be streetscape improvements, wayfinding signs, trees, and DART stops installed as a part of this project.

69th Street and Allison Avenue:
These two streets are being bid as one contract. There is extensive storm sewer installation occurring on Allison Avenue. A new water main is being installed on 69 th Street from School Street to University Avenue. Bids will be opened February 20 th. This project will begin in April or May and should be finished by the end of November. Both of the streets are having minor sanitary sewer repair work done while the street is under construction.

College Drive
Bids for the College Drive reconstruction will be opened February 20 th. The street is being reconstructed, minor sanitary sewer work is being done, storm sewers and storm sewer intakes are being added, and portions of the water main are being replaced. The project will begin in April or May and should be finished by the end of November.

2020 PCC Patching Project
The three locations where extensive patching will be done on existing pavement are the bridge approaches on 73 rd Street as the road crosses Walnut Creek, the outside southbound lane on the 900 block of 73 rd Street near the entrance to the YMCA, and the intersection of 70 th Street and Hickman Road south towards Wilshire Blvd. The pavement at these locations has deteriorated badly and is in need of patch work. Public Works staff has spent considerable time filling potholes on these three stretches of road over the last five years. Plans for this project are still being put together and will be presented to the City Council in February. Construction is expected to happen any time during the 2020 construction season.

On all of the projects listed above, staff will work with the contractors to minimize disruption to traffic and access to driveways. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our town’s streets.
Winter Driving Tips From Windsor Heights Police
This month's winter driving tip from Windsor Heights Police covers what you should do if your wheels skid or if you get stuck.

If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in the direction you want your front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side.
Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget Information
The Iowa Legislature passed a bill (SF634) that requires all cities to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies. This is a new process for all cities in Iowa and is in addition to the existing Budget Certification process. Please note that this new notice only includes certain levies. The Maximum Tax Levy Rate shown DOES NOT include the debt service levy, which will increase the rate. 
Snow Citation Reminder
If there's snow in the forecast, do not park in the street. According to Windsor Heights City Code 60.10.10, you cannot park in the street during the time of any snowfall and 24 hours following the end of any snowfall. Failure to do so may result in a $25 citation (City Code 60.11.03).
Volunteers are needed to help clean the North Walnut Creek near the Hickman Road Bridge. More details will be released as the date gets closer.
City Wide Garage Sale
The City Wide Garage Sale will be on May 16th. If you would like to participate, please email wtucker@windsorheights.org by May 1st to be included in the City Wide Garage Sale Map, which will be shared on the City's website, social media accounts, and newsletter.
Volunteers Needed for Storytime in the Park
We are currently seeking volunteers for Storytime in the Park, which is coming back in June! Volunteers will be responsible for picking out a story to read and bringing craft supplies. Storytime in the Park runs from June 2nd through July 28th. Please email Whitney Tucker at wtucker@windsorheights.org if you would like to volunteer.
Spring Clean-Up is an opportunity to get rid of unwanted trash that won’t fit in your garbage cart or may require a large item sticker. Examples include a couch, desk, lamp or chair.
Windsor Heights residents may begin using the City of Des Moines Public Libraries on July 1, 2020. This includes full access to their digital library. Until then, the City of Urbandale is the designated library for Windsor Heights residents.
Stormwater Best Management Practices
The City of Windsor Heights is dedicated to smart stormwater management. The City aims to increase both water quality and water quantity through the implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMP’s). Stormwater is water from rain, snowmelt, and surface drainage that runs off impervious surfaces such as paved surfaces, roofs, and compacted lawns. Stormwater can collect sediment, litter, contaminants, and other pollutants. As part of the metro-wide #RainCampaign, the City Council approved reimbursements for soil quality restoration projects to be covered under this program. Learn how you can get reimbursed for stormwater best management projects by clicking the button below.
City Council Meetings
Recordings of City Council Meetings are now available to view on windsorheights.org as well as the City's Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts. Starting in March, the meetings will no longer be live streamed on Facebook Live, but will be available to view on the above mediums later that week.
Getting a Permit
The City of Windsor Heights now contracts building and sign permit services to Safe Building. To apply for a permit, please send your application to Emily from Safe Building at  office@safebuildingiowa.org  or call 515-333-4161. Safe Building will process your application and answer any of your questions. Safe Building will let you know when your application is approved. All payments are to be made to the City of Windsor Heights. Permits are not valid until payment has been made.
Prefer a Printed Newsletter?
We are giving our residents the option to receive their City newsletter in printed form. If you would like to (or know a neighbor who would) please email your name and address to Communications/Recreation Coordinator Whitney Tucker at wtucker@windsorheights.org or call 515-645-6819. Residents have to opt in to receive the newsletter in printed form, they will not automatically be mailed to every resident. The first printed newsletter will come out this March.
Save the Date
  • February 13 — Movies in the Park, Community Center at 6 pm
  • February 17 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers at 6 pm
  • March 2 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • March 16 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • March 26 — Celebrate Windsor Heights, Community Center at 5 pm
  • April 6 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • April 20 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • May 4 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • May 16 - City Wide Garage Sale
  • May 18 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • June 1 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • June 6 - City Wide Trash Pick Up
  • June 15 — City Council Meeting, City Council Chamber at 6 pm
  • July 1 — Des Moines Public Library Access Begins

The City Council Chambers are located at 1133 66th Street
Phone Numbers

City Hall 515-279-3662
Police Department 515-286-3632
Police Admin/Records 515-277-4453
Police Investigations 515-277-4455
Building Inspections 515-333-4161 (Safe Building)
Fire Department 515-279-9450
Public Works Department 515-645-6825
Community Events Center 515-645-6819
Animal Control 515-286-3632