CITY MANAGER REPORT

October 3, 2025

DATE CORRECTION

Zenith Properties, Former Masonic Home – Hearing Dates Set and Zoom Info Available

The City has issued a conditional demolition permit decision to Zenith Properties LLC, owner of the former Masonic Home property. This decision was based on the findings of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) conducted by an independent environmental consulting firm, which determined there was no feasible path to preservation of the structure. The appeal period closed on August 18, 2025, and as part of the legal process, a hearing has been scheduled for OCTOBER 21 and 22, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM.

The hearing will be held via Zoom (Link Below - Meeting ID: 881 2882 7248; Passcode: 367554) and in person at Des Moines City Hall, 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite D. It is important to note that the approval of a demolition permit is just one step in a lengthy, regulated process, and actual demolition is not expected for several months, pending the outcome of the appeals process.

Zoom Meeting Link

Daisy Sonju Community Garden Work Party-THIS WEEKEND!

This Saturday, October 4, from 10 AM – 1 PM there will be a work party at the Daisy Sonju Community Garden (24728 16th Ave S, Des Moines). Drop in anytime—whether you can give 30 minutes or stay the whole morning, every bit helps!

Tasks include clearing weeds, cleaning up the paths and trails, and spreading bark mulch to begin the long-term process of restoring this special space. Some tools will be available, but please bring gloves and your own tools if you can. Kids are welcome, too!

This is the first step toward reintroducing the garden to the community and creating a welcoming place where people can learn, experience nature, and get their hands dirty. Stop by to lend a hand or simply to see what the garden is all about!

Planning Commission…It’s Coming!

A few months ago, the City Council decided to bring back the Planning Commission, and we’re excited to share that progress is underway. The Council has given staff direction on key details like how many commissioners there will be, who can serve, and what the Commission’s responsibilities will include. We expect to bring an ordinance to the Council later this fall, and if it’s approved, we’ll start accepting applications from community members who are interested in serving.

Community Enrichment Services Survey Results

A giant thank you to the 330+ residents that took the recent Community Enrichment Services survey! We presented findings to the City Council this past Thursday, and here are some of the highlights:

334 total responses
30% of respondents have children under 18 in their households
The top way residents interact with our department is through attending city events like Breakfast with Santa, Fourth of July, and more
69% of respondents were satisfied with our programs and events
Respondents indicated a desire for more youth, senior and intergenerational programming
The City should focus on removing barriers for participation including cost and affordability challenges and language and disability access needs
Respondents indicated an openness to a small increase in fee if that allows for dedicated scholarship funding

Again, thank you for taking the survey and providing valuable input as we work to provide you the best parks and recreation, senior services and community events possible! This feedback provides us valuable insight so we can ensure our future plans and efforts reflect what the community would like to see.

If you don’t follow the Community Enrichment Services page on Facebook, please do! It’s a great way to learn about the latest events and programming offerings!

Click Here to Follow Us On Facebook!

Serving You Better at City Hall

We’ve listened to your feedback and made meaningful improvements to better serve our community. Our renovated Community Development lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, with friendly staff ready to assist. You can now meet directly with a Planner or Inspector without an appointment, or contact our team by phone or email for a response within two business days.

All-in-One Inspection Services

Walk-in inspection support is available Monday through Friday, with next-day inspections when requested by 2 PM. Our in-house Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspectors mean no more waiting for outside agencies.

Fast, Streamlined Permitting

Most permits are issued within one business day, and you can apply and pay online anytime.

This isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a new direction. To keep you informed, we’ll be launching a weekly campaign highlighting the department and its services. We’re listening and committed to continuous improvement.

Des Moines Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar!

Get ready for festive fun at the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 8th at Des Moines Beach Park!

Shop local and find unique gifts, crafts, and holiday treats
Enjoy music and seasonal cheer
Support local vendors and businesses

Mark your calendars and start your holiday shopping with a community twist! See you there!

Coffee with a Cop – A Great Community Turnout!

On October 1st, over 150 community members joined us for Coffee with a Cop. This popular event gave residents the chance to meet and chat with Des Moines Police Officers in a relaxed, informal setting.

It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen connections, ask questions, and learn more about public safety in our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the event a success!

2025 Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair

Join us for the Fall Festival & Community Resource Fair on Saturday, October 18th from 10 AM – 1 PM at Redondo Square (27005 Pacific Highway South).

This fun-filled event is a great way to discover the many resources available in your community while enjoying games, family activities, “Touch-a-Truck,” and delicious food. Bring the whole family and connect with local organizations, services, and neighbors in a festive fall atmosphere!

Community Shredding Event – October 15

Clear out your personal documents safely!

The City of Des Moines is hosting a free shredding event for all residents on Wednesday, October 15, at the Des Moines Activity Center.

Accepted items:

Paper, receipts & bills
File folders
Envelopes
Bank statements
Cancelled checks
(Staples are okay!)

Not accepted:

Cardboard
Newspaper
Boxes
X-rays
Plastic

This is a great opportunity to protect your personal information while decluttering.

Stop by anytime during the event hours!

Boo Bash - Family Dance Party!

Get ready for a Spooktacular evening at the Boo Bash! Join us for a family-friendly dance party filled with DJ-spun tunes, games, prizes, and lots of Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged, so bring your creativity!

Event Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: Des Moines Activity Center
Cost: $10/person or $35/household
RSVP: Limited space – registration required

Enjoy photo booths, make & take art, and spooky snacks while dancing the night away. Don’t miss this fun, festive night for the whole family!

Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum @ Wesley in Des Moines

The League of Women Voters will host their bi-annual Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 14, at 7:00 PM in the Community Room of the Main Chapel at Wesley Gardens. This event provides residents with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn more about the issues that matter to our community.

All are welcome to attend.

In 1945, John A. Somers opened Johnny’s Des Moines Super Market with just a $5,000 investment. Built from salvaged materials due to wartime shortages, the store was remodeled several times before moving to S. 227th Street and Marine View Drive in 1957—the site now home to Red Robin.

Somers believed in selling products affordably, keeping stores clean and modern, and staffing them with friendly people—a philosophy that shaped local retail for decades.

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!

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:

Court Clerk
Police Officer
Senior Mechanic
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:

Committee of the Whole:

Planning Commission Discussion, Continued

City Council Study Session:

2026 Legislative Priorities Discussion
Community Enrichment Services (CES) Department Update and Strategic Direction – Informational Only
Public Safety Sales Tax

The next meeting with be October 9, 2025 and here is what is scheduled to be on the agenda:

City Council Regular Meeting:

2025/2026 Mid-Biennium Budget Review
Six Gill Shark Capital of the World Presentation
Hemstad Consulting Contract
Discussion on Potential Management Agreement and Licensing between the City of Des Moines and NWS Holdings (Perfect Game) for Steven J. Underwood Fields
Public Safety Sales Tax, Second Reading
OpenGov Asset Management Software Purchase
Telecommunications Franchise Agreement with Forged Fiber 37, LLC, First Reading

10.02.2025 Packet Information

10.09.2025 Packet Information

Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items

Live Music & Dancing with Randy Litch

October 8

Activity Center

City Council Regular Meeting

October 9

City Hall

Club KHAOS Break Camp

October 10

Field House

Cell Phone Basket Weaving Class

October 11

Activity Center

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

Zenith Properties Hearing

October 21 & 22

Zoom and City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting

October 23

City Hall

Citizens Advisory Board

October 29

Des Moines City Hall

Monthly Dessert 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

Breakfast with Santa

December 13

Activity Center

Burning Boat Event

December 31

Des Moines Marina

Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?

Email Us Today!

Discovery Day

October 4

MaST Center

Sonju Community Garden Clean Up

October 4

Sonju Community Garden

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

Des Moines City Council Candidate Forum

October 14

Wesley Gardens

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

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 6

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 7

Quarterdeck

Farmer's Market Holiday Bazaar

November 8

Beach Park Event Center

Discovery Day

November 8

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 8

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 13

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 14

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

November 15

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 15

Des Moines Beach Park

Creek Restoration

November 16

Saltwater State Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 20

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 21

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

November 22

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 22

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

November 27

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

November 28

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

November 29

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

November 29

Weekly Wine Tastings

December 4

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

December 5

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

December 6

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

December 6

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4

December 6

Holiday Boat Lights

December 6

Des Moines Marina

Forest Restoration

December 6

Saltwater State Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

December 11

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

December 12

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

December 13

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

December 13

Des Moines Beach Park

Weekly Wine Tastings

December 18

Marina Mercantile

Marina Mamas Walking Group

December 19

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

December 20

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

December 20

Des Moines Beach Park

Marina Mamas Walking Group

December 26

Quarterdeck

Discovery Day

December 27

MaST Center

Des Moines Creek Park Run

December 27

Des Moines Beach Park

Polar Bear Express Movie

December 13

Beach Park Event Center

Polar Bear Plunge

January 1

Beach Park Event Center