Neighborhood Update: October 2021

NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE

City News for Neighborhood Association Leaders and Residents

October 2021 | View as Webpage

October Edition

Thank you for joining us for our October edition of the Neighborhood update. We've noticed some of you are already in full Halloween mode. If you share photos of your yard decorations, they might just get included in the next Neighborhood Newsletter. Email the City of Des Moines at [email protected]

Due to the continued transmission of COVID-19, our face-covering requirement in City buildings is still in effect. We encourage you to get your vaccine shot if you have not already.

You can sign up to get the COVID-19 vaccine here.

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Numbers are in: Your Local Option Dollars.

How Were They Used?

The Local Option Report for July 2020 to June 2021 was recently presented to City Council and published on the City's website. Since Local Option was passed, the City puts a report together showing how much revenue was generated by the sales and services tax, and how the City used that money.

For those wondering what the about Local Option Sales Tax is all about, we will give you a quick recap: Local Options Sales Tax is a one-cent-per-dollar sales and services tax. This tax comes to the City of Des Moines and is reinvested into a number of categories; property tax relief, street improvements and flood prevention, neighborhood improvements, and public safety enhancements.

In Fiscal Year 2021, Local Option generated $34.5 million in revenue. Des Moines City Council was able to maintain the City's lowest property tax rate in seven years, continue the largest street repair effort in Des Moines history, accelerate improvements to our stormwater infrastructure, provide matching grants for neighborhood block projects, and more.

Total investment includes:

$17,720,905 in property tax relief
$6,550,000 in street improvements and flood prevention
$3,491,804 in neighborhood improvements
$1,339,000 in public Safety improvements and expenditures

"When Des Moines voters approved Local Option more than two years ago, they demonstrated overwhelming support for our City and neighborhoods," said City Manager Scott Sanders. "This sent a clear mandate to those of us who serve this City and its residents. That's why we have worked diligently since 2019 to deliver on our promise and use these funds in a productive, responsible and transparent manner."

Download and review the full Local Option Expenditure Report: DSM.city/localoption.

City Public Input Meetings For The New North Side Community Recreation Center

If you haven't heard already, the City of Des Moines has announced plans for a new recreation center on the north side of the City.

Taking shape where the Grubb YMCA building is currently located, The North Side Community Recreation Center will offer the same state-of-the-art facilities and recreational opportunities as many of Des Moines' surrounding areas.

The Des Moines City Council authorized $3 million of the $12 million total that has been put aside for this project. While work begins on the project, details are being finalized, and the City is looking for resident feedback.

This initial phase establishes a set of project requirements and conceptual design options for the new North Side Community Recreation Center facility and to develop a comprehensive vision for the site, including the adjacent Brian Melton Field.

Community engagement and equity are fundamental priorities for the project. The City is looking for residents' help to ensure the inclusion of a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.

The first public meeting just concluded, but there are two more upcoming meetings you can attend:

Thursday, Nov. 4 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

John R. Grubb Community YMCA - 1611 11th Street

Thursday, Nov. 18 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

John R. Grubb Community YMCA - 1611 11th Street

If you have additional questions or requests you can reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department at (515) 237-1386 or email them at [email protected]

Fall Tree Photo Contest 2021

2021 brought a long, hot summer to Des Moines, but our reward before a cold winter descends is Fall. As the air cools, the apples ripen and the days grow shorter, we want to celebrate the star of the Fall, the trees with a Fall Photo Contest.

The contest winner will get to add a little more beauty to their corner of the world with the contest prize. The contest winner as chosen by a public vote will get to choose both the species and location of a tree to be planted in the City Right of Way by the Forestry Division in Des Moines with some restrictions.

Contest entries will be accepted until October 31st.

Learn more about the contest and how to submit your photos here.

Bark Before Dark: Halloween Pawty

As we have seen by many of our residents' yard decorations, people are eagerly awaiting for Halloween! While residents are used to participating in Beggar's Night and dressing up in their favorite costumes, the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department hosts events geared towards another group: our four-legged friends.

Between October 26th and October 28th, you can enter your dog in a costume contest or perform their best trick for a treat at one of the three City-owned dog parks. All dogs entered have a chance to win a free 2022 dog park permit. Listed below are the dates and times for each event:

Oct. 26 at 4:30 pm - Reno Memorial Dog Park

Oct. 27 at 4:30 pm - Ewing Dog Park

Oct. 28th at 4:30 pm - Riverwalk dog park

To enter your dog in Bark Before Dark, participants must currently hold a City of Des Moines dog park permit. The cost to attend is $5 per dog, and pre-registration is required.

To register, follow the link provided below and search "bark" to find the event.

Beggars' Night

A tradition started almost 80 years ago and unique to Des Moines, Beggars' Night is focused on trick-or-treaters telling jokes and gathering their favorite candy to take home.

Last year's Beggars' Night looked a little different and some may be wondering what is happening this year.

Don't worry, it is! Des Moines residents will be able to participate in Beggars' Night on October 30th from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Get those costumes ready and prepare your best jokes!

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