Friday, September 23, 2022

Council Recap

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, September 20, for a regular meeting and Mayor Andeweg began by proclaiming September as national library card sign-up month.

 

The City Council approved a final plat for 63 residential lots near 179th Street and Meredith Drive.

 

An agreement to create a Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Program was also approved by the City Council. The program establishes a two-person crisis intervention team that includes a sworn police officer and a trained mental health professional. The team will respond to mental health-related calls, offering additional services and specially trained personnel.

 

Earlier this year, the City of Urbandale contracted with the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) to complete a baseline greenhouse gas emissions report. The Mayor and City Council discussed the report and directed staff to prepare options for review at an upcoming meeting.

 

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Monday, September 26, for a joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

Urban Loop Celebrates Five Years

This month, the Urban Loop celebrates five years since its inception. The Urban Loop area is anchored by the ninety-degree bend in Interstates 35/80 in Urbandale. The land around the interstate is prime for development and supported by highly-accessible traffic routes. Watch the video below to see what business leaders are saying about the Urban Loop.

Drop Off Your Leaves For Free

Urbandale residents may drop off leaves, free of charge, at Urbandale Public Works Facility, 9401 Hickman Road, on Saturdays (8 AM - Noon) from November 5 through November 19. Residents may bring leaves in any paper yard waste bag. Containers and plastic bags will also be allowed as long as the yard waste is emptied from the container or bag at the site. Please bring identification as checks will take place to make sure only Urbandale residents are utilizing the no-charge service. If you would like further information on this program, please call the Urbandale Department of Engineering and Public Works at 515-278-3950. 

Draining Your Pool or Spa? We're Here to Help!

Chemicals used in pools and spas can be toxic when released into nearby streams and lakes. Discharging chemically treated pool and spa water into a storm sewer without following water quality recommendations is considered an illicit discharge, and is regulated by the City of Urbandale. Before you drain your pool or spa read this 2017 flyer and reach out to us if you have any questions.

New Look for the Urbandale Library

The Library revealed a new look in September as part of a branding campaign. To celebrate the new logo, catchphrase, and mascot, current library cardholders can choose from one of three designs and upgrade their library card for free during the month of September!

Shred-It

We want to help you protect yourself from identity theft by having your secure documents shredded. Bring them to the Urbandale Senior Recreation Center Parking Lot (7305 Aurora Ave.) on Saturday, October 8, from 8-10 AM (rain or shine) and we will shred them for you! Each household is limited to 2 boxes or 60 lbs. No business shredding please. Urbandale residents only. Learn more.

Run for the Badge with Mayor Andeweg

Join us in front of the Urbandale Police Department for our annual 5K run and/or walk on Saturday, October 1. Preregistration has closed but you can still register in-person on the day of the event, before the run starts. We will hand out t-shirts while supplies last! Learn more at www.Urbandale.org/RFTB

Fall Program Registration

Registration opened on Thursday, September 1 for Urbandale Parks & Recreation classes and events. From computer programming to arts and crafts, we're sure to have classes, program, and events that your whole family will love! View all the programs and register here. 

New Waukee School in Urbandale

Yesterday, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the official beginning of work on Waterford Elementary in Urbandale. This is the 11th elementary school in the Waukee Community School District. The school is scheduled to open in 2024 and is located north of Waterford Road on 156th Street in Urbandale. Residents in Urbandale are served by six local school districts. Don't know what district you're in? View the City's School District Map.

Last Month for Public Piano

October is the last month for the public to enjoy playing and listening to the City Sounds Piano on the library’s patio. The Public Art Committee will be hosting another performance on October 16 from 1-3 p.m. as a follow up to the fabulous Major Blues & the Mugshots in August. Enjoy country rock, pop, and R&B spanning the decades by the Vida Sisters on the patio (or Meeting Rooms A&B if there is inclement weather).

Upcoming Events & Activities

Join us in front of the Urbandale Police Department for our annual 5K run and/or walk next Saturday, October 1. Preregistration has closed but you can still register in-person on the day of the event, before the run starts. We will hand out t-shirts while supplies last! Learn more here.

 

Wonders of the Night Sky: An Exploration of Astronomy is on Monday, October 3! Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy for an introduction to astronomy that is designed for adults, teens, and older children. Weather-permitting, we’ll take our new observation knowledge outside to observe the night sky. Please register here.

 

The Circle of Care: Caregiving and Care-Receiving in Late Adulthood is an educational session about how to navigate adjusting relationships for caregiving and care-receiving. Join us on Thursday, October 6 as Dr. Krista Brittain, Psy.D. discusses the changing relationships you may experience with doctors, partners, parents, children, and extended family. Learn more and register here.

 

The City is hosting an open house for the new Parks & Public Works Facility on Saturday, October 22 from 10 AM – Noon. Join us for tours of the facility, big trucks, light refreshments, and family/kids games.

 

Join us on Thursday, October 27 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Urbandale Police Department parking lot for the annual Trunk-or-Treat event. We will have lots of candy and decorated vehicles, so stop by with your friends, family, kids, or yourself. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

Beggars Night is on Sunday, October 30, from 6 – 8 PM

 

Veterans Brunch (Ages 55+) is on Thursday, November 10 at the Giovannetti Community Shelter at Walker Johnston Regional Park. It’s free for Veterans and their spouses, and $13 for adults 55 and over. Registration is required.

Active City Projects

Aurora Avenue/100th Street Widening

This project will widen the street to 37 feet to allow for one lane in each direction plus a painted left turn lane. Link to page.


170th Street Reconstruction with Meredith Drive

This project is reconstructing the road as a four-lane roadway with left-turn lanes, including grading and storm sewer. Link to page.


Walnut Creek Sanitary Sewer

The City of Grimes is constructing a new sanitary sewer through portions of Urbandale and Walnut Creek Regional Park. The new sanitary sewer will allow Grimes to connect to the regional wastewater system. Link to page.


128th Street Reconstruction

This project involves the reconstruction of the northbound lanes of 128th Street from Douglas Parkway to Aurora Avenue, the reconstruction of the southbound lanes of 128th Street from Douglas Parkway to 750 feet north of Douglas Parkway, and patching of remaining southbound pavement to Aurora Avenue. Link to page.


Waterford Road Reconstruction

This project is reconstructing Waterford Road from 156th Street to 142nd Street as a four-lane arterial with median, sidewalks, and separated bike lane. Link to page.


Douglas Urbanization

This project is urbanizing Douglas Avenue from 100th Street to North Walnut Creek. Link to page.

Urbandale in the Media

Urbandale Officer Recovering After Bike-Deer Collision Read more.

 

Urbandale residents donate bottled water to Jackson, Mississippi water crisis Read more.

 

City of Urbandale to Host Shred-It Event Next Month Read more.

 

How Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg starts his day Read more.

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