Friday, October 23, 2020

Council Recap

The City Council set the date for two public hearings to be held on November 17. One hearing will consider a change to the "Liquor Licenses and Wine and Beer Permits" section of the City Code, and the other hearing will consider adding language to the "Police Department" section of the City Code explicitly prohibiting biased based profiling. The Urbandale Police Department uses model policies of the best practices in law enforcement and current policy does prohibit police from profiling residents based on race or ethnic background. The City Council approved an Engineering Services Agreement with Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC to address erosion issues along Beaver Creek. This project would design bank stabilization and restoration efforts to reduce future erosion and protect the trail that runs along the south side of the creek in the Northview Estates Wetlands area. The Council took a moment to recognize the Urban Loop opening noting the many years it’s been under development and everyone who contributed to its success. The City Council will meet again on November 3 for a regularly scheduled Council meeting. Read More.

Urban Loop Interchanges Open to Traffic

The Meredith Drive Interchange ramps and the Iowa 141 Flyover are open. These interchanges represent a major achievement for Urbandale to increase safety, efficiency and economic opportunity. The video below shows the Urban Loop at night – a privately-funded searchlight pointed into the night sky for several days to highlight this important community asset.

Library Services Update

The Library has implemented a new phase of our reopening plan. From Monday, October 19 through Saturday, October 31, a limited number of public access computers will be available in our meeting rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. Printing services will be available. Community members are also welcome to bring their own devices. Seating will be limited to 10 people at a time. Learn more.

Online Reservations for Enclosed Facilities

Starting Tuesday, January 5, 2021, all customers (residents and non-residents of Urbandale) will be able to reserve our three enclosed facilities (Lions, Giovannetti, and the Community Room), 365 days in advance through our online registration system. For additional information, call the Parks & Recreation office at 515-278-3963.

Masks for Seniors

The Urbandale Senior Recreation Center is coordinating an effort to get handmade masks into the hands of area seniors (55+) who need them. So far, we have distributed over 400 masks and we intend to continue this program as long as there is a need. Visit www.urbandale.org/masks to find out how to volunteer to sew, make a financial contribution, or request your mask.

Fire Can Happen to Anyone...

The Fire Department cut back on public education offerings during fire prevention week this year due to COVID-19. But don’t let winter catch you cutting back on fire safety. Cooking and heating are two of the biggest causes of home fires. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. The leading cause? Unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking!  And if you use a fireplace, be sure to have it checked out before using it. Fire can happen to anyone…do what you can to keep it from happening to you!

Join the 21-Day Equity Challenge

There's still time to join the 21-Day Equity Challenge from United Way! Central Iowans are invited to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and our community. Sign up to join the 21-day self-guided learning journey.

Board Service 101

The Urbandale Public Library is offering a two-part series designed to give you an overview of board service, including the fundamentals of Roberts Rules of Order. Pre-registration is required for each individual session. Sessions will be provided online via Zoom.

Yard Waste and Free Leaf Drop Off

Due to the high volume of yard waste, we'll be using an extra truck to help collect debris for the next few weeks. If you're putting out yard waste we ask that you place it out the night before your scheduled pick-up as we might be coming by earlier than usual.  "Free Leaf Drop Off Saturdays" is from October 31 – November 14, 8 AM - Noon. Urbandale residents may drop off leaves, free of charge, at Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Avenue, on Saturdays from October 31 through November 14. Residents may bring leaves in any paper yard waste bag between the hours of 8 AM to Noon. 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.

Beggar's Night / Trick-or-Treating

Beggar's Night will be on Friday, October 30, from 6 - 8 PM. All Beggar’s Night participants are urged to follow public health guidelines. Participating homes may leave porch lights on.

Urbandale in the Media

Urbandale's Interstate 35/80 flyover finally open to drivers. Read the KCCI story here. As long-awaited Highway 141 flyover bridge, other I-35/80 improvements open, Urbandale looks for building boom. Read the Des Moines Register story here. Searchlight spotlights opening of new interstate interchanges in Urbandale. Read the Business Record story here.

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌