Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Des Moines Emergency Communications Center is hiring 7-9 public safety telecommunicators following a record-setting year of over 492,800 calls in 2023. The increase in emergency calls, up by over 24,500 from the previous year, highlights the critical role of dispatchers in public safety. Applications for these essential positions are open until February 15, 2024.
Des Moines Public Works is preparing for the first significant winter storm of the season, with heavy snowfall expected to impact travel in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about snow removal operations and comply with parking restrictions to aid snowplow efficiency. The Public Works Department is providing resources for tracking plowing progress and snow removal assistance for those in need.
Des Moines public buildings will close on December 25 and 26, 2023, to observe the Christmas holiday, reopening on December 27. Garbage and recycling collection services will be delayed by one day, with specific guidelines provided for holiday waste disposal. Residents are encouraged to follow clean-up tips for items like Christmas trees and wrapping paper to ensure proper recycling and waste management.
Des Moines City Council plans to honor Mayor Frank Cownie by naming the new city administration building after him, recognizing his two decades of leadership. The former Nationwide building will undergo renovations to enhance city services and collaboration among various departments, with completion expected in 2026. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to transforming downtown Des Moines and improving public service efficiency.
The Des Moines Public Library will eliminate late fines for most materials starting January 16, 2024, a move aimed at increasing accessibility for low-income families. This policy, approved on December 19, 2023, will also retroactively remove past fines, allowing blocked patrons to renew their library cards. The initiative reflects the library's ongoing efforts to reduce barriers and enhance community engagement.
The City of Des Moines has received a comprehensive assessment and 46 recommendations for its police department from the independent firm 21st Century Policing Solutions. This report, initiated in November 2022, evaluates DMPD's policies and practices to enhance community interactions and public safety. City Manager Scott Sanders emphasized the report as a roadmap for improvement, demonstrating a commitment to high standards of public safety.
Chris Coleman was sworn in as the new Ward I Council Representative for Des Moines, Iowa, following a special election on November 7, 2023. With a long history of public service, Coleman expressed his eagerness to contribute to the growth and development of the neighborhoods he represents. His election comes after the resignation of former Councilwoman Indira Sheumaker.
The Des Moines City Council is set to consider the ADAPT DSM plan, the city's first comprehensive climate action and adaptation strategy, aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This plan, developed with extensive community engagement, outlines over 100 actions, including 35 priority initiatives to be completed by 2035, reflecting a significant local commitment to combating climate change.
The Des Moines Park and Recreation Department will begin removing cemetery decorations from municipal cemeteries on October 1, 2023. Families are advised to collect any personal decorations by September 30 to avoid disposal. The cleanup process will be completed by October 20, with decorations allowed to be placed again starting March 1, 2024.
The Des Moines Fire Department's Water Emergency Team (WET Team) participated in a unique joint training exercise with local military units at Saylorville Lake, enhancing their water rescue skills. This collaborative training, which involved multiple fire departments, is crucial for improving operational readiness for large-scale rescue operations in the future.