Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The City of Des Moines is delivering 649 hot Thanksgiving meals to elderly residents in apartment complexes, responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19. This initiative, in partnership with Hy-Vee, aims to ensure that vulnerable populations can enjoy a festive meal while remaining safe at home. The program reflects the city's commitment to supporting its elderly community during the holiday season.
A technical glitch with the Zoom network led to the early cancellation of a City Council work session in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 23, 2020. Mayor Cownie expressed apologies for the disruption and emphasized the city's commitment to transparency as they work to reschedule the meeting. The scheduled 4:30 p.m. Council meeting will proceed as planned.
Des Moines residents can now register their pets online for the first time, enhancing convenience and efficiency in processing over 20,000 pet licenses annually. This initiative, launched by the City Clerk's Office, aims to expedite the reconnecting of lost animals with their owners and improve dispute management in dog parks.
The City of Des Moines is launching a multi-year project to enhance downtown street parking through advanced technology, including multi-space pay stations and a pay-by-phone mobile app. This initiative aims to improve the parking experience by offering more payment options and consolidating parking efforts under the new brand "Park DowntownDSM." The upgrade is expected to boost parking revenue and optimize enforcement while providing valuable data insights.
The East Douglas Avenue Reconstruction Project in the Sheridan Gardens and Brook Run Neighborhoods is set to enhance local infrastructure, including water main replacements and new pavement construction. Scheduled for early 2021, the project will also introduce stormwater management systems and shared-use trails, significantly impacting community accessibility and flood risk reduction. Residents can expect increased construction activity and detours as the project unfolds.
The winter issue of City Source, a quarterly publication by the City of Des Moines, is being mailed to over 90,000 households, featuring key stories about the IT Department's role in city operations and the Public Library’s new Deputy Director. The issue also highlights the Emmy Award-winning documentary _Breaking Bread, Building Bridges_, produced by the Civil & Human Rights Commission. For digital access, residents can visit the City’s website.
The City of Des Moines will observe Veterans Day on November 11, 2020, with city administration buildings closed due to COVID-19 concerns. Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection will continue as scheduled. For more information, residents can visit the city's holiday schedule page.
The City of Des Moines has announced the extension of public building closures until at least February 1, 2021, due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Iowa. Mayor Frank Cownie emphasized the importance of employee and resident safety amidst the pandemic. The closures affect multiple city facilities, including City Hall and the Public Works buildings.
The City of Des Moines Public Works Department has announced changes to the recycling collection schedule for about 1,500 homes, effective November 2020. Residents will see their collection weeks switch between yellow and orange, although the recycling day will remain unchanged. For more information, residents can contact the Public Works Department or visit the city's website.
Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines has issued a warning regarding the upcoming Beggars' Night and Halloween celebrations amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. He urges residents to reconsider their festivities and adopt safer practices, such as leaving prepackaged treats outside to limit in-person interactions.