2021 Council Recap

December 28, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The City Council met for the last meeting of 2021. Mayor Andeweg and Councilmembers-elect Amy Croll and Larry McBurney were sworn in for new four-year terms by Judges Robert Blink and Brent Pattison. 

The City Council approved a zoning code amendment at the northeast side of 156th Street and Waterford Road to accommodate a new elementary school for Waukee Community School District and to adjust the width of lots in the subdivision. 

The City Council approved the 2022 sculpture selections for the Urbandale Art Park located near City Hall. The Council also approved the purchase of a sculpture currently on display in the Art Park so it can be added to the City's permanent collection (and relocated to Ashleaf Park). Every year the City Council pays a stipend to selected artists and displays their sculptures in the Art Park. The Council also purchases art for permanent display in locations throughout the city. More information on the City’s public art program can be found here.

The Council approved an agreement with the Des Moines Airport Authority to assist in the funding of the planned new terminal project for the Des Moines International Airport. The Council committed $1.3 million over six years to support the project which has a total estimated cost of $530 million.

This was the last City Council meeting for outgoing Councilmembers Ron Pogge and David Russell and messages of thanks and congratulations were exchanged between the Mayor and members of the Council.

December 14, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 14.

The City Council approved an agreement with the City of Grimes that defines a boundary that neither city will annex beyond. Urbandale will not annex land north of (and Grimes will not annex land south of) the boundary. See the map here on page 3.

The City Council set January 11, 2022, as a public hearing to consider approving the 2022-2027+ Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP helps envision and prioritize the City's future needs for public art, buildings, equipment, technology, parks, bridges, sidewalks, storm sewers, streets, street lighting, traffic signals and water systems. The recommended CIP anticipates expenditures of almost $29 million in the 2022 construction year (and nearly $217 million for the City's infrastructure improvements across all years presented in the CIP). You can view a draft of the CIP here.

Every year the City Council considers funding requests from external organizations when putting together the annual budget. The City Council heard 13 presentations from various organizations requesting funding including: Urbandale 4th of July Committee, Urbandale Little League, Urbandale Historical Society, Urbandale Community School District, Urbandale Middle School, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, Urbandale Adult Community Band, Waukee Christian Services, Waukee Community School Foundation, Urbandale Girls Recreation Association, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Urbandale Community Action Network, American Legion Post 663, and the Urbandale Food Pantry. 

At the end of the meeting the Mayor recognized outgoing Councilmembers Ron Pogge and David Russell for their combined 24 years of service on the City Council. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, December 28. 

November 30, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 30, and began by formally recognizing and thanking everyone involved in two successful life-saving events. Seconds count in an emergency, and it takes a dedicated Urbandale team to answer the call. The City of Urbandale is grateful for the following people who helped save a life:

  • Sergeant Shane Taylor
  • Officer Jessica Winter
  • Officer Brian Butcher
  • Officer Bryce Boehm
  • Officer Anthony Brooks
  • Officer Brady Farrington
  • Officer Meagan Cowden
  • Dispatcher Peg Aldrich
  • Dispatcher Patricia LaDue
  • Dispatcher Joann Chadwick 
  • Dispatcher Mariah Hanian
  • Dispatcher Tanya Hogate 
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Rob Zahnd
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Abraham Flores

The Mayor administered the Oath of Office to Officers Michael Crockett, Trey Kehoe, and Alex Drottz, who are joining the Urbandale Police Department.

A representative from MidAmerican Energy gave the City a $40,000 oversized check for designing Urbandale's new Parks & Public Works facility in a way that saves more energy than required by the City's code.

The Council approved a final plat for townhomes at 142nd Street and Waterford Road and they also approved a site plan for a New Horizon Academy daycare at 128th Street and Meredith Drive.

The Council approved a $200,000 agreement with a consultant to help develop the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Urbandale Vision Plan, the North Park and Plum Drive Corridors Vision Plan, and the Douglas Avenue Corridor Vision Plan. These plans will help guide the future actions of the City of Urbandale.

You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, December 14.

November 16, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 16. 

The City Council approved extending sports field lease agreements for Urbandale Little League, Urbandale Girls Recreation Association, Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club, and J-Hawk Soccer Club. 

In an effort to quickly hire talented Police Officers, the City Council approved immediately adding a new Police Officer position, rather than waiting for the start of the new fiscal year when new positions are typically added. With the approval of this position, Urbandale will have 57 sworn Police Officers. The Urbandale Police Department, and Police Departments around the nation, have been affected by low numbers of qualified applicants. The competition for qualified Police applicants has increased dramatically around the metro as many Police Departments struggle with low applicant numbers and multiple open positions. 

You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 30. 

November 9, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled worksession on Tuesday, November 9. Representatives from Urbandale's Water Utility gave an update on regional water production, storage, and distribution. A representative from Des Moines International Airport gave an update on – and reviewed funding needs – for an upcoming terminal expansion project. No official action was taken at the meeting.

November 2, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 2. At the start of the meeting the Mayor asked for a moment of silence in memory of Officers Justin Martin and Tony Beminio who were shot and killed while on patrol five years ago.

Lease agreements are up for renewal between the City of Urbandale and Urbandale Little League, Urbandale Girls Recreation Association, Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club, and J-Hawk Soccer Club. The City Council set Tuesday, November 16, as the date that they will consider extending lease agreements for Urbandale's sports fields.

This past January, the City Council approved supporting a Surface Transportation Block Grant for the design and construction of a diverging diamond interchange at Hickman Road and I-35/80. As part of that project, the Council authorized a predesign agreement with the City of Clive and the IDOT for a Corridor Visioning and Planning Study. The study will review land uses, access management, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, stormwater, aesthetics, and funding opportunities.

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor read some heartfelt letters he received from a class of thankful Urbandale second-graders. You can view the full November 2 meeting agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, November 9. 

October 19, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 19.

Subject to some conditions, the Council approved a final plat at 179th Street and Meredith Drive for 55 single-family residential lots, a preliminary plat at 174th Street and Meredith Drive for 40 single-family residential lots, and a site plan for a new Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh at 12905 Meredith Drive.

WorldWide Logistics is considering building a new headquarters along Meredith Drive in Urbandale. The new building will be a 76,000 sq. ft. Class-A office and they intend to hire and employ an additional 111 employees. The City Council approved and authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the WorldWide Logistics project.

The Council approved a $45,000 purchase and installation of play equipment for Coyote Ridge Park located near 142nd Street and Waterford Road. 

View the full October 19 meeting agenda here. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, November 2.

October 12, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and the Council met for a regularly scheduled worksession on Tuesday, October 12.

Representatives from the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization gave an update on the Central Iowa Economic Development District; staff from the City's Economic Development Department gave an update on Urbandale's projects and investments; and staff from the Engineering & Public Works Department gave updates on Complete Streets options and the 2021 Snow & Ice Manual.

Due to time constraints, the Mayor and Council deferred discussion on special events signage to a later date. No official action was taken at the meeting. You can view the full agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, October 19.

October 5, 2021 – Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and the Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 5.

170th Street from Meredith Drive to Waterford Road will be reconstructed as a four-lane roadway with left-turn lanes in this growing area of Urbandale. The Council authorized, if necessary, the condemnation of private property should an agreement not be reached with property owners to acquire the necessary easements for construction of this roadway project.

The Mayor closed the meeting with a reminder to the public that the Run for the Badge is this Sunday, October 10 in honor of the legacy of Urbandale Police Officer Justin Martin and in support of the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial.

View the full October 5 meeting agenda here. The Council will meet again Tuesday, October 12 for a regularly scheduled worksession.

September 20, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor presented Urbandale native and Olympian Karissa Schweizer with a proclamation recognizing her achievements in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

The Council held a public hearing for proposed changes to the zoning code for The Reserve at the northwest corner of 142nd Street and Hickman Road to increase the allowable height of buildings in that area. The Council also held a public hearing for proposed changes to the planned unit development for Highland Meadows at the southeast corner of Waterford Road and 170th Street to change lot sizes. The Council also approved a site plan for a 37-unit townhome development at the northwest quadrant of Waterford Road and 142nd Street.

The City Council approved a contract for crossing guard services at thirteen locations in Urbandale for the 2021-2022 school year.

View the full September 20 meeting agenda here. The Mayor and Council will meet again on Tuesday, October 5.

September 14, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and the Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 14.

The Engineering Department presented construction updates for street projects, parks, facilities, and community entrance signage; gave an update on stormwater management on the east side of Urbandale; and had a consultant provide concepts for Douglas Avenue landscape enhancements.

No official action was taken at the meeting. The Council will meet again on Monday, September 20.

September 9, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 9.

The Council approved a Development Agreement with Premier Tech Prairie, Inc. The development agreement provides tax increment finance rebate support for the construction of a new facility on Plum Drive between 86th and 100th Streets with investment of $7.6 million and 55 retained and created jobs.

The Mayor and Council discussed traffic/speed issues on Aurora Avenue but did not take any official action.

The Mayor encouraged residents to take a moment this Saturday, to reflect as we mark the passage of two decades since September 11, 2001. View the full September 9 meeting agenda here. The Mayor and Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, September 14.

August 24, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 24, and began by formally recognizing and thanking everyone involved in three successful CPR life-saving events. Seconds count in an emergency, and it takes a dedicated Urbandale team to answer the call. The City of Urbandale is grateful for the following people who helped save a life:

  • Dispatcher Jesse Hilsabeck
  • Dispatcher Erick Gunzenhauser
  • Clive Police Officer Odessa Clark
  • Clive Police Officer Brian Kempnich
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Linge
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Madonia
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Mitchell
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Towers
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Tad Watson
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Dominguez
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Beth Harris
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Walker Grimes
  • Firefighter/EMT Ryan Moore
  • Firefighter/EMT Aldin Ramic
  • Engineer Eric Ennen
  • Engineer Drew Stiles
  • Engineer Dave Burns
  • Lt. Cory Macumber
  • Lt. Josh Boyle
  • Capt. Derek Manser

The City Council approved a $120,000 bid for bank stabilization along Beaver Creek to protect the bank and the trail in Northview Park. It's anticipated that this project will be completed by the summer of 2022. 

The Council also approved a site plan for a Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store and a Hy-Vee general retail building to be constructed at the corner of Meredith Drive and 156th Street.

The Council approved a $40,000 open-air shelter to be purchased and constructed in Bent Creek Ridge Park. Construction will take place in spring 2022 due to a significant lead time for shelter delivery.

The Mayor closed the meeting with comments to encourage people to do their part to fight COVID-19, including being vaccinated. View the full August 24 Council meeting agenda here. Due to the Rosh Hashanah holiday, the Council will not meet on Tuesday, September 7, and will instead meet on Thursday, September 9.

August 17, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and the Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 17. The meeting began with a presentation from the Engineering Department about 100th Street and neighborhood traffic along that route near the interstate. Items discussed included limiting trucks by weight, adjusting the speed limit, hardscaping, and updating vehicle routing services like Google Maps and Waze. The Economic Development Department gave an update on the Merle Hay Mall/Buccaneers Arena project. No official action was taken at the meeting. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, August 24.

August 10, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

One of the first actions of the meeting was Mayor Andeweg’s proclamation that a time of emergency exists in the City of Urbandale. This is the second time that the Mayor has had to invoke this emergency provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proclamation allows the City of Urbandale to act quickly and decisively in the best interest of residents and businesses of Urbandale. The Mayor affirmed that any powers under this proclamation are used judiciously.

In January 2021, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) conducted an aerial deer population survey which showed an average of 44 deer per square mile (natural habitat can be destroyed when the deer population exceeds 20 deer per square mile). The City Council approved the annual bowhunting program, which allows bows to be used while hunting for antlerless deer on public property. Annually, the City continues this program based on recommendations from the IDNR and the Polk County Deer Task Force. The program first began in 1998, and this year's bowhunting program will run from September 18, 2021, through January 30, 2022.

View the full August 10 Council meeting agenda here. The Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, August 17

July 27, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 27. At the start of the meeting, the Mayor proclaimed Tuesday, August 3, as National Night Out and called upon all residents and businesses of Urbandale to join the festivities at National Night Out on August 3, 2021. 

The City Council approved a $35,000 contract for a strategic planning consultant. The Mayor and City Council will work with the consultant to create strategic priorities for the City. Then, departmental strategies are created to meet the Mayor and Council's strategic priorities. A Strategic Plan is usually developed after a City Council election in November and has traditionally been a two-year document. 

The City Council approved a $40,000 agreement with artist Seth Palmiter to create and install a signature piece of artwork at Walnut Creek Regional Park.

View the full July 27 Council meeting agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, August 10.

July 20, 2021 - Council worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled worksession on Tuesday, July 20. 

The Mayor and City Council reviewed a presentation on Fire Department accreditation, an annual report from the Urbandale Food Pantry, and discussed downtown Urbandale. No official action was taken.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, July 27.

July 13, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 13. 

The City Council approved a site plan, subject to some conditions, for the new Valerius Elementary School at 3305 92nd Street. Urbandale Community School District (UCSD) plans to completely redevelop the property, including demolishing the existing building and constructing a new, larger elementary school. UCSD is completing a Master Plan which includes consolidating six elementary school buildings into four buildings. The demolition construction at the Olmsted Elementary site was the initial phase, and with that project nearing completion, UCSD is ready to move forward with the Valerius site.

The City Council also approved the hiring of a consultant for $40,000 to perform a scientifically valid survey of residents to determine the level of community support for a new recreation facility in Urbandale. 

View the full July 13 Council meeting agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, July 20.

 

June 29, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 29. At the start of the meeting the Mayor proclaimed July 2021 Parks and Recreation month in the City of Urbandale.

The Council approved intersection improvements at Hickman Road and 128th Street. A collaborative $6.6 million project with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City of Clive, Urbandale’s share of the costs will be a little more than $1.1 million. Construction is expected to start this August and will be completed in late 2022.

The Council approved an agreement with Iowa Confluence Water Trails, a non-profit organization, regarding water trail amenities in Urbandale. Part of a transformative regional quality-of-life project, the agreement defines two water trail projects, both of which will include fishing, respite, and wading within the Walnut Creek Regional Park and Walker Johnston Regional Park. 

View the full June 29 Council meeting agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, July 13.

June 22, 2021 - Council worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession to review the American Recovery Plan and discuss options for a new recreation facility. No official action was taken. View the full June 22 agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 29 for a regular Council meeting.

June 15, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 15. The Mayor signed a proclamation marking the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Urbandale and urged all residents to strive to add to their understanding of this important cultural month.

The Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the City Code that will allow Apiaries (beekeeping) in Urbandale. Two more readings will be held at subsequent council meetings before the amendment is codified.

The Council approved a contract for $225,000 to demolish and remove the Indoor Public Swimming Pool. The pool has been closed since March 2020 and was drained during the pandemic to reduce costs. The demolition project is expected to be completed by fall. The Council also approved a design services agreement for a Recreational Dog Park. The park would be located on the former site of Urbandale's Water Treatment Plant at 4901 68th Street.

View the full June 15 Council meeting agenda here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 22 for a worksession.

June 1, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Andeweg signed a proclamation rescinding the Time of Emergency that was declared for the COVID-19 pandemic. The City undertook precautions and worked with public health officials, the State of Iowa, Polk County, and local school districts, businesses, non-profits and municipal organizations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the community. The Mayor noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but increased vaccination rates and declining infection rates have started to show a positive direction to ending the pandemic. As is tradition, the Mayor also bought the first 4th of July Commemorative Button. Proceeds from button purchases go towards the 4th of July Celebration and each button is individually numbered.

Subject to some conditions, the City Council approved a final plat (a final plat legally establishes the division of property into separate parcels) for townhomes to be constructed near the roundabout at the intersection of 142nd Street and Douglas Parkway. The townhomes will be served by a private street (Wilden Drive) and will connect with Douglas Parkway and with the shared access to 142nd Street that currently serves the existing townhomes to the south.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 15 for a regularly scheduled Council meeting.

May 18, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 18. The Council approved the construction of the initial phase of a natural playscape at Barret Park in the western portion of Urbandale. This new park will have a 24-stall parking lot, an open-air shelter with flushable restrooms, as well as natural elements including logs, tree stumps, boulders, and plants. The Barrett Boesen Foundation is helping fund the project, donating $150,000 toward the construction of this new amenity.

Subject to some conditions, the City Council approved preliminary plats for single-family detached homes, townhomes, and apartments in the western portion of Urbandale near 142nd Street/Waterford Road and 164th Street/Meredith Drive. The Council also approved a site plan for a two-story addition onto the southwest side of Des Moines Christian School. The new building will add more classrooms and administrative space. Lastly, the Council approved an approximately 40,000 square foot storage unit project on 111th Street south of Justin Drive. The project is proposed to have around twenty-seven 1,500 square feet units.

The Council approved and authorized the signing of applications for the Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant. Grants help the City save money and keep taxes low; therefore Urbandale will submit three applications: one to help fund the construction of the natural playscape at Barrett Park, two to help fund the purchase of a new 15-passenger van for the Senior Recreation Center, and three to help provide physical fitness equipment for the Urbandale Fire Department.

May 11, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession to review and discuss updates to the Westcom partnership that Urbandale has with other area communities. Westcom is the emergency services dispatch system for multiple cities on the western side of the Des Moines Metro Area. The Council also reviewed a stormwater report for the area east of 86th Street in Urbandale. Finally, the Council reviewed a traffic study for Aurora Avenue/104th Street/Sutton Drive/100th Street and discussed the integration of complete streets principles with a potential future project. Final actions or acceptance on stormwater and traffic studies would occur at a future meeting. The Mayor and City Council will meet for a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 18.

May 4, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

At the May 4 meeting, Mayor Bob Andeweg administered the Oath of Office to Officer Michael Mordini who is joining the Urbandale Police Department. Following the Oath, the Mayor also issued a Proclamation for National Police Week which is May 9 – 15, 2021. Two more Proclamations followed: one for National Public Works Week May 16 – 22, 2021 which was accepted by Shane Huston and John Skatter from Urbandale’s Public Works team. Another Proclamation for Building Safety Month in May 2021 was accepted by Urbandale Building Official Roger Schemmel. 

The City Council approved an engineering agreement for the design of the Aurora Avenue / 104th Street / Sutton Drive / 100th Street Widening Project. This would widen the roadway to include one lane in each direction and a continuous left turn lane. The City Council will receive a report on the project at an informational Lunch and Learn meeting on Tuesday, May 11. No official action will be taken at that meeting which will be available for the public to attend online or by telephone.

The City Council approved an agreement with Iowa Interstate Railroad to reconstruct railroad crossings on 100th Street south of Douglas Avenue and Aurora Avenue just west of NW Urbandale Drive. The crossings will be completely closed for up to five days. The work is expected to be completed in August. More information will be provided to businesses and commuters closer to the date. 

Finally, the City Council approved the purchase of road salt for use on Urbandale's streets this winter. By working together with nearly 30 other local governments for bulk purchasing, the City saves a substantial amount of money when purchasing this material.

April 20, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor began the meeting by issuing a proclamation in support of the 2021 Earth Day Cleanup Event and the Arbor Day tree planting. Urbandale is a Tree City USA.

The City Council approved a site plan for the Barrett Park Natural Playscape, a new regional park to be built at the southeast corner of 156th Street and Waterford Road. This park will be a unique regional asset with play features that mimic a natural environment. The Council approved preliminary plats for a 62-unit townhome project at the northwest corner of 142nd Street and Waterford Road and a residential development consisting of 119 townhome and single family lots at Waterford Road and 167th Street.

The Council approved the sale of bonds in the amount of $9.1 million with a maturity of ten years. Urbandale’s strong financial condition and favorable investment markets allowed the City to issue the debt at an average interest rate of 0.78 percent. 

April 13, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession to review a presentation (YouTube) on the Central Iowa Water Trails project and a presentation from Central Iowa Shelter & Services. The City Council will meet again for a regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

April 6, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor called the meeting to order and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urbandale City Council meetings continue to be held in a hybrid model allowing for both in-person and electronic participation.

The City Council approved a $5 million contract for the Douglas Avenue Urbanization project which will modernize the area from North Walnut Creek to 100th Street. Curbs, gutters, and storm sewers will be added throughout the corridor; milling, patching, and overlay of the westbound lanes; patching of eastbound lanes; the addition of a 10-foot trail and 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of the street; and the addition of a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side of the street. The Douglas Avenue Urbanization project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

The City Council approved a $45,000 bank stabilization project on Walnut Creek just north of Waterford Road. Approximately 150 feet of bank shaping and five bendway weirs will be installed to provide long-term creek bank stability. The City Council also approved a $36,000 bid for trail renovations at various locations around the city.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, April 13.

March 23, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor called the meeting to order and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urbandale City Council meetings continue to be held in a hybrid model allowing for both in-person and electronic participation.

Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell gave an update on COVID-19 vacations, noting that about 16% of Iowa residents had been vaccinated, including almost all of Iowa’s healthcare workers.

The City Council approved a $155,000 bid for masonry repairs on Fire Station 43. Last year several major masonry issues were still outstanding. The City has pending litigation with the original contractor and selected a different contractor to complete the repairs.

The City Council approved a site plan for an 80-unit senior multi-family residential development near 142nd Street and the Douglas Parkway roundabout. The building is designed to have four wings with a variety of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units and then share a one-story common space. As part of this project, an 8-foot trail on the east side of the building will ultimately connect to the trail system into Timberline Creek and Walnut Creek Regional Park. At the same corner of the roundabout, the City Council approved a site plan for a 13,000 square foot child day care center.

The City Council lowered the property tax rate, unanimously approving the upcoming fiscal year budget and setting the tax levy rate at $10.11. This is a $0.05 reduction from the current levy. The budget anticipates expenditures of $56 million for municipal operations, $22 million for capital projects, and $18 million to service debt. You can review the entire budget here.

The Council will meet again on Tuesday, April 6 for a regularly scheduled meeting.

March 16, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession to discuss a beekeeping ordinance, an update on the Senior Recreation Center re-opening plan, and a COVID-19 operational update. While no official action was taken, the Mayor directed staff to begin preparing a beekeeping ordinance for adoption at a later council meeting. The City Council will meet again for a regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday March 23, 2021.

March 9, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The City Council approved a project to improve the Police Station’s stormwater drainage and approved the construction of a shelter at Walnut Creek Regional Park. The cost for both projects will be approximately $650,000 and should be completed by fall.

The City Council authorized the City Manager to solicit bids for the demolition of the indoor swimming pool facility and issue refunds for all outstanding credits associated with the facility and its programs. A plan has been created to close the swimming pool, repurpose as much of the equipment as possible at other City locations, and to return the land back to the Urbandale Community School District. Over the summer the City will demolish the facility. Prior to the pandemic, the Mayor appointed a committee to utilize all the data gathered from the 2018 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan and 2016 Aquatics Facility Feasibility Study to prepare a recommendation for a future facility that will provide for the recreational needs of the citizens of Urbandale. The work was put on hold at the onset of the pandemic, but is now ready to be restarted. The committee will work to provide design renderings and cost estimates related to a new recreation facility ahead of a public bond referendum, which is needed for any facility to be constructed.

A closed session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss a negotiation strategy and pending litigation. The City Council will meet again on March 23.

February 24, 2021 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a work session to discuss future plans for Urbandale’s Indoor Public Swimming Pool. The pool has been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19 and was drained during the pandemic to reduce costs. Staff from the Parks & Recreation and Finance departments were present to answer questions regarding funding and operations.

While no official action was taken, the Mayor directed staff to begin preparing plans for closing the pool. Residents can share comments regarding the pool prior to the Council meeting by emailing parks-rec@urbandale.org and are welcome to attend the March 9, 2021 Council meeting virtually.

February 23, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The City Council approved a $190,000 bid for the construction of the first phase of Coyote Ridge Trail. The new trail link will run through the Coyote Ridge Park area, located west of 146th Street and north of Waterford Road. An additional section of trail will continue east and then north to connect to an existing trail behind residential homes in this area. A small playground and shade structure with picnic tables will be bid and constructed in the future as a separate project. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of September 2021.

The City Council approved a $210,000 bid for the continued construction of community entrance signage around town. This project will construct four signs in total, adding two monument signs at the Meredith Drive Interchange at Interstate 35/80 and two monument signs at the 100th Street Interchange at Interstate 35/80. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2021.

The City Council approved a $225,000 bid to enhance the open space in Walnut Creek Regional Park at the corner of 152nd Street and Meredith Drive. This project will provide an entrance to the park that will include a natural setting with a trail, sitting areas, rain garden, landscaped areas, and trees.

Individual bids were recently solicited for several pieces of equipment including an excavator, forklift, tractor, and a wood chipper. The council approved the bids for new equipment totaling almost $200,000.

The Council will meet again on Wednesday, February 24th for a worksession to discuss future operations for the Urbandale Indoor Public Swimming Pool.

February 16, 2021 - Council Worksession

The City Council met for a worksession on Tuesday, February 16 via videoconference. The City Council received a report from staff summarizing the 2020 Urbandale Citizen Survey. Read the full results on the City website.

The Urbandale Public Library director provided an overview of the Library’s reopening plan. The interior of the Library had largely been closed from March 2020 until this month. The Library anticipates a hybrid model which allows for some Library interior browsing while continuing curbside service. For more details on the Library’s offerings and COVID mitigation policies, see the Library website.

The City Manager and Council discussed potential approaches for landscaping of City-owned rights-of way. Councilmembers shared perspectives on beautification of roadways and recognized facets like financing, prioritization and feasibility that would need to be addressed. The City Manager will share potential options for the City Council’s future consideration.

February 9, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor called the meeting to order and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urbandale City Council meetings continue to be held electronically.

Each year, the City of Urbandale patches a number of city streets that are in need of repair. This work is divided into two phases—Phase 1 (costing $1,130,000) and Phase 2 (costing $513,000). The Council approved the low bid for Phase 1, which will replace concrete pavement at more than 300 locations from 147th Street to 160th Street and from Maple Drive to Airline Avenue. The Council also approved the low bid for Phase 2, which will consist of replacing concrete pavement at more than 100 locations including areas of Holcomb Avenue, the Hickman Frontage Road, 70th Street, 70th Place, 71st Street, and 72nd Street.

The City Council established a public hearing at the Council Meeting on February 23, 2021 to consider the proposed fiscal year 2021-2022 property tax levy of $10.11 per thousand dollars of valuation. This would be a reduction of 5 cents per thousand from the current fiscal year.

The Council approved the low bid to reconstruct Waterford Road from 156th Street to 142nd Street as a four-lane roadway with left turn lanes and storm sewer. This project will cost nearly $4,500,000 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2021.

The City Council approved a pre-application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for the Iowa Reinvestment Act to transform and revitalize the Merle Hay Mall campus area. The proposed project includes a new 3,500 seat multi-use arena, a hockey training and competition center, a 4-story hotel, new retail opportunities, and new housing opportunities to add much-needed affordable workforce and senior living housing.

The City Council approved the purchase and installation of an outdoor warning siren at Alice's Road between Meredith and Waterford Road. The City applied for and received a grant from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help fund this purchase. That grant covers 85% of the cost of this project and the total cost of the project is almost $26,000. The new siren will cover an area in the general location of Radiant Elementary School on Alice's Road.

A closed session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss a negotiation strategy and pending litigation. The City Council will meet again on February 16 to discuss the results from the citizen survey.

January 23 & 25, 2021 – Budget Worksessions

The City Council met on Saturday the 23rd, and Monday the 25th for budget worksessions. The Mayor, City Council, and City Staff worked to allocate nearly $56 million of operating expenditures across various departments and services. The upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2022 will recommend a tax levy of $10.11 which is a 5 cent reduction over the current levy. The new budget will also recommend 4 new full-time positions, including 3 new firefighters. The City saw a 4.6% growth in property valuation. 

The City Council also received a presentation from staff regarding stormwater management on the Merle Hay Mall campus and in the larger watershed in which it is located. Management of stormwater to protect natural resources and property remains a priority for the City Council.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, January 26 for the regularly scheduled council meeting.

January 12, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor called the meeting to order and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Urbandale City Council meetings continue to be held electronically.

The Mayor administered the Oath of Office to Adam Kaduce. Kaduce has been temporarily appointed to the City Council to fill the role of Councilmember Matt Blake while he is on federal active duty orders with the Iowa Army National Guard. The Mayor also proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a “Day of Service” in Urbandale and called upon the people of the community to pay tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through participation in community service projects on January 18, and throughout the year.

The City Council approved the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP anticipates expenditures of $22,618,800 in the 2021 construction year. The CIP is a ten-year program that identifies the City's maintenance and development needs of public art, buildings, equipment, technology, parks, bridges, sidewalks, storm sewers, streets, street lighting, traffic signals, and water system.

Des Moines and Urbandale are working together to assist in a major revitalization of the Merle Hay campus area into a shopping and entertainment destination (anchored by a new 3,500 seat multi-use arena for the Des Moines Buccaneers, a competition and training center, and a 150-room hotel). The Urbandale City Council approved the signing of an agreement with the City of Des Moines to establish a joint board to support the creation of a reinvestment district for the Merle Hay Mall campus.