Official website ↗Pop. 214,133
Last indexed Apr 15, 2026
Next update just now
The Des Moines City Council agenda for April 6, 2026 includes a closed session to discuss litigation strategy, a Fair Housing Month proclamation, and consent items covering routine alcoholic beverage license approvals and renewals for establishments throughout the city, as well as special event licenses for various April activities. The agenda also proposes ordering construction on traffic signal replacement at Merle Hay Road/Meredith Drive and I-80/I-35 with an engineer's estimate of $600,000 and a hearing scheduled for May 4, 2026, along with additional public improvement projects.
AI summary
Jan 6, 2026
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors held a regular session on January 6, 2026, with Shane McCampbell as Chair, Tom Broeker as Vice-Chair, and Jim Cary as Member. Department head reports indicated ongoing operations across multiple county offices, including a new Assistant County Attorney hire, available COVID and flu vaccines every Tuesday, and a jail population of 101. A public hearing was held and the first reading of Wind, Solar, and Battery Ordinance #64 was presented, with extensive public comment from 52 speakers before the hearing was closed.
AI summary
Nov 18, 2025
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 18, 2025, in Burlington with all three supervisors present, conducted via in-person and electronic platforms. The board approved accounts payable claims totaling $297,338.45, personnel actions including a new maintenance hire and a correctional officer step increase, and canvass results from the November 4th city/school election. Department head reports indicated normal operations across county offices, with recognition given to County Engineer Scott Salisbury for 19 years of service as he retires, and public input focused on appreciation for the County Engineers Office's communication on projects and comments regarding wind turbine development.
AI summary
The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on September 29, 2025, featuring a closed session at 3:30 PM for litigation strategy discussions and a proclamation honoring Fire Prevention Week. The consent agenda included routine approvals of 55 items, including 5 new alcoholic beverage license applications (for establishments like Des Moines Marriott and Platform), 27 renewal applications for existing liquor licenses, and special event permits for Apres Bar Co.
AI summary
Sep 16, 2025
On September 16, 2025, the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with all three members present, holding the meeting both in-person and via electronic streaming. Department heads reported on routine operations, including jail population at 78 inmates, ongoing road maintenance challenges due to dry weather, and several subdivisions in development. The board unanimously approved payroll reimbursement claims of $564.25, accounts payable claims of $407,688.69, and Resolution #2025-048 approving the Final Plat for Hawkeye Ridge Subdivision, which had been reviewed and recommended by multiple county departments.
AI summary
The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on May 19, 2025, beginning with a closed session to discuss litigation strategy and followed by a proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week. The consent agenda included approval of numerous alcoholic beverage licenses and permits, including four new Class C liquor licenses for establishments such as Blue Ribbon Bar, JRS Southpork Ranch, Locals Bar & Stage, and Palms DSM, along with renewals for approximately 23 existing venues and special event licenses for Capital City Pride festival events scheduled for June 6-8, 2025.
AI summary
On June 27, 2016, the Des Moines City Council passed a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to draw checks for municipal expenses, including payments for goods and services, Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency bills, workers' compensation impairment ratings, and biweekly payroll due July 8, 2016, for the weeks of June 27 and July 4. The resolution confirmed that all invoices had been pre-audited by Finance Department personnel in accordance with internal control procedures and were requisitioned for lawful municipal purposes in compliance with state and municipal code requirements. The Treasurer was also authorized to make necessary disbursements and cash transfers to the revolving fund.
AI summary
On March 24, 2025, the Des Moines City Council set a hearing to approve the conveyance of a vacated alley right-of-way adjoining 1014 Virginia Avenue. Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (H.O.M.E., Inc.) and Wesley A. Kirscher would purchase the property for a combined total of $100.00 ($75.00 and $25.00 respectively) to expand their adjoining properties' side yards, subject to utility easement reservations. The City determined there is no known current or future public need for the property and the sale would not inconvenience city operations.
AI summary
Ordinance No. 15,588 amends the Des Moines Municipal Code to revise definitions and regulations regarding maintenance of border areas, specifically updating Section 42-348 on identified nuisances. The ordinance expands the list of nuisances to include improper storage of poisonous materials, flammable junk, scrap materials, and items threatening public health and safety, along with specific regulations for refrigerators and airtight containers, diseased or infested trees, vegetation encroaching on city rights-of-way, and graffiti. The amendments modify related sections of the code (102-2, 102-3, and 102-596) to align with these updated nuisance definitions.
AI summary
The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to draw checks for the weeks of March 10 and March 17, 2008, including payments for goods and services, Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency bills, and biweekly payroll due March 14, 2008. The resolution confirmed that all invoices had been pre-audited by Finance Department personnel and requisitioned in compliance with state and municipal code requirements and approved budget appropriations. The Treasurer was also authorized to make necessary disbursements and cash transfers to revolving funds.
AI summary
This document is a Conditional Zoning List from the City of Des Moines current as of January 31, 2025, containing zoning ordinances that reclassify properties. Two examples are included: Ordinance 16,425 (January 27, 2025) rezoning property at 2625 Cottage Grove Avenue from "N5" to Limited "N5-4" Neighborhood District with conditions requiring paved on-site parking and compliance with municipal code standards, and Ordinance 16,417 (January 13, 2025) rezoning property at 955 24th Street from "N5" to Limited "N5-2" Neighborhood District. The list has been maintained since December 16, 2019 and represents conditional zoning changes approved by the Des Moines City Council.
AI summary
This is Des Moines County's (Iowa) Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2022, presenting actual revenues, expenditures, and fund balance changes across all fund types. Total revenues and other sources reached $36.3 million, with major revenue sources including property taxes ($13.8 million net), intergovernmental funding ($11.0 million), and other county taxes/TIF revenues ($3.6 million), while total expenditures and other uses were $33.2 million, resulting in a favorable variance of $3.2 million. The county maintained significant fund balances totaling approximately $17.9 million at the beginning of the fiscal year, with restricted funds ($15.6 million) and unassigned general funds ($4.3 million) comprising the largest portions.
AI summary
The Des Moines City Council authorized the Finance Director to draw checks for the weeks of January 14 and January 21, 2013, including payments for goods and services, Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency bills, and biweekly payroll due January 25, 2013. All invoices had been pre-audited by Finance Department personnel to verify lawful municipal purposes, proper receipt, and correct pricing in compliance with state and municipal code requirements. The resolution also authorized the Treasurer to make necessary disbursements and cash transfers to revolving funds, and directed the City Clerk and Finance Director to file required financial statements.
AI summary
Des Moines County's FY 2020/2021 Annual Financial Report shows total revenues and other sources of $38.3 million against total expenditures of $34.0 million, resulting in a positive change in fund balances of $4.2 million. Major revenue sources included property taxes ($13.8 million net), intergovernmental funding ($11.6 million), and general long-term debt proceeds ($4.9 million), while significant expenditures were allocated to public safety and legal services ($7.7 million), roads and transportation ($5.7 million), and debt service ($4.7 million). The county's actual revenues exceeded the budgeted total by approximately $3.5 million, while actual expenditures came in $5.0 million below the budgeted amount.
AI summary
Ordinance No. 16346 amends the Des Moines Municipal Code by adding six new sections (42-567 through 42-572) to establish an enforcement framework for nuisance vegetation management. The ordinance defines key terms related to vegetation control, including definitions for buildings, developed lots, farmland, gardens, and hazards related to weeds and grasses that interfere with sidewalks, roadways, or intersection visibility. The ordinance establishes the legal basis for the city to regulate and enforce standards regarding overgrown vegetation on private and public property within city limits.
AI summary
The City of Des Moines, Iowa's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 presents the city's complete financial position, including government-wide financial statements, governmental fund statements, and proprietary fund statements prepared by the Department of Finance. The report includes an independent auditor's report, management's discussion and analysis, and detailed financial statements covering assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances across various city funds and operations.
AI summary
This is the table of contents and opening pages of Des Moines County's 107th Annual Financial Report for the fiscal period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, prepared by County Auditor Carol S. Copeland. The document contains comprehensive financial information and a detailed index covering numerous county departments and functions, including human services, conservation, emergency management, courthouse maintenance, and various specialized boards and commissions. Specific budget figures and policy decisions are not presented in this excerpt, which consists primarily of the document's organizational structure and content guide.
AI summary
Ordinance 13757 amends the Des Moines Municipal Code to establish noise regulations by repealing and re-enacting Sections 16-139, 16-140, and 16-144. The ordinance prohibits noise disturbances and sets maximum permissible sound levels based on zoning category and time of day, ranging from 50-75 decibels (dBA) depending on whether the receiving land use is residential, commercial, industrial, or a noise-sensitive area. The regulations include exemptions for emergency signaling devices, amplified sound, motorized vehicles, construction, and certain domestic power tools operating between 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.
AI summary
The City of Des Moines adopted its 2025/2026 Biennial Budget on December 12, 2024, as presented by City Manager Katherine Caffrey. The comprehensive budget document outlines revenue and expenditures across multiple funds including the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Enterprise Funds, and Internal Service Funds, along with detailed departmental allocations and a five-year financial forecast. The budget was developed to align with City Council goals while addressing current service and infrastructure needs in response to existing and projected economic conditions.
AI summary
Ordinance 14808, adopted by Des Moines City Council on November 10, 2008, amends the municipal code to regulate sound system operation in motor vehicles on public streets and places. The ordinance prohibits operating vehicle sound systems at levels clearly detectable at 50 feet during daytime hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) or at 25 feet during nighttime hours (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), establishing noise control standards for vehicle-based sound systems.
AI summary
On October 2, 2023, the Des Moines City Council held a meeting that included proclamations for Energy Efficiency Day, National Coming Out Day, Fire Prevention Week, and Italian American Heritage Month. The council approved a consent agenda containing routine items and processed numerous liquor license applications, including new and renewal applications for establishments such as Jethros BBQ All Stars and University Market, as well as special event licenses for venues hosting events between October 5 and October 20, 2023. The document also addressed outdoor service permits and license transfers, though the transfer item appears incomplete in the provided text.
AI summary
The City of Des Moines, Iowa's financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, received an unqualified audit opinion from independent auditors, indicating that the statements present fairly the city's financial position and results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit covered governmental activities, business-type activities, major funds, and component units, though the Des Moines Airport Authority and Public Library Foundation were audited by other auditors. The city adopted GASB Statement No. 87 regarding leases, which resulted in restatement of beginning net position and lease-related assets and liabilities for business-type activities and the parking fund.
AI summary