The Des Moines City Council convened on November 21, 2024, with all members present, marking a significant moment with the formal swearing-in of the new city manager, Catherine Caffrey. During the meeting, Council member Oxager led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the mayor acknowledged the chilly weather while thanking attendees for their presence.

Technical difficulties were noted, as the live broadcast on Channel 21 was not operational. The mayor encouraged viewers to access the city’s website for an alternative live stream option.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, which included Caffrey affirming her commitment to perform her duties faithfully and uphold the laws of the city, the council opened the floor for public comments. However, no individuals had signed up to speak.

In a shift from the planned agenda, the council moved into an executive session to discuss potential litigation, expected to last approximately 20 minutes. This session was later extended by an additional 15 minutes, indicating the council's commitment to thorough deliberation on the matter at hand. The public meeting is set to resume following the conclusion of the executive session.