The recent government meeting in Clive highlighted significant developments, particularly regarding the successful Greenbelt Music Festival and upcoming infrastructure projects.
The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, followed by a citizens' presentation segment, which saw no public input. The focus quickly shifted to the Greenbelt Music Festival, where organizers David Barker and Tariq Landy shared insights from the event's second year. They reported a 50% increase in ticket sales, with approximately 38% of attendees coming from outside Iowa, representing 26 states. The festival raised over $10,000 for the Clive Community Foundation, bringing total contributions to nearly $20,000 over two years.
Key improvements noted included the addition of RV parking, which sold out, and a larger bike valet service that accommodated over 300 bikes. Attendees praised the festival's family-friendly atmosphere and the unique indoor facilities, which provided relief from the heat. Organizers expressed interest in expanding camping options for future events, a suggestion that resonated with both attendees and city officials.
Council members responded positively, noting the lack of complaints and the overall success of the festival. They discussed potential partnerships for future events and the need for more lodging options to accommodate the growing number of out-of-state visitors.
In addition to the festival discussions, the council addressed a public hearing regarding a new overlay project for Country Club Boulevard. The project, which was expedited due to favorable bidding conditions, aims to improve the roadway from University Avenue to the boat ramp. The council received five bids, with Des Moines Asphalt and Paving being the lowest. The project is expected to be completed by May of next year, with initial patching work allowing for one lane of traffic to remain open.
City officials emphasized their commitment to community outreach, planning to inform residents through mailings and HOA newsletters about the project timeline and potential disruptions. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued collaboration between city staff and event organizers to enhance community engagement and support future initiatives.