[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6329240,"mediaKeyId","2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205","parentId",2316379,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves consent calendar, proclamation and Parametrics task order","audioSeconds",418,"startMs",5184000,"endMs",5602000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205&start=5184&end=5602","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205/thumbnail_5184000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329240/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-consent-calendar-proclamation-and-Parametrics-task-order","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329240-d8b23a9f9ebb6327f909677d0301329a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775091338&Signature=cvALkszX4WSmmNVs3IzZ22AR-Oy21pYj9FWS6NjGw90V3pXvs0R3WmEqP3JniKpWjTzbSAbyy1GyWI0iYBbiDCaAVnRZBM9a3n5gIrkrtGAI~iM9Q5seeAaw-4xkhI~Jlby6Rt62GyoowDoGyEnCL00jvdPV7Ij73~aiO5F8~hzO8fD6RAbB7fXKNINt9Gn~c9jZnII4n5gSqwsclu0yWp1rWo~m9FhflXlmr6YYvc6qFPOTxm0bOQKgZW2-YxNSQ~OAxZxgwXRKneNMNi~k8TWAMZzsTQ~c8VrPRWWDLAxmWBMhNdqQ6HNaUr5hKtJ5gxHcQefyO12Q1fviAmb6AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Des Moines City, WA","date","2025-02-14T17:12:58Z","article","The Des Moines City Council voted on multiple items during its Feb. 13 meeting. Highlights and outcomes are below.

Consent calendar and related votes (all approved 6-0)
- Excuse Councilmember Grace Matsui from tonight’s meeting. Motion made and seconded; vote 6-0 to excuse Ms. Matsui for a family emergency.
- Vouchers (Item 1): Approved.
- Black History Month proclamation (Item 2): Councilmember Ochsiger pulled the proclamation from consent for timing concerns; council approved the proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month, 6-0.
- Barnes Creek Trail South (240th Street) consultant contract (Item 3): Approved.
- Senior Center roof contract amendment (Item 4): Approved.
- Field House Playground Equipment Upgrade GRAMA (Item 5): Approved; council discussed the slide design and directed staff to complete redesign work before opening.

Separate substantive vote
- Parametrics task assignment for Des Moines Creek Estuary (see separate article): Council approved a $289,816.30 task assignment with Parametrics Inc. to advance 30% design and permitting for the Des Moines Creek Estuary project, 6-0. The council authorized the city manager to sign the task assignment.

How votes were recorded
The city clerk read the consent agenda. Councilmember Nutting moved the consent items; Councilmember Mahoney seconded. Councilmember Ochsiger asked that Item 2 be pulled for timing and publicity reasons; after discussion the council approved Item 2 as a standalone vote.

Why it matters
Passing the consent agenda clears routine business, funds and short items so staff can proceed. The Parametrics approval advances the estuary project into the next phase of design and is covered in a separate, detailed article.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 02/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved the consent agenda items and a Parametrics task assignment for the Des Moines Creek Estuary project. Key consent items included vouchers, a Black History Month proclamation, consultant and contract amendments and the field‑house playground equipment GRAMA; all votes recorded 6-0.","taxTitle","Des Moines City, King County, Washington","taxId",51807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329244,"Council asks staff to study dry‑stack boat storage; raises questions on location, height, financing and pedestrian safety",4719,3387000,8106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205&start=3387&end=8106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205/thumbnail_3387000.jpg","/articles/6329244/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-asks-staff-to-study-drystack-boat-storage-raises-questions-on-location-height-financing-and-pedestrian-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329244-4696a4ae5a76f9fb693e7de096e2cad3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775091338&Signature=WK4~WOUBJmq~DEWjTicMBGsftYRPkEYzrkQcodMkqQbxLn5UvX1dUWjE7bPEhDln35FTSI5psMu67JK8iROW5ce-ugZ6ic5BOk2wEnclnIavZALoqQYBLeTEdCCk3ngS-Czk18T0T42HydpHKipjBJoEOohO2Lt-kvg6buLPEf4RDFN1iWQABMuxCA7tqKeHYchC3ijWoMRK0G92wYjhXYQ6J8aDzMKEJ4oypoz6fTfosos9mxNKHiZ~qIX5b~E-0~YgnJwx5Jlow-6wXTcU-UsWN5W4XqZZ9uwVXsT6lPWn8tbf58QAwhMYWYEtXCiZvCygx7eRRClqdCqc7-xU0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harbormaster Scott Wilkins presented options to remove the closed small‑boat launch and to study a dry‑stack boat storage building at the Des Moines Marina during the Feb. 13 council meeting.

Wilkins told council the small‑boat launch has been closed since June 2022 for safety reasons and that removal of the existing timber superstructure and creosote pilings is estimated at about $350,000; if contractors cannot complete removal within the city’s current permit window, mobilization and demobilization could add roughly $134,000.

Wilkins presented an engineer estimate for a new steel‑pile concrete deck launch (roughly $1.2 million for piling and deck) and described a model dry‑stack building similar to facilities at Bayside (Everett) that could be about 60 feet by 270 feet and roughly 35 feet tall. He said such a building could hold an estimated 70–200 boats depending on the mix of boat sizes and suggested rack‑rental prices in a broad range (approximately $275–$788 per month depending on unit size and indoor/outdoor options). Wilkins said a negative‑forklift system costs about $1 million alone; a total project estimate cited in the presentation was about $3.3 million including racks, structure and equipment.

Council members raised multiple concerns and asked staff to study several issues before returning with a feasibility analysis. Deputy Mayor Steinmetz and others said the council needs clearer information about where a building would sit, how tall it would be relative to private condos and the marina office, and whether excavation or lower building profiles could reduce view impacts. Councilmembers asked staff to model sightlines from known condo vantage points and to provide renderings or flyovers for the options council is seriously considering.

Safety and operations were recurring themes. Council asked how often forklifts or lifts would cross public pedestrian paths, what traffic control or gates would be required, and the liability and insurance implications of operating large lifting equipment adjacent to public walkways. Councilmember Mahoney suggested examining whether maritime maintenance, retail or a multi‑purpose building could be co‑located with storage to increase revenue and activate the marina floor.

Private operations and financing were discussed repeatedly. Councilmember Nutting and Councilmember Rockseer suggested the city evaluate lease or long‑term private partnerships to reduce the city’s capital burden — including 99‑year leases or private operators that would invest in equipment and operations. Councilmembers also asked staff to analyze a phased or lower‑cost raising‑revenue approach (for example an initial, lower‑profile building that could be expanded) and to include operational scenarios if the city ran the facility versus contracting a private operator.

Public comment tied to the marina item also appeared during the public comment period. Resident Bill Linscott, who said he has been a Des Moines resident for 22 years and a boater for 18, told council: “Having a land‑based kind of launch-and‑go facility like these boat stacks make a lot of sense.” He urged the city to finish a marina plan to answer questions about siting, staging and enterprise‑fund financing.

Staff returned with a list of suggested feasibility questions for council consideration and council provided direction to include the following in a feasibility study: alternate locations (existing shed area versus the full marina floor and potential southern yard space), optimal structure height and roof profile, view‑impact modeling (sightlines from condos and Cliff Avenue), options to beautify facades, capacity scenarios (boats per building and unit sizes), expected capital and operating costs (including forklift maintenance and parts lead times), revenue projections and return‑on‑investment timelines, permitting and pad requirements, and possible public‑private partnership or lease models. Council asked for clarity on where any new revenue could legally be applied within the marina enterprise fund.

Why it matters
City staff said the existing small boat launch and timber structures are reaching the end of their service life; council members noted the project intersects with long‑term marina capital work and that decisions on storage and launch replacement will affect slip availability, revenue and views for adjacent properties.

Next steps
Staff said they will return with a feasibility study and additional renderings and cost models reflecting the location and design options council prioritized.","Harbormaster Scott Wilkins briefed council on options to remove the aging small‑boat launch and build dry‑stack storage. Council members pressed staff for a feasibility study addressing location alternatives, structure height and view impacts, financing models (including privatized leases), pedestrian safety and operational logistics.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329249,"King County Metro previews South Link bus restructuring; Des Moines council urges better Redondo/Woodmont service",1198,1034000,2232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205&start=1034&end=2232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205/thumbnail_1034000.jpg","/articles/6329249/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/King-County-Metro-previews-South-Link-bus-restructuring-Des-Moines-council-urges-better-RedondoWoodmont-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329249-dabbdeae8528c2f02c546c420f0b0abe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775091338&Signature=huolULH49AcZnXPQfRanTX02Pv~CeVnDsube8sCPErNyxSHURTxylpksoKspFfKTMuJJ4vBSi74-l84rmqHDhYGSvDG3BFc-mL-dYQQPdOIfyfD~V9VWf12pbs0qZSb-GUZYfVilEihgNLIIT7uGlXua9lLz7MKzTzrv~LLBzCjgbOXCm3rgeF5MkNieef-SJKT9OLHIhCx5WXCOD0TF0pE9z6PoXPY9R0bxTPANDgZh095ytjNP-swBezltY98CqEAM76Li-8Rdx2pbnyJxk9ioEj-C96GDv9dj0KACmS5W8GMDgxgjCUpbziW0VSXssUh8I-X6vhWQ-ppF9emW3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","King County Metro staff on Feb. 13 presented the South Link Connections Mobility Project to the Des Moines City Council and described proposed bus network changes timed to Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link extension.

Tommy Owens, the city engineer, introduced the Metro team and Nicola Geary, the Metro project manager for South Link connections, said Metro is proposing changes to 22 routes to integrate local service with the new light‑rail stations. The project includes a three‑phase public engagement process, with a phase‑2 public comment period currently open, revised concepts due summer 2025, King County Council adoption planned in spring 2026 and implementation in fall 2026.

Metro said proposed changes that affect Des Moines include expanded hours and a Kent Des Moines station connection on Route 156; a split of existing Route 165 into two routes (166 and 164) to provide more frequent Sunday service and a frequent east–west connection that serves Highline College and Green River College; and A‑line changes to connect to two new light‑rail stations. Metro staff emphasized trade‑offs: some low‑ridership or peak‑only routes (many currently suspended) are proposed to be removed to free resources for service improvements.

Councilmembers expressed consistent concern about gaps in South Des Moines. Councilmember Mahoney said Redondo, Woodmont and South Des Moines lack bus service and urged Metro to study a route to Star Lake station. Councilmember Harris echoed funding limits but urged a stronger East–West focus. Councilmember Ochsiger asked whether the project seeks to increase service levels or only restructure existing service; Metro replied it aims to both restructure and, where possible, invest resources to make connections more attractive and increase ridership.

Metro staff described outreach including a multilingual online survey available through Feb. 28, in‑person events, social‑media toolkits for cities, and partnerships with community‑based organizations to reach harder‑to‑reach populations. Jessica Vu, Metro community engagement planner, said Metro is working with a Community Mobility Board and a Partner Review Board that include jurisdictions and community organizations to shape trade‑offs.

What council asked Metro to study and return with: better options for South Des Moines neighborhoods (Redondo, Woodmont, south of 240th), investigation of east–west connectors (including the 16th Street corridor), possibilities for MetroFlex last‑mile partnerships, and clearer ridership and performance data. Several council members advised Metro to return to this venue with revised concepts in the summer.

Why it matters
The Federal Way Link extension will change regional travel patterns; Metro’s network decisions will affect how riders reach light rail and how much local service remains for destinations in Des Moines. Council members said gaps in South Des Moines currently force many residents to drive to stations.

Provenance
Presentation began with Metro introductions and overview; the council’s questions and guidance occurred through the following hour of discussion and concluded with Metro’s promise to return with revised concepts in summer 2025.","King County Metro presented the South Link Connections project, which proposes network changes timed to the Federal Way Link extension. Metro described new routes and schedule changes affecting Des Moines; council members pressed for better East–West and South Des Moines coverage and urged Metro to consider underserved neighborhoods.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329254,"Council approves Parametrics task order to advance Des Moines Creek estuary design",3120,2657000,5777000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205&start=2657&end=5777","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316379-2bcb4d134b7df2bff7a919392c0d7205/thumbnail_2657000.jpg","/articles/6329254/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-Parametrics-task-order-to-advance-Des-Moines-Creek-estuary-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329254-8da87910faa7c7f835e900ecb298226b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775091338&Signature=CBaN-xcp~7AAOVVGAMT2HBZELDkY5CtFhcap7nSaUQaBbETffuBbPWWjdyC4p3kd2LsDapRy-ruMv9P94NkDG0D5qo5yUJ-1RyL3MY5Z3QS8VtxOxhIf4IDnYNLtRzIvoG2peJXaNvXMWOC-cE1XNaHUn6HZ33DpMLWjQPX3ytjhLm6Fk5S0Sr7etIEHdH3Qy~Rtj~~wqVOS5xclMKay-t1aVzpIziNxuOFRX~gyZB8eQmFZ1ck39TF1-HXmXHHFUjFhLJk~zTcPAmHBT69SWjqV3UtquGkCBtdq5z12vbiU4otgfGVkHDVd1FABxib1~N3JAc4lSxxjUTMAXJA9zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council on Feb. 13 approved a $289,816.30 task assignment with Parametrics Inc. to advance preliminary engineering and permitting for the Des Moines Creek Estuary project.

The motion to authorize the task order was made by Councilmember Nutting and seconded by Deputy Mayor Steinmetz; the council voted 6-0 to approve the work and authorize the city manager to sign the agreement.

The project team described the work as advancing a staff‑preferred alternative that would restore estuary habitat near Des Moines Creek while raising portions of the adjacent meadow to reduce the frequency of tidal flooding. Alex Johnson, a surface‑water engineer with the city, said the recent design work produced renderings showing a shifted creek bridge, a restored estuary channel and a reduced meadow footprint compared with the current park layout.

Parametrics project manager Paul Fenton and consultant Nikki Redden showed visualizations of the proposed meadow and estuary at low and high tide and a short fly‑through of the site. Consultants told council the current concept would relocate a pedestrian bridge, create a new utility corridor, and add revetments and a berm to protect the estuary at high tide.

Tyler Buechley, surface water manager, told council the work to reach 30% design is funded in part by earlier King County grants and that the city is adding roughly $40,000 from the surface‑water utility to cover staff time and the remainder of the consultant task. Buechley said staff will apply later this month for an additional $515,000 grant to advance the project to 100% design, but said construction funding has not been secured and would rely on future grants.

Council members asked about the project’s goals and timing. Deputy Mayor Steinmetz asked why the city is raising the meadow and by how much; city staff said the current design raises the meadow to about 14 feet to reduce recurring king‑tide inundation and to provide some resiliency against projected sea‑level rise. Staff quoted a roughly 16% reduction in the event lawn area under one cutoff scenario; adding a lawn connection would reduce the loss to about 3%.

Buechley said the project originally was identified in regional salmon recovery planning and later put on the city’s capital improvement plan. He told council that the project combines habitat restoration for salmon with flood‑risk management for park infrastructure.

Councilmember Nutting moved the task assignment as presented; Deputy Mayor Steinmetz seconded. The council voted 6-0 to approve the Parametrics task assignment (total $289,816.30). Staff said the next steps are to complete the 30% design, continue stakeholder and permitting review, pursue the additional grant to reach 100% design and return to council with updates.

Votes and funding details
- Task assignment with Parametrics Inc., amount: $289,816.30. Motion: “to provide preliminary engineering and permitting services for the Des Moines Creek Estuary project in the amount of $289,816.30 and authorize the city manager to sign.” Mover: Councilmember Nutting. Second: Deputy Mayor Steinmetz. Vote: 6 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved.
- Funding: King County grants previously secured; council approved use of about $40,000 from the city’s surface‑water utility to cover the delta for the 30% task. Staff will apply for a $515,000 King County cooperative watershed grant to advance to 100% design; construction funding is not yet identified.

Why it matters
The project combines habitat restoration intended to improve estuary and salmon habitat with near‑term measures to reduce repeated inundation of park assets at high king‑tide events. City staff and consultants said design trade‑offs were shaped by utilities on site, historic boundaries of the meadow, and the need to maintain public access and event space.

What’s next
Staff will proceed with the Parametrics assignment to complete 30% design, continue permitting and stakeholder coordination and apply for additional grant funding. Council asked staff to return with updates as the design and funding picture develops.","The Des Moines City Council approved a $289,816 task assignment with Parametrics to advance the Des Moines Creek Estuary to 30% design; staff said the work aims to improve salmon habitat and reduce tidal flooding and is funded primarily by King County grants with a small city utility contribution.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves consent calendar, proclamation and Parametrics task order

Council asks staff to study dry‑stack boat storage; raises questions on location, height, financing and pedestrian safety

King County Metro previews South Link bus restructuring; Des Moines council urges better Redondo/Woodmont service

Council approves Parametrics task order to advance Des Moines Creek estuary design