[{"_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",6075957,"mediaKeyId","2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1","parentId",2978502,"title","Local commissioner raises PFAS and water-filtering concerns during open forum","audioSeconds",198,"startMs",779000,"endMs",977000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1&start=779&end=977","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1/thumbnail_779000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075957/Waukee-City/Dallas-County/Iowa/Local-commissioner-raises-PFAS-and-water-filtering-concerns-during-open-forum","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075957-0340bf8055e80686259b1e71588455a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775496&Signature=QkSownvuB1yFOua4Fikaxuf1Ybum78Z5Be0cg8tYNJ0QfaPIlplG2YNoGLXGtw3UJnOMmhi9-tl7jr3nXmVHw-BI3N6ESEjIQ~I0RDBzwRN~s9wojGvSivocZ6daH87eiVdzhXgscy2OrGAnZZYODIltI1moOJN8nBhdGXiY298OP4ttiOWt74lzjQUREg0-F6WiNBmkti1PF2t0r3mD-k9KFziXSmhL-~~RemEw78YIfScCnyxKz2ynfreG6~y~RKsyBVN-buUWyhgOKueCXIh7BONSPjGsBtigCosL-SvPnVaTkJbOPiyKkUlk16m587ruoEklHnKpE3If-3DzOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Waukee, IA","date","2025-04-08T19:15:26Z","article","During open forum, Veronica Lack identified herself as a Soil and Water Conservation commissioner and raised concerns about PFAS contamination and the lack of cost‑effective local filtration options.

Lack told the council she is pursuing litigation against the state of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to obtain information on PFAS removal. She said current filtration systems are expensive and, in one cited example, took months to replace, shutting down drinking water for a county while awaiting equipment that was made overseas. “We need to develop filters to get these PFAS chemicals out,” Lack said, adding that manufacturers’ herbicides and chemical suppliers contribute to what she called “PFAs forever chemicals.”

Lack also asserted that glyphosate and similar chemicals have negative reproductive impacts and suggested such contaminants are found in water; she said filtration technology and domestic production will require large investments. The council did not take formal action on the comments, and staff did not present a response during the meeting.

The remarks were delivered as citizen comments and did not constitute a staff report, council motion or legal briefing. Statements about litigation, public-health impacts and the state of filtration technology were presented by the speaker and would require independent verification before being reported as established fact.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Waukee City Council Meeting April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Soil and Water Conservation commissioner told the council she is pursuing legal action and urged development of domestic filters to remove PFAS \"forever chemicals,\" saying current technology is expensive and limited; no council action followed.","taxTitle","Waukee City, Dallas County, Iowa","taxId",68499,"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},6075962,"Resident urges Waukee to study plastic-backed sod and consider biodegradable alternatives",136,256000,392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1&start=256&end=392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1/thumbnail_256000.jpg","/articles/6075962/Waukee-City/Dallas-County/Iowa/Resident-urges-Waukee-to-study-plastic-backed-sod-and-consider-biodegradable-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075962-ef0f72e8ff3459cc8f11095747c79fad/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775496&Signature=T5YXWBCe0ZcLpJiznwGdZcX2G5D-cvh45dlWpiumv-MTLsLpVg2c8PsOQRyU9xdm79y-m1BaFcW5I9VhnQYjV9dzqq2EIH9ONHfnQZg~xkuqy~ez~MgkPVHzwinhcIKmIjT5TKvfeROIAXMtKbLntEqJtZk9rQcS5epEka8KPMvzk23gW1bHxrLhpSj9JethqsfVpve5IDuoxS5FoWIyayym1wNjKddhbJuj799xWMkdpMKe0NRobJXfpEYWHEQ9dT2QwBR1QSH24B6osAmXnMlWtOkunQEIEZ7alhQVylCZR8tB7YLzvjqo9KrAu8nzNBeAFR5BQRNFAzU-NpzD1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Waukee resident told the City Council she believes plastic-backed sod used by some growers leaves microplastic fragments in city soil and surface water and asked the city to research alternatives and consider code changes.

“I took all of this out of about a 10‑by‑10 square foot patch of my lawn,” Rebecca Johnson said, showing what she described as plastic material used under sod. Johnson said she had documented the same material in city parks, including Triumph Park, and that wildlife can become entangled in the backing. She told the council the industry standard is plastic-backed sod but that she found one East Coast company that supplies a plant-based product that she said truly biodegrades.

Johnson asked to be placed on a future agenda so the council could receive additional research and a presentation from the company that supplied the sample. City staff asked Johnson to share contact information so staff could follow up with the vendor and return to the council with next steps.

Johnson said the material is intended to biodegrade in about three years if exposed to light, but she questioned whether fragments break down into microplastics that wash into stormwater. She said she had photos showing the material around the city and knowledge of animals entangled in the backing. City staff did not offer a policy decision during the meeting but asked Johnson for contact information so staff could research alternatives and report findings back to the council.

No formal city action was taken. The resident requested an agenda placement and a staff report comparing standard sod products and certified plant-based alternatives; staff indicated it would follow up.","A longtime resident presented samples of plastic-backed sod used under turf, asked the council to place the issue on a future agenda and invited a vendor to demonstrate a truly plant-based biodegradable alternative.",{"_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},6075965,"Residents urge Waukee council to address feral, stray cats; ask about licensing, TNR and animal-control capacity",985,97000,1082000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1&start=97&end=1082","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1/thumbnail_97000.jpg","/articles/6075965/Waukee-City/Dallas-County/Iowa/Residents-urge-Waukee-council-to-address-feral-stray-cats-ask-about-licensing-TNR-and-animal-control-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075965-0b9b439a544a540160ec412d66707b6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775496&Signature=RkMv7qK8dz1L-hJIvRVDXZOKJLfpG~jywo-ap08Bf9UH00IrHztWdqtlpjhybwmYKoc5MFazIvjqQj5Nsr73RTwbDdObnXkmWrfvhCrcQVqessseyn~r8Pyr40EMH4nQ4ugLHd8cgIJkZNfOUUyqoa-FkXMHz3SzqZGO9QIjUtxjlPdgU4QAS7ZVYnXC0m~0pNVkAKgR6gh476qwbamtZ~lZGWZjOzAN5nLW5n5NrexXG9EWMis97VQmArEW9TUb5NK5fjZDKHC8IpyDc5Ep5L6T2knvwCIC2PmYKkl-iR6APERUS0fQcxMvskWgT5ZnIo1fUlqT2JmMG12dwYecrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Waukee residents told the City Council during open forum that the city lacks adequate services for stray and feral cats and urged the council to develop a local response, including licensing enforcement, a trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) program and either hiring an animal-control officer or contracting with a shelter.

Linda Adams, a Waukee resident, said the city contracts with Heinz for dog control but has no comparable arrangement for cats and that cat licensing is not being enforced. “As an avid animal lover — dogs and cats — I implore you to please find a solution to help the cats in the community, whether it’s working with another city or an animal shelter,” Adams told the council. She also asked the city to consider a TNR program to control unaltered cat populations.

Gina Tuttle, who identified herself as a Waukee resident, noted a recent animal-control agreement that became effective April 1 with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Tuttle said she had researched the DNR’s role and concluded the DNR provides guidance and resources related to wildlife but “does not have a specific program or focus solely on feral cats.” She told council members that volunteers and citizens currently shoulder much of the work of trapping and caring for community cats and asked whether the city had explored hiring an animal-control officer, contracting with a shelter to provide TNR services or offering assistance to a shelter to expand services.

Joan Ross, another resident speaker, supported licensing and responsible ownership: “If they let their cats roam, they should license them,” she said, noting that roaming animals create quality-of-life concerns for neighbors.

Speakers said they had discussed the issue previously with city staff (a February 10 animal-control discussion was referenced in public remarks) and requested that the council explore options, including cross-city shelter partnerships and support for volunteer TNR efforts. No council action was taken during the meeting; staff offered to follow up with residents after the session.

Clarifying details provided in public remarks included the city’s overall budget figure mentioned by a speaker ($157,000,000) and a reference to the recent DNR agreement (effective April 1). Council members thanked speakers and noted staff would follow up after the meeting.

The open forum comments asked the council for several concrete next steps: review whether current municipal contracts or staffing can cover lost or stray cats, identify partner shelters or another city that can provide TNR or impound services, and consider making cat licensing enforcement a priority if local ordinance requires registration.","Several residents and animal advocates used the open forum to press the council for a city animal-control officer, licensing enforcement and a trap-neuter-return program after a recent change in the city’s animal-control arrangement with the Iowa DNR.",{"_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},6075970,"Waukee council approves rezoning, park and road contract changes, plats and site plans",296,2020000,2316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1&start=2020&end=2316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2978502-754bc2594daa16adcadc26b0de3030d1/thumbnail_2020000.jpg","/articles/6075970/Waukee-City/Dallas-County/Iowa/Waukee-council-approves-rezoning-park-and-road-contract-changes-plats-and-site-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075970-65000f8da36ecd12019fa99d5d10efaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775496&Signature=HVLl05yqKyuw4hFJhCBKpE0XqijhyfeI7JOkyqsrY1nGjneDkbF4HYElGZEaWlgn0XKiW4NcJLZhu1LJuyNSOBbJ0IEAbzI2t7r56NKd2bv6KV-sV3rHchtPP2y3v05DCwuvh5pOk9it~i82YaD3uYyr-HoZQg05S2XuJm-TK7Tn1pL8ExpfkYDZ70s91OniC94RvY1jMJUxDnGmSsC7zjMy3h3Qai7LD63q5cc-xNHRLljmL7Jxjah0P7zdrZS2-b7f2JNJ1MC3GYeyK7tJg61Osw8H69ucFRB-UUIwNP9uJQAmcEusXfmaU1ErRITjnskCulrsoDYD6SKOCR7c7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waukee City Council members voted unanimously on a set of routine and project-specific measures Wednesday, approving rezoning ordinances, construction change orders and plats tied to ongoing development in the city.

The actions approved by the council affect industrial and residential zoning, construction at Painted Woods West Park, a major crack-and-seat road project on Tenth Street, site revisions for the Kettlestone Central gymnasium and preliminary and final platting for Key West Plat 1. Staff recommended approval for each item; council members recorded unanimous “yes” votes on the formal motions.

The council introduced an ordinance to rezone a roughly 2-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Interstate Parkway and Ute Avenue from A-1 and C-1 to M-1 (I‑80 West Industrial) and approved the first reading. A separate rezoning for Remington Point (R-2 to R-2/P-D-1 and back) passed on second reading, and an A-1 to M-1 rezoning for 33263 Ute Avenue passed on third and final reading to allow an electrical contractor’s building.

On capital projects, the council approved Change Order No. 1 for the Painted Woods West Park project to add two pickleball courts and related fencing and surfacing and to adjust electrical work; that change order increases the contract by $58,540. Council members also approved Change Order No. 2 on the Tenth Street crack-and-seat project (Northwest Douglas Parkway to 200th and 61st Street), an increase of $239,985.96 primarily for as‑built quantity overruns in asphalt tonnage and additional granular surfacing. The council approved Payment Estimate No. 2 to Graham’s Asphalt and Paving Corporation for $136,568.40 as the near-final pay estimate for that project.

Land-use actions included approval of a revised site plan for the Kettlestone Central gymnasiums that adds a second outdoor court and a small restroom building, and approval of preliminary and final plats for Key West Plat 1 (approximately 26 acres), which will include Lot 1 at the southeast corner and a large outlot to the west and north.

Staff noted split funding on the Tenth Street project with Dallas County and described the Painted Woods West Park adjustment as a design change previously discussed in a work session. Several items were presented by Andy (city planning/engineering staff), who recommended approval on each request. No public opposition was recorded in the clerk’s office for the rezoning public hearing that was held.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance (first reading): Amend Chapter 169 (Zoning) — rezone A-1/C-1 to M-1 for I‑80 West Industrial (applicant: Paramount Land Company). Outcome: first reading approved (unanimous).
- Ordinance (second reading): Amend Chapter 169 — Remington Point rezoning (R-2 ↔ R-2/P-D-1). Outcome: second reading approved (unanimous).
- Ordinance (third reading/final): Amend Chapter 169 — rezone 33263 Ute Avenue A-1 to M-1 (for electrical contractor). Outcome: adopted (unanimous).
- Motion/Change order: Painted Woods West Park, Change Order No. 1 to Concrete Connection LLC, +$58,540 (adds two pickleball courts, fencing and electrical adjustments). Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Motion/Change order: Tenth Street crack-and-seat project, Change Order No. 2 to Grimes Asphalt and Paving, +$239,985.96 (as-built quantity overrun). Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Motion/Payment: Payment Estimate No. 2 to Graham’s Asphalt and Paving Corporation, $136,568.40 (final pay estimate; retainage remains). Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Resolution: Revised site plan for Kettlestone Central Gymnasium (adds second outdoor court and small restroom building). Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Resolution: Key West Plat 1 — preliminary plat. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Resolution: Key West Plat 1 — final plat. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Consent agenda and other routine approvals. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

No votes failed or were tabled during the meeting. Where split funding or external invoices were noted (for example, MidAmerican Energy transformer invoicing), staff presented the anticipated financial effect or savings. The council chair closed the public hearing on the rezoning after confirming that no written correspondence had been received by the city clerk.

Several staff members present summarized the technical basis for their recommendations and offered to answer follow-up questions from council members; no substantive amendments were offered on the floor.

Less-critical details include staff reminders about upcoming budget hearings and a brief presentation of a youth essay contest award by the Iowa League of Cities earlier on the agenda. The meeting concluded after routine reports and a motion to adjourn.","At its regular meeting, the Waukee City Council approved multiple zoning ordinances, change orders for park and road projects, payment estimates, site-plan revisions and preliminary and final plats; all motions on the consent and business agenda passed unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local commissioner raises PFAS and water-filtering concerns during open forum

Resident urges Waukee to study plastic-backed sod and consider biodegradable alternatives

Residents urge Waukee council to address feral, stray cats; ask about licensing, TNR and animal-control capacity

Waukee council approves rezoning, park and road contract changes, plats and site plans