The Des Moines City Council convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss various community matters and provide updates on ongoing initiatives. The meeting featured remarks from several council members, highlighting their recent activities and community engagements.

Council Member Grace Matsui was acknowledged for her active participation in city events, although she reported no formal updates. She shared personal news about the birth of her grandchild, Daisy Mae, expressing pride in her family. Matsui also emphasized the importance of civic engagement, referencing her recent meeting with the League of Women Voters, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy and voter registration.

The council discussed the recent meeting of the Redondo Community Club, which saw a strong turnout and engagement from residents. Council Member Ochsiger was noted for his presence at the event, where city staff, including Director Slevin and City Manager Caffrey, contributed to the discussions.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on animal control issues. Matsui, Ochsiger, and other council members met with former animal control officer Jan Magnuson to brainstorm solutions, indicating that the council is actively addressing community concerns regarding this topic.

City Manager Caffrey and Legislative Advocate Anthony Hempstead provided an overview of financial discussions with Congressman Adam Smith's office, highlighting the fluctuating financial landscape at both state and national levels.

Matsui encouraged residents to subscribe to city newsletters for updates on community events and initiatives, including a comprehensive calendar of upcoming activities.

In a notable announcement, Matsui revealed her decision not to seek re-election, stating her intention to retire from her council seat. She reflected on her time in office as fulfilling and rewarding, expressing gratitude for the experiences and connections made during her tenure. Matsui assured the community of her continued involvement in civic matters, pledging to remain engaged over the next eight months.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for attendees to maintain cleanliness as they exited, and a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, marking the end of the session. The next city council study session is scheduled for May 1, 2025.