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Council OKs $10,000 for Sixgill Shark education signs; removes proposal to rename Sixth Avenue
Summary
The council voted 6–1 to authorize up to $10,000 from the surface water management fund to partner with the MASC on educational signage and outreach about the sixgill shark and local water quality. An amendment to remove a commemorative street‑name proposal passed unanimously before the funding vote.
The Des Moines City Council on April 10 authorized the surface water management fund to partner with MASC (the local marine education organization referenced in the meeting) for educational signage and outreach related to sixgill sharks and the region’s water quality, approving up to $10,000 for the effort.
Councilmember Mahoney presented the proposal and said the effort would place two educational boards — one near Redondo and one near the marina — and support additional outreach about the sixgill shark, which has been observed in local waters. Mahoney said the signage and outreach would be used to educate residents and visitors about the species and the importance of clean water.
Councilmember Ochsiger offered an amendment to remove a commemorative street‑name element from the proposal (the initial idea had been to add a commemorative “Sixgill Shark Avenue” marker on Sixth Avenue). The amendment to strike the street‑designation language passed unanimously. Following that amendment, the main motion — to fund educational signage and outreach up to $10,000 from the surface water management fund — passed 6–1 (Councilmember Harris voted no).
MASC/management comments noted that some design work would be donated and that initial sign costs were expected to be significantly less than $10,000; the $10,000 limit was described as a not‑to‑exceed figure. Partners discussed locations (Redondo and the marina) and the possibility of community events around the species; organizers told the council the community could also hold organic events regardless of the council action. The swim manager, Tyler Beakley, was present and available for questions.
The vote: motion as amended passed 6–1; Councilmember Harris opposed. Councilmember Ochsiger’s amendment to remove the street‑name designation had passed unanimously prior to the funding vote.
Ending: The council approved the initial educational partnership and funding cap and asked staff and partners to proceed with sign design and outreach plans; staff indicated donated design work and additional fundraising or grant options could offset costs.
