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Council approves Des Moines Memorial Flag Triangle contract despite split vote
Summary
Council awarded the construction contract for the Des Moines Memorial Flag Triangle and authorized budget changes to cover project cost; the decision drew dissent over design, parking and public access and passed on a divided vote.
The Des Moines City Council approved a construction contract for the Des Moines Memorial Flag Triangle project and authorized an associated budget amendment after a divided council vote.
Project overview: The Memorial Flag Triangle project renovates the memorial triangle at the north gateway to the city, replacing the aging flagpole, restoring the memorial plaque, installing interpretive signage and new landscaping, irrigation and lighting. The project is funded from a combination of Marina/Redondo redevelopment bond funds, prior-design expenditures and park-levy funding; staff said the total project budget is $453,000 (project construction plus earlier design and procurement costs).
Motion and votes: Councilmember Mahoney moved to award the contract to the low responsive bidder (bid $268,325) and to authorize a construction contingency. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Steinmetz. The motion to award the contract and authorize the contingency passed on a divided vote; council members Ochsiger, Grace Matsui and Harris were recorded as voting against the contract award in council comments. (The meeting transcript records the outcome as a divided vote; exact tally shown in the minutes.)
Funding and outreach: Staff said public outreach in March 2024 produced more than 120 responses and guided design choices (for example, removing benches after safety feedback). Project funding includes $274,000 in secured bond funds (a mix of previously allocated bond and replacement for an earlier ARPA allocation) and a planned CIP amendment to move $163,000 from the park levy to cover the project total.
Points of debate: Opposing councilmembers expressed concern about the project’s design and how much on-site public use the triangle will accommodate. Councilmembers in favor emphasized the deteriorating condition of the flagpole and electrical systems and said the project restores a memorial and the city entrance.
Next steps: Council also directed staff to bring a budget amendment ordinance to insert the amended Memorial Flag Triangle project into the capital improvement plan and the 2025 budget.
