Des Moines council approves Marina Steps bid package after divided debate, 4-3

The Des Moines City Council voted 4-3 on Sept. 4 to authorize public works to publicly bid the Marina Steps project, including deductive alternates for playground and splash-park elements, and to move forward with a funding plan that blends bond proceeds, one-time revenues and state grants.

The vote came after more than an hour of public comment and staff presentations that laid out the project's background, recent value-engineering reductions and remaining financing gaps. Mayor Buxton and Council members Mahoney, Nutting and Deputy Mayor Steinmetz voted in favor; Council members Ochsiger, Harris and Grace Matsui opposed.

The council majority said the steps are a central piece of long-standing waterfront plans that aim to better connect the marina and downtown and to spur economic activity. Opponents said the city should delay the project until a broader strategic plan and more outside funding are in place.

City staff said the project is ready to be bid in a consolidated format that will include deductive alternates — pricing that will let the city remove specific elements if bids come in above budget. Public Works Director Mike Slevin provided the construction estimates and schedule, and Finance Director Jeff (last name not specified in the meeting record) reviewed the financing options.

“The bond funds are available now,” public commenter Bettina Carey told the council, urging the city not to repeat missed federal funding…