Council adopts proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, approves consent items including Wootton Park acquisition

The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and adopted a consent agenda that included several routine items and a property acquisition for Wootton Park on Sept. 25.

Proclamation and guest remarks: The council invited Sarah Tuttle, executive director of Lighthouse Northwest, to speak about the nonprofit’s Sasha’s House and RISE programs for survivors of domestic abuse. Tuttle described Sasha’s House as a two‑year transitional housing program and said the city’s support helped provide two thousand nights of housing this year and allowed Lighthouse to meet minimum program metrics in the first two quarters of 2025. Council Member Grace Matsui moved the proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Deputy Mayor Steinmetz seconded, and the motion passed 7‑0. Tuttle received a framed proclamation and the council held a brief photo opportunity.

Consent agenda and Wootton Park property acquisition: The council approved six consent items on a single vote (7‑0). Consent items included approval of vouchers, minutes, the comprehensive plan periodic update (second reading), confirmation of the city manager’s reappointment of Lisa Leon to the municipal court judge position, a public works maintenance equipment purchase and the acquisition of approximately 16 acres of private property near Redondo for Wootton Park open space.

Wootton Park purchase details: Tyler Beakley, surface water environmental engineering manager, briefed council: King County awarded two grants totaling $425,000 to support the acquisition; the surface water utility will provide a 25% match. Staff said the city’s out‑of‑pocket purchase cost after grants and matching contributions would be about $58,000 for roughly 16 acres. Council approved placement of the acquisition on the consent calendar and the purchase passed with the consent vote.

Why it matters: The proclamation gives public visibility to Domestic Violence Awareness Month and highlights Lighthouse Northwest’s local services. The open‑space acquisition secures nearly 16 acres of forest canopy adjacent to an existing park, supporting preservation and the city’s surface‑water and environmental goals.

Ending: Council chair encouraged a brief photo opportunity and thanked Lighthouse Northwest and staff; items approved on the consent calendar will be executed per the city manager’s and staff’s directions.