Council approves multiple urban‑renewal amendments, equipment lease, tax abatements and parking changes
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Summary
The council unanimously approved a package of routine items including urban‑renewal plan amendments (Drake, Oak Park/Highland Park, Ingersoll Grama, Metro Center), a $273,000 equipment lease for snow operations, 150 tax abatement approvals for 2025, Merle Hay Mall reinvestment support, neighborhood recognition for Dogtown, and parking/traffic code amendments to Chapter 114.
At its meeting, the Des Moines City Council approved a series of routine but consequential items by unanimous roll-call votes.
The council approved amendments to several urban renewal plans: a second amendment for the Drake Urban Renewal area (Council Communication 25-431), the fifth amendment for the Oak Park/Highland Park area (25-432), the twelfth amendment for the Ingersoll Grama commercial area (25-429), and a 37th amendment for the Metro Center area (25-430). Council members expressed general support for development opportunities in those areas and each motion passed 7–0.
The council also approved a $273,000 lease from Ziegler Cat Inc. to provide three motor graders and three rubber-tire loaders with plows for the public works department’s emergency snow and ice operations. The contract amount was spoken on the record.
On broader economic policy, the council approved 150 tax abatement applications for work completed in 2025 (Council Communication 25-434). Councilman Coleman noted a prior hour-plus workshop on tax abatements and asked staff to survey recipients to inform future policy.
Councilmembers voiced support for continued advocacy on the Merle Hay Mall reinvestment district (Council Communication 25-437) after staff reported promising state-level recommendations. The council also approved recognition/support for neighborhood and business group efforts in Dogtown.
Finally, the council amended Chapter 114 of the municipal code to adopt multiple parking modifications and corner-clearance restrictions at specified intersections and streets; a motion to waive additional readings was approved and the ordinance updates were adopted by roll call.
All listed motions were moved, seconded and recorded as passing with seven affirmative votes. The meeting concluded with a brief public-comment period and adjournment.
