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Windsor Heights Council roundup: deer hunt authorized, home-improvement program administrator changed, sign-code updates advance
Summary
At its Sept. 16 meeting the Windsor Heights City Council approved an urban bow hunt on private property to address deer concerns, terminated a 28E with West Des Moines for the Metro Home Improvement program and approved a new 28E with MPPA, advanced sign-code changes for permanent and temporary signage, and approved a patio repair change order for the community event center.
The Windsor Heights City Council on Sept. 16 approved several resolutions and advanced code changes affecting parks, wildlife management, housing programs and commercial signage.
Deer-management resolution approved: By roll call the council adopted Resolution 2024-55 to authorize an urban bow hunt on private property (proposed on 1705 Plaza Circle) for the maximum period allowed by the state (staff cited Sept. 21 through Jan. 19, 2025), subject to city and state permits, safety-buffer requirements and adjacent-owner waivers where necessary. Staff said the ordinance requires harvested deer to be used by the hunter or donated to charity and that neighboring property notifications would be part of implementing the permit. Council approved the resolution and directed staff to check available deer-count data and to consider additional properties if residents request expansion.
Metro Home Improvement program administration changes: Council voted to terminate the existing 28E agreement with West Des Moines for the Metro Home Improvement program and approved a new 28E with MPPA to administer the program and raise the maximum assessed value threshold for participating homes. Staff said the change follows interest from MPPA and adjustments to the assessed-value cap that had constrained Windsor Heights applicants; council discussed historical contributions to the program and noted a current roster of participating homes and a waiting list.
Sign code revisions advanced: Staff presented a first reading of an ordinance to revise Chapter 175 (signage), proposing that permanent signage allowances be set by building frontage rather than parcel area to better serve multi-tenant buildings, and consolidating temporary-sign rules with a limited exempt amount and a 60-day permit option for larger short-term signage. Council discussed thresholds for exempt signs, the need for a fee schedule, and business outreach; the ordinance was advanced for further readings and staff was asked to coordinate communication with the Chamber.
Community Event Center patio change order approved: Council authorized a change order to clean, re-stain and reseal the Community Event Center patio (work to be funded through the park/urban renewal project) after staff reviewed two bids and recommended Caliber Concrete based on matching the original antiquing finish and price competitiveness.
Other actions and items: Council authorized city administration to negotiate an agreement with the Walnut Creek Watershed Authority to explore regional stormwater/detention projects and potential city contributions, and held the third reading and passage of Ordinance 2020-406 (amending Chapter 156). Staff and councilmembers also provided reports on Fall Festival volunteer needs, DART transit items, and park and public-art planning.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2024-55 (deer management) — approved by roll call; Resolution 2024-56 (terminate 28E with West Des Moines) — approved; Resolution 2024-57 (approve new 28E with MPPA) — approved; Ordinance 2020-406 (third reading) — approved; Ordinance 20247 (first reading, signage) — advanced to next reading. Several consent-agenda items, including the patio change order, were approved by roll call.
Council adjourned after routine reports and announcements.
