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Polk City Council approves water, sewer and stormwater ordinances and several development resolutions
Summary
On May 11, 2026 the Polk City Council approved second readings of four utility ordinances and voted to authorize an economic-development pilot, an RFP for 510 S. 3rd Street and a construction-management contract for the Regional Park Phase 1 project. One councilmember dissented on the stormwater increase.
Polk City — At its May 11, 2026 meeting the Polk City Council approved second readings of four ordinances changing local utility rates and approved three separate development-related resolutions.
The council voted to adopt ordinance 2026-700 amending Chapter 90 on water usage restrictions, ordinance 2026-800 amending Chapter 92 for water service rates, and ordinance 2026-900 amending Chapter 99 for sewer service charges. Council members voted by roll call and the measures passed unanimously.
Council also approved ordinance 2026-1000 amending Chapter 103 to set a new basic rate for the storm management utility. Councilmember Sarchet said there was insufficient analytic evidence to justify the proposed stormwater increase: “I just don’t see uh enough of the usage on the sewer — excuse me, storm water — um utility fee… so just a no for me.” The stormwater ordinance passed on roll call with Sarchet the lone no vote.
In other business the council approved a resolution to enter a pilot economic-development agreement with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, authorized staff to release a request for proposals for city-owned property at 510 South 3rd Street, and approved a construction management-agent contract for the Polk City Regional Park Phase 1 project. Each of those measures was approved by roll call.
Why it matters: The utility ordinances adjust how the city charges for water, sewer and stormwater services and will affect ratepayers’ monthly bills when the changes take effect. The development resolutions advance a multi-pronged approach to attract commercial investment and to move the regional park project toward construction.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2026-700 (water usage restrictions, second reading): approved by roll call (Sarchet, Savage, Dvorak, Hill, Otis — all recorded as Yes). - Ordinance 2026-800 (water rates, second reading): approved by roll call (all Yes). - Ordinance 2026-900 (sewer service charges, second reading): approved by roll call (all Yes). - Ordinance 2026-1000 (storm management utility basic rate, second reading): approved by roll call; Sarchet recorded No; other members Yes. - Resolution: Greater Des Moines Partnership pilot program agreement: approved by roll call. - Resolution: authorize RFP for 510 South 3rd Street: approved by roll call. - Resolution: approve CMA contract with DCI Group for Regional Park Phase 1: approved by roll call.
What’s next: The pilot program is slated to begin July 1, 2026 if finalized. The RFP for the 510 South 3rd Street site carries a submission deadline of Wednesday, June 3 and the council expects to consider proposals on June 8. Bids for the Regional Park Phase 1 were described as likely to be issued in mid-June with construction beginning early July if schedules hold.
