The Urbandale City Council heard a presentation from Endow Urbandale about its roughly $700,000 endowment and named 2026 grant recipients; the council approved first reading of ordinance 20.6-36 to add limited parking on Douglas Avenue; members discussed a petition seeking visual traffic control at 129th Street and shared routine community updates and event announcements.

Discussion Points

•A petition for visual traffic control at 129th Street crosswalk was described and supported by neighbors' signatures and site visits.
•Block party and recreation station open house were praised; Urbandale–Clive on‑demand zone ribbon cutting noted.
•Council members expressed safety concerns for school routes and pedestrians.
•Endow Urbandale presented its history and financial status, including the current endowment size and recent funds raised.
•Kelly announced specific 2026 grant awards and amounts for local organizations.
•Staff described new pavement markings, painted bump-outs and signal-timing work.
•Staff proposed parking on specified blocks with school-hour restrictions near Saint Pius to preserve traffic flow.

Decisions

•First reading of ordinance 20.6-36 approved by roll call.

Directions

•Staff to follow up and report options back to council.
•Staff to proceed with ordinance process and implement timing changes remotely as the corridor project continues.

Oct

Italian-American Cultural Center Set to Open in Newly Renovated Butler Mansion: Progress@Polk Ep. 1

The Butler Mansion in Des Moines has been renovated and reopened as the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa; speakers at the public presentation described its mission, restoration, community role and thanked Polk County for early support.

Discussion Points

•Acknowledgement of county support
•Design features: bilingual signage and public-access spaces
•Lack of disclosed financial figures or county spokesperson
•Plans for community programming and volunteer involvement
•Presentation of the mansion's history and new mission
•Restoration approach described as meticulous
•Restoration features including bilingual signage

Oct

Sleepy Hollow Restoration Press Conference: Remarks & Groundbreaking

Polk County Conservation and community partners celebrated the Sleepy Hollow acquisition and fundraising milestone, announcing a $4.25 million Destination Iowa grant and a $1,000,000 pledge from the Polk County Board of Supervisors while outlining universal-design features and the start of a public fundraising phase.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of Destination Iowa grant of $4,250,000
•Campaign fundraising total of more than $16,000,000
•Ceremonial shovel-turn photo-op
•Focus groups and stakeholder engagement with disability community
•History: 2019 planning meeting, 2022 county purchase
•Naming of lodge as Timothy d Malecaux Lodge
•Photo-op and ceremonial shovel-turn
•Polk County Board of Supervisors pledge of $1,000,000
•Recognition of campaign chairs and volunteers
•Shift from quiet to public fundraising; QR code distribution
•Specific accessible facility features listed
•Transition from quiet to public fundraising phase

Directions

•Public fundraising materials to be shared; QR code provided for donations

Oct

Polk County Board of Supervisors Meeting 10/20/2026

Polk County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting that included proclamations, three public hearings (two wetland projects and a request to vacate a woodland protection easement), multiple consent resolutions and grant awards, public comment criticizing outside legal fees and supervisors holding second jobs, and a closed session on pending litigation with no action taken.

Discussion Points

•Board members cautioned against public engagement to avoid violating open-meetings rules; staff reminded the board the topic had not been noticed for discussion.
•Board moved and approved the block of consent resolutions by roll call.
•Board moved to closed session to discuss litigation strategy with counsel citing a statutory provision (as recorded).
•Public commenter alleged $3,332,000 in outside legal fees over a defined period and criticized uneven defense spending among supervisors.
•Resident urged indoor bike storage and activated storefronts; referenced earlier TIF conditions requiring below-market rents for storefronts.
•Staff opened the hearing and confirmed publication; no public speakers.
•Staff presented multiple consent items covering planning, grants, and contracts.
•Staff presented project plans and estimated cost; publication confirmed.
•Staff presented the project's plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost; proof of publication confirmed.

Decisions

•Consent agenda items adopted as listed on the meeting agenda.
•Entered closed session and later reported no action was taken.
•Letter of intent and amendment listed on consent agenda were adopted by roll call.
•Motion to vacate easement passed by roll call.
•No formal board action taken on the allegations during the meeting.
•Resolution approving plans and cost adopted (item #8).
•Resolution approving plans and estimated cost adopted (item #7).

Directions

•Consider including activation and bike storage elements when negotiating public-funding conditions.
•Proceed with procurement and contract award as appropriate.
•Proceed with procurement and contract execution consistent with approved plans.
•Proceed with recordation steps and notifications required by county recording procedures.
•Staff to carry out contractual and notification obligations for each approved item.

Oct

Polk County Sheriff's Office: Respect the Red Octagon PSA

A Polk County resident warned drivers about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses, citing statewide and local conviction totals for 2024 and urging motorists to obey bus stop signals to protect children.

Discussion Points

•Speaker presented 2024 conviction totals for illegal passing of school buses (909 statewide; 159 in Polk County) and urged motorists to obey bus stop signals.

Oct

City Council Lunch & Learn Meeting - October 13, 2026

Update to the Urbandale City Council on the new Urbandale Police Station design, budget, sustainability features and project schedule, including a video fly-through and Q&A; council approved the meeting agenda and heard a presentation from staff and consultants.

Discussion Points

•After-hours foyer with call box routed to Westcom.
•Bullet-resistant drywall and glass around records.
•Construction manager described standard practice with a 95% set.
•Current budget figure presented; contingency remains.
•Design at 50% construction documents; goal of 80% on Nov. 3.
•EV charging pathways and conduits included in base design.
•Full geothermal system included in base design; PV arrays as add alternates.
•Is 12 days sufficient to review 100% documents prior to bid?
•Main lobby open business hours; locked outside business hours.
•Multipurpose room intended for community uses and training.
•Public outreach includes community forums, presentations, project webpage Q&A.
•PV array alternates remain as add alternates to be selected post-bid.
•Site layout and program (range, garage, evidence bay, public zones).

Directions

•Staff to capture another pricing update at 50% CD and return with recommended alternates after bids.
•Staff will post the fly-through and meeting recording to the city's YouTube page and link from the project site.

Oct

City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

Regular Urbandale City Council meeting including oath for a new firefighter, proclamations, public forum on tree hazard and road-buffer concerns, a resident request to pull a consent item over body-camera redaction fees, approval of a storm-sewer easement vacation, planning items (Magnolia Heights Plat 8), and first reading of updates to the secondhand goods dealer code.

Discussion Points

•Council asked clarifying questions about distinctions from pawn brokers and about mobile operations.
•Homeowner describes root severing during ADA ramp installation and rapid decline of the tree; provides ISA arborist risk assessment and removal estimates.
•No public objections; council closed the hearing and approved the resolution.
•Plat consists of 37 lots (fourplexes/fiveplex), private street, 35-foot setback, and an outlot for park dedication.
•Presentation and oath for new firefighter; proclamation for Fire Prevention Week; marshal highlighted lithium‑ion battery risks and public outreach.
•Requested a meeting between council, public works and homeowners to explore alternative sources of fill.
•Resident cited Iowa Code 22.3 and asked for fee caps, waivers, disclosure of in-house Motorola redaction capability and city cost benchmarks.
•Resident questioned vendor pricing, prepayment no‑refund clause and staffing capability for in‑house redaction.
•Resident supports 142nd reconstruction but objects to removing a protective hill buffer.
•Staff asked for the report and contact information for follow-up.
•Staff noted prior preliminary approvals and recommended final-plating cleanups.
•Staff presentation explained the mapping and reason for vacating the storm-sewer easement; engineering recommended the vacation while retaining pipe within city right of way.
•Updated definitions and exemptions were reviewed, including explicit kiosk language and consignment/antique exemptions.

Decisions

•Consent agenda item 6.11 remained on the consent agenda and passed; no pull was granted during the meeting.
•Ordinance 2026‑35 passed first reading.
•Resolution 251‑2026 approved.
•Resolution 252‑2026 approved; Ordinance 2026‑29 advanced for first reading.

Directions

•Clerk to include proposed edits in second reading and to coordinate with city attorney as needed.
•Community Development to finalize plat documents and coordinate park/trail integration.
•Engineering/Public Works to coordinate cut/cap and legal description adjustments.
•Staff to follow up and meet with homeowners.
•Staff to provide the information‑board ruling reference, disclose in‑house capability/cost and provide city cost estimates with vendor quotes; track vendor use and fees.
•Staff to review arborist report and contact homeowner.

Oct

Polk County Board of Supervisors Meeting 10/06/2026

Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting: proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month; public comments supporting FOCUS youth crisis services; discussion and separate vote to approve an agreement with Simonson & Associates for an entertainment-district master plan after questions about scope, cost and prior work; Sleepy Hollow project update and multiple routine resolutions and grants approved.

Discussion Points

•Board cited storm damage and emerald ash borer as reasons for tree-distribution funding; proposed ten countywide distributions and community grants.
•County administrator explained procurement compliance and the desire for the county to own the deliverable; administrator confirmed prior work exists and will be leveraged.
•FOCUS described program elements (mobile crisis team, 23-hour observation unit) and thanked the board for support.
•Grant award announcement and fundraising totals; scope of work (demolition, earthwork, utilities) to proceed.
•Multiple routine administrative and infrastructure items were approved by roll call.
•Proclamation text and invitation to community speakers.
•Projected opening Christmas 2027; groundbreaking Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m.
•Public questions about land ownership, fiscal-note discrepancies and potential consultant conflict of interest raised by Jonathan Auberg.
•Several items were referred to treasurer, county attorney and public works as listed.

Decisions

•Approved grant agreement with Trees Forever as part of consent items.
•Board advanced and approved the Simonson & Associates resolution with one supervisor passing.
•Consent items approved by roll call after item 33 was separated.
•Forgivable-loan resolution included in consent block approved by roll call.
•Proceed to contracting and schedule groundbreaking.
•Proclaimed Sept. 15through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Polk County.

Directions

•County to ensure clear cost and accountability expectations in the agreement (administrator comment).
•None recorded (item was in consent block).
•Polk County Conservation to issue first contract for demolition and site work.

Oct

People of Polk Episode 015: Brett McIntyre- Program Coordinator, Emergency Management

Bridal McIntyre, program coordinator with Polk County Emergency Management, described the office's training and exercise responsibilities, how the Emergency Operations Center coordinates multiagency responses, and why communication is central to disaster response. She highlighted partnerships across dispatch, fire, EMS, law enforcement, public works and community groups such as the Red Cross.

Discussion Points

•Broadcast experience provides tools for effective public messaging during disasters.
•Duty officers and routine planning underpin the office\u0002s ability to activate response and connect residents with recovery resources.
•Emergency management facilitates and brings subject-matter experts into an incident response rather than serving as technical leads.
•EOC creates an operating picture by collecting information from on-scene representatives.

Sep

Polk County Board Staff Meeting (9/22/26)

Polk County Health Director Julianne Vanloo briefed the Board of Supervisors on Iowa HHS's administrative plan to regionalize public health, warning of a 15% administrative overhead that could reduce local service funding and asking the board to approve Polk County's application to be the Region 5 lead; later, Teresa Greenfield presented Invest De Moine's 2025 annual report and asked the county to renew a $5 million, five-year 28E funding agreement.

Discussion Points

•Direct county governmental team to develop legislative questions and coordinate with health director.
•Invest De Moine\u0002s multi-year results and program growth through 2025.
•Iowa HHS will regionalize by creating seven lead agencies and regranting to locals; initial service lines affected are infectious disease, environmental health, and chronic disease and injury prevention.
•Lack of local engagement by Iowa HHS in designing regionalization.
•Lead agencies will be capped at 15% overhead, reducing funds direct to local health departments; Polk County projects a $150,000 local reduction starting 2027.
•Need clarity on whether Iowa HHS will redirect staff funds to lead agencies.
•Polk County is preparing an RFP response and proposes a regional council for co-design and to protect local services.
•Request for county to renew $5 million annual 28E agreement for another five years.
•Request RFP extension and co-design with Iowa HHS.
•Unanswered questions about redistribution of state staff/funds that currently support contract management.

Decisions

•No formal decision recorded in the briefing segment; the board was asked to act later on the application and attestation.

Directions

•Board staff to coordinate legislative questions and potential advocacy with Polk County Health Department and governmental affairs team.
•County to press Iowa HHS through questions and legislative channels; governmental affairs team to coordinate.
•Governmental affairs team to work with health director on legislative strategy (planned).
•Polk County staff to finalize RFP application materials and implementation plan during the planning period; follow-up data requested on staffing and contracting plans.
•Teresa Greenfield to follow up with supervisors on requested breakdown of buy-and-rehab versus homeowner-funded projects.

Sep

Grays Woods Recovery Center Expansion- Press Conference

Graveswoods Recovery Center announced a 74-bed behavioral health campus in Polk County, supported in part by a $1 million opioid-settlement contribution from Polk County; total project cost $18.5 million with $4 million still to raise and an opening targeted for July 2027.

Discussion Points

•Co‑locating services is intended to make transitions smoother and prevent people from being lost between detox and residential care.
•Organizers described the campus as a coordinated, co‑located continuum of care intended to reduce patients lost between detox and residential treatment.
•Presenters cited national diagnosis and treatment gap statistics and argued the campus would allow residents to remain near family while receiving care.
•Project budget and fundraising gap were disclosed: $18.5M total, $9.5M raised, $5M organizational investment, ~$4M remaining.
•Speakers cited a prior, similar campus in Webster County as evidence of a viable model.

Sep

City Council Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Urbandale City Council met for a regular session that included public comment on a proposed Buc-ee's travel center, two downtown lease public hearings (gelato tenant at a former Dairy Queen and a lease extension for Big Sky/Suburban Bread), purchase of structural collapse rescue equipment funded largely by a Prairie Meadows grant, and a briefing on the city's updated Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan. Council approved the two downtown leases and the equipment purchase after public hearings and presentations.

Discussion Points

•Opponents raised traffic, noise, light pollution, and neighborhood impacts; a petition of 216 signatures requested no rehearing.
•Request for an annual/aggregate audit report describing weekly reviews, exceptions found, deletion testing and agencies approved to search Urbandale data.
•Request to publish executed ALPR authorization documents and a crosswalk of cameras to governing instruments.
•Request to publish the public portions of the city's Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan relevant to surveillance and data sharing.
•Supporters urged reconsideration noting jobs and tax revenue.

Directions

•Staff to follow up on records publishing and provide a durable access method rather than expiring OneDrive links.

Sep

City Council Lunch & Learn Meeting - September 8, 2026

Council received construction and stormwater updates from city engineering staff and heard a presentation on the Urbandale CareerCon workforce program; multiple road and creek stabilization projects were discussed and timelines/costs provided.

Discussion Points

•Downtown block improvement cost and schedule; 3‑lane conversion paint work and school notifications; signal timing study funded by a carbon reduction grant.
•Extent of patching and overlay quantities; inclusion of ADA ramp work; contractors named and inspection credits.
•Kristen outlined Roseland Drive staging and costs, Ring Road pavement settlement remediation, and homeowner connection obligations under the foundation drain disconnect program.
•Program metrics (students served, businesses participating), staff time and budget, required school coordination, pilot expansion to nearby schools.
•Recent bank stabilization work at Gulfview Park and Walnut Creek; future design and permitting for Days Run and Little Walnut Creek.

Decisions

•Agenda approved at start of meeting.

Directions

•Proceed with bid for Days Run and pursue DNR/Army Corps permits for Little Walnut Creek.
•Proceed with small pilot inviting neighboring junior classes; staff to report results post‑November.
•Staff to continue sequencing work and provide homeowner guidance on sump connections.
•Staff to follow up on contractor storage practices and any turf damage claims.
•Staff to notify school districts and finalize timing for paint and signal updates.

Sep

Sheriff's Office RACOM Tower Groundbreaking Remarks

Polk County held a groundbreaking for a new 300-foot public-safety communications tower; officials say the $3,250,000 project will use $1,300,000 in 911 surcharge funds and is expected to be operational by spring 2027.

Discussion Points

•County will apply $1,300,000 in 911 surcharge funds to the $3,250,000 project.
•Need to replace an approximately 50-year-old tower to ensure reliable radio communications for first responders.
•Officials plan to petition the state legislature about modest increases in the 911 service charge.

Decisions

•Ceremonial groundbreaking held; county stated the tower should be operational by spring 2027.

Directions

•Proceed with construction following groundbreaking; vendor partnership with Raycom Incorporated will support technical implementation.

Sep

Polk County Board of Supervisors Meeting (9/8/26)

The Polk County Board of Supervisors met Sept. 8, 2025, approving several resolutions including a contract for High Trestle Trail crossings, holding a first reading on a rezoning at 1560 NW 66th Ave, and accepting plans for the Little Fourmile Creek restoration; the board also recognized Sheriff Kevin Schneider for 45 years of service.

Discussion Points

•Board completed first reading of the ordinance.
•Board voted to approve by roll call.
•Clerk confirmed proof of publication was on file.
•Clerk read resolution language regarding the Virtra agreement.
•Community speaker described Sheriff Schneider's 45-year career and community involvement.
•Engineer on record offered to answer questions about the application.
•No public speakers attended the hearing.
•Public Works Director explained scope and safety intent of concrete and markings.
•Resident requested more detailed public design information following a cyclist fatality.

Decisions

•Board approved contract award to Caliber Concrete.
•Board approved plans and contract form.
•Board authorized the county to execute the Virtra subscription agreement.
•Ordinance No. 8 passed first reading.

Directions

•Public Works to publish project information on county website.

Sep

People of Polk Episode 014: Keshia Fields- Organizational Development & Training Specialist, H.R.

Polk County HR specialist Keisha Fields presented an employee onboarding overview highlighting a newly developed employee engagement playbook, an employee engagement committee formed from department representatives, internal "employee games" activities, and a wellness program that reimburses registration fees and equipment. The remarks focused on initiatives to increase belonging, informal competitions and small incentives to support staff retention and well-being.

Discussion Points

•Activities emphasize Polk County knowledge and interdepartmental competition.
•An employee engagement committee with departmental representatives was formed.
•A staff survey informed preferred engagement activities (e.g., lunch-and-learns).
•Employee games introduced this year, focus on trivia and scavenger hunts.
•Employees can accrue points towards rewards through simple activities.
•HR role includes welcoming and onboarding new employees.
•No formal playbook existed prior to Fields' tenure; HR developed one.
•Trainings and belonging initiatives are used to support career success.
•Wellness program reimburses gym fees, event registration and equipment.

Sep

Polk County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting (8/31/26)

Polk County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to consider a resolution approving a lease agreement with Prairie Meadows. The board heard a public comment urging indoor bike storage at Prairie Meadows, staff summarized terms of a 15-year triple-net lease that shifts property tax and maintenance to Prairie Meadows, and the board voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

Discussion Points

•Frank Verasco summarized lease structure as triple‑net, 15‑year base with two 5‑year options, property tax and maintenance shifted to Prairie Meadows, anticipated long‑term revenue to county.
•Lease term is 15 years plus two 5‑year options; escalators and valuation triggers discussed.
•Maher asked for indoor bike storage for Prairie Meadows employees and noted audits of county bike parking.
•No staff commitment recorded in the meeting transcript to require indoor storage.
•Staff estimated long‑term county benefit; some in‑transcript numeric phrasing is unclear.
•Staff said supervisors were briefed throughout and staff acted as agent of the board.
•Supervisor Hawkins Smith noted board input had occurred but suggested greater visibility of board members during negotiations for appearance reasons.
•Supervisor Hawkins Smith raised appearance concerns about board visibility during negotiations.
•Triple‑net structure shifts tax/maintenance to Prairie Meadows.

Decisions

•Board approved resolution to enter lease agreement with Prairie Meadows; roll-call responses in the transcript show unanimous 'Yes' votes.
•Board approved the resolution to adopt the lease.

Aug

Knock and Drop Iowa's New Extended Hours

Speakers described the origin and expansion of Knock and Drop Iowa, a community food pantry that began in a garage in March 2020. County funding and a donated Northside Pantry space are enabling evening hours and part-time staff to reach more working families facing food insecurity in Polk County.

Discussion Points

•Diversity of clients and culturally appropriate food inventory
•Donation of Northside Pantry space
•Goal to reduce food insecurity
•Origin of Knock and Drop Iowa in March 2020
•Polk County funding of pantry setup
•Polk County provision of space and funding for part-time staff
•Trial evening hours serving large numbers
•Use of county funds to hire part-time staff

Directions

•Continue evening trial; plan to extend hours to 7 p.m. if staffing and space allow
•Organizers to use county funds to hire part-time staff; continue evening trial

Aug

City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

Urbandale City Council conducted routine business including public comment raising questions about a $50,000 payment to Flock Group and data-sharing records, approved a supportive-housing site plan for a 104-unit conversion, approved a 31-lot residential final plat, authorized replacement self-contained breathing apparatus for the fire department, and advanced an ordinance on personal transportation devices to a third reading.

Discussion Points

•Auberg asked for the fully executed agreement tied to resolution 111-2026, any renewal/order behind the $50,000 payment, and the city's outbound data‑sharing policy for Flock.
•Courtyard space and supportive services are for residents only; PUD landscaping and ADA parking requirements apply.
•Final plat creates 31 single-family lots and two outlots for detention; sidewalk and landscaping requirements apply.
•Key definitions clarified: devices over 20 mph or >750 watts or with internal combustion are treated differently and may be regulated as motor vehicles on roadways.
•Mandated three-foot lateral passing in bicycle lanes and hand-signal language were discussed and will be refined for consistency with neighboring cities.
•Project converts existing hotel to 104 apartments; addition floor plate ~5,000 sq ft per floor for two stories.
•Purchasing a single model improves compatibility with partner agencies and is appropriate when standards change.
•SCBA tanks have a 15-year non-destructively testable service life and must be replaced.
•Staff said bill lists report payments made pursuant to contracts and obligations and offered to follow up with links and documents.
•Stormwater management agreements must assign maintenance responsibility before plats are recorded.

Decisions

•Council approved council letter 8668 to replace SCBA equipment.
•Council approved council letter 8682 (site plan) and advanced the project to permit/recording stage.
•Council approved the final plat (council letter 8684).
•Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2026-30 and scheduled a third reading after edits.
•No separate council action taken; consent agenda approved as presented.

Directions

•Proceed with the procurement under existing purchasing agreements; department to coordinate delivery and fit testing.
•Staff to confirm responsibility and finalize cleanup comments before recording.
•Staff to follow up with Auberg and provide the requested records and links to the Flock transparency portal and presentation materials.
•Staff to provide a parking estimate (rounded to nearest 10) and resolve easement and fire-access comments.
•Staff to revise redline to (a) remove/clarify bike-lane speed language so bicycles and lawful riders are not inadvertently restricted, (b) adopt clarified hand-signal language preferred by council, and (c) add door-opening protections consistent with neighboring ordinances where council wants uniformity.

Aug

Polk County Board Staff Meeting (8/11/26)

A presenter outlined a $2,440,000 emergency rental assistance research and service project aimed at supporting low‑income working families across Polk County and neighboring counties, requested $460,000 in gap funding and described a randomized control trial to test optimal assistance length.

Discussion Points

•$1.9M secured; $460,000 gap requested from county.
•Board member asked which commitments remain and what the county is being asked to provide.
•Budget split: 71% assistance/administration, 29% research and engagement.
•Materials and webinars to be made available online.
•Planned community conversations, book clubs with libraries and a traveling community crate exhibit.
•Presenter asked Polk County for funding to close a $460,000 gap.
•Presenter said two private foundations remain pending and reiterated a $460,000 gap request; no vote or formal direction recorded.
•Project combines emergency rental assistance with a randomized research study to evaluate optimal length of aid.
•Survey schedule at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months and planned interviews with participants and landlords.
•Trial design and sample allocation across assistance lengths.

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