Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - November 13, 2025

The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on November 13, 2025, covering a packed agenda that included four public hearings, the adoption of the 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), an interlocal agreement (ILA) for Sea-Tac Airport environmental review, a framework discussion on council compensation, and a subsequent executive session. Following the executive session, the council voted 5-1 on several actions regarding the City Manager's contract, including salary and severance adjustments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved payment vouchers totaling $3,171,364.46 through October 30, 2025.
• Approved minutes for meetings on October 2, 2025 and October 9, 2025.
• Approved Draft Ordinance No. 25-100 for the Business and Occupation Tax Model Ordinance (2nd Reading).
• Awarded the 2025 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project contract to Base Crew LLC for $55,968 with a $6,000 contingency.
• Reappointed Joe Dusenbury to the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Committee for a term ending December 31, 2027.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Wilkins invited the council to a Tenant Appreciation Party.
• Joe Dusenbury, reporting on behalf of the Airport Advisory Committee, recommended the council approve the ILA for coordinated SAMP review and legal services, and to initiate a NEPA appeal. The committee expressed that it was hard to accept the NEPA finding that the airport's forecasted growth would have no impact on Des Moines.
• No members of the public signed up or came forward to speak during any of the four public hearings (Property Tax Levy, Biennial Budget Amendments, Land Use Application Abandonment, Co-Living Housing).

Discussion Items

• Regional Committee Reports: Councilmember Harris reported on the King County Flood Control District and Regional Transit budgets. Councilmember Mahoney reported on PSRC transportation revenue models addressing the gas tax revenue decline. Deputy Mayor Steinmetz reported on an upcoming SCA utility rate summit and the issue of unapproved food vendors.
• 2026 Property Tax Levy (2nd Reading): Finance Director Jeff Friend presented a levy of ~$5.9 million, including the 1% allowable increase and new construction revenue, resulting in a rate of ~$0.86 per $1,000 of assessed value and an average increase of $12.80 per parcel. Council discussed the 1% levy cap, inflation, and the city's share of the overall property tax pie. Adopted via two ordinances (7-0).
• 2025/2026 Biennial Budget Amendments (1st Reading): Finance Director Friend detailed the mid-biennium review, adjusting revenue projections downward due to economic uncertainty and balancing with targeted expenditure reductions. A new $50,000 contingency fund requiring council approval was introduced. Council agreed to allocate $9,000 for general professional development but tabled a proposal to join the National League of Cities. Forwarded to 2nd reading (7-0).
• Land Use Application Abandonment Ordinance (1st Reading): Land Use Planner Peyton Murphy presented an ordinance to terminate land use applications after 180 days of inactivity. Council discussed the number of pending applications and implementation. Forwarded to 2nd reading (7-0).
• Co-Living Housing Ordinance (1st Reading): Land Use Planner Alicia Jacobs presented a state-mandated ordinance to permit co-living housing in 12 zones as a tool to address the housing crisis. Council discussed potential impacts on conversions and student housing. Forwarded to 2nd reading (7-0).
• 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan: Finance Director Friend presented the CIP containing 87 projects with a total funding of $175.3 million ($123 million secured). Council discussed specific projects like HVAC replacements and Midway Park. Resolution 25-093 adopted (7-0).
• Interlocal Agreement for Coordinated SAMP Review and Legal Services: Community Development Director Rebecca Deming presented a three-city ILA (with Burien and SeaTac) to fund joint legal counsel for the Sea-Tac SAMP and a potential NEPA appeal. The initial $1,000 filing fee to preserve the right to appeal by the November 24 deadline was supported. ILA approved (7-0).
• City Council Compensation Framework: Assistant City Manager Adrienne Johnson-Newton presented options for adjusting council compensation, unchanged since 1999 ($250/$350 per meeting, 40 meeting cap). Council members debated whether a 2-3% increase would reduce barriers for prospective candidates or if alternative models covering regional travel expenses were more appropriate. The council directed staff to gather further data on peer city models before proceeding with a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Ordinances, Plans, and Agreements: 2026 Property Tax Levy, 2025/2026 Biennial Budget Amendments (forwarded), Land Use Application Abandonment Ordinance (forwarded), Co-Living Housing Ordinance (forwarded), 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan, and the Interlocal Agreement for SAMP Review.
• City Manager Contract Adjustments (all passed 5-1, Councilmember Harris opposed, Councilmember Nutting absent):
  • Salary: Approved a 10% increase to $269,500 for 2026 (6% merit, 4% COLA).
  • Deferred Compensation: Approved a $12,000 annual contribution to the City Manager's Deferred Comp Account until 2030.
  • Severance: Amended the termination clause to accrue at a rate of 3 months per year of service, capped at 12 months.
  • Execution: Authorized the Mayor to sign the amended contract.
• Future Agenda Planning: Council consensus supported the Mayor's recommendations to create a tangible document from the City Manager evaluation expectations, consider forming an ad hoc committee to review evaluation procedures in August, and establishing an evaluation schedule.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2025.