Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with ceremonial swearings-in of newly elected councilmembers, followed by the election of a Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026-2027 term. Public comments focused on concerns about the city's Flock surveillance cameras. The council approved a consent agenda, held a public hearing on land use regulation updates, and took action on the 2026 council calendar, planning commission appointment process, and a business license ordinance update. An executive session on property acquisition was held with no formal action taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approved payment vouchers through December 22, 2025 and payroll transfers through December 19, 2025 totaling $6,711,767.72.
• Approved minutes from the City Council Regular Meetings on November 13, December 4, and December 11, 2025.
• Approved the South County Area Transportation Board Agreement for the 2026 to 2029 term, authorizing the City Manager to sign.
• Motion passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris DeLaRosa, Des Moines resident, spoke against the Flock mass surveillance cameras, citing privacy risks, lack of electrical permits, and a request to decommission all 15 cameras (including two Condor cameras). He requested the item be placed on the next council agenda.
• Judy Grande, Des Moines resident, also spoke against the Flock cameras, requesting a vote in January to decommission them. She raised concerns about data sharing with federal agencies and long-term data retention.

Discussion Items

• Ceremonial Swearing-In and Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor: Newly elected councilmembers Harry Steinmetz (Position 1), Gene Achziger (Position 3), Pierre Blosse (Position 5), and Robyn Desimone (Position 7) were sworn in. Councilmember Yoshiko Grace Matsui was elected Mayor with a vote of 5-1-1 (Councilmember JC Harris voted for himself, Councilmember Jeremy Nutting abstained). Councilmember Gene Achziger was elected Deputy Mayor with a vote of 5-0-2 (Councilmembers Nutting and Harris abstained).
• City Manager Report: City Manager Katherine Caffrey reported that the Burning Boat Festival (New Year's Eve) was a success, with proceeds from a partnership with the Rotary Club to benefit the Parks and Recreation scholarship program. She also announced the launch of new agenda software, with meeting materials now centralized on the city website under the 'Your Government' tab.
• Public Hearing – Unit Lot Subdivision, Lot Splitting, and Substandard Lot Regulations Update (First Reading): Planning & Development Services Manager Laura Techico presented draft Ordinance 25-117, which implements state legislation (HB 5559) to allow unit lot subdivisions and lot splitting in residential zones to encourage affordable housing and home ownership. The ordinance also addresses substandard lots. No public testimony was offered. Councilmember questions focused on compliance with state code, lessons learned from other cities, and potential dispute resolution. The motion to pass the ordinance to a second reading on January 22, 2026 passed 7-0.
• 2026 City Council Calendar: Director of Administrative Services Bonnie Wilkins presented a proposed calendar with regular meetings, study sessions, and a retreat in February. After discussion, council approved amendments: move the May 28 meeting to May 21, move the July 23 meeting to July 30, and add a meeting on November 19. The main motion as amended passed 7-0.
• Planning Commission Appointment Process: Community Development Director Rebecca Deming presented four options for appointing the seven Planning Commissioners following the council's earlier decision to use council appointment rather than mayoral appointment. After discussion, council directed staff to proceed with Option #2 (a ranked-choice style voting process) by a 7-0 vote.
• Business License Model Ordinance Update (First Reading): Assistant City Attorney Matt Hutchins presented draft Ordinance 25-124, which updates the city's business license code to comply with state mandates (EHB 2005/2017). Changes include a standard definition of 'engaging in business' and raising the threshold for out-of-city businesses from $2,000 to $4,000 in gross income before a license fee is required, with future CPI adjustments. The motion to pass the ordinance to a second reading on the next available regular council meeting passed 7-0.
• Councilmember Reports: Councilmembers reported on various topics: Councilmember Steinmetz highlighted the Burning Boat Festival and need for collaboration; Councilmember Nutting requested a future presentation on Flock cameras (supported by council); Councilmember Harris congratulated the new mayor and deputy mayor, discussed Flock camera benefits and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan; Deputy Mayor Achziger emphasized collaboration; Councilmember Desimone expressed excitement for the new year; Councilmember Blosse thanked voters, supporters, staff, and colleagues. Mayor Matsui thanked council and noted volunteer opportunities.

Key Outcomes

• Councilmember Yoshiko Grace Matsui elected Mayor for 2026-2027 term (5-1-1).
• Councilmember Gene Achziger elected Deputy Mayor for 2026-2027 term (5-0-2).
• Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Ordinance 25-117 (Unit Lot Subdivision, etc.) passed to second reading on January 22, 2026 (7-0).
• 2026 City Council Calendar approved with three date amendments (move May 28 to May 21, move July 23 to July 30, add November 19 meeting) (7-0).
• Staff directed to proceed with Option #2 for Planning Commissioner appointments (7-0).
• Ordinance 25-124 (Business License Model) passed to second reading on next available regular meeting (7-0).
• Council supported adding a Flock camera presentation to a future agenda.
• Executive session on property acquisition under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) held for 10 minutes; no formal action taken.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for January 22, 2026.