Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on April 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 7:49 PM and covered proclamations, public comments, staff presentations on stormwater management, human services funding, and economic development, as well as the consent agenda and councilmember reports. Key actions included unanimous approval of a Black Wellness Week proclamation, the consent agenda, and direction to the Human Services Advisory Committee on funding priorities.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1. Approval of Vouchers: Approved payment vouchers and payroll transfers totaling $1,917,388.82 through March 26, 2026 and March 20, 2026 respectively.
• Item 2. Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from the Strategic Plan Workshop (February 26–27, 2026) and the City Council Study Session (March 5, 2026).
• Item 3. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation: Approved recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Item 4. Draft Ordinance 26-009: Approved on second reading, updating the Appointive Committee and Citizens Advisory Board codes.
• Motion: Councilmember Nutting moved, seconded by Councilmember Steinmetz, to approve the consent agenda as read. Passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris DeLaRosa (Des Moines resident): Argued that Governor Ferguson signed SB 6002 into law on March 30, 2026, explicitly prohibiting use of license plate readers in certain locations. He claimed 4 of 15 Flock cameras in Des Moines are likely illegal, citing cameras at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Highland College, and a new one at the Safeway entrance. He called on the council to suspend Flock cameras immediately because they are violating state law.
• Judy Grande (Des Moines resident): Submitted a public records request (January 5, 2026) and stated that neither the police department nor the city controls Flock safety camera data. She raised concerns about mass surveillance and Peter Thiel's investment in Flock Safety, and asked the council to vote to decommission the 15 cameras. She also thanked councilmembers Blosse, Harris, and Achziger for voting no on funds for an artificial Christmas tree anchor (not yet approved) and urged fiscal responsibility.
• David Metzel (Des Moines resident and restaurant owner): Reported flooding in his backyard and other neighbors' properties since late February, which he attributes to construction activities at the new Pacific Middle School site (a $92 million building, three stories, 900 students). He criticized the Highline School District for dismissing the problem as "nature" or coincidence, and alleged that drilling 350-foot holes for a thermal generator has disturbed the land. He said he cannot afford a lawyer and has started picketing on the public sidewalk. He stated that a risk management document from the school district requires notarization and submission to the city.

Discussion Items

• Item 1. Annual NPDES Update (20 minutes): Surface Water/Environmental Engineering Manager Tyler Beekley presented the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II stormwater permit update. Key highlights include: 37 spills reported and cleaned up in 2025; 2,155 public catch basins inspected (257 failed and were cleaned); 243 stormwater facilities inspected (44 failed and were maintained); 97 construction projects reviewed for pollution prevention; 70 enforcement actions on 49 sites; 28 businesses inspected under the source control program with 12 corrective actions; and a new watershed selection requirement by March 2027. A consultant will be hired to develop the next stormwater action plan. Beekley noted the city is on track with the tree canopy mapping requirement (completed early) and is launching a new asset management program (OpenGov). Councilmember Harris asked about bioswale media replacement and reporting litter; Beekley directed residents to the Fix It form. Councilmember Blosse asked about business inspection selection and target numbers (28 per year cycle). Deputy Mayor Achziger asked about improving the tree canopy; Beekley explained the first phase is preserving existing canopy, with proactive management to be determined by resources. A May 7 committee discussion on draft tree replacement regulations was noted.
• Item 2. Human Services Funding Criteria Discussion (25 minutes): City Manager Katherine Caffrey and Human Services Advisory Committee Chair Corinne Anderson-Ketchmark presented. The city budgets $150,000 annually (up from $250,000, previously supplemented by ARPA) for grants to human services providers. The committee reviews applications (73 applications totaling over $800,000 in the last cycle) and recommends allocations. Councilmembers provided feedback on priorities: they agreed with the existing list (affordable housing, food security, safety from violence, physical/mental health, education/job skills, early childhood education) but emphasized a more targeted approach—funding fewer organizations with larger awards, prioritizing services that directly benefit Des Moines residents. A comprehensive community needs assessment was strongly supported to identify gaps; costs would be considered for the 2027 budget. Councilmember Desimone suggested leveraging data from existing partners (e.g., Port of Seattle, King County) and noting organizations with multiple funding sources (e.g., Meals on Wheels received $70M from Mackenzie Scott). Councilmember Harris advocated incorporating regional data from the Port of Seattle. Deputy Mayor Achziger recommended consulting neighboring cities' assessments (CTAC recently completed one). Councilmember Blosse proposed setting a percentage of the general fund as a long-term goal (e.g., 1% = $260,000/year). Council consensus: keep the five priorities as a broad bucket, use a targeted approach with larger grants to fewer organizations, and pursue a needs assessment in calendar year 2027 to inform 2028 recommendations.
• Item 3. Economic Development Update for 2026 First Quarter (20 minutes): Consultant Dan Eernissee reported on work funded by a Port of Seattle downtown grant and a WA Commerce grant. He presented draft findings from the ferry feasibility study (2022 pilot had ~15,000 riders, 93% for leisure, not commutes; operational costs exceeded fares by 10x). Market analysis showed limited commuter potential between Des Moines and Seattle; key regional travel markets are Kent Valley, SoDo, and Federal Way. The final report is expected in June 2026. Eernissee noted the downtown marketing and identity strategy is in early stages, informed by the city's strategic plan. Councilmember Desimone expressed urgency due to vacant storefronts. Councilmember Harris asked for rigorous, data-driven analysis without overpromising. Councilmember Steinmetz cautioned against unreasonable expectations, noting economic development takes time. The Port grant focuses on a narrow downtown area; staff indicated plans to address downtown zoning soon.

Key Outcomes

• Black Wellness Week Proclamation: Motion by Councilmember Nutting, seconded by Steinmetz. Passed 7-0. Proclaimed April 13–17, 2026 as Black Wellness Week.
• Consent Agenda: Motion by Councilmember Nutting, seconded by Steinmetz. Passed 7-0. Approved all four items: vouchers ($1,917,388.82), minutes, Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation, and Ordinance 26-009.
• New Business: Councilmember Steinmetz requested a future discussion on the Ecology Grant for the S. 223rd Complete Street Project, to be brought back with alternatives from staff. Supported by two additional councilmembers.
• Councilmember Reports: Councilmembers reported on attendance at Sound Cities Association meeting, tour of SCORE jail and public works facilities, Eggstravaganza event, and upcoming Chat with the Mayor sessions.
• Next Meeting: April 23, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting.
• Adjournment: Motion by Councilmember Nutting, seconded by Steinmetz. Passed 7-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.