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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

City Council — Thursday, April 23, 2026

BodyDes Moines, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, April 23, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

3:35

At this time, I'd like to call the April twenty third, twenty twenty six Des Moines City Council meeting to order.

3:41

Uh, we'll

Unassigned speaker

3:42

Speaker 1

3:42

go to the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:44

Councilmember JC Harris will lead us in the pledge.

3:47

Please stand if you are able.

4:33

And a second.

4:35

Councilmember signups.

4:37

All those in favor, please raise your right hand, say aye.

4:42

And that is unanimous.

4:44

I'm going to go ahead and read that into the record.

4:49

Whereas

Unassigned speaker

4:50

the

Speaker 1

4:50

City of Des Moines wishes to recognize and celebrate the twenty twenty-six South Sound opening day of voting season.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

And whereas the Des Moines Yacht Club annually hosts the South Sound Opening Day of Boating Season ceremony, which gathers the many South Puget Sound Yacht Clubs along with Des Moines residents and their surrounding neighborhood communities to participate and enjoy this ceremony.

Speaker 1

5:15

And whereas this ceremony advocates for the safe enjoyment of boating and as such recognizes and supports the upcoming National Safe Boating Week, which is May 16th through the 22nd.

5:28

And whereas this ceremony promotes the Des Moines waterfront amenities serving the Pacific Northwest boating community.

5:35

Now therefore, the Des Moines City Council hereby proclaims May 9th, 2026 as this year's South Sound opening day of boating season, and urges all residents to join them in this recognition safely.

5:50

Signed this day at the 23rd of April 2026.

5:54

Yoshiko Grace Monsui Mayor.

6:06

And I understand we have a guest speaker as well, Commodore Wallstrom.

Unassigned speaker

6:16

Thank

Speaker 2

6:16

you, Mayor, City Council.

Unassigned speaker

6:18

Speaker 2

6:18

name is Dan Walstrom.

6:20

I'm the Commodore for the Des Moines Yacht Club.

Speaker 3

6:22

And uh

Speaker 2

6:23

just want to uh thank you for that proclamation and uh for your support over the last many years.

Unassigned speaker

6:28

You know,

Speaker 2

6:29

we've been a staple here in the community uh really since 1957 we've been in existence, and uh we started out as a vagabonder outdoor uh motor boat club and we've really evolved since then.

6:41

I tell you that.

6:43

But uh, we're all about boating and bringing people together.

6:46

Uh we are a boating cruising club.

6:48

Uh we have roughly 300 household members, and uh we attend a number of different things here uh throughout the uh year.

Unassigned speaker

6:55

Speaker 2

6:55

last weekend we were at the Daffodil uh Marine Festival and Tacoma Yacht Club, and we brought 21 clubs there,

Unassigned speaker

7:02

and

Speaker 2

7:03

we're representing Des Moines in the club there as well.

Unassigned speaker

7:05

Speaker 2

7:06

next weekend we'll be at the Seattle Yacht Club representing Des Moines Yacht Club there as well, and of course, South Sound Opening is coming up May 8th through the 10th, and everyone here is invited.

7:17

It's a public event on Saturday.

7:18

We'll have an opening ceremony and then a whole bunch of festivities throughout the weekend.

Unassigned speaker

7:25

Speaker 2

7:25

once again, thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing everybody uh at our event.

Speaker 1

7:32

Thank you very much.

Speaker 4

7:42

Thank

Unassigned speaker

7:43

you.

Speaker 1

7:44

Thank you.

7:48

Is there any correspondence uh received from the public that have not already been reviewed by council?

7:54

No,

Speaker 5

7:54

mayor.

Speaker 1

7:55

Thank you.

7:56

Now is time for comments from the public.

7:58

We ask that you keep your comments respectful.

Unassigned speaker

8:01

Speaker 1

8:01

when I call your name, please come up to the podium.

8:04

You'll have three minutes to speak.

8:06

Uh state your name and city of residence, and I'm told that the amber light will come on when you have 30 seconds remaining, so please be aware of

Unassigned speaker

8:13

that.

Speaker 1

8:14

First, we have Richard Nagel.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural███████████████████████████████████35%

Public Safety█████████████13%

Fiscal Sustainability██████████10%

Parking█████████9%

Personnel Matters████████8%

Public Engagement██████6%

Parks and Recreation████4%

Governance████4%

Transportation Safety███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

The Des Moines City Council met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, staff recognitions, financial and parking presentations, consent agenda approvals, new business items, councilmember reports, and an executive session. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Vouchers: Approved payments totaling $2,097,443.01, including EFT vendor payments, wires, accounts payable checks, payroll checks, and voided checks.
Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from March 12, March 26, and April 2, 2026 meetings.
Tyler Technologies Permit Software Service Agreement: Approved SaaS agreement not to exceed $185,000 plus annual fees.
King County 2026-2027 Hazardous Waste Management Program Grant: Accepted grant funds.
Midway Park Final Design: Approved task assignment with Psomas for $289,816.30 for final engineering and permitting.
5th and 212th Pipe Replacement Project: Approved task assignment with Psomas for $217,413.65.

Public Comments & Testimony

Richard Nagle (Redondo Beach resident) urged the city to include seniors' quality of life under the safety umbrella, citing chronic stress from illegal speeding and loud exhaust. He requested enhanced enforcement, noise cameras, speed humps, and vehicle impoundment.
Dave Kaplan (Port of Seattle staff and resident) announced the upcoming release of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) draft EIS on May 22, 2026, and praised the recognitions of staff.
Chris DeLaRosa argued that Des Moines is not in compliance with new state law SB 6002 regarding Flock cameras (30-day data retention reduced to 21 days, cameras near sensitive locations). He claimed five cameras are in violation and requested immediate shutdown.
Christie A (Des Moines resident and teacher) expressed that Flock cameras threaten immigrant families and are not compliant with the law regarding proximity to schools, places of worship, and medical facilities. She urged the city to rectify the situation.
Judy Grande (Des Moines resident) asked council members if they know where all 15 Flock cameras are, noted 235,969 vehicles recorded in the last 30 days, and requested turning off the cameras.
Beth Cooper (West Seattle resident) spoke on behalf of her undocumented friend in Des Moines, urging the city not to allow construction of a government facility to house undocumented people.
Karen Schartman (Redondo resident) raised concerns about speeding and extreme vehicle noise from modified exhaust, citing a recent incident on Beach Drive. She asked the city to prioritize traffic safety legislation, strengthen speed camera enforcement, adopt noise cameras, and continue short-term actions like speed humps and targeted enforcement.

Discussion Items

Proclamations: The council approved a proclamation recognizing May 9, 2026, as South Sound Opening Day of Boating Season. Commodore Dan Wahlstrom of Des Moines Yacht Club thanked the council.
Staff Recognitions:
- Harbormaster Scott Wilkins was recognized for 30 years of service (started March 18, 1996). City Manager Caffrey highlighted his career path and community involvement.
- Community Services Officer Tonya Seaberry was recognized upon retirement. Police Chief Ted Boe and council members praised her community engagement and impact, noting that her shoes cannot be filled.
- Assistant Police Chief Kevin Penney was recognized for 25 years of service. Chief Boe noted his willingness to always do more, and presented a challenge coin.
Preliminary 2025 4th Quarter Report (Finance Director Jeff Friend):
- Revenue and expenditures each came in around $26.5 million, versus $26.8 million budgeted, resulting in a preliminary operating loss of $45,891. Friend cautioned the numbers are preliminary and may change.
- Property tax revenue was $300,000+ under budget due to an unusually high $256,000 in delinquencies (compared to ~$100,000 in prior years). The city is investigating with King County.
- Red light camera revenue declined to $866,000 (first time under $1 million), attributed to the cameras' effectiveness in reducing violations.
- The general fund unrestricted ending balance was 16.7% (just above the 16.67% threshold), while cash reserves were lower at 8.9% (later adjusted with a $200,000 reclassification).
- Other funds: Development fund ahead $429,000; marina operating income $1.1 million despite dock replacements; surface water management income $2.9 million.
Discussion of Downtown Parking (Civil Engineer Allyssa Beaver):
- Presented a 2026 parking occupancy study using drone footage at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m., replicating a 2017 study.
- Key finding: Overall parking supply exceeds demand, with peak occupancy at lunchtime for certain businesses (e.g., Athens Pizza, Edward Jones reaching 125% occupancy at 3 p.m. due to illegal parking).
- The study showed consistency with 2017 patterns; on-street availability remains adequate.
- Council members requested additional data for evening hours and for the new theater (capacity up to 700), and discussed enforcement of two-hour parking limits and potential for private lot agreements.
2026 Legislative Session Recap (Legislative Advocate Anthony Hemstad):
- The session was challenging for local governments due to a multi-billion dollar deficit.
- Major legislation: The millionaires tax (likely to be challenged), protection of $100 million in public safety funding from the prior session (HB 2015), traffic camera revenue restrictions (defensive fight), airport issues (no progress in 2026 but planning for 2027), and limited local government funding.
- The city received $850,000 in federal funds for Midway Park via an earmark.
- Hemstad encouraged council to engage early for the 2027 session and consider a capital budget request.

Key Outcomes

Votes: All votes were 7-0, including the consent agenda, Midway Soccer Field design approval ($49,924 task assignment with Psomas), and the proclamations.
Executive Session: The council held a 60-minute executive session (8:31 PM to 9:31 PM) to discuss acquisition and disposition of real property under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and (c). No action was taken.
Next Meeting: May 7, 2026, City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session.
Directives: Staff will continue investigating property tax delinquencies, monitor parking impacts from the theater, and prepare for the 2027 legislative session.

Meeting Transcript

At this time, I'd like to call the April twenty third, twenty twenty six Des Moines City Council meeting to order. Uh, we'll s go to the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember JC Harris will lead us in the pledge. Please stand if you are able. And a second. Councilmember signups. All those in favor, please raise your right hand, say aye. And that is unanimous. I'm going to go ahead and read that into the record. Whereas the City of Des Moines wishes to recognize and celebrate the twenty twenty-six South Sound opening day of voting season. And whereas the Des Moines Yacht Club annually hosts the South Sound Opening Day of Boating Season ceremony, which gathers the many South Puget Sound Yacht Clubs along with Des Moines residents and their surrounding neighborhood communities to participate and enjoy this ceremony. And whereas this ceremony advocates for the safe enjoyment of boating and as such recognizes and supports the upcoming National Safe Boating Week, which is May 16th through the 22nd. And whereas this ceremony promotes the Des Moines waterfront amenities serving the Pacific Northwest boating community. Now therefore, the Des Moines City Council hereby proclaims May 9th, 2026 as this year's South Sound opening day of boating season, and urges all residents to join them in this recognition safely. Signed this day at the 23rd of April 2026. Yoshiko Grace Monsui Mayor. And I understand we have a guest speaker as well, Commodore Wallstrom. Thank you, Mayor, City Council. My name is Dan Walstrom. I'm the Commodore for the Des Moines Yacht Club. And uh just want to uh thank you for that proclamation and uh for your support over the last many years. You know, we've been a staple here in the community uh really since 1957 we've been in existence, and uh we started out as a vagabonder outdoor uh motor boat club and we've really evolved since then. I tell you that. But uh, we're all about boating and bringing people together. Uh we are a boating cruising club. Uh we have roughly 300 household members, and uh we attend a number of different things here uh throughout the uh year. Uh last weekend we were at the Daffodil uh Marine Festival and Tacoma Yacht Club, and we brought 21 clubs there, and we're representing Des Moines in the club there as well. Uh next weekend we'll be at the Seattle Yacht Club representing Des Moines Yacht Club there as well, and of course, South Sound Opening is coming up May 8th through the 10th, and everyone here is invited. It's a public event on Saturday. We'll have an opening ceremony and then a whole bunch of festivities throughout the weekend. So once again, thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing everybody uh at our event. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Is there any correspondence uh received from the public that have not already been reviewed by council? No,

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Des Moines City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

Consent Calendar

Approval of Vouchers: Approved payments totaling $2,097,443.01, including EFT vendor payments, wires, accounts payable checks, payroll checks, and voided checks.

Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from March 12, March 26, and April 2, 2026 meetings.

Tyler Technologies Permit Software Service Agreement: Approved SaaS agreement not to exceed $185,000 plus annual fees.

King County 2026-2027 Hazardous Waste Management Program Grant: Accepted grant funds.

Midway Park Final Design: Approved task assignment with Psomas for $289,816.30 for final engineering and permitting.

5th and 212th Pipe Replacement Project: Approved task assignment with Psomas for $217,413.65.

Public Comments & Testimony

Richard Nagle (Redondo Beach resident) urged the city to include seniors' quality of life under the safety umbrella, citing chronic stress from illegal speeding and loud exhaust. He requested enhanced enforcement, noise cameras, speed humps, and vehicle impoundment.

Dave Kaplan (Port of Seattle staff and resident) announced the upcoming release of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) draft EIS on May 22, 2026, and praised the recognitions of staff.

Chris DeLaRosa argued that Des Moines is not in compliance with new state law SB 6002 regarding Flock cameras (30-day data retention reduced to 21 days, cameras near sensitive locations). He claimed five cameras are in violation and requested immediate shutdown.

Christie A (Des Moines resident and teacher) expressed that Flock cameras threaten immigrant families and are not compliant with the law regarding proximity to schools, places of worship, and medical facilities. She urged the city to rectify the situation.

Judy Grande (Des Moines resident) asked council members if they know where all 15 Flock cameras are, noted 235,969 vehicles recorded in the last 30 days, and requested turning off the cameras.

Beth Cooper (West Seattle resident) spoke on behalf of her undocumented friend in Des Moines, urging the city not to allow construction of a government facility to house undocumented people.

Karen Schartman (Redondo resident) raised concerns about speeding and extreme vehicle noise from modified exhaust, citing a recent incident on Beach Drive. She asked the city to prioritize traffic safety legislation, strengthen speed camera enforcement, adopt noise cameras, and continue short-term actions like speed humps and targeted enforcement.

Discussion Items

Proclamations: The council approved a proclamation recognizing May 9, 2026, as South Sound Opening Day of Boating Season. Commodore Dan Wahlstrom of Des Moines Yacht Club thanked the council.

Staff Recognitions:

Harbormaster Scott Wilkins was recognized for 30 years of service (started March 18, 1996). City Manager Caffrey highlighted his career path and community involvement.
Community Services Officer Tonya Seaberry was recognized upon retirement. Police Chief Ted Boe and council members praised her community engagement and impact, noting that her shoes cannot be filled.
Assistant Police Chief Kevin Penney was recognized for 25 years of service. Chief Boe noted his willingness to always do more, and presented a challenge coin.

Preliminary 2025 4th Quarter Report (Finance Director Jeff Friend):

Revenue and expenditures each came in around $26.5 million, versus $26.8 million budgeted, resulting in a preliminary operating loss of $45,891. Friend cautioned the numbers are preliminary and may change.
Property tax revenue was $300,000+ under budget due to an unusually high $256,000 in delinquencies (compared to ~$100,000 in prior years). The city is investigating with King County.
Red light camera revenue declined to $866,000 (first time under $1 million), attributed to the cameras' effectiveness in reducing violations.
The general fund unrestricted ending balance was 16.7% (just above the 16.67% threshold), while cash reserves were lower at 8.9% (later adjusted with a $200,000 reclassification).
Other funds: Development fund ahead $429,000; marina operating income $1.1 million despite dock replacements; surface water management income $2.9 million.

Discussion of Downtown Parking (Civil Engineer Allyssa Beaver):

Presented a 2026 parking occupancy study using drone footage at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m., replicating a 2017 study.
Key finding: Overall parking supply exceeds demand, with peak occupancy at lunchtime for certain businesses (e.g., Athens Pizza, Edward Jones reaching 125% occupancy at 3 p.m. due to illegal parking).
The study showed consistency with 2017 patterns; on-street availability remains adequate.
Council members requested additional data for evening hours and for the new theater (capacity up to 700), and discussed enforcement of two-hour parking limits and potential for private lot agreements.

2026 Legislative Session Recap (Legislative Advocate Anthony Hemstad):

The session was challenging for local governments due to a multi-billion dollar deficit.
Major legislation: The millionaires tax (likely to be challenged), protection of $100 million in public safety funding from the prior session (HB 2015), traffic camera revenue restrictions (defensive fight), airport issues (no progress in 2026 but planning for 2027), and limited local government funding.
The city received $850,000 in federal funds for Midway Park via an earmark.
Hemstad encouraged council to engage early for the 2027 session and consider a capital budget request.

Key Outcomes

Votes: All votes were 7-0, including the consent agenda, Midway Soccer Field design approval ($49,924 task assignment with Psomas), and the proclamations.

Executive Session: The council held a 60-minute executive session (8:31 PM to 9:31 PM) to discuss acquisition and disposition of real property under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and (c). No action was taken.

Next Meeting: May 7, 2026, City Council Committee of the Whole and Study Session.

Directives: Staff will continue investigating property tax delinquencies, monitor parking impacts from the theater, and prepare for the 2027 legislative session.

Meeting Transcript