City Manager Weekly Report
March 28, 2025
The following Council/Committee Meetings were held on March 27, 2025
Economic Development Committee:
• Sound Code Discussion
• Short Term Rental Discussion
• Long-Range Financial Plan and Development Impact Analysis
For more information, or to review packet information, click here
City Council Meeting:
• Regulating Use of the Redondo Boat Launch
• South King Housing and Homelessness Partners – Funding Allocation Approval
• Public Works Engineering Building Basement HVAC Upgrades
• Right of Way Procedures Staffing Update
• 2025 Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival Partnership Proposal
• Discussion on Potential King County Parks Levy
For more information, or to review packet information, click here
For a listing of all future Committee and Council meeting items, click here
Presentation of the 2023 Financial Audit
We’re happy to share that the State of Washington Auditor’s Office presented the results of our annual audit last night—and we had a clean audit for fiscal year 2023! That means our financial practices and reporting met all the necessary standards and requirements. We believe in being transparent about our audits because it's important that you, the public, know how your tax dollars are being managed. Regular audits help ensure accountability, keep operations running smoothly, and build trust in the work we do every day.
It’s Celebration Time!
Join us for a special celebration as we honor Community Icon, Jack Kelsey and his mother, Norma, with a heartfelt bench dedication! We will also officially recognize the newly named Backstage Alley and Commemorative Waterland Way. This meaningful event will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the corner of S 223rd Street & 7th Avenue S. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Long-time Marina Employee Retires
Pat Wolfrom has dedicated over 31 years of service to the City’s Marina, with the majority of his career spent as the Marina’s Maintenance Lead. Throughout his tenure, Pat has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. He has always gone above and beyond, whether assisting and training employees, helping customers, rescuing stranded boaters, or stepping up during emergencies. His dependability and willingness to contribute in any situation have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Pat’s extensive knowledge of the Marina’s operations and the city will be greatly missed. On behalf of myself and the entire Marina staff, we extend our best wishes to Pat for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, as well as success in his future endeavors.
Construction Alert: Memorial Flag Triangle Project
Starting next week, the City of Des Moines will begin work on the Memorial Flag Triangle project. During construction, the Northbound protected turn lane of Des Moines Memorial Dr will be closed on weekdays from 9 AM – 3 PM.
For standard vehicles: You can still turn right at the signal.
For trucks and commercial vehicles: Detour signs will be in place to guide you.
Please plan accordingly and drive safely!
Your City – Your News, Sign Up Today!
Be in the know! Get the latest updates straight from the City Manager, Mayor, and more—stay informed about what's happening in your community! Email us today at [email protected] to be added to the list!
The ability to sign up on our website is coming soon ~ Stay tuned!
Youth Basketball Clinics with Legacy Training
Coach Ricky Bell is back and ready to hit the court with your future stars! Legacy Training, LLC offers grade-specific coaching with creative, age-appropriate, and engaging Basketball drills that will help build not only skills but confidence as well. Sign up today at www.desmoines.wa.gov/daysmart
Update on SR 509 and SR 167—How you can get involved
As you know, the first stretch of tolled expressways in the Puget Sound Gateway Program will open later this year. In anticipation of that opening, the Washington State Transportation Commission is beginning its toll setting process, with the expectation of making final tolling decisions by June.
Today, the Commission launched an online open house for the public to explore the toll rates and policies under consideration and submit written comments. Next week, the Commission will host two virtual public input meetings where the public can learn more about the toll-setting options and process, as well as offer comments. As a friendly reminder, although it may feel like all levels of government are the same, the City of Des Moines does not have any influence or authority over the toll-setting process.
We hope you can help us spread the word about these efforts and participate both in the online open house and the virtual public input meetings. Details on our upcoming public engagement opportunities are below. You can also find out more by visiting the Commission’s website.
Open House
When: March 24-April 6
Where: website information
What: Information about possible toll rates and policies on the SR 509 and SR 167 expressways, with an opportunity to offer written comments
Virtual Public Meetings
Tuesday, April 1
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Zoom registration required, click here
Wednesday, April 2
When: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Zoom registration required, click here
Interested in Becoming a Councilmember? Start Here!
With candidate filing week quickly approaching, King County wants to make sure that you have the information you need to add your name to the ballot! In the next few weeks, King County will host two virtual workshops via Zoom that will cover important dates and deadlines, how to submit your local voters’ pamphlet statement, and more.
Register now at the links below –
• Tuesday, April 1 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register for the April 1 session
• Monday, April 7 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register for the April 7 session. This session will include topics specific to anyone interested in running for office in Seattle and include speakers from the City of Seattle and Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission.
The Public Disclosure Commission will join each workshop to provide basic campaign finance information. The City of Seattle and Seattle Ethics and Elections will join the Monday, April 7 workshop to cover Seattle-specific campaign and finance requirements and the City’s Democracy Voucher program.
Candidate filing week is from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9. You are encouraged to file online.
In-person assistance will be available at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton. Find more resources for candidates, including their Candidate Manual, on the Running for Office page of King County’s website.
If you have questions or need assistance, call the King County Elections Election Services team at 206-296-1565 or email [email protected].
Staff Kudos
“Chief Boe and Asst Chief Penney:
You just rocked it! I remember the last time I hosted an event, it was "coffee with a cop" about two or more years ago; we had more cops than residents. So, I was SO happy we had such a good turnout for your visit. I didn't try to plan for a visit in the evening as you have family time, but perhaps we can do this again next Fall and bring in those people who work days.
I got such great feedback from our neighbors here; you are a gifted speaker and speak from the heart. We understand your enforcement in the moment, and I think we really appreciated your vision to show compassion for people sidelined by circumstance.
I do want to get Tonya back to visit with captains. AND, you definitely need to schedule the August night out for HP; there's a special plate of smoked ribs just waiting for you ala Bruce Blair.
If there is anything we can do as residents or volunteers to assist officers or your precinct, you only need to ask. The one thing I would like to ask of you -- even though we have a low crime rate in our Park -- is if officers out on patrol would drive thru our neighborhood more often. It helps residents' comfort level as we are a bit "younger" than average (ha) and reinforces our commitment here to our Neighborhood Watch Program.
Thank you again.”
Brenda Blair
Coordinator, City of Des Moines Neighborhood Watch Program at Huntington Park
Submit Your Staff Kudos!
Thank you, as always, to our wonderful and hardworking staff. This Staff Kudos section will serve as a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our City of Des Moines employees, volunteers, Council Members, and more.
Would you like to share staff kudos with me? Please email me at [email protected]
Guest Column: March Madness!
Shawna Thomas
"Oh, how sweet is the Sweet 16! Well...not for everyone. The Women's NCAA tournament faced a major upset with the ACL injury to star USC player Juju Watkins. I still believe they can go on to win it all...at least that's what my bracket believes. Last week also marked the final time players like Paige Bueckers of the UConn Huskies and Notre Dame's Olivia Miles played their last games on their respective home courts. What a feeling it is to advance to the Sweet 16 after that.
On the men's side, the Sweet 16 began yesterday. Florida and Duke had tightly contested games, while Alabama cruised to the next round. The most thrilling game was Texas Tech's overtime comeback victory over Arkansas. Such moments are rare at this level of the tournament. Great effort from both teams, but Texas Tech secured a 2-point win. That's the essence of this tournament.
I am eagerly anticipating more exciting games this weekend and hope my bracket gets back on track."
Katherine’s Fun Stuff
With spring here…it’s time for grilling! I’m sharing our Favorite Turkey Burgers…and these are MUCH better than most turkey burger. So many turkey burgers are dry and feel like the diet version of what you really want…a burger. Give these a try, and I definitely recommend the lime cilantro mayo…it only takes 5 minutes and really fancies it up.
(You can make the patties ahead of time to make it weeknight dinner friendly!)
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb ground turkey (dark meat)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Gruyere cheese
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 3 hefty tablespoons dried breadcrumbs or panko
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, gently combine the turkey, scallions, mustard, grated Gruyere cheese, breadcrumbs and minced garlic; season generously with salt and pepper.
Note: When you mix your seasonings into the meat, it’s important to remember that the more you handle the meat, and the more you squish it around, the more dense your burger will be. You might also squeeze out some of the juices and end up with a drier burger.
Gently form into four patties. Use a thumb to create a dimple in the middle of the burger.
You can either grill up the burgers, or cook them up in a skillet. If you’re going to cook them up in a skillet, then heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until an instant read thermometer inserted in the burger reaches 165 degrees.
We top ours with avocado, a tomato slice and cilantro-lime mayo.
Cilantro Lime Mayo
• ½ cup mayonnaise - regular mayo not miracle whip
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
Whisk together the ingredients.
Voila!
Upcoming Events
For more detailed information on the events listed, as well as additional events, please visit the City's calendar on the website by clicking here.
MARCH
March 29 MomCo DMGC Bingo Fundraiser @ Des Moines Gospel Chapel
March 29 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
March 31 Monday Mariner Madness @ Waterland Arcade
APRIL
April 3 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
April 5 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 5 Yin Yoga, Aromatherapy & Gentle Acupressure
April 5 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
April 8 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
April 10 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
April 12 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 15 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
April 19 Eggstravaganza @ the Des Moines Activity Center
April 19 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
April 22 Trivia Night @ Quarterdeck
April 23 Community Shredding Event @ the Des Moines Activity Center
April 24 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
April 26 Annual Salmon Release @ Des Moines Creek
April 26 SR3 Community Open House
April 26 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
MAY
May 1 City Council Study Session @ Des Moines City Hall
May 3 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 3 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
May 8 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
May 10 Art & Wine Walk, DDM
May 10 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 11 Live Music @ the Quarterdeck
May 13 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 17 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 20 Bingo Night @ Quarterdeck
May 22 City Council Meeting @ Des Moines City Hall
May 24 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 27 Trivia Nights @ Quarterdeck
May 31 Des Moines Creek Park Run @ Des Moines Beach Park
May 31 Des Moines Historical Society Open 1-4
Have an upcoming event you want to share? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll get it on our calendar!
Click here for the City Manager Report in PDF Format