Weekly Update 02/01/2026

Some bits of business…

Future Agendas is the closest thing the City currently has to a calendar of upcoming City Council topics. It’s not dynamic, ie. you have to click it every time you want to see a new version. And it’s not always accurate. But until we develop a genuine calendar, this can be very useful if there is a particular issue you don’t want to miss.

About the cover

I spent some time in Olympia last week lobbying for a couple of bills and this is one of several photos I took of public art around the Capitol I thought you might enjoy. Washington State Capitol 2026

Shark!!!!!!!!!

There is a bill in Olympia to make the Sixgill Shark the ‘state shark’. HB2447. I am less enthusiastic than some because I’m not sure they’re as common as people think. But perhaps that adds to the mystery! 😀 Watch this and let me know what you think… The Mysterious Sixgill Sharks of Seattle 🦈 | Cascade PBS. Anyhoo… this actually seems more legit than attempting to draw tourists for space aliens.

I’ve actually seen cow sharks (that’s what they’re called in Ireland) many times. I wish we’d emphasise their non-threatening nature. They look imposing (it’s a shark after all) but divers wouldn’t engage them otherwise. In my personal experience, it’s the smaller varieties you did not dare turn yer back on should they accidentally get in the boat. 😀

City Manager Stuff

City Manager Reports! January 30, 2026

This Week

Thursday

City Council February 5, 2026 Study Session

Committee of the Whole (5:00–5:50 pm)

Council will give direction on whether the City should:

Continue focusing most event funding and staff time on a single large 4th of July event, or
Shift toward multiple signature-level events spread throughout the year.

No vote is required, but Council direction affects contracts, staffing, and use of lodging tax funds. The Council voted last year to focus on ‘the waterfront’ and place more emphasis on community groups–essentially outsourcing a lot of this. I have always favoured a broader approach–which requires funding and a lot more of the City. But otherwise there is not way we can reach the entirety of Des Moines.

Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy Update
An early briefing on 2025 accomplishments, levy spending, and upcoming park priorities, continued in more detail during the study session.

Study Session (6:00–10:00 pm)

Parks Projects & King County Parks Levy (full presentation)
Staff will review:

* 2025 completed projects (parks, playgrounds, marina and waterfront work).
Use of King County Parks Levy funds (~$541k spent in 2025).
2026–2031 levy outlook (~$485k per year).
Major upcoming decisions, including possible demolition of Founders Lodge** due to severe structural and environmental issues (rehab estimated at $6–7M vs. demolition at ~$300–400k)!

This is informational, but Council input will shape future project priorities.

Long-Range Budget Forecast (FCS Group)
A detailed financial outlook for the General Fund, Surface Water Management Fund, and Marina Fund through 2040:

The General Fund faces a structural deficit and will require $1–2 million per year in new revenue to maintain existing services and reserves.
Surface Water and Marina funds are stable for now but have major capital obligations ahead.

Revenue Enhancement Options Update
Staff will review:

What revenue tools have already been implemented.
Which options are still under consideration (car tab fees, parking rates, utility taxes, traffic cameras, impact fees, etc.).

The reality is that additional revenue is unavoidable if service levels are to be maintained–forget enhanced. That is the key thing for me. Do you really think service levels are where they should be? People don’t know what they don’t know. Over time, instead of doing what it takes to get Des Moines where residents always hoped, we keep moving the goalposts, declaring victory, and not preparing for the future.

Saturday

Coho Pen Assembly at the Marina. Here’s a short video on what fish delivery looks like!

Last Week

Monday

Back in Olympia to testify on SB6240, a bill to provide funding to help mitigate a number of airport impacts, including Port Packages, noise and air quality. Coverage from STNI:

SB6240 Hearing Ways & Means Committee

Tuesday

Port of Seattle Commission (Agenda) The commission put off a decision on the ongoing Flight Corridor Safety program (tree cutting around the airport) but there was also some important news on tourism grants and PFAS.

Coverage from STNI

Wednesday

Highline Forum (Sea-Tac Airport) This was most people’s official introduction to new Airport Director Wendy Reiter.

Citizens Advisory Board Agenda/Video

Upcoming Events

Ongoing Stuff

Get vaccinated! Yeah I know you’d like to forget about it, but there are new variants and the infection rate is climbing. Fortunately, there is an effective booster, which is recommended for people 65 and older and those who are immuno-compromised. It is available now, effective, free and you can get your appointment today here and here , including walk-Ins at SAFEWAY, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, SeaMar and Healthpoint.

Sign up for the King County Code Red Alert program. When you sign up for Code Red you’ll be notified immediately when there is a possible health threat. After the recent ‘Boil Water Notice’ I received just a few grouses that ‘it did not work’. I’m 99% certain that the problem is that you have to actually sign up for an account. Do It! There is this ‘guest’ option which is stupid and should not even be an option. Everyone who had an account in their system was notified. If you’re like me and signed up ten years ago (after the last notification), go to the site immediately and verify your account. Ten years is a long time for any computer system.
Check out the 223rd Green Street Project web site and take the 223rd Green Street Survey before December 11th!
Check out the Des Moines Marina Steps web site and take the Marina Steps Survey.
If you’re interested in any of our Kids or Senior activities, you can sign up here.
Learn more about our Comprehensive Plan and take the Housing Action Plan Survey.
Take the City Communication and Engagement Survey
Give blood! Schedule an appointment today. There is a CODE RED emergency shortage.
Masonic Home! There is a petition for those who are interested in historic preservation of the property. If you have questions, don’t contact me. Contact Barbara McMichael and Lloyd Lytle Jr
Community Service Officer Tonya Seaberry wants to hear from neighborhood groups interested in establishing block watch programs: Tseaberry@desmoineswa.gov or 206-878-3301.
City Of Des Moines Minor Home Repair Program: Low to moderate income households can get grants to do all sorts of necessary repairs. Email Tina Hickey (206) 870-6535.
Every home should have a Carbon Monoxide Detector–especially during the colder months! Full stop. If you need one but money is tight, South King County Fire And Rescue will get you one. Just call their Community Affairs Office at 253-946-7347.
And last, but not least: If your home has Port Package (sound insulation system) that is having issues, please go to SeatacNoise.Info