CITY MANAGER REPORT
August 28, 2026
Cities Submit Joint Comments on Airport Environmental Review
The Cities of Des Moines, Burien and SeaTac have submitted a joint comment letter to the Port of Seattle regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects.
Submitted on August 20, the comments raise concerns about how the DEIS evaluates potential impacts on neighboring communities and call for additional analysis, documentation and mitigation measures. The Cities’ technical review addresses several areas, including:
- Noise
- Transportation
- Air quality
- Land use
- Hazardous materials
- Water
- Biological resources
- Economic and socioeconomic impacts
The Port’s public comment period has now closed. Comments received will become part of the administrative record, and the Port will prepare responses as part of the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Residents can visit the Cities’ joint airport issues website to learn more and read the full comment letter.
Visit the Cities’ Joint Airport Issues Website Here!
Community Enrichment Services: Fall/Winter Programming Review
CES is heading into the fall and winter season with a full slate of returning favorites and several new offerings. Halloween Spooktacular Family Night, Breakfast with Santa, and the Waterland Winterfest tree lighting all return, alongside KHAOS break camps, youth and adult open gym basketball, and Tot Time.
New this season: Seattle Taekwondo, RC plane “Air Time”, Play Well Teknologies STEM classes building Pokémon engineering projects with LEGOs, basket weaving for adults, dog obedience training, and country line dancing. Senior programming adds a wood slice holiday ornament gift-making workshop to the regular lineup of hot lunches, dessert socials, day trips, and health and social service offerings.
Staff are intentionally building out programming that reaches beyond our usual participants — expanding the range of ages, interests, and price points so that more residents see something for them on the schedule. If there’s a program you’d like to see offered, we want to hear about it.
Find out details and dates on programming on the City’s website.
Community Enrichment Services Website
Project Updates
Barnes Creek Trail
Work continues to move forward on the Barnes Creek Trail Project, with significant progress both above and below ground.
To date, crews have installed a new water main and service lines for Highline Water District, stormwater pipes and catch basins, a stormwater vault, and underground infrastructure to relocate existing aerial utilities. Work has also included infrastructure for the new four-way stop at S. 240th Street and 20th Avenue S., new streetlight foundations, retaining walls, and removal of the previous infrastructure.
Over the next several weeks, residents will begin to see even more noticeable changes as crews grade the roadway in preparation for curb and gutter installation in mid-September, followed by paving.
S. 240th Street will remain restricted to local access only through the end of December 2026. Maintaining the closure allows crews to work more efficiently and helps reduce project costs.
Thank you for your continued patience as this important project moves toward completion and helps create a safer, better-connected Des Moines.
Marina Steps
The project continues to take shape, with crews making steady progress on grading and construction of retaining walls along the future walkways. Work is also moving forward on stormwater infrastructure, electrical conduits, and pedestrian lighting.
Over the next few weeks, crews will continue concrete pours for the retaining walls and additional grading in preparation for the new walkways.
Council Meeting Update: Legislative Preview from Senator Tina Orwall
At last night’s City Council meeting, State Senator Tina Orwall previewed her priorities for the legislative session beginning in January 2027. Her focus areas include:
- Airport mitigation — addressing the negative impacts of Sea-Tac operations on our community
- Human trafficking accountability — legislation holding businesses responsible when they knowingly allow trafficking to occur on their premises, a particular concern in the area surrounding a major international airport
- Affordable housing — with an emphasis on development near transit
Blues and Brews this Saturday!
Join the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park on Saturday, August 29 for a great day of live blues, cold brews and good times!
Gates open at 11:00AM, with the brews flowing and the blues kicking off at 11:30AM.
Saturday is shaping up to be a great day to gather with friends, enjoy some fantastic live music and soak up the atmosphere.
Tickets are selling, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!
We’ll see you Saturday!
Fall Yard Cleanup: Extra Waste at No Extra Cost
Fall cleanup season is just around the corner! As leaves begin to fall and residents tackle end-of-summer yard projects, remember that Recology compostables customers have options for disposing of extra yard waste.
Once your 96-gallon compostables cart is full, you can set out up to three additional 32-gallon cans, yard waste bags or bundles each week at no additional cost. Have even more? Additional cans, bags or bundles can be collected for $3.60 each.
Whether you’re trimming overgrown shrubs, cleaning up fallen leaves or tackling a weekend yard project, remember to set your extra yard waste out on your regular collection day.
For more information or to schedule a pickup, contact Recology at 206-762-4900 or visit Recology’s website.
School’s Back – Slow Down and Stay Alert
As students head back to school, drivers are reminded to use extra caution on our roads and around schools, bus stops and crosswalks.
Please slow down and obey posted school-zone speed limits, watch carefully for children walking or biking, and be prepared for increased traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.
Drivers should also remember to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended, as required by law. Never pass a stopped school bus when you are required to stop, and give students plenty of room as they enter or exit the bus.
A few extra seconds of patience can make a big difference. Please stay alert, put distractions away and help make the start of the school year a safe one for everyone in our community.
Redondo Parking Lot Closure for Resurfacing
The Redondo parking lot will be temporarily closed for resurfacing, beginning Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00PM through Friday, September 11 at 6:00PM.
During the closure, crews will be working to refresh and improve the parking lot surface. The Marina Team will place A-frame signs around the area in advance to help notify visitors of the upcoming closure.
Please plan ahead if you’ll be visiting Redondo during this time and use alternate parking where available.
As with any outdoor paving project, the schedule is weather dependent and may be adjusted if conditions are unfavorable. Thank you for your patience while this work is completed!
Did You Know…
If you’ve traveled along Marine View Drive, chances are you’ve noticed one of Des Moines’ more unusual landmarks — The Big Catch, or Big Catch Plaza as it’s often referred as.
Created by Northwest sculptor Richard Beyer, the sculpture was dedicated in 1994 as part of the new plaza created following the realignment of 7th Place South, South 216th Street and Marine View Drive.
The sculpture depicts a fisherman embracing and kissing a very large fish with distinctly human features. The plaque tells the tale of a maiden who was turned into a fish by the “Wicked Witch of Puget Sound.” After searching for years, her fisherman finally catches her at the Des Moines fishing pier, where a kiss breaks the spell. The fun twist? The “legend” apparently wasn’t a legend at all. Beyer reportedly created the story after the sculpture was finished to help explain his unusual creation.
The sculpture also inspired the plaza’s name. In 1994, the City held a “Name Your Park” contest, and Des Moines resident Verla A. Turner submitted the winning entry — Big Catch Plaza.
More than 30 years later, The Big Catch remains one of Des Moines’ most recognizable — and unique — pieces of public art.
“I wish to give a huge shoutout to Des Moines Code Enforcement Officer Kory Batterman.
Just a few days before the Waterland Parade and Block Party, signs were placed along 7th Avenue alerting residents and businesses to upcoming parking restrictions and a brief street closure on July 18.
I called with questions about the changes, and Mr. Batterman was immediately engaging, friendly and understanding. He took the time to explain the situation clearly and answer my questions.
Mr. Batterman was patient, polite and very informative. He presented himself not only as someone eager to help, but as someone genuinely looking forward to helping residents and visitors enjoy Saturday’s celebration.
Thank you, Kory, for your excellent customer service and positive representation of the City of Des Moines.”
Steve Quinn
Click Here to Share 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, Councilmembers, and more.
Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!
- Browse current Job Openings
- Click on a job title to learn more
- Apply!
Job Opportunities
Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:
- Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
- Records Specialist – Police Department
- Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services
Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report
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City Council Meeting Recap
Here is what was discussed at last night’s meeting:
City Council Regular Meeting:
- Legislative Update from Senator Tina Orwall
- Des Moines Historical Society New Executive Director
- 2026 2nd Quarter Financial Report
- Community Enrichment Services – Fall/Winter Programming Preview
- Judge Pro Tem Compensation, 1st Reading
- Interlocal Agreement with Highline Water District for 2026 North Hill AC Water Main Replacement Project
- Hemstad Consulting Contract Extension
- Citizens Advisory Board Appointment
- Marina Steps Innovative Stormwater Bioretention Testing, Grant and Consulting Contract Amendments
- Groundwater Remediation Consultant Contract
- Barnes Creek Trail Project – Joint Utility Trench Agreement with Comcast
- Capital Improvements Plan
- Development Agreement Ordinance, 1st Reading
August 27, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items
Out to Lunch: Charlie’s Restaurant & Lounge – Puyallup
September 2
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
City Hall
September 3
City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day
September 7
Day Trip: Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Game
September 8
Out to Lunch: WildFin – Point Ruston
September 10
City Council Meeting
City Hall
September 10
Day Trip: Crystal Mountain Gondola
September 11
City Council Budget Retreat
City Hall
September 12
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
September 14
Out to Lunch: Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House
September 15
Presentation: Smart Living for Your Next Chapter
Activity Center
September 15
Day Trip: Washington State Fair – Puyallup
September 16
Marina Tenant Meeting
Marina Pavilion
September 16
AARP Smart Driving
Activity Center
September 17-18
Waterland Yoga
Soundview Park
September 19
Pop Up Karaoke
Activity Center
September 20
Day Trip: Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King Troll & Exploring Downtown
September 22
City Council Meeting
City Hall
September 24
Dessert Social
Activity Center
September 24
Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe
September 30
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
September 30
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
City Hall
October 1
Day Trip: Maeve Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting
October 2
Shredding Event
Activity Center
October 6
Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall
October 6
Day Trip: Pierce College Science Dome (Planetarium) & Homestead Restaurant
October 7
Day Trip: Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival & Cabbage Patch Restaurant – Snohomish
October 9
Halloween Costume Swap
Field House
October 10
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
October 12
Out to Lunch: Crab Pot – Bellevue
October 13
Day Trip: Fun at Top Golf – Renton
October 15
Halloween Spooktacular Family Night
Activity Center
October 16
Day Trip: Thrifting Around the South Sound
October 21
Out to Lunch: Waters Table -Renton
October 23
Fall Recycling Collection Event
Marina – South Lot
October 24
Basket Weaving Class
Activity Center
October 24
Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino
October 27
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
October 28
Day Trip: Thrifted Fashion Runway Show @ Activity Center
October 28
Dessert Social
Activity Center
October 29
City Council Meeting
City Hall
October 29
Karaoke Parties
Activity Center
October 29
Halloween Dessert Social & Bingo Costume Contest with Prizes
Activity Center
October 29
Day Trip: UW Volleyball Game vs. Maryland
November 1
Out to Lunch: TavernHall – Bellevue Square
November 4
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
City Hall
November 5
Day Trip: Chihuly Garden & Glass – Seattle Center
November 5
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
November 9
Out to Lunch: West of Chicago Pizza – West Seattle
November 10
City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
November 11
City Council Meeting
City Hall
November 12
Day Trip: Lynnwood Holiday Boutique & Craft Show
November 13
Day Trip: Gilman Village – Issaquah
November 17
Desssert Social
Activity Center
November 19
Out to Lunch: McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple – Tacoma
November 19
Out to Lunch: Loco Chon – Newcastle
November 24
City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
November 26 & November 27
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Share Your Events With Us Here!
Lego Brick Building
Des Moines Library
August 28
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
August 28
Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival
Beach Park
August 29
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
August 29
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
August 29
Uncle Ernie’s
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant
August 29
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
August 29
Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival
Beach Park
August 29
Nancy Bogni Retrospective Exhibition
Inkfish Studio
August 29
Make Good Milk Soap with Green Apple Alpacas
Woodmont Library
August 30
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
August 31
Talk Time: English Conversation Practices
Des Moines Library
September 1
Knit Lit Book Group
Woodmont Library
September 2
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 2
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 4
FusionAxe
Creole Soul Restaurant
September 4
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 5
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 5
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 5
Redondo Boardwalk Beats
Redondo
September 5
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 5
Waterland Yoga
Soundview Park
September 5
Fantastic Fairy Houses
Woodmont Library
Septeber 6
Rise Support Group
Lighthouse Northwest
September 8
Craft & Chat
Des Moines Library
September 8
LEGO Club
Des Moines Library
September 8
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 8
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 9
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 9
Make a Library Card Lanyard
Woodmont Library
September 9
Messy Babies! (Morning Session)
Woodmont Library
September 10
Messy Babies! (Afternoon Session)
Woodmont Library
September 10
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 10
North Hill Game Night
North Hill Community Center
September 10
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 11
Preschool Play & Learn
Des Moines Library
September 11
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 12
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 12
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 12
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 12
Canning and Preservation Demonstration
Woodmont Library
September 13
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 14
Tween Zone
Woodmont Library
September 15
Artsy Kids Club
Des Moines Library
September 15
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 15
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 16
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 16
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 17
Baby & Toddler Dance Party
Des Moines Library
September 18
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 18
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 19
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 19
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 19
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 19
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 19
Oktobertfest Cruise
Marina
September 20
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 21
Builder Babies
Woodmont Library
September 22
Des Moines Writing Group
Des Moines Library
September 22
Pokemon Club
Des Moines Library
September 22
Community of Creators
Woodmont Library
September 22
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 22
Mens Arise
Lighthouse Northwest
September 22
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 23
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
September 23
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 23
Let’s Glue Crazy! A Kids Craft Night
Woodmont Library
September 23
North Hill Game Night
North Hill Community Center
September 24
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
September 24
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 24
After School Hangout
Woodmont Library
September 25
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 25
Back-to-School Book Party: The Day the Crayons Quit
Des Moines Library
September 26
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 26
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 26
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 26
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 26
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 26
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 28
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
September 28
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 29
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 30
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 30
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 2
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 3
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 9
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 10
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 10
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 16
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 17
Celebrate Event
Highline College
October 17
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 17
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 23
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 24
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 24
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 30
Trick or Treat Path
Downtown Des Moines
October 30
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 31
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 31
Bayside Brunch
Anthony’s Home Port
November 1
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 6
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 7
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 7
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 13
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 14
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 14
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 20
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 21
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 21
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 27
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 28
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 28