04/06/2011 – Animal Control Ad Hoc Committee

Following the shooting of a dog by DMPD that had gotten out of its yard, the City Council created an Ad Hoc Committee to do a lessons learned and establish policies going forward. The story of ‘Rosie the Newfoundland’ got national press coverage and led to a legal settlement with the owners. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/des-moines-to-pay-51000-over-fatal-shooting-of-dog/

Numbers and goals

Categories Economic Development, History, Marina

A common story I hear is that “Our downtown was always terrible! All the construction cranes since 2016? That means we’re (finally) moving forward!” But OTOH, here are a couple of budget numbers from 2008–right before the bottom dropped out. Note the Sales Tax revenue: Remember: that represents the money that people spend here. It’s … Continue reading “Numbers and goals”

Happy Easter

Categories Neighborhoods

I want to wish all of you who are People Of The Book a very Happy Easter and Passover. Easter in Ireland… This image is of a typical holiday procession from where I grew up. It could be Easter, or Patrick’s Day or whatever holiday.  Not too many egg hunts and rabbits with this lot. … Continue reading “Happy Easter”

Committees 2022

Categories Transparency

Below is the list of CM Committee assignments for 2022. The Process In Des Moines, the Mayor is chosen by the Council at the first meeting of the year after the November General Election.  Customarily, CMs send their preferences to the new Mayor and he decides committee assignments shortly thereafter. Here is my letter. CMs … Continue reading “Committees 2022”

Strategy Meeting Proposals

Categories Engagement, Policy, Transparency

Submitted to Councilmembers as “information only” March 18, 2022 Colleagues, At the 7 April, 2022 Strategy meeting I will present the following items: Pg 1. Councilmember Research Process Pg 2. Committee/Meeting Modernisations Pg. 4. Digital Presence  #1. Councilmember Research Process: This is modeled on the SeaTac City Council Request Form (CRF.) The process is very … Continue reading “Strategy Meeting Proposals”