2022 Council Recap

December 27, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, December 27, for a regular meeting.

The City Council set a public hearing for Tuesday, January 10, to consider approving the annual Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Simply put, the CIP is a plan for making improvements to the City. The plan helps prioritize the City’s future needs for streets, buildings, equipment, parks, and more. The CIP anticipates spending $88 million in the 2023 construction year, and more than $390 million across all years presented in the plan.

The City Council approved the Downtown Urbandale Assistance Policy to help property owners and businesses in downtown Urbandale make lasting investments within the area. The City wants to see a culture of reinvestment and vitality generated in the area for all Urbandale residents to enjoy.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again in the new year on Tuesday, January 10. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. at 6:00 P.M.

December 13, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, December 13, for a regular meeting.

The City Council deferred to a future meeting the second reading of an ordinance that would change the City's mailbox regulations and tabled the consideration of bids related to the construction of a solar array on the roof of the new Parks & Public Works Maintenance Facility.

The City Council approved a $500,000 contract to help stabilize the banks of North Walnut Creek near Hickman Road and Roseland Drive.

The City Council approved the conceptual design plans and cost projections for the Urbandale Community Recreation Complex as well as the composition of a brand strategy for naming the proposed facility the “U-Plex”. The City Council still needs to approve the ballot language before Urbandale residents are asked to vote on whether the City should design, construct, and outfit a $43 million Community Recreation Complex and associated amenities. 

Every year the City Council considers funding requests from external organizations when putting together the annual budget. The City Council heard nine presentations from various organizations requesting funding including: the Urbandale 4th of July Celebration, Urbandale Little League, Urbandale Community School District, Waukee Community School Foundation, Urbandale Girls Recreation Association (UGRA), Greater Des Moines Partnership, Urbandale Food Pantry, Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN), and American Legion Post 663.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again (virtually) on Tuesday, December 20. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

November 29, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, November 29, and Mayor Andeweg began the meeting with the City Council by approving routine items such as minutes and bills.

The City continues to carefully steward the trust and resources of residents. The City Council approved the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The report, which contains information on the City’s financial results and a narrative explanation of the data, was audited by an independent auditing firm and received an “unqualified” opinion. An unqualified opinion is the most common (and desirable). Staff noted that the City’s previous fiscal year 2021 ACFR was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the thirty-ninth year in a row. 

The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would change the City's mailbox regulations. After the third reading at a future council meeting, the ordinance would update definitions and requirements for breakaway mailboxes based on United States Postal Service (USPS) standards. It would also prohibit new custom-built mailboxes and grandfather in all custom-built mailboxes installed prior to the adoption of this ordinance. You can read the draft ordinance here.

Over the past several years, the Iowa Legislature has changed the requirements for carrying weapons and updated Iowa Code. To prevent Urbandale's Code from conflicting with Iowa Code, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would remove section 133.27 from Urbandale's Code related to the carrying of weapons.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a meeting on Tuesday, December 13. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

November 15, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, November 15, for a regular meeting.

The City Council set a public hearing for Tuesday, December 13, to consider the construction of a solar array on the roof of the new Parks & Public Works Maintenance Facility. The City will get bids for a 225 kW system and a 170 kW system and have the Council make a decision at a future council meeting.

Urbandale continues to grow north and west. The Council approved a site plan for 52 single-family attached townhomes near 142nd Street and Waterford Road. 

At the end of the meeting the Mayor and City Council thanked all staff involved in making the opening night of Miracle on 86th Street a success. The park features 50,000 holiday lights, a large custom-built train, larger-than-life ornamental displays, an ice-skating rink, and holiday-themed events and all season long. The park will remain decorated for the next eight weeks.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a meeting on Tuesday, November 29. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

November 8, 2022 - Joint Worksession of the City Council + Parks & Recreation Commission

The Mayor, City Council, and Parks & Recreation Commission members met for a worksession on Tuesday, November 8, to review information for the proposed Community Recreation Complex, including estimated construction and operational costs, preliminary designs, and potential property tax implications for residents. The Mayor and Council directed staff to continue finalizing plans for the Community Recreation Complex and bring forward a plan for review at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, December 13. Towards the end of the meeting, the Mayor and City Council also provided direction on the use of Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) funds for the upcoming fiscal year. No official action was taken at the meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

November 1, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, November 1, and Mayor Andeweg began by reading a proclamation for National Family Literacy Day.

The City Council approved a site plan for Hyper Energy Bar near the corner of 86th Street and Douglas Avenue and approved a $66,000 purchase for playground equipment for Acadia Park.

The City Council accepted the Waterford Road paving improvements and authorized final payment to the contractor. The Council also approved a supplemental contract for restoration and grass work in that area.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, November 8. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas and minutes here.

October 18, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, October 18, and Mayor Andeweg began by approving routine items such as meeting minutes, bills, and license renewals.

The City Council approved a $736,000 bid to repurpose the vacant Parks Maintenance Facility and turn it into office space for the Parks & Recreation Department. Located southeast of the Library, this project is part of a master plan for the Indoor/Outdoor Recreation Mini-Plex. The new office space should be complete by the summer of 2023.

The City Council also approved a master plan for Lions Park. The master plan process included multiple public input opportunities and the comments received were considered and utilized to develop the final master plan. The plan has two main phases, with the initial phase including development opportunities within the next five years. The long-term extended phasing plan would include larger investment options that would likely require a future voter-approved bond referendum.

Urbandale continues to grow north and west; the Council approved a final plat near 170th Street and Waterford Road for 89 single-family lots.

The City Council approved a $155,000 purchase for four cardiac monitors/defibrillators for the Fire Department.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, November 1, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

October 17, 2022 - Joint Worksession of the City Council + Planning & Zoning Commission

The Mayor, City Council, and Planning & Zoning Commission met on Monday, October 17, to review a presentation about Urbandale. The presentation documented a vision, goals, and preliminary land use framework for Urbandale and is part of Urbandale's ongoing Comprehensive Plan update process. The Comprehensive Plan is the City's primary planning document and serves as the basis for zoning and other ordinances relating to the orderly development of the city. No official action was taken at the meeting. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, October 18, for a regular council meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

October 11, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met virtually on Tuesday, October 11, for a worksession.

Parks & Recreation Department staff shared details about the open house and big truck expo at the new Parks & Public Works Maintenance Facility on Saturday, October 22 from 10 AM – Noon. The free event is open to the public and will include tours of the facility, touch-a-truck, light refreshments, and family/kids activities. Staff also presented information on a new winter attraction at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park called Miracle on 86th Street which will run from November 15, 2022 through January 9, 2023. The park will be lit everywhere with holiday lights and the City will be hosting special events all season long.

Economic Development Department staff presented information on economic development strategies in Urbandale noting the successful five-year anniversary of the Urban Loop.

The Mayor and City Council also discussed City election methods. No official action was taken at the meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

October 6, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Thursday, October 6, and Mayor Andeweg began the meeting by reading a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The City Council approved purchasing a hybrid Ford Utility Interceptor patrol vehicle for the recently created Crisis Intervention Team. The cost of the $46,000 vehicle is being funded by Heart of Iowa Region as part of their grant funding for this project. 

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, October 11, for a worksession. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

September 26, 2022 - Special Meeting of the City Council + Planning & Zoning Commission

The Mayor, City Council, and Planning & Zoning Commission met virtually on Monday, September 26, to review a report about Urbandale. The report documents the community's "existing conditions" and is part of Urbandale's ongoing Comprehensive Plan update process. The Comprehensive Plan is the City's primary planning document and serves as the basis for zoning and other ordinances relating to the orderly development of the city. No official action was taken at the meeting. The City Council will meet again on Thursday, October 6, for a regular council meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

September 20, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, September 20 for a regular meeting and Mayor Andeweg began by proclaiming September as national library card sign-up month.

The City Council approved a final plat for 63 residential lots near 179th Street and Meredith Drive.

An agreement to create a Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Program was also approved by the City Council. The program establishes a two-person crisis intervention team that includes a sworn police officer and a trained mental health professional. The team will respond to mental health-related calls, offering additional services and specially trained personnel.

Earlier this year, the City of Urbandale contracted with the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) to complete a baseline greenhouse gas emissions report. The Mayor and City Council discussed the report and directed staff to prepare options for review at a later meeting.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Monday, September 26, for a joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

September 13, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met virtually for a worksession on Tuesday, September 13.

The Mayor and City Council reviewed Complete Streets modifications prepared by Snyder & Associates for Aurora Avenue from 70th Street to 86th Street and 70th Street from Hickman Road to Meredith Drive. No official action was taken at the meeting.

Due to time constraints, a discussion about fireworks was postponed to a future council meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Council will meet again for a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 20.

September 6, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, September 6 for a regular meeting. Mayor Andeweg began the meeting by administering the oath of office to Police Officers Matt Butcher, Camry Leo, and Kelsie Stone who recently joined the City. Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell provided an update and presented a $10,000 Polk County Community Betterment Grant to the City of Urbandale to help fund a community holiday lights display at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Gardens. The display is being called Miracle on 86th Street and will open later this fall.

The City Council approved the rezoning of several properties, including parcels near 128th Street and Meredith Drive and at 100th Street and Plum Drive. These areas are expected to accommodate more commercial development—adding retail, restaurant, and employment options. 

The City Council also approved the purchase of nine hybrid police patrol vehicles to replace existing vehicles when they are retired. These gas/electric hybrid vehicles are expected to produce substantial fuel savings and contribute to lower emissions. 

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a work session on Tuesday, September 13. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

August 23, 2022 - Council Worksession & Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession and a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 23. At the worksession, the Parks & Recreation Department presented a report on shelter rental rates. The City has three enclosed shelter facilities, and rental rates vary based on the amenities offered at each facility. The Mayor adjourned the worksession with no official action taking place.

After a short break, the Mayor called the Council meeting to order and began by approving routine items such as meeting minutes, bills, and license renewals.

The City Council approved two economic development agreements to support jobs and investment in Urbandale. The first project will renovate 49,000 sq. ft. in an existing office building and retain or create 200 jobs in Urbandale and the other will see the construction of a new 213,000 sq. ft. warehouse/distribution center, both in the Urban Loop development area.

The Council approved an agreement to contribute $100,000 to the Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot Project. 250 Participants will be randomly recruited from residents living in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. The project will provide 110 low-income participants with $500 a month for two years and 140 participants will make up a control group. The pilot project, designed as a learning tool, will be administered by the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the Social Policy and Practice School at the University of Pennsylvania, Drake University Harkin Institute, and Des Moines University Department of Public Health. Funding for the pilot project is a partnership with local public, private, and non-profit organizations. The City's funding contribution would come from the City's $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, September 6. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

August 16, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met virtually for a worksession on Tuesday, August 16.

The Mayor and City Council reviewed a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report prepared by the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education, and a presentation from Neighborhood Finance Corporation. No official action was taken at the meeting.

You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Council will meet again for a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 23.

August 9, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The City Council meeting began with the awarding of the Patriot Award to the Urbandale Fire Department by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for its support of Firefighter/Paramedic Rob Zawnd and other UFD members of the National Guard. The Mayor also delivered a proclamation recognizing American Clean Energy Week.

Representatives from engineering firm Snyder and Associates presented details of the Hickman Road and I-35/80 interchange reconstruction project. This project will replace the current interchange as part of a major project that is expected to begin in 2025 and complete by early 2029.

The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance clarifying that Utility Terrain Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles are not allowed on city streets. The Council also approved agreements to provide crossing guards at key intersections during the school year and design services for additional community entrance monuments to welcome visitors and residents to Urbandale.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again for a worksession on Tuesday, August 16. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

July 26, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, July 26, and began the meeting with a proclamation for National Night Out. National Night Out helps enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and will take place on Tuesday, August 2 at the Urbandale Police Department. 

The City Council approved an agreement to buy and operate a joint Fire and EMS records management system (RMS). The system is used by the cities of Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Urbandale, Waukee, and Windsor Heights, and this new agreement is a continuation of a previous agreement from 2017.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, August 9. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

July 19, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met virtually for a worksession on Tuesday, July 19.

The Mayor and City Council discussed urban chickens and directed staff to finalize a draft ordinance for review/vote at a City Council meeting in the coming months.

The Engineering Department presented construction updates for 2022 projects, gave an overview of major projects for 2023, and reviewed upcoming storm sewer projects.

A closed session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss real estate. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Council will meet again for a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 26.

July 12, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, July 12, and began the meeting with a special presentation introducing Gannon Buhr. Burh is a 17-year-old Urbandale resident, is the current No. 7-ranked disc golfer in the world, was the 2021 PDGA Rookie of the Year, and won the 2022 DGPT Masters Cup Championship.

The Council approved a $113,000 professional services agreement for preliminary designs, cost estimates, and a community awareness campaign for a Community Recreation Complex.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, July 19. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

June 28, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, June 28, and the Mayor began with a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation month in Urbandale. Parks and Recreation programs build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease and improve the mental and emotional health of all our residents.

The City Council approved final plats in western Urbandale, including 27 single-family residential lots west of Walnut Creek at the north end of 163rd Street. On the north side of Waterford Road near 170th Street, the Council approved 18 attached single-family residential lots and 101 single-family detached lots.

The City Council approved the annual bow hunt for antlerless deer. The 2022-2023 season is the City’s twenty-fifth consecutive season for the special bow hunt of antlerless deer.

The City Council approved purchasing new playground equipment for Sylvan Ridge Park. The current playground structure at the park was installed in 1996 and needs replacement.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, July 12, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

June 21, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession to discuss chickens and the Hickman Road Interchange at Interstates 35/80. No official action was taken at the meeting. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 28, for a regular council meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here. 

June 14, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a meeting on Tuesday, June 14, and the Mayor began with a proclamation designating June 19—Juneteenth—as a day of observance in the City of Urbandale. The Mayor was also presented with an Excellence Award from MidAmerican Energy for Urbandale's efforts in gathering information and data about current business trends in Iowa. 

The Council approved the 2022 Stormwater Grant Program, expanding grant limits for new projects. The Stormwater Grant Program helps fund stormwater management on private property. These funds can be granted to property owners to prevent or repair storm water related damage and to improve drainage. Learn more about the program here.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 21, for a worksession. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here. 

May 31, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a meeting on Tuesday, May 31, and the Mayor began with a proclamation designating June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Urbandale. The Mayor and Council also took some time to receive public input and discuss the City’s $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

The Council approved a $724,000 bid to build a three-acre dog park at the former wastewater treatment plant site, located at 4905 68th Street. The cost of this project includes demolition/restoration of the current site and construction of the dog park, entrance drive, and 24-stall parking lot. The dog park is expected to be open in summer 2023.

The Council approved final plats in western Urbandale, including 89 single-family residential lots at 142nd Street and Persimmon Drive, 37 attached single-family residential lots (mostly four- and five-plexes with one six-plex) and 33 single-family residential lots at 142nd Street and Waterford Road.

The Council approved purchasing a front-loading solid waste collection vehicle for $285,000 to be used primarily for yard waste collection. The new vehicle is expected to join the Urbandale fleet by the end of 2023. 

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor and Council met in a closed session regarding real estate. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 14, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here. 

May 17, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a meeting on Tuesday, May 17, and the Mayor began the meeting with a proclamation designating May 18 as AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. The Mayor and Council also received public input and discussed the City’s $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

The Council approved a site plan for a new elementary school for Waukee Community School District at 156th Street and Waterford Road. Classes are expected to begin at the new school in the fall of 2024. 

The Council approved a $354,000 bid for the sanitary sewer lining program. The sewer lines being repaired were chosen based on a review of past inspections. The lines were rated for the severity of failures, the structural condition of the pipe, infiltration, root intrusion, and line capacity. 

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor and Council met in a closed session regarding real estate. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, May 31, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here. 

May 10, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession and reviewed survey results from a recent poll conducted about the Community Recreation Complex. The Mayor and Council directed staff to begin the process of hiring a firm to create preliminary design plans and gather community input for a Community Recreation Complex.

The Council also reviewed a presentation to work with the City of Waukee to acquire land near Walnut Creek Regional Park, which would allow for the future construction of a new east-west regional trail connection. This land acquisition, and a future land easement, will also help the City of Waukee when they’re ready to construct a new sanitary sewer line. The new line would run underground and connect to the sewer line on the east side of the park.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, May 17, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.  

May 3, 2022 - Council Worksession and Regular Council Meeting

The City Council met for a worksession at 5 PM and used the time to hear suggestions and receive public input regarding the City’s $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. No official action was taken at the worksession.

Following the worksession, the City Council met for a regular meeting that began with proclamations for National Police Week, Public Works Week, and Building Safety Month. For the first time in a century, the City’s ZIP code of 50322 matched the date of May 3, 2022. Three commemorative postcards were announced for the rare occasion. Residents can visit City Hall to collect the free commemorative postcards. 

The City Council approved a $1.48 million bid for the reconstruction of 128th Street from Webster Elementary School to Douglas Parkway and a $112,000 bid to replace the Sharon Heights trail directly north of Meredith Drive and west of 78th Street. Both projects are expected to be completed this fall.

The City Council approved a $27,000 agreement for a Lions Park Master Plan. Lions Park is home to many long-standing traditions in our community, and the plan will help identify enhancements and upgrades for the park.

The Council also approved a $1 million bid for the purchase of four dump trucks with snow removal equipment.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, May 17, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.  

April 19, 2022 - Council Worksession and Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession at 5 PM and a regular meeting at 6 PM on Tuesday, April 19. A quorum was not present for the worksession, but the Mayor and Councilmembers used the time to hear suggestions and receive public input regarding the City’s $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. No official action was taken at the worksession.

Following the worksession, the Mayor and Councilmembers met for a regular meeting approving a number of items, including the $11.25 million sale of general obligation bonds, a $1.3 million bid for a new ladder truck for the Fire Department, and a garbage truck rental agreement to help with the upcoming Spring Clean-Up.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, May 3, for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

April 12, 2022 - Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession on Tuesday, April 12, and began the meeting with closed sessions about pending ligation and real estate. Following the closed sessions, a representative from Furry Friends Refuge shared information about their Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. TNR is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and then returning them to live out their lives. No official action was taken at the meeting.

April 5, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 5. At the start of the meeting, Mayor Andeweg signed three proclamations recognizing Arbor Day, Earth Day, and All Urbandale Reads. As part of the All Urbandale Reads program, the Mayor announced “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger as the book selection for 2022. All Urbandale Reads is an annual reading initiative that works to unite the community and promote literacy through one inspiring read.

The Council approved a $13.9 million paving project for 170th Street north of Meredith Drive. Construction will start this spring and more information will be shared on the City's projects webpage as it becomes available.

The Council approved an agreement with Polk County to begin providing 24/7 animal control services for the City of Urbandale beginning on July 1, 2022.

At the end of the meeting, the Mayor and City Council met in a closed session regarding real estate. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, April 12, for a worksession. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

March 29, 2022 - Council Worksession

The City Council met for a work session on Tuesday, March 29 to discuss two items: a project to improve 170th Street between Meredith Drive and Waterford Road and a process to determine allocation of the City of Urbandale’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

The Councilmembers expressed support for advancing the 170th Street project with further discussion of financing options for the project at a later date. The Council will consider bids for the project at their April 5 meeting. 

The Mayor and Council also engaged in a discussion with regard to the City’s $6.6 million ARPA allocation. After discussion, the Councilmembers prioritized potential funding categories generally in this order: community contributions, social and environmental programs, quality of life amenities, enterprise infrastructure, roadway and mobility improvements and city facilities/services. The proposed process will be to discuss projects within these categories at the next six Council meetings beginning on Tuesday, April 5 at 6PM.

March 22, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The March 22 regular City Council meeting began with the Mayor administering the oath of office to two new Urbandale Police Officers: Karli Schaefer and Kyla Duckworth. The Mayor thanked these new officers and their families for their service to the community. 

The Council also approved the final plat for a development with 47 single family residential lots in the area generally north of the intersection of Meredith Drive and 164th Street. A site plan was approved for a new location for Premier Credit Union just west of Meredith Drive and NW Urbandale Drive in the Urban Loop development area. 

The City Council took several actions related to the Parks & Recreation Department. The low bid for a half-mile pedestrian loop trail in Walnut Creek Regional Park was approved and is expected to be completed in the fall. Second, the Council took another step forward with an Urbandale Dog Park by approving the site plan for the park, which is expected to open in the spring of 2023. Next, the Council directed staff to conduct a survey and prepare preliminary plans for a Community Recreation Complex at Walnut Creek Regional Park near 152nd Street and Meredith Drive. The Council approved a firm to create design and construction plans to repurpose a maintenance building on the south side of the City campus at 86th Street and Douglas Avenue. Finally, the purchase of an electric-powered van was approved to support mobile programming in the City’s public areas.

In public safety items, the Council approved a contract for automatic license plate detection services, the purchase of two new ambulances to replace existing units, and a contract for software that will help the Fire Department create, edit, organize, and distribute content from a secure, cloud-based site. 

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, April 5 for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

March 8, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 8.

The City Council approved the annual budget, lowering the tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year (which runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). The total tax levy rate of $10.01 is a 10-cent reduction from the current levy.

The budget anticipates spending $60.5 million for municipal operations (like snow removal, garbage collection, and park maintenance), $59.8 million for capital projects (like the construction of roads and stormwater management), $31.8 million for water utility operations, and $15.7 million to pay down debt. You can view the budget here, and the budget presentation here.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Andeweg wished everyone a happy International Women's Day. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, March 22 for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

February 22, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 22.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Andeweg declared that coronavirus conditions had improved to a level that allowed the "Time of Emergency" to be rescinded. Even though the coronavirus has not disappeared, Iowa has seen increased vaccination rates and declining infection rates. The City of Urbandale will continue to be diligent in its actions, flexible, and ready to act as the community handles the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City Council approved a $650,000 bid for plantings along Douglas Avenue, from Patricia Drive to North Walnut Creek. These plantings will help enhance the area and create a beautiful and welcoming passageway through the community. The Council also approved two bids totaling about $100,000 for trail repairs at Glen Eagles Park, north of Meredith Drive and Northview Park, west of 72nd Street.

The Council approved a site plan near 142nd Street and Hickman Road for a three-story building with space for a restaurant.

The Mayor and City Council recently completed the 2022 Strategic Plan which prioritizes specific policy and management action items, and major projects for 2022 and 2023. View the updated plan here.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, March 8 for a regular meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

February 15, 2022 – Council Worksession

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled worksession on Tuesday, February 15. The Mayor, City Council, and Staff discussed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and potential strategies for using Urbandale’s allocation to benefit the community, but no official action was taken at the meeting. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, February 22.

February 8, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 8.

The City Council set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 22 for the Annual Budget. Urbandale's budget is a plan of expected incomes and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year that starts on July 1, 2022. You can see a copy of the budget here.

The City Council accepted several bids related to upcoming public street, trail, and sidewalk improvements totaling about $4.3 million. Sections of Aurora Avenue, 104th Street, Sutton Drive, and 100th Street will be widened near the interstate; more than 350 street locations from 140th Street to 149th Street and from Douglas Parkway to Briarwood Lane will be patched; an eight-foot-wide trail along the east side of Walnut Creek will be constructed; and repairs will be made to various sidewalks in Urbandale.

The City Council approved a $62,000 purchase and installation for battery-backup traffic signals at NW Urbandale Drive and Plum Drive, NW Urbandale Drive and Aurora Avenue, 100th Street and Plum Drive, 121st Street and Meredith Drive, 123rd Street and Meredith Drive, 125th Street and Meredith Drive, and 128th Street and Meredith Drive. Battery-backup systems provide power to the traffic signals during a power outage--allowing the signals to operate until the power resumes (or until crews can place temporary stop signs). The City of Urbandale is responsible for maintaining nearly 50 traffic signals, and most of the signals already use this technology.

Towards the end of the meeting, the City Council also approved the purchase of trash cans and picnic tables for Coyote Ridge Trail Park, Walnut Creek Regional Park, and Bent Creek Ridge shelter.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, February 15 for a worksession. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.

January 29 & 31, 2022 – Budget Worksessions

The City Council met on Saturday the 29th, and Monday the 31st for budget worksessions.

The Mayor, City Council, and City Staff worked to allocate funds for operating expenses across various departments and services. The upcoming budget for fiscal year 2023 recommends lowering taxes—to a tax levy of $10.01—which is a 10-cent reduction to the current levy. The new budget also recommends 12 new full-time positions, including three new firefighters/EMTs, a police officer, and positions in various departments to help accommodate Urbandale’s continued growth.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, February 8 for the regularly scheduled council meeting.

January 25, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 25. 

The City Council approved the final application for the Iowa Reinvestment Act regarding the Merle Hay Mall area. Planned projects for the site include a 3,500 seat multi-use arena, a hockey training and competition center, a multi-story hotel, expanded shopping opportunities, an improved corridor offering additional entertainment experiences, and infrastructure to ensure an enhanced experience for residents and visitors.

The Council also approved a $31,000 agreement for monument sign designs which will end up being placed at the intersection of 100th Street and 54th Avenue, at the NW Urbandale Drive Interstate interchange, and at the north edge of town on 128th Street. This ongoing project will help identify Urbandale for visitors and residents, convey a welcoming entrance to Urbandale, promote community identity, and support economic development initiatives. 

You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Saturday, January 29, for a budget worksession.

January 11, 2022 - Council Worksession & Council Meeting

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession and a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 11. At the worksession, the Engineering Department presented a proposed plan for stormwater management near Merle Hay Mall and Lillis Lofts. The worksession adjourned with no official action taking place.

The Mayor then called the Council meeting to order and began by formally recognizing and thanking everyone involved in a successful life-saving event. Seconds count in an emergency, and it takes a dedicated Urbandale team to answer the call:  

  • Lt. Josh Boyle
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Dennis May
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Mitchell
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Towers
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Madonia 

The Council approved an amended version of the 2022-2027+ Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP prioritizes and plans for construction and purchases to meet the City’s future needs for public art, buildings, equipment, technology, parks, bridges, sidewalks, storm sewers, streets, street lighting, traffic signals, and water systems. The recommended CIP anticipates expenditures of almost $29 million in the 2022 construction year (and nearly $217 million for the City's infrastructure improvements across all years presented in the CIP).

Subject to some conditions, the Council approved a final plat at the southeast corner of 156th Street and Waterford Road for 56 single-family residential lots and a final plat for Worldwide Logistics at 12400 Meredith Drive.

A closed session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss pending litigation. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here. The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, January 25.