2025 City Council Recaps

Windsor Heights City Council Recap graphic with a judge’s gavel on a white background.


The City Council Recap is a brief highlight of the Windsor Heights City Council meetings. The recap is not minutes of the Council meeting. Minutes are considered and approved at the subsequent Council meeting. 

Click here to watch recordings of Windsor Heights City Council meetings.


12/15/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • The City discussed renewing the Walnut Creek YMCA’s summer day camp use of Colby Park in 2026 following a successful 2025 pilot with few issues. Staff recommended continuing under similar terms, including a $10 weekly discount for Windsor Heights residents, while increasing the city fee from $1,000 to $2,500 to reflect staff time and resources. Discussion focused on clarifying hours, sharing park amenities, coordination with food vendors, and a possible short soccer camp, with a proposed agreement coming to Council on January 20.
  • The City considered and supported a resolution approving an MOU with Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, and Windsor Heights to jointly conduct a fire and EMS consulting study through the Center for Public Safety Management. The study will examine operations, staffing, facilities, response times, governance, and opportunities for further collaboration, with the goal of improving service delivery and cost efficiency. The study is expected to begin early next year with coordinated communication among participating cities.

12/1/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Councilors Lauren Campbell, Joseph Jones, and Fletcher Barry were officially sworn in. Councilors Campbell and Jones will continue their service as incumbents, and newly elected Councilor Barry will begin his term on January 2.
  • Council consented to adding a completion incentive to be included within the 74th Street Reconstruction bid package. The incentive will only be paid to the contractor should project phases be completed early. The City engineer firm is creating the bid package for approval and release at a future meeting.
  • Council approved the creation of an equipment operator position in Public Works. The Public Works director will begin the recruitment and hiring process immediately. 

11/17/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Council reviewed Resolution No. 2025-82, which proposes the creation of an Equipment Operator position within the Public Works Department. Staff presented the justification for the new role, citing the City’s continued expansion of proactive infrastructure maintenance including crack sealing and full-depth roadway repairs, stormwater system improvements, and a greater focus on in-house maintenance of vegetation and recently added amenities. Council members raised additional questions for staff to address before considering the establishment of the position. As a result, Council voted to refer the resolution to the Public Works Committee for further review prior to bringing it back for final consideration.
  • Council had initial discussions on adding a contractor incentive to the future 74th Street Reconstruction project. The incentive would be in place for the early completion of the project. Council quested additional information. Staff will prepare a formal proposal for the incentive to be included in the upcoming bid package to contractors and present it at the following meeting. 
  • Council approved the 2026 City Council meeting and special events dates. The City's calendar and special event's page have been updated with these dates for everyone to mark their calendars. 

11/3/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Held the public hearing for the Walnut Creek Water Access project contract and awarded the contract to RW Excavating Solution. The water access will be located at Colby Park behind the Pavilion. It's part of a wider Central Iowa water trail initiative called the ICON Water Trails. Windsor Heights is joining other communities such as Clive, Bondurant, and West Des Moines in creating an access point to Iowa's rivers. The access points will provide a new way for Windsor Heights and our visitors to connect with Walnut Creek. 
  • Council approved an updated Community Center rental property. The primary purpose of the update was to heighten the standards for rental fee waivers. 

10/20/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Staff presented an update on the City's application for a RAISE grant, a federally-funded infrastructure grant program. The grant would help pay for reconstruction of 73rd Street south of University to the I-235 connector. The City has applied in the past two grant cycles with increasing scores. The City is working with Bolton & Menk as well as the Des Moines MPO to further increase scoring in the upcoming cycle. The project is not anticipated to begin until 2030.
  • Council considered two fee waivers from organizations to use the Colby Park community center at no cost. Both waivers were granted, but additional conversation over the fee waiver policy guidelines were had. Staff will be preparing recommendations for policy updates to be presented at a future council meeting.

10/7/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Council heard presentations from Dr. Nalo Johnson on the Central Iowa Emergency Rental Assistance Study and Iowa Homeless Youth Centers on their Youth Opportunity Center. Both organizations requested financial support from the City. Staff will further review the requests to be formally presented to Council at a future meeting.
  • Bridges of Iowa shared a progress update on their Colby Park art project, bridge over the bio swell in the Colby Park parking lot. The bridge had been installed and Amy Putney Koenig, the artist, hopes to have the project completed within the month. The project titled 'Cross the Bridge to a Better Life' is a mixed media art installation honoring the work of Bridges of Iowa.

9/15/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Held the public hearing of the leasing of 1151 65th Street to Nancy's Place and approved the rental agreement. Nancy's Place is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nancy's Place will begin making necessary improvements to the dwelling this fall. 
  • Held the public hearing on the 2025 Tree Removal Project and approved an agreement for tree removal services with Wright Outdoor Solutions. The project involves the removal, trimming, and stump grinding of an estimated 19 tree on private property that were deem to be dead or a hazard.
  • Approved the proposed plans, specifications, and estimated cost for the Walnut Creek Access Project. This project is part of the larger planned ICON Water Trails project installing access points along multiple water ways through out the metro. The City's access point will be behind the pavilion at Colby Park.
  • Approved the application for a public art grant through BRAVO. The grant, if awarded, would be used towards the installation of a mural on the west side of 6587 University Ave. Plans and an artist are yet to be selected through a RFQ process. 

8/18/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Approved Super Quick Mart liquor license. The store owner was present and made assurances that the store has implemented several processes to end sales to minors.
  • Approved the 2025 Employee handbook with minor changes from the 2024 handbook.
  • Approved the second reading of ordinance 2025-02, which aligns the City zoning code with state laws that went into effect July 1 of 2025 as well as makes minor typographical changes.

8/4/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Public hearing for ordinance 2025-02, which aligns the City zoning code with state laws that went into effect July 1 of 2025 as well as makes minor typographical changes. Council approved the first reading.
  • Discussion was held on uses for the city-owned property at 1151 65th Street. Uses included partnering with non-profit organizations and employee housing. Council was supportive of continuing discussions with Nancy’s Place, who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
  • Dr. Michael Gossen, principal of Cowles Elementary, was in attendance to discuss concerns about traffic and pedestrian crossing. The city will continue to collaborate with the school to address these concerns. 
  • Council considered modifying on-street parking along 65th and 66th Street adjacent to University Avenue, switching parking from the west side to the east side. No action was taken with Council concerned about potential safety concerns the modification would create. 

7/7/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Council discussed how to improve the peddler and transient merchant permit regulations. This included consideration of the hours allowed, with concerns raised about the current regulations permitting activity too late into the evening. A consensus was reached on a time frame of 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Discussion also addressed the permit fee and bond requirement. Staff will draft changes into the City Code as part of a comprehensive code review currently underway, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
  • Council approved a 28E Agreement with the City of Urbandale, Iowa, which establishes a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to be managed by the Urbandale Police Department (UPD). The team will consist of one mental health professional and one specially trained, sworn UPD law enforcement officer. The team’s duties include responding to mental health-related calls for service, performing de-escalation and needs assessments, addressing substance abuse and homelessness, and facilitating access to necessary mental health services for individuals.

6/16/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Public hearings for the University Avenue Maintenance and the Wilshire Boulevard Storm Sewer Projects were held. Council approved the plans for both projects. Staff will provide updates on the City's website after pre-project meetings take place with the contractors. 
  • Council discussed the designs of the Phase 2 73rd Street Project, which would be from University to Center Street. Staff will bring a design contract for approval at the next meeting. The contract is with the City's engineer firm Bolton and Menk.
  • Council approved the release of a tree removal RFP. This RFP will include trees on both public and private property. The City has been in contact with residents whose trees are a part of this. The trees have been identified as dead and/or a public safety risk. 
  • Discussion took place on Super Quick Mart's tobacco license as they have received a second violation for selling to underage customers. Council supported additional checks to all establishments within Windsor Heights. Council also approved allowing the state to handle the violation process. Council also discussed improvements to the tobacco ordinance including advertisements and additional consequences to violations. Staff will look further into the improvements. 

6/2/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Council approved an agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The organization installs specialized baby boxes at designated secure locations where parents can safely surrender their newborns, ensuring their well-being and reducing the risk of harm or abandonment. The box will be installed along the south wall of the Public Safety Building in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus. 
  • Discussion took place on the 74th Street Storm Sewer Project. The project is focusing on cleaning out debris to assess the condition of the pipe and determine whether it can be lined or replaced. After this project is completed, staff will proceed with a future reconstruction project. Staff will move forward with the storm sewer project this year. 
  • Council approved traffic signal repairs at 3E and 73rd Street. The project will focus on replacing outdated detection systems with camera-based technology and adding a battery backup system. The equipment being used was strategically planned to be compatible with improvements being made during the future 73rd Street Phase 2 reconstruction project.
  • Council discussed setting new park hours. Staff proposed changes to park hours, aiming to adjust from sunrise to sunset, with exceptions for rentals, special authorizations, and city functions. Discussion focused on changes being prompted by vandalism and park safety. Council provided direction to set the hours as sunrise to sunset. Staff will post signs in the park. 

5/19/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Iowa Bicycle Coalition presented on their organization. Afterwards, Mayor Jones signed the Bike Month proclamation declaring May as Bike Month signaling a commitment to safe, sustainable transportation.
  • Council took no action on setting a Public Hearing on a lease for 1151 65th Street. The lease would be with Central Iowa Shelter and Services, who has plans to operate a shared housing shelter. Council asked staff to do publish a request for proposals to solicit additional organizations for the property allowing for additional interested parties to propose a use for the property.
  • City Council discussed the public art plan, including potential funding methods and locations for public art installations. Funding methods included redirecting current funds, requiring public art in development agreements, and exploring grant options. The formation of a public art subcommittee of the communications committee was also agreed on. Staff will adjust the public art plan and bring it back for approval at a future meeting.

5/5/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • City Council discussed the potential lease of a duplex at 1151 65th Street for a shared housing model. Central Iowa Shelter and Services proposed a two-year lease with a maximum of five individuals per duplex, with restrictions on occupancy and a requirement for the tenants to maintain a rental certificate. The shelter would provide case management, employment assistance, and financial planning for the residents. The council expressed support for the initiative. The next steps include setting a public hearing and drafting a lease agreement.
  • An agreement with Bridges of Iowa for the installation of a public art project at Colby Park was approved. The project will be a bridge over the bioretention cell in the park’s parking lot.
  • Council discussed the 28Es and funding contributions to both BRAVO and CatchDSM. Council expressed concerns about the potential impact on regional commitments and the need for further discussion. No action was taken with the BRAVO agreement, meaning it will continue as is, and table the decision on the CatchDSM agreement.

4/21/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Council discussed Reimagine DART, focusing on ridership versus coverage models. Ridership, favoring frequency in high-demand areas, aligned best with City values. Key topics included budget, rider concentration, shelters, and economic development. The Council supported continuing design efforts under DART’s current budget amid rising costs and the need for service quality.
  • Council discussed the Code Update Project, covering ordinance codification Chapter 1-60, removing jail time for most violations, updating fire codes, and refining nuisance, noise, parking, and snow rules. Proposed changes include mayoral appointments for P&Z, banning invasive species, and expanding citation authority. Staff is continuing to review the remaining chapters.
  • Council discussed launching a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for feral cats, with support from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The program includes spaying, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing cats. The City will provide traps, update ordinances, and aims to implement the program by August. Council expressed support for the initiative.
  • Lieutenant Chad Norris led  discussion on the 2024 Urban Deer Hunt, providing an update on its progress and challenges. He suggested continuing the program with the same property owner and hunting area, as expanding it could lead to issues with public spaces and trails. 

4/7/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Per state law, a special council meeting was held immediately prior to the regular council meeting to hold the public hearing on the City's proposed tax levy. The levy will be approved with the entire FY26 budget at the April 21 council meeting. The special adjourned immediately into the regular meeting. 
  • CatchDSM President and CEO Greg Edwards gave a presentation of the organizations efforts in the metro. 
  • Held public hearing for the Forest Court Overlay Project. The bid was awarded to Grimes Asphalt & Paving. More information on the project's schedule will be shared after preconstruction meetings occur between staff and the contractor. 
  • Approved proclamations honoring Arbor Day and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13-19). 

3/17/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Chief Udell Mentola presented an update from Westcom, Windsor Heights' emergency dispatch provider.
  • Held public hearing on the zoning code amendment of Chapter 175 regarding sign design elements and approved the first reading of the ordinance.

  • Council discussed a proposal to improve safety at the intersection of 64th Street and Sunset near Cowles Montessori. The main issues are pedestrian safety during school pick-up and drop-off times, and parking violations. There were several options discussed to address the issues. Council approved additional no parking signs on the west side of 64th Street, painting crosswalks on 64th and Colby Ave as well as Sunset Terrace, non-flashing crosswalk signs, a school zone sign where appropriate, following up on the efforts in the summer months, and continued dialogue with school officials.

3/3/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Held the public hearing for the FY26-36 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and subsequently approved the CIP.
  • Approved the Site Plan at 6500 Hickman Road and directed staff to do further review on the parkland dedication condition of the site plan. Staff will have additional discussions with the property owner and return the condition to the council for approval.
  • A motion to approve a professional services agreement for a 63rd Street monument, which would include designing and bidding the project, failed. There was concern regarding the cost of the monument being too high for the value added to the city.

2/17/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Fire Chief Jim Mease officiated the promotion pinning of Fire Lieutenant Brian Jones. Jones' wife was present to pin him. 
  • Liz Lidgett presented the draft of the City’s Public Art Plan. She outlined the purpose, goals, priorities, and next steps of the plan. Staff will continue to work with Liz to finalize the plan.
  • Jim Mease with Michael Kulik and Rob DenHartog, both representatives of the Knights of Columbus, proposed the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Public Safety Building. A climate-controlled and heavily monitored device that allows for the safe surrender of an infant. The Knights will fundraise for the cost of installation. Council approved the proposal. Staff will work with the Knights to finalize the plans and the timeline of installation.
  • Immediately following the regular meeting, Council moved into a budget work session to discuss the proposed FY26 Budget presented by Finance Director Rachelle Swisher.

2/3/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines Children's Museum, Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce, and Windsor Heights Foundation presented the positive impacts they have made on the community, while requesting funding from the city to support the continuation of their missions.
  • The public hearing for the 68th Street South Reconstruction project was held, and the plans, specifications, contract, and estimated total cost were approved. Shekar Engineering was awarded the contract. Pre-construction meetings will begin shortly, and additional information will be provided to residents.

  • Finance Director Rachelle Swisher presented the proposed FY26 budget to the Council, highlighting key changes and upcoming project funding. Additionally, department heads provided details on anticipated equipment expenses.

1/23/25 City Council Meeting Recap

  • Approved the submission of a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application with the US Department of Transportation. The grant would help fund the 73rd South of University Reconstruction Project. This is the City’s third submission to the highly competitive grant. The City is working wit the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Bolton & Menk, the City’s engineering firm, to make this the strongest application yet. Recipients are announced in the summer. Council also authorized submitting a grant application with the MPO for additional funding for the project.
  • Approved the purchase of 1151 65th Street. The property lies within the Comprehensive Plan's "transitional housing" area. This property is part of a broader redevelopment vision for mixed-use development along University Ave. There are no immediate plans for redevelopment in the area. Until more properties are acquired and redevelopment plans are considered, the City is in talks with non-profit organizations to use the property for temporary housing solutions. 
  • Approved an agreement with the YMCA to use Colby Park and the Community Center for a summer camp. As part of the agreement, Windsor Heights residents will be eligible for a discount. The camp is run solely by the YMCA. Any inquiries into the camp should be directed to them. 
  • In preparation for the upcoming budget planning for the City’s next fiscal year, Council reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is an important financial tool that serves as an effective guide for prioritizing large projects, such as road reconstruction, for a ten-year planning period. The CIP does not approve any projects and projects are subject to changed depending on funding sources. The current CIP is available to view on the City’s website.