City of Windsor Heights Regular Business Meeting Minutes Monday, October 20, 2025 - 6:00 PM WINDSOR HEIGHTS COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 1133 66th ST

City of Windsor Heights Regular Business Meeting Minutes Monday, October 20, 2025 - 6:00 PM WINDSOR HEIGHTS COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 1133 66th ST Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Mike Jones called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Members present: Susan Skeries, Joseph Jones, Michael Libbie, and Threase Harms. Members absent: Lauren Campbell/ Staff present: City Administrator Adam Plagge, City Attorney Erin Clanton, City Clerk Adam Strait, Fire Lieutenant Brian Jones, Police Lieutenant Chad Norris, Public Works Director Andy Larson, City Engineer Justin Ernst 2. Approval of the Agenda Motion by Michael Libbie to APPROVE. Seconded by Susan Skeries. Motion passed 4-0. 3. Public Forum: This is time set aside for comments from the public on topics of City business other than those listed on the agenda. No action may be taken. Please come to the podium, state your name and address for the record and keep your comments to no more than 5 minutes. Donna Markley, 6407 University, expressed concerns about the negative impact of reducing the street from four to three lanes, noting that the traffic backup has become worse. Adam Plagge noted that the city has requested City of Des Moines to adjust the traffic light timing at 63rd and University Avenue, but they required a traffic study to warrant the change. The study is planned to be completed in 2026 once 73rd Street construction has completed. Andy Larson, Public Works Director, acknowledged National First Responders Day on October 28th and thanked the police and fire departments for their service. 4. Consent Agenda: Any item on the Consent Agenda may be removed for separate consideration. Motion by Susan Skeries to APPROVE. Seconded by Michael Libbie. Motion passed 4-0. A. Approve Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting on October 7, 2025 B. Approve Financial Reports C. Approve 73rd St. Payment Application 15 D. Approve 68th St. Payment Application 6 E. Approve Resolution No. 2025-75 A Resolution Authorizing Execution of The Windsor Stormwater Maintenance Agreement F. Approve Resolution No. 2025-78 - A Resolution to Set a Public Hearing and Take Bids on Walnut Creek Water Access G. Approve Resolution No. 2025-79 A Resolution Approving Execution of an Agreement Between The City Of Windsor Heights And Iowa Solutions Inc. 5. Action Items: A. Discuss 2026 73rd St. BUILD Grant Application During the discussion, staff provided updates on the 2026 73rd Street Build Grant application. A recent debrief with the Department of Transportation consultant revealed improvements in scoring compared to previous years, with the project receiving three "high" and three "medium" ratings out of six categories. To further strengthen the application, staff plan to adjust the narrative section to include more analytical information and continue collaboration with the MPO, pending board approval. Enhancements such as a pedestrian bridge, use of renewable materials, and support letters from Des Moines and West Des Moines positively influenced the score. Due to limited funding for 2025 applications, few cities were awarded grants, but optimism remains for 2026. The project remains scheduled for 2030–2031 in the Capital Improvement Plan, and $2.7 million in STPG funds has already been secured. Staff also reported ongoing discussions regarding potential acquisition of railroad right-of-way, which could reduce project costs by avoiding ramp reconfigurations on I-235. While communication with the railroad has been limited due to ownership changes, regional collaboration with neighboring municipalities is being explored. Council members were encouraged to suggest additional sources for letters of support and assist in outreach. The new grant application cycle is expected to open within 30 days, with completion anticipated by mid-January. No action was taken on this item, and prior motions Joseph Jones, first, and Susan Skeries, second, were withdrawn. B. Consider Resolution No. 2025-76 A Resolution Waiving CEC Fees For The Valley High School Men's Swim Team Nate Leuthold presented the item. Staff noted fee waivers are at Council's discretion, cautioned about precedent with school-affiliated groups, and requested policy guidance on when to waive versus charge the nonprofit rate. Drew Emanual, Valley Swim Team Captain, was present to address the Council and answer questions. He spoke towards the waiver keeping the banquet affordable and local, citing higher Windsor Heights nonprofit rates compared to nearby venues; the requested date is Sunday, March 8, 2026, and staff confirmed no current March reservations. Council discussed potential impacts of weekend waivers, increasing nonprofit requests, and the need for clearer criteria. Some members suggested delaying action or considering a weekday alternative, but consensus favored acting now and revising policy promptly. Motion by Joseph Jones to APPROVE. Seconded by Susan Skeries. Motion passed 5-0. C. Consider Resolution No. 2025-77 A Resolution Waiving CEC Fees For Lead DSM Adam Plagge presented the item. He noted that the waiver would be allowed under the City's affiliate program policy waiver. Motion by Joseph Jones to APPROVE. Seconded by Michael Libbie. Motion passed 4-0. 6. Reports: A. Mayor, Council Reports and Committee Updates, and Administration Reports • Councilor Harms provided an update on the recent MAC meeting, where members discussed electric rideables such as scooters and dirt bikes. She noted that the MPO and surrounding cities are working on recommendations, which may require legislative action. She also mentioned upcoming legislative session preparations, including committee membership changes and a potential tax bill. Harms reported that planning for Windsor Wonderland is progressing well and thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts following the Fall Festival. She also recognized Susan and Lauren for participating in the Habitat for Humanity Women Build project on November 21, and shared that donations are still being accepted for the "Municipal Muscle" team. • Councilor Libbie commended the Windsor Heights Police Department for their professionalism and their collaborative work with other departments and agencies across Iowa and the United States. Libbie also shared that he attended the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Bridges of Iowa, describing it as a successful event and a testament to the organization's positive impact. He met with Jeff Lamberti to discuss the event and noted plans to feature the conversation in an upcoming City of Windsor Heights podcast, highlighting Lamberti's praise for the community and City Council. • Councilor Jones thanked Public Work Director Andy Larson for the excellent work on the bridge area. He provided an update on the DART system redesign, noting that only two meetings remain before final approval. Recent discussions focused on route adjustments, stop spacing, service restoration in West Des Moines, and microtransit expansion. Key changes include rerouting Routes 6, 7, and 8 to improve access, adjusting Route 3 for better efficiency, extending service hours to 6 a.m.–10 p.m., and spacing stops every 3–4 blocks to reduce travel time. Airport service was determined to be financially unfeasible for now, but remains a future goal. Jones stated that the proposal will return for feedback before final votes on November 4 and December 2, with a Title VI analysis planned to ensure equity. He concluded by noting strong consensus among commissioners and briefly discussed the higher-than-expected cost of new bus shelters. • Councilor Skeries thanked Mike and Adam for attending the Catch Des Moines Annual Luncheon and expressed appreciation to Council for their kind words following her Community Champion recognition. She reported attending Wake Up Windsor Heights, engaging new businesses at the Chamber Bash, and attending the Metro Waste employee event at Blank Park Zoo. She noted the Special Events Committee is developing the 2026 events timeline, adding information to the city website, and will hold a special meeting with Councilor Harms to plan Windsor Wonderland. Skeries also attended the Edward Jones ribbon cutting and plans to participate in upcoming Catch Des Moines and Uplift Urbandale volunteer events. She thanked AJ, Mayor Jones, and Chief Roth for addressing parking concerns near Cole School and reminded residents of Trick or Treat on Saturday, the Candidate Forum on Monday at 6 p.m., and the AM Exchange on October 28, where she will promote Windsor Wonderland. B. Code Review Update Adam Strait provided an update on the code review project including a brief synopsis of redline changes and next steps. He asked if Council had questions after reviewing to let staff know and a formal presentation could be made at a future meeting. C. Des Moines Water Works Proposed 2026 Rate Change And Capital Improvement Funds Report Adam Plagge reported that Des Moines Water Works is proposing a 10% rate increase for Windsor Heights effective January 2026, primarily due to higher service costs. The water service availability fee for most residents will rise from $6 to $7 per month, with larger users seeing higher increases. He noted the city's $2 million capital improvement fund with Water Works will be used for 74th Street and other non-urban renewal projects in coming years. Plagge also said Water Works will provide a priority list and GIS map of areas with frequent water main breaks to guide future capital improvement planning. 7. Closed Session Per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) - To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session Motion by Michael Libbie to enter Closed Session at 6:49PM. Seconded by Susan Skeries. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion by Threase Harms to exit Closed Session at 6:51PM. Seconded by Susan Skeries. Motion Passed 4-0. In open session, Council discussed the timeline to have employee reviews submitted October 23rd with full discussion at the November 3rd council meeting. 8. Adjourn Motion by Michael Libbie to adjourn at 6:56PM. Seconded by Susan Skeries. Motion passed 4-0. CITY OF WINDSOR HEIGHTS CLAIMS LIST AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES $500.55 OFFICE SUPPLIES ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF IOWA $125.00 AUG ANIMAL SERVICES ASSURITY $254.14 PAYROLL LIABILITY BANKERS TRUST COMPANY $533.95 CC FEES BOLTON & MENK $13,182.50 ENGINEERING BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC $214.34 MEDICAL SUPPLIES BULLZEYE, INC $9,611.13 CEC FLOOR REFINISHING/CLEANING CALIBER CONCRETE LLC $94,625.71 COLBY PARK PAY REQUEST #13 CAMPBELL, LAUREN $1,636.49 SIGNS/POSTERS/BANNERS/STICKERS/PRIZES CAPITAL ONE $228.99 SUPPLIES CHARLES GABUS FORD $1,451.35 CAR 29 REPAIRS CINTAS $51.09 FIRST AID CABINET SUPPLIES CITY OF WEST DES MOINES $17.94 NAME TAPE CLEARFLY $183.22 CELL PHONES CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING $766.50 68TH ST MATERIAL TESTING CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER CO. $10.50 WATER DAIDA $545.53 RADIX MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA $3,155.32 DENTAL INS DES MOINES WATER WORKS $107.53 SERVICE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS $20,774.48 MED INS FEDERAL TAX DEPOSIT $32,595.74 PAYROLL LIABILITY FREEDOM TIRE & AUTO CENTER INC $35.00 CAR 22 TIRE FIX GALLS LLC $19.54 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE GOLF CARS OF IOWA $1,125.00 GOLF CARS IA DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY $300.00 FY26 1ST QTR FEE ICMA RETIREMENT TRUST $2,218.82 PAYROLL LIABILITY IMWCA $5,815.00 INSTALLMENT 4 WORK COMP PREM IOWA DOT $210.24 VEHICLE PRINTER PAPER IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES $3,500.00 GOV INVEST DUES IPERS $17,740.19 PAYROLL LIABILITY ISOLVED BENEFIT SERVICES $1,368.92 PAYROLL LIABILITY/FSA MANHATTANLIFE $106.41 PAYROLL LIABILITY NYEMASTER LAW FIRM $1,650.00 AUG LEGAL FEES PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE $2,643.12 A553 FUEL LINE REPAIR QPS EMPLOYMENT GROUP $806.40 HANKINS, ALLIE QUALITY STRIPING, Inc. $158,778.33 UNIV AVE MAINTENANCE PROJECT ROY'S TOWING AND RECOVERY $150.00 A553 TOW SAFE BUILDING COMPLIANCE $2,048.79 SEPT INSPECTIONS STATE OF IOWA $3,416.89 PAYROLL LIABILITY THE SHREDDER $60.00 SHRED BOX THE UPS STORE $24.96 CASE 23-00712 SHIPPING T-MOBILE $94.92 CELL PHONES TRANSUNION RISK & ALTERNATIVE $75.00 SEPT BILLING Bi-Weekly ACH $80,505.03 PAYROLL Bi-Weekly ACH $4,455.23 PAYROLL $467,719.79 October 31 2025 LIOW0398073