Des Moines, Iowa Development News

De Moines City Council Discusses Compensation, Leases, and Budget Amidst Fiscal Scrutiny

The De Moines City Council convened on July 13, 2026. The meeting included approval of the agenda, conveyance of city-owned municipal housing agency property at 3308 Kinsey Avenue, and motions to adjourn. Key discussions later in the meeting involved a proposition to authorize a lease agreement with Industrial Scientific for atmospheric monitoring devices for the public works department, an application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the fiscal year '26 Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing grant, and a lease purchase agreement with Ziggler, Inc. for a tractor with boom mower. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the De Moines City Council Personnel Subcommittee's annual review and compensation review for the council's direct reports, particularly focusing on retention bonuses and longevity pay for the city manager and city attorney amidst budget cuts. The council also discussed amending building requirements and traffic regulation changes, including parking modifications related to the repurposing of Walnut Street school. Public speaking was also incorporated into the agenda.