Broadlawns Hospital news shared with neighbors

Dave Miglin, who is in his first term on the Board of Trustees of Broadlawns Medical Center, was the featured guest at the Feb. 15, 2022 meeting of the Woodland Heights Org.  

Broadlawns Trustee, Dave Miglin, speaks with
Woodland Heights neighbors Feb. 15, 2022

Mr. Miglin shared many exciting updates and info about Polk County’s safety net hospital that receives funding from property-tax-payers.  Regarding COVID and hospital operations and staffing, Miglin was pleased to report that currently there were only 2 patients hospitalized with COVID (at the time of the meeting), down from 17 in January 2022, and 23 at the peak.  Staffing the hospital is challenging due to employee burnout.  

The new clinic being built at University Ave & 29th St. (just East of the Walgreens Store) will be very close to the Woodland Heights neighborhood.  Mr. Miglin shared that it will be a great clinic where anyone from the public can become a patient and receive healthcare (not just Drake students).  

Mental health services, the new CEO of Broadlawns, Alzheimer’s, and campus improvements were other topics Miglin touched on during his remarks.  

State Sen. Claire Celsi attended the Feb. WHO
meeting during which a sobering center was discussed

Mr. Miglin spent some time updating neighbors on the discussions happening among stakeholders (including Polk County) on creating a new sobering center.  

State Senator, Claire Celsi, Zoomed in to share a brief update on legislative items from the statehouse.  

The Woodland Heights Org. voted and passed 1 item of business during the meeting, approving a show of support (by signing a letter) as part of a grant application to fund the purchase of a new LED screen to be used by DM Parks & Rec.  

Officer Moody Zoomed in to share the NBSD report.  This included updating neighbors on the communications he’s had related to the Yacht Club (Conditional Use permit to be reconsidered by the ZBOA), and his work on 3005 Center.  That house has been boarded up as a public nuisance.  It is vacant, so neighbors who see anyone trespassing there, are encouraged to call the non-emergency DMPD phone number (515) 283-4811.  

During reports it was noted that the Woodland Heights Org. annual meeting (including Board elections) is planned for next month (March 15, 2022).  To learn more about volunteer leadership and how to get more involved, contact who50312@gmail.com.  

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

City’s Stormwater Program shared with Woodland Heights neighbors

The Woodland Heights Org. held its December 2021 monthly meeting on Zoom 12/21/21.  The featured guest presented on stormwater best management practices, and the city of Des Moines program for assisting homeowners with the cost of implementing these projects. 

Derek Nammany, City of DM speaks with
the WHO about stormwater Dec. 21, 2021

Derek Namanny, an Environmental Engineering Technician with the city, shared a message that has been making its rounds to many of the city’s neighborhoods:  The city has a cost share program for 50% of the costs of installation of stormwater best management practices or green infrastructure (up to $2,000 per property).  View the presentation online here.  Find the 2-page handout online here.

Find more information about stormwater best management practices online at www.dsm.city/swbmp.  

One business item was voted on and passed at the December meeting: an appropriation of funds for a January social event (exact details TBD but save the date for the evening of Jan. 18 (3rd Tuesday of the month).  

One notable announcement shared at the meeting was information and a link to a survey the city is using to receive resident input on how to spend approximately $95 million of ARPA funds.   

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Property Improvement Program previewed

Woodland Heights neighbors learned about the city’s plans to implement a Property Improvement Program at the WHO’s November monthly meeting, held over Zoom on Tue. Nov. 16, 2021.

Deputy Director Neighborhood Services, SuAnn Donovan
presents to a virtual gathering of the WHO on Tue. Nov. 16, 2021

Deputy Director of Neighborhood Services, SuAnn Donovan, presented on plans for this new initiative that would strengthen neighborhoods by preventing homes from falling into disrepair by necessitating regular maintenance on home features such as: roof, gutters, siding, windows, paint (home shell), and sidewalk.  The program would also include safety net features to provide assistance to homeowners lacking the physical or financial means to complete the necessary maintenance.  

The city will hire new staff for this program (1 supervisor, 2 liaisons, 4 inspectors, 1 clerical staff) and the City Council will need to amend city code before it goes into effect.  

During the NBSD report, Officer Moody updated neighbors on recent incident reports from around the neighborhood: including an unsuccessful burglary attempt on an ATM at an Ingersoll Business, and that the Star Gas Station site has been working with Crow Tow to impound cars illegally parked there.  

 

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

September WHO meeting began preview of November election

Two candidates on the ballot for the November 2, 2021 City Council and School Board election introduced themselves to the Woodland Heights Org. at the September monthly meeting on 9/21/2021.  Coming up at the October meeting, be on the lookout for more candidates to introduce themselves and share their campaign platform.  

Find resources regarding voter registration and the upcoming election online here.  

The main item of business accomplished during the meeting was the (overwhelming) vote of support in favor of the High Street traffic calming concept plan.  Neighbors spoke favorably on how they believed the concept plan’s features would work to slow traffic and make High Street a safer, friendlier street.  

DMPD's Officer Mike Moody (NBSD Officer)
reports to the Woodland Heights neighbors 9/21/21

Officer Mike Moody (NBSD) shared stats on neighborhood incidents and updated on noise and concerns around Ingersoll.  Also of note was an update on Center Street near Callanan Middle School.  City zoning and the Narcotics division of the DMPD are collaborating and it’s a work in progress to address the ongoing issues there.  Officer Moody advised to continue to call the non-emergency # to report suspicious issues (515)-283-4811 and if you have video of suspicious license plates or characters, do reach out to share that as well.  

During discussion, several issues were raised including Mental Health Crisis Services and Addiction Treatment Services provided by Broadlawns Medical Center.  

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

September meeting to be held outdoors

Update for the September 21, 2021 WHO meeting:  Forecast is for the most pleasant weather.  The September 21, 2021 meeting will occur as planned outdoors near the shelter at Chamberlain Park at 7pm.  

High Street Traffic Calming Concept Plan Released

Jeff Wiggins, of the City of DM, met with the High Street Traffic Calming Interest Group Wed. Sept. 15, 2021 to review the proposed High Street Traffic Calming Concept Plan (as part of the city's regular traffic calming program).  

Between 2019 and 2020, the city collected traffic study data, which can be viewed online here.  

On May 15, 2021 the High Street Traffic Calming Interest Group met virtually to share observations and concerns about High Street traffic that the Concept Planning would take into account.  

Read the Concept Plan online here.  The concept is designed to calm traffic on High Street in the blocks between 28th Street and 24th Street (study area).  The five elements of the plan include: (1.) posting 25 mph speed limit signs on High Street @ 28th & MLK; (2.) placing a speed hump on High Street approx. 450 feet east of 28th Street (approx. the crest of the hill); (3.) placing a speed hump approx. 275 feet east of the first speed hump; (4.) placing a choker on High Street approx. 300 feet west of 24th Street (approx. the bottom of the hill (adjacent to vacant lot)); and (5.) alternating from North to South, then back to North on which side of the street parking is allowed.  

Next steps include:  (1.) Discussion of the concept plan and vote of approval at the WHO September monthly meeting on Tue. Sept. 21, 2021; (2.) City to send cards for feedback to High Street property owners (notification); (3.) Review by the city's Transportation Safety Committee; and (4.) Project to be programmed into the next construction cycle (hopefully Summer 2022).  

Phil recorded video of the virtual meeting Sept. 15.  Please contact Phil to view that video.  

  

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Home improvement and beautification topics of August meeting

The Woodland Heights Org., held its August 2021 meeting outdoors at Chamberlain Park on 8/17.  The featured guests were members of the city staff and included Chris Heilskov, Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor; Scott Clauson, Neighborhood Inspector (Blitz on Blight); and Erik Lundy, Zoning Enforcement Officer.  

Erik Lundy and Chris Heilskov, both of the City
of Des Moines, speak with the WHO 8/17/2021

The city’s Neighborhood Services Dept. and Neighborhood Inspections has been working hard to catch up on inspections that were delayed due to the pandemic and implement a new cloud-computing technology system to schedule, execute, and monitor inspections, violations, permitting, and more.  The department has been staffing up and soon will be hiring 2 additional inspectors.  

Neighbors attend the WHO meeting 8/17/2021
at Chamberlain Park

In addition to inspections staff monitoring neighborhoods for junk & debris, junk cars, nuisance properties, and zoning violations (such as illegal use and signs) to keep things looking nice, Invest-DSM is administering a city-wide Block Challenge Grant Program, where neighbors across the city can group together and apply for matching grants to fund home improvements boosting curb appeal.  Neighbors on High Street in Woodland Heights plan to make an application (due Sept. 30) and shared their story at the meeting.  Examples of projects allowable for the Block Grant Challenge Program include: landscaping (front yard), mulch, fencing, windows, and siding.  

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines