May 20, 2021

Sgt. Scarlett’s last meeting with Woodland Heights

The May monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was held Tue. May 18 over Zoom.  Neighbors Zoomed in to hear first from Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy.  


Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy with
The Woodland Heights Org. May 18, 2021


Supervisor McCoy shared the latest news on mental health funding in the State of Iowa, with changes by state legislators to transfer funding model from the County property tax levy, to state-funding.  

Next McCoy detailed County emergency response to the Pandemic, including $40 million of expenses last year going towards health, emergency housing and eviction relief, nutrition, and other efforts.  McCoy expects the $94 million of American Rescue Plan money to reimburse the County for last year’s pandemic expenses.  The remaining funds must be spent in certain ways, and the County is seeking resident feedback on what shovel-ready projects are in need of these emergency funds.  

McCoy reviewed InvestDSM, reminding neighbors the County invested $2.5 million last year and plans to contribute $5 million this year.  

The Iowa Events Center lost $2 million each of the last 2 years.  The convention center hotel lost $6-8 million, according to McCoy.  On the bright side, Prairie Meadows business is rebounding and all 1,500 employees have been offered the opportunity to come back to work.  

Sg. Scarlett (first from left) at the WHO
National Night Out in August 2018

During the regular DMPD Neighborhood Based Service Delivery (NBSD) report, Sgt. Scarlett surprised neighbors by announcing this was her last meeting as NBSD Officer for Woodland Heights.  Going forward she will be part of a team serving Des Moines’ South Side.  The DMPD is currently working on selecting Sgt. Scarlett’s successor.  In the meantime, neighbors can use Sgt. Scarlett as their contact for NBSD concerns.  

One concern was noise near the Star Gas Station and other businesses near Ingersoll Ave. and Linden Street.  Sgt. Scarlett has been in contact with business owners and the city.  Replacing fending could help reduce cut through traffic across the gas station property.  Police have been in the area at problem times, but have found it difficult to charge for offenses as it is difficult to measure the decibels of noise for the required period of time.  If loud cars realize they are being recorded, they turn down the music or drive away.  

Sgt. Scarlett recommended neighbors keep calling in complaints and using the addresses of where they identify issues so the database will link all the cases.  515-283-4811.

Candidate for Des Moines City Council (at-large seat), Justyn Lewis addressed the Woodland Heights Organization and introduced himself.  The municipal election is November 2.  Practicing fairness, all candidates for city council (at-large and Ward 3) will be invited to a WHO meeting.  

Ahead of the May 20 city Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, the WHO discussed a proposal to rezone property at 2406 Woodland Avenue (to allow for a duplex).  A motion was made and seconded to oppose the proposed rezoning.  This motion passed.  






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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