Urban Agriculture message at March meeting

The Woodland Heights Org. held its March monthly meeting virtually, on Zoom, on March 16, 2021.  This meeting marked the 1 year anniversary of the March 2020 meeting that was cancelled because of the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  The 2021 annual meeting (including officer and board elections) continues to be postponed to a future date TBD.

Find information on Facebook about the neighborhood's efforts to keep the Woodland Heights clean and beautiful with regular litter-pickup events throughout the year.  Coming up soon:  Sun. March 28 @ 1pm.  Trash bags for the cleanup to be provided by DM Public Works.  

Andrea Vaage of the city's Food Security Task Force addresses the WHO 3/16/21,
while other guests included City Council members, Carl Voss & Connie Boesen

The featured guest was from the city's newly-implemented Food Security Task Force.  This citizen group wants to create resources and a space to be the one-stop-shop for all resident questions about urban agriculture in the city of Des Moines.  Among Vaage's remarks were comments about resources from ISU Extension (including regulations on urban agriculture) and from the city on its Stormwater Subsity Program.  Vaage recommended the LSI Global Greens Farmers Market due to its location at 3200 University Ave. being so close to the Woodland Heights neighborhood.  

City Council Member, Carl Voss shared info about the upcoming event Friday June 18 hosted by Friends of DM Parks at Waveland Golf Course.  On a downbeat note, Voss shared statistics about increased thefts of automobile catalytic converters and the LeadsOnline website.  

City Council Member, Connie Boesen updated the neighborhood on the recently-approved budget and updated and ongoing city priorities including an additional $100,000 for tree planting and the building of more spray grounds in city parks (some replacement of wading pools).  

Officer Scott Baker of the DMPD shared the NBSD report with neighbors.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Annual Meeting POSTPONED & info from AMOS

An important piece of business passed at the February monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) on Feb. 16, 2021.  A motion PASSSED to postpone the Annual Meeting & Board Elections to a future date.  Normally the Annual Meeting of the WHO is held every March.  But due to ongoing safety and health concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), the membership agreed to postpone holding that meeting.  Stay tuned for future updates on when that meeting will be held.  The March 16, 2021 meeting of the WHO will keep the same format as the regular, monthly neighborhood meetings.  

Courtney Dufford, lead organizer for AMOS & Crystal Loving,
DSM resident and AMOS member present to the WHO 2/16/21

The featured guest presentation at the February WHO meeting was from AMOS (amosiowa.org) (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) on the subject of children's mental health.  Neighbors learned about the current challenges including funding.  

AMOS is advocating for positive change to the children's mental health system and funding in the state.  Neighbors can get involved in these efforts by expressing their interest to AMOS via an online survey here.  For more info, contact AMOS at amosiowa@gmail.com.  

State Sen. Claire Celsi addresses the Woodland
Heights Organization on Feb. 16, 2021

Busy (as usual) during the legislative session, but available on the evening of Feb. 16, State Senator Claire Celsi (whose district includes the Woodland Heights neighborhood) Zoomed into the February WHO meeting to share updates from the Capitol.  Celsi, a Democrat, is in the minority party and expressed frustration with much of the legislation brought by the majority Republicans.  

Sen. Celsi welcomes electronic communication (especially during a time when there is less in-person outreach):  Claire.celsi@legis.iowa.gov and by phone 515-462-0487.

Other business items conducted by the WHO included expressing neither support, nor opposition for the proposed rezoning and development of 2510 Ingersoll Ave. and sending a letter stating 4 neighborhood concerns to the Plan & Zoning Commission.  It was also agreed to move forward with High Street neighbors on efforts to address traffic calming on High Street.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Tree information and Trolley Monument update shared Jan. 2021

The Woodland Heights Organization held its first meeting of 2021 virtually, continuing to keep neighbors physically separated to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  

DM City Forester, David Jahn and Kacie Ballard of
Trees Forever present at the Jan. 19, 2021 WHO meeting

2020 was the Year of the Tree in Des Moines, culminating in the release of the city's first Urban Forest Master Plan.  City Forester, David Jahn shared highlights of this plan, raising awareness of the goals of increasing the city's tree canopy and how neighbors and neighborhoods can be part of the solutions.  

Jahn reminded neighbors that the street trees planted in the 'parking' (the area between the street and the sidewalk) are owned by the city and should be maintained only by the city.  Residents are not allowed to cut down or trim these trees.  Instead they should contact the city to perform the necessary maintenance.  

To notify the city you'd like a street tree planted in the city right-of-way in front of your house, find information online here.  

Kacie Ballard of Trees Forever shared information about this nonprofit organization that works closely with the city to leverage volunteers to plant and maintain more city trees than forestry division staff could accomplish.  Ballard talked in depth about the Growing Futures program as well as becoming a Tree Keeper.  

Ballard shared data about trees in Woodland Heights including that Oaks and Flowering Crabapple were the most abundant species.  To increase tree diversity, 4 recommended species include: Kentucky Coffee Tree, Honeylocust, Yellowwood, and Hophornbeam.  

In October 2019 the WHO voted to send a letter of support for ​community efforts to obtain a historic designation for the Des Moines Streetcar turnaround site near 49th Street and University Avenue.  This location is not in Woodland Heights, but WHO members recognized the historical significance streetcars played in the creation and vibrancy of our neighborhood.  A trolley barn was previously a prominent feature of the neighborhood at Ingersoll and 24th. 

A motion was made and passed at the WHO meeting Jan. 19, 2021 to send another letter of WHO support for the project, and a motion was made and passed to send a donation of $25 from WHO toward funding the Trolley Loop Monument. In making this motion it was noted that individuals can send private donations to support the project.

How to donate:  write a check to the Des Moines Historical Society at the following address.  Be sure to put "Waveland Trolley Loop Fund" in the check memo line.  The address is:

   Des Moines Historical Society

   c/o David Barzen, President

   P.O. Box 8038

   Des Moines, IA 50301

The Des Moines Historical Society is a 501.c.3 organization; it maintains a separate account exclusively for the Waveland Trolley Loop project.

See pictures of the Trolley Loop Monument plans online here.  The intent is to create a welcoming pedestrian space featuring a streetcar sculpture, interpretive information, and a place to relax along the new University Avenue multi-use recreational trail.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Committees supported, fuel station opposed at December meeting

 The Woodland Heights Organization had a full agenda for its regular December membership meeting 12/15/2020.  The featured guest was the city’s Neighborhood Services Department Director, Chris Johansen.  

City of Des Moines Neighborhood Services Dept.
Director, Chris Johansen speaks to the WHO 12/15/20

Dir. Johansen shared the new org chart for the Neighborhood Services Dept., how it has been working in the pandemic, and what new hires and plans are in the works for the future.  (https://www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/index.php) Several notable items shared by Dir. Johansen include a toolkit being developed for neighborhood associations and neighborhood leaders and interested residents, a citizens academy that would be an opportunity to learn more about how the city functions, and upcoming Jan. 2021 public meetings on how the city can work with homeowners to maintain and make improvements to private property.  

Officer Scott Baker of the DMPD shared the NBSD report and encouraged WHO members to keep sending concerns to Sgt. Scarlett who can forward those messages on as appropriate while Sgt. Scarlett is at the training academy.  

Officer Baker noted plenty of concerns about illegally parked cars in the neighborhood, and a troubling increase in thefts (like purse snatching) at Smokey Row.  Keep aware of your surroundings and be vigilant with your personal property.  

The WHO membership voted overwhelmingly at its December meeting to empower the WHO VP to coordinate an assessment and reorganization of the WHO Committees to carry out their desired goals more effectively and efficiently.

The big agenda item that drew much interest and perhaps increased meeting attendance was a vote by the WHO to express either support for or opposition against “Expansion of the existing fuel station use (at 2701 Ingersoll Ave (Star)) to increase the building from 1,020 square feet to approximately 2,300 square feet… Conditional Use Approval (per City Code Section 134-6.4) for a “Fuel Station Use” use in an “MX2” District.”  The proposal was on the Dec. 16 ZBOA agenda.

After discussion, the vote of the neighborhood was to oppose the conditional use as proposed.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Busy November Meeting, Next Meeting is December 15

The Woodland Heights Organization met virtually over Zoom for its regular, monthly November meeting on 11/17.  Several guests updated neighbors in attendance on what they are working on and several items of business were voted on.  

InvestDSM Exec. Dir. Amber Lynch speaks
with the WHO on Tue. Nov. 17, 2020

Amber Lynch, the Executive Director of the relatively new nonprofit organization InvestDSM, shared what progress her group has made during the pandemic (estimated $1.1 million in investment).  Funded jointly by the city of Des Moines and Polk County, InvestDSM has been working exclusively with the 4 pilot project areas in the city where 240 projects have been funded so far (their goal was to complete 50 this year).  Through matching funds and other grants, the group helps overcome financial gaps in projects creating benefits to the neighborhoods by boosting curb appeal and more.  Lynch said it is her hope to later expand the reach of InvestDSM to other neighborhoods of the city where it could make the most difference (including places like Woodland Heights) but did not have an estimated timeline of when expansion might occur.  

DMPD’s Scott Baker filled in for Sgt. Scarlett (currently receiving training in command school).  Baker encouraged neighbors to continue to share issues with Sgt. Scarlett by email and she can forward those issues on to the appropriate officer on duty.  

Ward 3 City Council Member Josh Mandelbaum
updates neighbors Nov. 17, 2020

DM City Council Member, Josh Mandelbaum attended the meeting and took time out to share several updates of what the council is working on and hear feedback from neighbors in attendance.  Primarily Mandelbaum commented on the work of the Marijuana Task Force and their recommendations, and a proposal for 100% clean energy resolution (https://councildocs.dsm.city/Resolutions/20201019/45.pdf) (https://iaenvironment.salsalabs.org/dsm100/index.html).  Most importantly however, Mandelbaum stressed the need for vigilantly following public health measure best practices.  This includes avoiding large in-person gatherings for the upcoming holiday, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, hand washing, and the like.  Mandelbaum’s own family plans a Zoom Thanksgiving gathering with extended family to better ensure everyone’s health and safety.  

For items of new business, first the membership voted to hold a regular, December monthly membership meeting on the regular date and time: Tue. Dec. 15.  The meeting will be virtual and held over Zoom.  

Next the membership voted overwhelmingly to support development of new infill housing at 2513 Woodland Ave.  While concerns were raised about the small size of the lot and issues related to parking, members agreed that just about anything would be better than what’s currently there, and appropriate infill housing would be good.  

A motion about the WHO’s committees was tabled.  Announcements included the upcoming Welcome Wagon meeting December 5, a proposal from MyPropertyID, and the upcoming Wreaths Across America event.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

New Officers & Board Elected at Virtual Ann. Meeting

The many-months-postponed Annual Meeting and elections of the Woodland Heights Org. occurred Tues. Oct. 20, 2020.  The meeting was held virtually over Zoom due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  

WHO neighbors attend the annual meeting on
Zoom Tues. Oct. 20, 2020 for elections and more

After the regular NBSD report (where Sgt. Scarlett informed neighbors of the class she is enrolled in at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, applauded the neighborhood on its virtual meeting attendance, and updated neighbors on her efforts researching High Street solutions), the officers and current Board members shared reports for the year.

New Business included the elections.  Phil and Jeanne remain on as President and Secretary respectively.  Catherine was elected VP.  Brigham and Cameron were elected as Co-Treasurers.  Elected to At-Large seats on the Board were Lyla and relatively new neighbor, Jeremiah.  

After the election, members had the opportunity to share new ideas, thoughts on priorities, and what they'd like to see improved in the neighborhood.  

The next regular, monthly meeting will be in November on Tue. Nov. 17 at 7pm on Zoom.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Annual Meeting & Elections coming October 20

At the September WHO monthly meeting, the membership voted to hold the previously-postponed Annual Meeting and Elections of the WHO Board of Directors on ...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 (3rd Tues. of the month) @ 7pm virtually over Zoom.

The annual meeting (originally scheduled for March 17) was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.  However, realizing the pandemic would continue to affect our lives for many months to come, and with people becoming more acclimated to using technology like virtual meetings as a means of communication, neighbors decided to reinvigorate the group with a changeover of the board.  

Nominations for all Board positions are open now.  Nominations will close immediately before the elections, during the meeting Oct. 20.  Anyone age 18 and older who either lives in the neighborhood, owns property in the neighborhood, or works here can run for any of the 7 Board seats:  President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 3 Members-at-Large.

All neighbors are invited to attend the annual meeting to have a vote and say in the future and direction of the neighborhood organization.  

Zoom meeting attendees at the Woodland Heights Org.
Monthly Meeting Tue. Sept. 15, 2020

Besides setting the date for the Annual Meeting & Elections (Oct. 20), WHO meeting attendees heard from Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy.  Supervisor McCoy spoke primarily about the county's efforts to assist residents during the public health disaster emergency.  Supervisor McCoy highlighted several resources.

Many resources can be found by calling 211.  Online find (https://www.unitedwaydm.org/211).  

Examples of help includes eviction prevention (DMR news story here), food replacement (if you lost food due to power outage from Aug. 10 derecho storm), and drive-through meals for senior citizens.

Supervisor McCoy concluded with some words of wisdom, encouraging everyone to get a flu shot, and to be looking out for each other, especially those neighbors around us.  

Other meeting highlights included remarks from DMPD's Lt. Larry Davey, NBSD Commander, and voting to send a letter to relevant city staff and leaders regarding continued public safety concerns due to speeding traffic on High Street.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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