Your Monthly Urbandale Update

Friday, August 26, 2022

Council Recap

The Mayor and City Council met for a worksession and a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 23. At the worksession, the Parks & Recreation Department presented a report on shelter rental rates. The City has three enclosed shelter facilities, and rental rates vary based on the amenities offered at each facility. The Mayor adjourned the worksession with no official action taking place.

After a short break, the Mayor called the Council meeting to order and began by approving routine items such as meeting minutes, bills, and license renewals.

The City Council approved two economic development agreements to support jobs and investment in Urbandale. The first project will renovate 49,000 sq. ft. in an existing office building and retain or create 200 jobs in Urbandale and the other will see the construction of a new 213,000 sq. ft. warehouse/distribution center, both in the Urban Loop development area.

The Council approved an agreement to contribute $100,000 to the Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot Project. 250 Participants will be randomly recruited from residents living in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. The project will provide 110 low-income participants with $500 a month for two years and 140 participants will make up a control group. The pilot project, designed as a learning tool, will be administered by the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the Social Policy and Practice School at the University of Pennsylvania, Drake University Harkin Institute, and Des Moines University Department of Public Health. Funding for the pilot project is a partnership with local public, private, and non-profit organizations. The City's funding contribution would come from the City's $6.6 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

The Mayor and City Council will meet again on Tuesday, September 6. You can watch all the City Council meetings here on YouTube and find council agendas here.

Developing in the Urban Loop

Many projects are happening in this part of the Des Moines metro. Developers describe the opportunities taking shape and highlight a small sample of the investments in the Urban Loop.

City Offices Closed on Labor Day

City Hall, most City departments and divisions, Urbandale Senior Recreation Center, and Urbandale Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 5, in recognition of Labor Day. Normal operating hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6.

Trash Pick-Up Delayed One Day

Trash, recycling, and yard waste pick-up will be delayed one day the week of September 5 due to the Labor Day holiday. Example: If your normal collection day is Wednesday, it will be on Thursday. Please have everything out by 6:30 AM. If you have any questions, please call the Urbandale Public Works Department at 515-278-3950 or visit us online.

New Look for the Urbandale Library

The Library will be revealing a new look in September as part of a branding campaign. To celebrate the new logo, catchphrase, and mascot, current library cardholders can choose from one of three designs and upgrade their library card for free during the month of September! New cardholders will also get to choose one of the three new designs when they sign up for a library card. Stay tuned for more fun surprises and announcements throughout September as it’s Library Card sign-up month!

Storing Your Trash/Garbage/Recycling Containers

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers should be stored when not placed at the curb for collection. You can place your containers in a building on your property; behind the front building line against the principal structure or accessory structure; in the front yard if screened from visibility from the street; or if a side yard is facing the street and containers are stored outside, the containers should be screened from street visibility to the greatest extent possible. Read about proper storage of waste containers in the City Code.

Drive-In Movie

We're hosting a drive-in movie on Friday, October 14! Join us for Hotel Transylvania (rated PG), it's FREE, but you must pre-register, as only 49 spots will be available. Bring your own snacks and drinks! Register opens here on September 1.

Fall Program Registration

Registration opens on Thursday, September 1 for Urbandale Parks & Recreation classes and events. From computer programming to arts and crafts, we're sure to have classes, program, and events that your whole family will love! View all the programs and register here.

USRC New Member Orientation

If you’re new to the Urbandale Senior Recreation Center (USRC), or are considering registering for programs and would like more information on what is offered and how to get started, drop by on Wednesday, September 14 from 10-10:30 AM for a brief tour with USRC staff. No registration is needed–meet in the lobby at 10 AM. The USRC is located at 7305 NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale.

Upcoming Events & Activities

The Urbandale Food Pantry is hosting its third annual Pedal for the Pantry this Sunday, August 28. You can register online or in person at 9 AM at any one of three starting locations. Riders can choose from three custom routes throughout Polk County with stops along the way at participating breweries, each offering discounts on drinks.

Come on out to the Urbandale Public Piano in front of the Library on Sunday, August 28 from 1-3 PM for an afternoon of fun and music. Local blues band Major Blues and the Mugshots will be performing a free show and taking breaks to share the history of blues music. We'll move into the Library should it happen to rain.

Pickleball Tournament at Walker Johnston Regional Park is on Sunday, September 18. Tons of prizes for winners. Register here.

Join us for Run for the Badge in front of the Urbandale Police Department on Saturday, October 1, to support the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum. Mayor Bob Andeweg will be running, and you can run with him too! Pre-register no later than Monday, September 19, to be guaranteed a t-shirt!

All ages are invited to join NASA’s Artemis Project: To the Moon, Mars, and Beyond! This Beanstack reading challenge encourages participants to log their reading (minutes per day) while learning more about NASA’s Artemis program and plans for a new generation of crewed spaceflight through online-based activities. Four winners will be drawn to receive a “Universe of Stories” water bottle with space-themed prizes! Sign up here.

NNLM (Network of the National Library of Medicine) “All of Us” Precision Medicine Exhibit is on display in the Library during the month of September. The exhibit promotes the All of Us program whose aim is to speed up medical research and ensure diversity and inclusion in its principles and representation. You can learn more here.

The City is hosting an open house for the new Parks & Public Works Facility on Saturday, October 22 from 10 AM – Noon. Join us for tours of the facility, big trucks, light refreshments, and family/kids games. Learn more.

Active City Projects

Aurora Avenue/100th Street Widening

This project will widen the street to 37 feet to allow for one lane in each direction plus a painted left turn lane. Link to page.

170th Street Reconstruction with Meredith Drive

This project is reconstructing the road as a four-lane roadway with left-turn lanes, including grading and storm sewer. Link to page.

Walnut Creek Sanitary Sewer

The City of Grimes is constructing a new sanitary sewer through portions of Urbandale and Walnut Creek Regional Park. The new sanitary sewer will allow Grimes to connect to the regional wastewater system. Link to page.

128th Street Reconstruction

This project involves the reconstruction of the northbound lanes of 128th Street from Douglas Parkway to Aurora Avenue, the reconstruction of the southbound lanes of 128th Street from Douglas Parkway to 750 feet north of Douglas Parkway, and patching of remaining southbound pavement to Aurora Avenue. Link to page.

Waterford Road Reconstruction

This project is reconstructing Waterford Road from 156th Street to 142nd Street as a four-lane arterial with median, sidewalks, and separated bike lane. Link to page.

Douglas Urbanization

This project is urbanizing Douglas Avenue from 100th Street to North Walnut Creek. Link to page.

Urbandale in the Media

Elite disc golf pro from Urbandale eyes win on home turf. Read more.

National Night Out held in Urbandale. Read more.