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The Tomorrow Plan Outreach Informational Meeting in the Community Center: Over the past few years, the greater Des Moines region has been named to various 'best of' lists, indicating that the region is doing well and is poised for the future. At the same time, though, the area faces serious challenges with economic competitiveness, social equity, environmental resilience, and a tight fiscal environment. The question, then, is how will the greater Des Moines region respond to these challenges to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the region?
Enter The Tomorrow Plan, a regional planning effort coordinated by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and led by a consortium representing a broad swath of area communities and organizations. This group has formed to engage the community in envisioning how the future of the greater Des Moines region might play out over the next forty years; will the region maintain the status quo, or will we create a more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren?
The 20-month planning process to chart the future of the greater Des Moines region began in July 2011 and, when complete, will provide a comprehensive framework for future development. The Tomorrow Plan will address socioeconomic factors as well as the built and natural environments. While the elements of the plan have been outlined, your participation and input are critical in shaping The Tomorrow Plan. After all, this is your tomorrow; join us today at www.thetomorrowplan.com.
A brief presentation followed by a discussion to look at strengths and challenges here will be held in the Windsor Heights Community and Events Center on Wednesday, October 26th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Because of this event, there will be no Planning and Zoning meeting on Wednesday, October 26th.
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Fun Budget Facts!
It is that time of year again that city leaders are working on developing the budget year that will begin July 1, 2012. Last year, the City budgeted $9,419,883, excluding transfers. This amount included capital projects (like the upgrades to Hickman and 70th & Washington). The City's total operating budget (which means the total budget less capital expenditures and debt service) was $4,939,800. As part of multi-year comparisons, the City compared the City's operating budget for 2012 with the 2000 operating budget and found that the City's operating budget was $4,845,910 in 2000, meaning that in 12 years, the operating budget has experienced a negligible 1.9% increase. How does the City continue to keep costs low while providing excellent services? City leaders are constantly looking for ways to implement best practices and we try to highlight those in the newsletter every month. For example, the City joins with other communities on a variety of efforts. The City recently entered a 28E agreement with the City of West Des Moines that is anticipated to save Windsor Heights more than $10,000, while increasing the number of sweepings we receive. If you have any suggestions on the City's budget, please do not hesitate to contact the City Administrator or Chief Financial Officer. The City's current budget, along with many other pertinent financial documents, is available on the website at: http://www.windsorheights.org/financial.htm
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Ever had your toilet not flush?
If your toilet has ever not flushed due to a clog in your sewer pipes from roots or a collapsing line, it is time to fix your sewer line. Effective September 1, 2011 the S.O.S. (Save Our Sewers) program offers partially forgivable loans to property owners who need to make upgrades and replace their sewer lines. The loans are up to 50 percent forgivable, depending on property owners' income levels. We are excited to be able to offer this to residents, thanks to the partnership and support with Polk County, the Urbandale-Windsor Heights Sanitary Sewer District and the Neighborhood Finance Corporation. However, there is limited amount of funding available to provide the forgivable portion of the loan. In other words, future funding levels for the S.O.S. program are uncertain so this may be available for a limited time only, meaning it is important to act quickly.
Visit www.windsorheights.org for more information. For more details about the financing your repairs, you can call the Neighborhood Finance Corporation at 515-246-0010. As always, feel free to call City Hall at 515-279-3662 if you have any additional questions. |
Beggar's Night
Children will make the rounds to go trick or treating this year on Sunday, October 30, from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Turn your porch light on if you want to host little visitors and if you are out driving please take special care during this time. |
Windsor Heights residents can schedule collection of household hazardous waste just outside their door
Windsor Heights residents can easily dispose of their household hazardous waste (HHW) just outside their door. The City of Windsor Heights has teamed with Metro Waste Authority (MWA) for a new collection program for items such as lead and oil-based paints (not latex*), chemicals such as insecticides, poisons and solvents, lawn products, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), sharps and cleaners.
Windsor Heights residents can sign up on an as-needed basis at City Hall, where they must pick up 18-gallon bins, specific handling instructions and a list of accepted and not accepted items. The cost of collection is $25 for up to two bins.
Once residents fill their bins, they call MWA to schedule collection. MWA collects on the second Friday of each month, starting November 11. The collected material is taken back to MWA's Regional Collection Center in Bondurant where it is recycled or safely disposed.
Emptied bins are returned to City Hall for future "check-outs" by residents. |
City Council Election
The city council election is on Tuesday, November 8th. Windsor Heights has three voting districts designated as WH1, WH2, and WH3. WH1 residents vote at the Windsor Lutheran Church, 1240 66th Street. WH2 residents vote at City Hall, 1133 66th St. WH3 residents vote at the Walnut Creek Community Church, 900 64th St. Election time is a popular time for temporary and civic signs. Many people choose to participate in the process by showing their support through such a sign.
Temporary signs for non-profit civic campaigns or events are permitted in any zoning district. Please note, however, the maximum size sign is 10 square feet when located in a residential district. When placing the sign in your yard, choose a place that will not obstruct the clear view of vehicles and pedestrians. The signs may not be placed in the City's right-of-way. If you have any questions or need information on how to register or where to vote, please call City Hall at 279-3662.
The Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce will host a Windsor Heights City Council Candidate Forum. The event will be held at the Community and Events Center at Colby Park, Monday, October 24th from 6-7:30 p.m. This year there are two seats up for election. The Chamber will follow a simple question and answer format, to allow as much citizen involvement as possible. Citizens can ask a question of either a specific candidate or all candidates; they will each have a set time to respond. For additional questions please email; windsorheightschamber@live.com or contact Barb Niccum, Windsor Heights Chamber Executive Director, at 279-3662.
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CALL for ENTRIES
Windsor Heights Special Events Committee presents:
Miss Wonderland Pageant
What do Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, Halle Berry, and Sharon Stone all have in common? Each of these accomplished women is a former pageant winner!
If you have ever dreamed of entering a pageant and have not known how to get started or if you are a pageant contestant who enjoys the thrill of the spotlight, Miss Wonderland is the pageant for you.
On Thursday, December 1, beginning at 6:30 pm, the Windsor Heights Special Events Committee is hosting a pageant, open to anyone between the ages 3 - 21. Prior experience is not required. In fact, first timers are encouraged and each contestant has an equal chance of winning. From the experience, pageant contestants gain valuable skill sets, such as poise and public speaking. It can help build confidence that will serve you well always.
To enter, there are three age categories.
Little Miss (3-7)
Jr. Miss (8-14)
Miss Wonderland (15-21).
Sponsor fees are $25, $50 and $75 respectively. These fees cover all areas of the competition.
Jr. Miss and Miss Contestants will compete in evening gown, creative theme-wear and on-stage question categories. Contestants will also be judged on a résumé that is filled out prior to the pageant. Little Miss Contestants will give a personal introduction on-stage in a holiday party dress or evening gown and a name will be drawn at the end of the night to determine the winner.
The winners in each category will receive a crown, banner and trophy. Each candidate will receive a rose on stage and a goody bag. The first runners up in the Jr. Miss and Miss categories will receive a trophy.
If you have never been in a pageant before, there is an optional training class presented by one of the pageant sponsors, Kelly's Pageant Coaching. The two-hour class will be held on November 30th and is offered for $25.00.
All events will take place in the Windsor Heights Community and Events Center, located at 69th and School Street in Colby Park.
A full set of rules and application can be found on the City's website at www.windsorheights.org. Completed applications are due Monday, November 14. For additional information or questions, call 645-6821.
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Keep your pets safe and on a leash!
Not only is it important while walking your animal to keep them on a leash at all times, it is the law. Animals are not allowed at large in Windsor Heights. Although you may have the best cat or dog in the neighborhood, they are not allowed to roam freely. For the safety of the animal and pedestrians alike, please keep your animals on a leash. To report an animal at large, please call 279-3662. |
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