WDM Magazine Issue 13

The newest issue of the WDM Magazine should have hit your mailboxes last week. If you're not a resident of West Des Moines, you can access it on our website, or by clicking here. In addition to the usual programming information for Parks and Recreation, the Library, and Human Services, you will find a comprehensive discussion of the various Boards and Commissions in our community. Members of these boards, from Plan and Zoning to Human Rights, take their responsibilities seriously in an effort to better our community. These appointed positions can be held by any citizen, and applications are available at City Hall. Reading this article, viewing our website, and even attending board meetings are great way to get to know the issues of the City and meet some of the involved citizens.

Practical information regarding the sign code, solid waste cart replacement, and yard waste disposal tips are included along with other city news.

The magazine also introduces our newest neighborhood park in West Des Moines. Quail Cove Park on 52nd Street opened this summer and covers nearly 10 hilly acres. It features two playgrounds and three picnic shelters, and we plan to develop a basketball court in the future. Visit Quail Cove park if you're in the neighborhood and see what it has to offer--it is a neat and scenic spot.

Armed with the right supplies...

School in West Des Moines is in full swing, and more children are equipped with the proper supplies this year thanks to the hard work of our Human Services department.

After collecting cash donations, as well as every school supply you can think of (from backpacks to calculators, rulers, erasers, folders, Kleenex, and pencil boxes) Human Services set up a School Supply drive the week of August 13. Families came to Human Services and children were given supplies based on their grade level and school requirements. It was truly exciting for volunteers to hand a bag full of necessary supplies to kids who were about to go back to school.

This year, 351 low-income children received donated supplies from Human Services, thanks to their work and the generous donations of stores, individuals, and businesses. Monetary donations of $2,380.00 and supply donations of $5,750.92 made this possible. Thanks to those who contribute!!

United Way and the City of West Des Moines

The City is currently in the middle of its combined charities campaign for the United Way and Iowa Shares. This year, West Des Moines was selected as a United Way Pacesetter, which means we are conducting our campaign along with seven other agencies before the start of the mass United Way campaign that takes place each fall. Our goal as a Pacesetter is to raise 15% more than last year and to set an example as an organization that cares.

The City's role in the campaign is largely to help inform our employees about United Way and the services it provides to the greater metro community. We invite agency speakers to discuss their programs and give employees the option of automatic payroll deduction for donations. This year, our goal is to raise $10,000 through our generous employees. As it stands less than two weeks into our campaign, we have raised over $8700. I think we are well on our way to meeting our goal.

The City has close ties to two United Way funded agencies...our own Human Services Department, and the Police Department's Youth Justice Initiative. Because, among other qualities, they measure and track their work and results, both receive support from the United Way. To me, this is an important consideration when deciding where to give. I'm thankful for all the partner agencies that work to improve the lives of individuals, especially youth, in our community. I also appreciate the fact that 89 cents of every dollar given to the United Way stays in our community and actually goes to the supported programs. The United Way's ability to coordinate local agencies in an effort to achieve systemic results is well worth this small administrative cost.

Drug Tip Hot Line

Did you know the West Des Moines Police Department has created a Drug Tip Hot Line?

This 24 hour tip line enables citizens to provide narcotics investigators with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution.

When a citizen calls the Drug Tip Hot Line at 222-3517, he or she will hear a taped message. Citizens can explain the activity in detail without worry that the message will be cut off. All information is kept strictly confidential and it is not necessary to leave a name or any contact information unless you so choose or want a narcotics officer to return your call.

Narcotics officers will then cross-reference this information with past reports to identify any links or ties. The Police Department emphasizes that all information is useful because it may help to provide a missing piece to an existing puzzle.

If you witness a drug crime taking place and have access to a phone, you should still dial 9-1-1 and call a patrol unit to the scene.

The PD's tips for the drug hot line:
1. Speak clearly and don't rush. Take your time leaving your message.
2. Be as specific as possible in providing the following information:

• Location of the incident: street address of building or house, names of nearest
  intersecting streets, landmarks near or at the scene
• Description of persons involved, such as height, sex, age, weight, clothing, hair
  color, eye color, skin color, and any distinguishing marks
• Description of vehicles involved, such as make, model, color, and license plate

For more information on this or other Police Department initiatives, contact the Police Department at 222-3320. More details on the tipline is also available at www.wdm-ia.com under the Police Department's FAQs.