- Polk County Awards $36,500 in Community Betterment Grants (March 18, 2008)
- Special Election date set to consider space needs of the Courts (February 12, 2008)
- Polk County participates in interoperability policy academy (February 12, 2008)
- Polk County Board of Supervisors to Begin Budget Deliberations (January 14, 2008)
- Polk County Board of Supervisors Elect Leadership for 2008 (January 2, 2008)
- Board Accepts Recommendation for Future Courts Space Needs (January 2, 2008)
- Polk County Engages Consultant to Review Space Needs at Iowa Events Center (January 2, 2008)
- Architects to present Courts Space Recommendation (December 19, 2007)
- Iowa Events Center Receives Environmental Award (November 15, 2007)
- Board Names New Office Complex - Polk County River Place (November 13, 2007)
- Standards and Poors Upgrades County Rating to AAA (November 9, 2007)
- North Side Senior Center Open House (November 6, 2007)
- Southside Senior Center - Open House (October 23, 2007)
- Supervisors Support Inaugural NAMI Walk for Mental Illness (September 25, 2007)
Polk County Awards $36,500 in Community Betterment Grants
Fourteen Local High Schools Benefit From the First Round of Awards
DES MOINES, Iowa – March 18, 2008 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors today at its weekly public meeting awarded $36,500 to 14 local high schools in its first disbursement of annual Community Betterment Grants (CBG), which reinvests gaming revenues into the community. Individual grants awarded ranged from $2,000 to $3,000. The next round of grants will be awarded in April.
The Polk County Board of Supervisors received 197 grant applications with funding requests totaling more than $1.7 million this year. The Polk County Community Betterment Grants budget for this year is $600,000 and is funded from profits received by the county from its operation of Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino. The CBG grants are distributed on a year-by-year basis to provide financial support to non-profit organizations that provide cultural, recreational, educational and human needs services to citizens throughout Polk County.
“These funds provide local nonprofits the opportunity to undertake activities and programs they might not otherwise be able to afford,” says Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair, John F. Mauro. “It’s a great way for Polk County to infuse gaming revenues in enhancing community efforts.”
The schools will all use the awards to help fund prom and post-prom activities this spring. The following high schools received grants: Ankeny, Bondurant Farrar, Dallas Center Grimes, East, Hoover, Johnston, Lincoln, North, North Polk, Roosevelt, Saydel, Southeast Polk, Urbandale and Valley. The Board also awarded $5,000 to Community Development and Re-Investment Corporation in support of their affordable housing efforts.
Applications from community organizations were accepted by the Polk County Board of Supervisors from December 1, 2007 through February 29, 2008. Additional grant recipients and unfunded applicants will receive official notification from the Polk County Board of Supervisors office when final funding decisions are determined.
The Board of Supervisors also approved a $50,000 grant to the Principal Charity Classic for the 2008 Principal Charity Classic to be held May 27 – June 1, 2008 in West Des Moines. This grant will allow all Polk County residents to attend the event free of charge on Saturday, May 31st. This award was unrelated to the CBG funds.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Special Election date set to consider space needs of the Courts
DES MOINES, Iowa – February 12, 2008 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action at tonight’s meeting to call for a special county election to be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. The question that will appear before the voters asks should Polk County be authorized to renovate and improve the existing courthouse and construct an 8 ½ story courthouse facility located immediately south of the existing courthouse, with related site improvements at a total cost not exceeding $127,000,000 and issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not exceeding $132,000,000 for that purpose.
“We have studied this issue for over a year and a half and have looked at multiple plans from $180 million to $127 million and the project team believes that this is the most reasonable proposal to put out in the community.” stated project team members Supervisors Angela Connolly and E.J. Giovannetti.
On January 2, 2008 the Board of Supervisors voted to accept the recommendation of the Polk County Courthouse Project Team in the selection of the Option 5a courthouse plan prepared by SVPA Architects, Inc. and HDR Architects regarding the future space needs of the courts. The 297,812 square foot structure developed on half of the site will allow for much needed parking and future expansion. The option selected also includes a planning horizon to 2028.
The Polk County Courthouse, built in 1906, was originally designed for four courtrooms. Currently, the Courthouse is very overcrowded with 28 courtrooms squeezed into the building with Polk County providing an additional 9,000 square feet in leased space at Riverpoint West as well as 14,705 square feet of additional leased storage space for the Clerk of Court. The architects advised over the next 25 years, Polk County will spend approximately $100 million dollars in lease and tenant improvements to accommodate current space needs and provide for future growth.
In September 2006, Polk County Supervisors asked SVPA Architects of West Des Moines, in
partnership with Chicago/Dallas architecture firm HDR, to present their findings on the current
condition of the courthouse. In March 2007, public meetings were held advising the public of the
condition of the Polk County Courthouse. In June, three options were presented for public input
and an option was recommended by the architects that proposed construction of a new court
facility and remodeling of the existing courthouse at a 2009 total project cost of $180 million dollars.
In July 2007, Polk County Supervisors asked the architects and project team to explore other
options. On December 20th, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation by the architects outlining Option 5a recommended by the Polk County Courthouse Project Team.
Should the voters approve the referendum, additional one time transition costs and transition lease costs will be incurred as the project moves forward. Funding for these transition costs will come from the General Supplemental Fund.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County participates in interoperability policy academy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, Lieutenant Scott Locker from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, A.J. Mumm from Polk County Emergency Management, Deputy Chief John Schilling from the Ankeny Fire Department, and Captain Todd Misel from the Iowa State Patrol recently participated in an Interoperability Policy Academy to discuss ways to strengthen local and regional emergency first responder communications policies and procedures. The Academy, held February 7 - 8 in Nashville, Tenn., was sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
“The ability of local first responders to communicate with each other as well as neighboring counties and cities in real time is incredibly important during an emergency,” Supervisor Hockensmith said. “Disasters in recent years have made this crystal clear.”
Featured speakers included: National Association of EMS Officials Program Director Kevin McGinnis, who is the Vice Chair of the SAFECOM Executive Committee; Dereck Orr, Law Enforcement Communications Manager of the National Institute for Standards and Technology; and Michael Paddock of Grants Office LLC. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also participated.
“Effective emergency response communications are not just about radios,” said McGinnis, who has a long history of involvement with communications interoperability at the local level. “It’s about building professional relationships, training, practicing, and working together as a team to protect communities. The Academy is an important step toward achieving these important objectives.”
NACo and NLC partnered to offer the Academy because local governments are at the forefront of the country’s focus on emergency response. All expenses for Academy participants were covered through a grant that NACo received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More information about the Academy is available at www.naco.org.
The National League of Cities is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, the National League of Cities serves as a resource to and an advocate for the more than 18,000 cities, villages, and towns it represents. More than 1,600 municipalities of all sizes pay dues to NLC and actively participate as leaders and voting members in the organization.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,066 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County Board of Supervisors to Begin Budget Deliberations
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 14, 2008
What: Budget deliberations for FY 08/09
Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Where: 111 Court Avenue, Room 120
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will begin budget deliberations regarding the FY 08/09 budget at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. A presentation by County Administrator, Ron Olson, regarding the financial condition of the county and the Polk County Sheriff are scheduled to present on Tuesday. Budget meetings will continue Tuesday through Thursday mornings until the 7th of February with certification of the budget scheduled for a public hearing to be held on March 11th. A copy of the schedule (which may be subject to change) is available by clicking here.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County Board of Supervisors Elect Leadership for 2008
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 2, 2008
The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action today to elect John F. Mauro, 4th District Supervisor, as its new Chairperson and Angela Connolly, 5th District Supervisor, as Vice-Chairperson for 2008 in the first official public meeting of the new year. Supervisor Mauro elected in 2003, most recently served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2004. 3rd District Supervisor Tom Hockensmith served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2007. Supervisor Mauro previously served the citizens of Polk County for two consecutive terms after being elected in 1990.
“Supervisor Hockensmith demonstrated excellent leadership in 2007 while dealing with many issues including the challenges of the construction and future operations of the new jail”, stated Supervisor Mauro. “I look forward to working with my fellow Supervisors in 2008 as together we face new challenges and opportunities”. Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti also commended Supervisor Hockensmith for his leadership in 2007 particularly during the search for a new County Administrator.
Polk County Supervisors hold regular weekly public meetings every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, with the exception of the second Tuesday of the month when meetings are held at 5 p.m.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Board of Supervisors Accepts Recommendation for Future Courts Space Needs
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 2, 2008
The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action today to accept the recommendation of the Polk County Courthouse Project Team in the selection of the Option 5a courthouse plan prepared by SVPA Architects, Inc. and HDR Architects regarding the future space needs of the courts. The plan includes the full use and renovation of the historic courthouse and construction of a new court facility on County owned land immediately south of the present site. The 297,812 square foot structure developed on half of the site will allow for much needed parking and future expansion. The option selected also includes a planning horizon to 2028 at a 2009 construction cost not to exceed $127 million dollars. The Board further directed staff to work with the Commissioner of Elections and bond counsel to submit the proposal to the public for referendum.
“The people need to be given the opportunity to review the plan and vote at referendum”, stated Board Chair John F. Mauro. “The Board is satisfied that the project team and architects have looked at a myriad of possibilities and this option appears to be one that provides for the current and future needs of the courts while fully utilizing the existing courthouse”, stated project team members Supervisors Angela Connolly and E.J. Giovannetti.
The Polk County Courthouse, built in 1906, was originally designed for four courtrooms. Currently, the Courthouse is very overcrowded with 28 courtrooms squeezed into the building with Polk County providing an additional 9,000 square feet in leased space at Riverpoint West as well as 14,705 square feet of additional leased storage space for the Clerk of Court. The architects advised over the next 25 years, Polk County will spend approximately $100 million dollars in lease and tenant improvements to accommodate current space needs and provide for future growth.
In September 2006, Polk County Supervisors asked SVPA Architects of West Des Moines, in partnership with Chicago/Dallas architecture firm HDR, to present their findings on the current condition of the courthouse. In March 2007, public meetings were held advising the public of the condition of the Polk County Courthouse. In June, three options were presented for public input and an option was recommended by the architects that proposed construction of a new court facility and remodeling of the existing courthouse at a 2009 total project cost of $180 million dollars.
In July 2007, Polk County Supervisors asked the architects and project team to explore other options. On December 20th, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation by the architects outlining Option 5a recommended by the Polk County Courthouse Project Team. Today’s action is a culmination of over fourteen months of work by the architects and project team. The issue is expected to appear before the voters as a referendum in 2008.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County Engages Consultant to Review Space Needs at the Iowa Events Center
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 2, 2008
The Polk County Board of Supervisors took action today to engage Economics Research Associates (ERA) to perform a feasibility study of the space needs at the Iowa Events Center. The feasibility study will assist the Board in determining the current and future meeting and ballroom space needs and their marketability at the Iowa Events Center. The Polk County Convention Complex (the Plex) is in need of major capital repairs to allow its continued use. The Board of Supervisors will use the results of the study to assist them in reaching a decision on the future of the Polk County Convention Complex.
“This is an update to the study that was performed in 2000. The funding source is the same as the previous study. This study will provide the Board with the tools we need to make an informed decision regarding current meeting room space trends and future needs” stated project team members Supervisors Angela Connolly and Robert Brownell.
The cost of the study will be shared equally between Polk County and the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Architects to present Courts Space Recommendation
DES MOINES, Iowa – December 19, 2007
What: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will receive the recommendation from SVPA Architects, Inc. and HDR Architects regarding the future space needs of the courts at Thursday morning’s board staff meeting. The Public is encouraged to attend.
Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors
SVPA Architects, Inc.
HDR Architects
When: 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2007
Where: 111 Court Avenue, Room 120
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Background: The Polk County Courthouse, built in 1906, was originally designed for four courtrooms. Currently, there are 28 courtrooms squeezed into the building with Polk County providing an additional 9,000 square feet in leased space at Riverpoint West as well as 14,705 square feet of additional leased storage space for the Clerk of Court. The architects advised over the next 25 years, Polk County will spend approximately $100 million dollars in lease and tenant improvements to accommodate current space needs and provide for future growth.
In September 2006, Polk County Supervisors asked SVPA Architects of West Des Moines, in
partnership with Chicago architecture firm HDR, to present their findings on the current condition of
the courthouse. In March 2007, public meetings were held advising the public of the condition of
the Polk County Courthouse. In June, three options were presented for public input and an option
was recommended by the architects that proposed construction of a new court facility and
remodeling of the existing courthouse at a 2009 total project cost of $180 million dollars.
In July 2007, Polk County Supervisors asked the architects and project team to explore other
options. The presentation on Thursday is the result of this request.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Iowa Events Center Receives Environmental Award
DES MOINES, Iowa - Global Spectrum, operators of the Iowa Events Center, received an Environmental Award earlier today from Orion Lighting for continued improvements in energy savings at the facility. Hy-Vee Hall recently upgraded the existing metal halide lighting system with fluorescent lighting in the exhibit halls, which will produce an energy savings of approximately $15,000 per year.
"Changing to fluorescent lighting is a reflection of our dedication to becoming more energy efficient," said Global Spectrum's Ryan Ziegler, Director of Operations for the Iowa Events Center. "The award is a recognition of those efforts, and one that we are honored to receive."
The lighting change is the latest step the staff at the Iowa Events Center has taken to cut down on energy costs. Throughout the past year, many steps have been taken to conserve energy and recycle materials. Metering hardware was installed to better monitor the peak times of energy consumption and find solutions to conserve energy. In the third quarter of 2007, $28,703 was saved compared to 2006 in energy savings.
With a continued effort towards becoming an energy efficient facility, the Iowa Events Center recently entered into the LEED Ratings System, which helps building operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. In addition to energy savings, a recycling program was also introduced for paper, aluminum cans, and cardboard.
Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 70 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world's largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a regional sports programming network, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.
Contact: Erin Riley
Phone: 515-564-8032
Email: eriley@iowaeventscenter.com
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Polk County Board of Supervisors names new Office Complex - Polk County River Place
DES MOINES, Iowa – November 13, 2007 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted during its public hearing this evening to name the new Office Complex located at 2309 Euclid Avenue, Polk County River Place.
“The naming of this complex is yet another step forward in bringing this Polk County facility online. We are confident that our citizens will enjoy the synergy of services this new location will offer”, stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair, Tom Hockensmith.
“Polk County River Place aptly describes the location of Polk County’s newest facility. We are excited to provide this location for our employees and citizens. It will also serve as a part of the newest link of the trestle to trestle trail,” stated 5th District Supervisor, Angela Connolly.
Polk County River Place is the former retail property that Polk County purchased in January, 2006, with the intent to relocate various county functions from leased space and consolidate them into one county-owned facility to improve the delivery of services to the public. The former use of the facility was a Target retail store and warehouse. Renovation of the site is well underway. When complete, the facility will be home to a total of 350 workers, 290 of which will be county employees and varied county functions. The Iowa Department of Transportation opened its driver’s license satellite location at the complex in June of this year.
Supervisors expect construction on the project to be complete by spring of 2008.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Standards and Poors Upgrades County Rating to AAA
DES MOINES, Iowa – November 9, 2007 The Polk County Board of Supervisors received notification that Standard & Poor’s has upgraded Polk County’s General Obligation bond rating from ‘AA+’ to ‘AAA’. The AAA rating is the highest assigned by Standard & Poor’s and is awarded only to entities that have extremely strong capacity to meet their financial commitments.
Standard & Poor’s based Polk County’s upgrade on a continued trend of steady economic growth, implementation of long-term planning tools, participation in the strong and diverse Des Moines economy, low debt burden, and a stable financial position supported by a policy to pass balanced budgets.
“The Board is pleased to see that our efforts toward maintaining a balanced budget through fiscal responsibility have resulted in this bond rating increase,” stated Polk County Chair, Tom Hockensmith. “We certainly appreciate the efforts the Polk County Auditor, Treasurer, and our staff have made to ensure that these best practices are carried out.”
Two other rating agencies, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service, affirmed Polk County’s excellent existing ratings of AA+ and Aa1.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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North Side Senior Center Open House
DES MOINES, Iowa – November 6, 2007
What: North Side Senior Center invites the public to attend an open house of their newly remodeled facility.
Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 1 - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2007
Where: 1st Floor, Northwest Corner of Park Fair Mall
Second and Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Background: Polk County invites the public to attend an open house to view the newly remodeled North Side Senior Center. The center was previously located on the lower level of
Park Fair Mall. The center includes an additional 1,866 square feet. The new location provides easier access for Polk County seniors.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Southside Senior Center - Open House
DES MOINES, Iowa – October 23, 2007
To Our Friends:
The Southside Seniors are planning an Open House to celebrate the completion of their newly remodeled and expanded center. We would love for you to join us!
Wednesday October 24
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
(Welcome Ceremony at 2:30)
100 Payton Avenue
Des Moines
287-0092
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Board of Supervisors Support Inaugural NAMI Walk for Mental Illness
DES MOINES, Iowa – September 25, 2007 — At today’s meeting, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a $10,000 presenting sponsorship to support the Inaugural National Alliance for Mental Illness NAMI Central Iowa Walk to be held on October 6th at Water Works Park in Des Moines. NAMI Central Iowa will join together in this all out inaugural effort to raise the level of awareness of mental illness and fight stigma as well as raise funds to continue their services and programs.
“Polk County is proud to have provided this sponsorship in an effort to raise awareness of those who suffer from mental illness within our community. Events such as these are making strides in educating the public and raising awareness. This event will go a long way toward changing the social stigmas associated with these types of illnesses”, stated Fifth District Supervisor Angela Connolly.
This year’s NAMI Walk will include thousands of concerned citizens in more than 50 communities across the nation who will Walk for the Mind of America to raise money and awareness about our country’s need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. The walk will start at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for a 3 mile route. Information on the NAMI Walk can be found at www.nami.org/namiwalks/IA. For questions, please call NAMI Iowa at 515-254-0417 or contact Walk Coordinator, Jay Brewer at 515-321-8051 or email NAMIWALKSIAMGR@aol.com.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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