News
- Polk County Board of Supervisors Elect Leadership for
2010, County Officials Receive Oath of Office (January 4,
2010)
- Board to hear Courts Utilization Study Final Report from
the National Center for State Courts (January 4, 2010)
- Board to approve Schematic Design Concept for Iowa Events
Center Expansion (December 14, 2009)
- Public Meeting regarding Court Facility Utilization Study Final
Report from the National Center for State Courts (December
8, 2009)
- Polk County Supervisor Receives Heroes in the Fight Award
(December 4, 2009)
- Board of Supervisors select design concept for Iowa Events
Center Expansion (November 3, 2009)
- Board of Supervisors review design concepts for Iowa Events
Center Expansion (October 28, 2009)
- Board of Supervisors receive Study Update from National Center for
State Courts (October 21, 2009)
- Polk County’s Iowa Event Center Subsidy Comes in Under Budget
(July 16, 2009)
- Polk County August 2009 County Newsletter
(July 14, 2009)
- Polk County Board of Supervisors vote to move forward with
Iowa Events Center expansion (May 13, 2009)
- Polk County Town Hall Meeting To discuss Iowa Events
Center Expansion (April 13, 2009)
- Polk County Health Services Director Receives National
Leadership Award (March 18, 2009)
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Directs funds to Polk
County To address Lead Hazards and Weatherization (March
17, 2009)
- Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Names Chair/Vice Chair
for 2009 (January 23, 2009)
- Polk County Board of Supervisors to begin Budget Deliberations
(January 13, 2009)
Polk County Board of Supervisors Elect Leadership for
2010, County Officials Receive Oath of Office
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 4, 2010 — The Polk County Board of Supervisors
took action today to elect Tom Hockensmith, 3rd District Supervisor, as its new
Chairperson and John Mauro, 4th District Supervisor, as Vice-Chairperson for 2010
in the first official public meeting of the new year. Supervisor Hockensmith elected
in 2003, most recently served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2007. 4th District Supervisor
John F. Mauro served as the Board’s Chairperson in 2008.
“With the state of the economy in 2009, Supervisor Connolly illustrated exceptional
leadership during a difficult time,” Supervisor Hockensmith said. “Polk County continues
to remain financially sound; I look forward to serving as Chair in the coming year.”
Polk County Supervisors hold regular weekly public meetings every Tuesday and Wednesday
at 9:30 a.m. in Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Avenue,
Des Moines.
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Board to hear Courts Utilization Study Final Report
from the National Center for State Courts
What: Courts Utilization Study Final Report from the National Center
for State Courts regarding courts space
Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Where: 111 Court Avenue, Room 120
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will hear a presentation
from the National Center for State Courts regarding Polk County courts space at
9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. The Board previously received public input
and an update on the progress of the report from the National Center for State Courts
on October 23rd.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Board to approve Schematic Design Concept for Iowa Events
Center Expansion
What: Presentation by OPN Architects regarding schematic design
concept for the Iowa Events Center Expansion
Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Where: 111 Court Avenue, Room 120
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will hear a presentation
from OPN Architects regarding the schematic design concept for the renovation of
meeting and ballroom space in Veterans Memorial Auditorium as part of the Iowa Events
Center Expansion. The Board of Supervisors awarded architectural services to OPN
Architects, Inc. on August 11, 2009. On November 3, 2009 the Board of Supervisors
approved OPN to move Scheme B forward to schematic design.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Public Meeting regarding Court Facility Utilization Study Final
Report from the National Center for State Courts
What: Study from the National Center for State Courts regarding
courts space
Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: POSTPONED - was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December
10, 2009
Where: 111 Court Avenue, Room 120
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will hear a presentation
from the National Center for State Courts regarding Polk County courts space at
9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009. The public is invited to attend.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County Supervisor Receives Heroes in the Fight Award
DES MOINES, Iowa – December 4, 2009 — Polk County Supervisor Angela
Connolly has been chosen as an award recipient of the Heroes in the Fight recognition
as an individual community supporter on mental health issues within Polk County.
NAMI IOWA along with the Iowa Nurses Association, Iowa Psychiatric Society and the
National Association of Social Workers held a luncheon on Friday, December 4th at
the Hilton Garden Inn, located in Johnston. During the luncheon, local heroes, including
healthcare professionals, community supporters and treatment teams, were recognized
for their ongoing dedication to the mental health field.
“Mental illness has always been something I have been very passionate about even
before it had affected my family personally,” Polk County Board of Supervisors Chairperson
Angela Connolly said. “When a mental illness affects you and your family in some
way, like it has mine, you want to become an advocate so you can be part of the
process that changes the stigmas that people relate to mental illness. I feel extremely
honored that I have been chosen as the Heroes in a Fight Award recipient.”
The Heroes in the Fight recognition program was established by Lilly USA to celebrate
dignity, courage, hope, and recovery in the ongoing treatment of people with serious
and persistent mental illness. Lilly USA co-sponsors the program with local mental
health organizations in communities across the United States. The local partner
organizations manage the nomination and selection of honorees in their areas.
For more information regarding the Heroes in the Fight recognition program go to
heroesinthefight.org.
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Board of Supervisors select design concept for Iowa Events
Center Expansion
DES MOINES, Iowa – November 3, 2009 — the Board of Supervisors
voted to authorize OPN Architects to move forward to schematic design with Scheme
B for the renovation of meeting and ballroom space in Veterans Memorial Auditorium
as part of the Iowa Events Center (IEC) expansion. Presentation (pdf)
On October 28th, OPN Architects presented two design concepts for consideration.
Scheme B provides more flexible meeting room configurations and a ballroom. The
shorter spans create a less expensive structure. Meeting space is configured into
larger sub-divisible blocks and balances the entry from both east and west. The
most dramatic public space and entry experience connects with circulation to Hy-Vee
Hall. Service elevator access is directly connected to the Hy-Vee Hall truck docks
and kitchen and does not require as much level two mezzanine construction.
“The selection of OPN Architects was based upon their partnership with tvsdesign
who has been recognized nationally for their design of convention space. Tvsdesign
will continue to play a pivotal role in the design of the meeting and ballroom space
at the Iowa Events Center as this project moves forward”, stated 3rd District Supervisor
Tom Hockensmith.
“It is important to the Board that concerns continue to be explored such as user
group input and handicapped accessibility as the architects work toward schematic
design with the Scheme B concept.” stated First District Supervisor, Robert Brownell.
Since opening the IEC in 2005, the future of the Polk County Convention Complex
(Plex) has been under review by the Board of Supervisors. Due to the age, condition
and cost of renovating the Plex, the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged Economic
Research Associates (ERA) to provide an assessment regarding whether or not there
was a need for a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the IEC.
To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment
pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the
IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require
a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at Hy-Vee Hall),
with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and additional
breakout space.
On August, 11, 2009, the Board of Supervisors awarded architectural services for
the IEC Expansion to OPN Architects at a base bid not to exceed $1,983,000. The
expansion will be paid for by extending IEC debt an additional four years. The Plex
will continue to operate until the new meeting and ballroom space is complete in
2011.
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Board of Supervisors review design concepts for Iowa Events
Center Expansion
DES MOINES, Iowa – October 28, 2009 — At this morning’s meeting,
the Board of Supervisors considered two concepts presented by OPN Architects for
consideration in moving forward to schematic design for the renovation of meeting
and ballroom space in Veterans Memorial Auditorium as part of the Iowa Events Center
(IEC) expansion. Presentation (pdf)
Scheme A incorporates a junior ballroom and prioritizes a ballroom and meeting entry
from the west providing a public space and entry experience from the west entrance.
It also utilizes the service corridor to provide elevator access to the ballroom
and junior ballroom but requires additional escalators to accommodate circulation
from Hy-Vee Hall. Level two mezzanine meeting spaces are accessible from both the
east and south entrances.
Scheme B provides more flexible meeting room configurations and a ballroom. The
shorter spans create a less expensive structure. Meeting space is configured into
larger sub-divisible blocks and balances the entry from both east and west. The
most dramatic public space and entry experience connects with circulation to Hy-Vee
Hall. Service elevator access is directly connected to the Hy-Vee Hall truck docks
and kitchen and does not require as much level two mezzanine construction.
“Scheme B appears to provide a better cohesion with Hy-Vee Hall and pedestrian flow
throughout the facilities,” stated First District Supervisor, Robert Brownell.
Both schemes had similar total area of meeting and ballroom space, accommodate circulation
from both the west and east, have efficient back-of-house service to most meeting
spaces, and fall within the established budget for the project. Scheme B was the
recommended concept by both OPN Architects and Global Spectrum, private management
firm engaged by Polk County to operate the IEC.
“We have received two excellent options. The Board appreciates the input we have
received from the architects, Global Spectrum and the users of the facility,” stated
Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly.
Since opening the IEC in 2005, the future of the Polk County Convention Complex
(Plex) has been under review by the Board of Supervisors. Due to the age, condition
and cost of renovating the Plex, the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged Economic
Research Associates (ERA) to provide an assessment regarding whether or not there
was a need for a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the IEC.
To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment
pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the
IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require
a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at HyVee Hall),
with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and additional
breakout space.
On August, 11, 2009, the Board of Supervisors awarded architectural services for
the IEC Expansion to OPN Architects at a base bid not to exceed $1,983,000. The
expansion will be paid for by extending IEC debt an additional four years. The Plex
will continue to operate until the new meeting and ballroom space is complete in
2011. The Board of Supervisors is expected to select a concept at their November
3rd meeting.
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Board of Supervisors receive Study Update from National Center
for State Courts
DES MOINES, Iowa – October 21, 2009 — At this morning’s meeting,
the Board of Supervisors received a study update from the National Center for State
Courts and collected input from the public. As part of their study, the National
Center for State Courts conducted interviews with the courts, elected officials
and stakeholders, and reviewed existing County buildings as well as other available
area buildings for possible court use. Several issue papers were produced as a result
of their findings and discussed during the presentation.
“In hiring the National Center for State Courts, it was the Board’s intent to look
for alternative ways that Polk County could provide space for the courts as well
as review areas that would lower costs while still delivering service. The information
received at today’s meeting has confirmed that the courts will be able to function
in a decentralized setting. While this situation is not ideal, moving court functions
from the crowded courthouse is a move in the right direction toward alleviating
public health and safety concerns. The Board looks forward to the completion of
this study and to receiving a recommendation from the National Center for State
Courts regarding a strategic plan to address the courts space into the future”,
stated Polk County Supervisor’s Chair Angela Connolly.
On April 29, 2008, a referendum to construct additional court space failed. The
referendum considered an Option 5a courthouse plan to address the current and future
space needs of the courts. The plan included 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 courthouse site at a 2009 construction cost not
to exceed $127 million dollars. By state law, Polk County is responsible to provide
space for its state courts. Polk County’s Courthouse was originally built in 1906
with four courtrooms.
The National Center for State Courts was engaged by the Board of Supervisors in
May of this year to perform a review of court function and space issues. The result
of this study will provide the information that will allow the Board to identify
future courts space needs. The final report is expected to be complete by the end
of November.
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Polk County’s Iowa Events Center Subsidy Comes in Under Budget
DES MOINES, Iowa – Wednesday, July 15, 2009 — The Polk County Board
of Supervisors today, in its regular staff meeting, received news from Global Spectrum,
the company hired to manage the Iowa Events Center (IEC) that due to the successful
and profitable year at Wells Fargo Arena, Polk County will receive $77,114 for the
fiscal year ending in 2008.
“We continue to receive favorable news regarding the continued success of the Iowa
Events Center from our partner Global Spectrum,” says Polk County Board of Supervisors
Chair Angela Connolly. “The decision the Board made to engage a professional management
firm was the right one for our citizens and community.”
Iowa Events Center General Manager Matt Homan addressed the Board today with a revised
FY ’08 - ’09 Budget and the proposed budget for FY ’09 – ‘10 for the facilities.
The Polk County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the budget approval
within the next few weeks.
Polk County August County Newsletter
August 2009 - The August 2009 County Citizen Newsletter is available
for download in PDF format here.
Polk County Board of Supervisors vote to move forward with Iowa Events Center expansion
DES MOINES, Iowa – May 12, 2009 — The Board of Supervisors voted
to approve the construction of an expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the
Iowa Events Center. The vote directs the County Administrator to issue requests
for proposals for architectural and other services necessary to move forward with
the full house concept presented by RDG Architects.
“Moving forward with the full house concept will ensure the continued success of
the Iowa Events Center while not displacing our current customers who are using
the Polk County Convention Complex” stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair,
Angela Connolly.
The full house concept design presented by RDG Architects would be constructed within
the confines of Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and will provide for a 30,000 square
foot ballroom, pre-function space and provides 14 - 1,600 square foot meeting rooms,
one junior ballroom of 23,000 square feet and seven board rooms of approximately
940 square feet. This concept also preserves 50,000 square feet of existing Vets
arena floor space. The expansion will be paid for by extending Iowa Events Center
debt an additional four years.
“This project will have an immediate impact on the community by employing local
companies and will allow us to retain and grow our convention business”, stated
Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell.
Since the opening of the Iowa Events Center in 2005, the future of the Polk County
Convention Complex has been under review by the Board of Supervisors. Due to the
age, condition and cost of renovating the Polk County Convention Complex (Plex),
the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged Economic Research Associates (ERA)
to provide an assessment regarding whether or not there was a need for a possible
expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the IEC. The Plex is in need of up to
20 million dollars in renovation and repairs.
To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment
pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the
IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require
a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at HyVee Hall
(HVH)), with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and
additional breakout space.
On March 11, 2009, RDG architects presented two concepts for an expansion within
Veterans Memorial Auditorium. On April 16, 2009, the Board of Supervisors held a
Town Hall Meeting to provide information on the proposed concepts and allow for
public input regarding the project. Once the expansion is complete, other uses for
the Plex will be reviewed including use as possible courts space.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
Polk County Town Hall Meeting To discuss Iowa Events
Center Expansion
What: The Polk County Board of Supervisors invites the public to
attend a Town Hall Meeting to receive information and provide input regarding a
possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the Iowa Events Center (IEC).
Who: Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2009
Where: Polk County River Place
Conference Room 1
2309 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa
Background: Due to the age, condition and cost of renovating the
Polk County Convention Complex (Plex), the Polk County Board of Supervisors engaged
Economic Research Associates (ERA) to provide an assessment regarding whether or
not there was a need for a possible expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the
IEC. The Plex is in need of up to 20 million dollars in renovation and repairs.
To strengthen the convention and hospitality industry in Des Moines, ERA’s assessment
pointed to the need to develop modern ballroom and breakout space attached to the
IEC. The study advised that at a minimum, replacement of the Plex would require
a 60,000 sq. ft. program (in addition to the 14,400 sq. ft. already at HyVee Hall
(HVH)), with a modern, fully divisible ballroom in the 25,000 sq. ft. range and
additional breakout space. On March 11, 2009, RDG architects presented two concepts
for an expansion within Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The Polk County Town Hall
meeting will provide information on the proposed concepts and allow for public input
regarding the project.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Polk County Health Services Director Receives National
Leadership Award
DES MOINES, Iowa – March 18, 2009 - Lynn Ferrell, Polk County Health
Services Director, was recognized at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting for receiving
the National Association of Counties Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability
Directors (NACBHDD) Outstanding Leadership Award. He received the award during the
National Association of Counties 2009 Legislative and Policy Conference in Washington,
D.C. on March 9th.
“Lynn brings new ideas to the table when no one else has them. He is able to quickly
assess how a new service or funding possibility will affect Iowans with disabilities
and what impact this idea will have on funding available to all of the 99 counties.”
stated, Ellen Witman, NACBHDD Executive Director.
“Lynn has been active in the National Association of Counties steering committee
process for two decades, from responding to the latest regulatory restrictions on
Medicare and Medicaid to developing national policy on health reform, he has worked
tirelessly to give local behavioral health and developmental disability directors
a national voice. Lynn has worked for decades on behalf of the people of Iowa and
is truly Iowa’s unsung hero. Polk County’s citizens with developmental disabilities
are fortunate to have him as their advocate”, stated Polk County Board of Supervisors
Chair, Angela Connolly.
NACBHDD is the only national voice for county and local behavioral health and developmental
disability authorities in Washington, DC. Through education, policy analysis, and
advocacy, NACBHDD brings the unique perspective of our members to Congress and the
Executive Branch and promotes national policies that recognize and support the critical
role counties play in caring for people affected by mental illness, addiction, and
developmental disabilities.
NACBHDD is also an active partner in efforts to improve access to, funding for,
and quality of behavioral health services, especially those that serve the most
vulnerable in our communities. Key issues include: protecting Medicaid coverage,
ending the stigma of mental illness, better treatment for veterans, achieving parity
in insurance coverage for behavioral health care, affordable housing and vocational
training for those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, and many more.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Directs funds to
Polk County To address Lead Hazards and Weatherization
DES MOINES, Iowa – March 17, 2009 - The Polk County Board of Supervisors
took action today to approve program modifications and staffing for weatherization
services. Polk County will be receiving an estimated additional $6 million dollars
in funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program to be expended during the next
two program years. This funding is a direct result of the Federal American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Previously, Polk County received $1.3 million dollars
of annual funding for the 2006-2008 Weatherization Program from the Department of
Energy, Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program and Mid American Energy.
With the addition of the ARRA funds, annual funding for the weatherization program
in Polk County will increase 360% from the previous three program years. Annually,
the number of homes weatherized will increase from 190 to 654.
In February, Polk County received a $3 million dollar Lead Based Paint Hazard Control
Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The three year
grant will provide funding to conduct lead repair work in 206 housing units in Polk
and Dallas Counties. Thirty-four partner organizations have committed over $5 million
dollars in funding or in-kind services for education, outreach, relocation costs
and home repairs making the total investment over $8 million dollars for the community.
The program will be carried out involving low to very low income families with children
less than six years of age.
“Polk County is fortunate to be the recipient of funding for these two important
programs. These funds will allow us to reach out to many citizens we would not have
otherwise been able to assist”, stated Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela
Connolly.
Effective July 1, 2008, Iowa law requires evidence of a blood lead test when children
enter school. This requirement applies to children enrolled in public and private
schools and those that are home schooled. In 2005, Polk County took over the weatherization
program from the City of Des Moines. The HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant and Weatherization
funding become effective on April 1st.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Names Chair/Vice Chair
for 2009
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 23, 2009 - The Criminal Justice Coordinating
Council Executive Committee took action yesterday morning to name Polk County Board
of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly as Chair and Chief Judge of the 5th Judicial
District Arthur Gamble as Vice Chair for 2009.
“I look forward to serving as Chair to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Executive Committee for 2009 as we continue our efforts as a council in identifying
possible improvements in the criminal justice system that will have a positive impact
on our community”, stated Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly.
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council was established in July of 2008 to review
issues that will enhance cooperation and collaboration among all areas of the criminal
justice system. Members of the Executive Committee are Angela Connolly, Chair of
the Polk County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, Polk County Attorney
John Sarcone, Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy, Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial
District Arthur Gamble, Public Defender Valorie Wilson and Director of the Fifth
Judicial Department of Corrections, Sally Kreamer.
The Executive Committee of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council meets monthly
with their next meeting scheduled for 8 a.m., February 26th, at HyVee Hall.
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
What: Budget deliberations for FY 09/10
Who: The Polk County Board of Supervisors
When: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Where: Room 120 of the Polk County Administration Building 111
Court Avenue
Background: The Polk County Board of Supervisors will begin budget
deliberations regarding the FY 09/10 budget at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13,
2009. A presentation by County Administrator, Ron Olson, regarding the financial
condition of the county is scheduled on Tuesday. Budget meetings will continue Tuesday
through Thursday mornings until the 5th of February with certification of the budget
scheduled for a public hearing to be held on March 3rd. A copy of the schedule (which may be subject to change) is attached.
Contact: Sue Elliott, Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
(515) 286-3128
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