Development News for Clive, Iowa

Clive City Council Tables E-Scooter Ordinance Amidst Safety Concerns and Recent Accidents

The council discussed proposed ordinance 1178, which aims to regulate e-scooters and other similar devices. The ordinance has undergone several revisions based on input from community groups like the De Mo Street Collective and Bike Iowa. Recent accidents involving e-scooters in Clive, resulting in serious injuries, have highlighted the need for clear regulations. The proposed ordinance includes updated language, age restrictions, and definitions for devices like e-motos, differentiating them from standard bicycles and classifying high-wattage scooters as motor vehicles. The council decided to table the second reading of the ordinance to the June 11th meeting to incorporate further changes.

Clive Secures Over $14 Million in FEMA Funding for Flood Buyout Properties; Pursues Additional Mitigation Grants

The city has been awarded over $14 million from FEMA for the acquisition of three commercial properties in a flood buyout area. This award is the result of a three-year effort. Following council approval of the subaward agreement, negotiations will begin with property owners regarding exit strategies and closing details. The grant requires that acquired buildings be demolished within 90 days of FEMA's award. The city is also pursuing other grants, including approximately $7 million in applications still pending FEMA approval for acquisitions and relocation of a pump station, and is developing an application for the BRIC program, which could fund the removal of a bridge over Walnut Creek that contributes to flooding.

Clive Explores Bringing Crisis Intervention Team In-House with Increased State Funding and Departmental Savings

The Clive Police Department has received positive news regarding funding for its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Iowa Primary Care Association has agreed to boost their annual funding for the team from a projected $90,000 to $120,000 for FY27, with potential for continuation. This increase, combined with internal savings from reducing administrative staff from three to two full-time positions, provides an opportunity for the city to bring the CIT program fully in-house. This move would grant the city greater control over the team's operations and allow for expansion of services beyond the police department to other city entities, including the fire department, and potentially neighboring communities. A formal proposal for a new job description and transition plan is expected in June.

Bravo Finance Committee Adjusts Budget Following Partner Withdrawals; Reallocates Funds

The council discussed the Bravo finance committee's budget adjustments due to the withdrawal of participation from Altoona and Norwalk. The budget proposal appears status quo, with projected increases in hotel motel tax offsetting the reduction in funds. Adjustments are being made to fund allocation buckets, with a slight increase for art and decreases in other areas. Additionally, funding previously provided directly by the City of Des Moines to the zoo will now flow through Bravo, and efforts are being made to ensure this does not obscure the overall reduction in funds. These financial adjustments reflect broader community discussions related to changes in the property tax system.