HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-11 Work Session MinutesWAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
May 11, 2026
A. Call to Order — The work session meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order by Mayor
Clarke at 5:32 p.m. at Waukee City Hall, 230 W. Hickman Rd. and electronically via Zoom.
B. Roll Call — The following members were present: Mayor Courtney Clarke; Council Members Kala
Anderson, Chris Crone, Rob Grove, Lori Lyon, Anna Bergman Pierce. Absent: None.
Also in attendance: City Administrator Brad Deets, Assistant City Administrator Nick Osborne, Finance
Director Rachel Downing, Director of Economic Development Jennifer Brown, Community
Development Director Andy Kass, Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier, Public Works Director/City
Engineer Rudy Koester, Human Resources Director Michelle Lindsay, Technology Services Director
Son Le, Director of Marketing & Communications Heather Behrens (electronically), Police Chief Chad
McCluskey, City Clerk Rebecca D. Schuett.
C. Agenda Approval — Council Member Grove moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Council
Member Crone. Results of vote: Ayes: Anderson, Crone, Grove, Lyon, Pierce. Nays: None. Motion
carried 5 — 0.
D. Work Session:
1) Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority update — Cassie Druhl and Rob Austin,
representing the Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority, presented a shared five-year
implementation plan, including overall and community -specific goals.
2) Personal transportation device ordinance discussion — Police Chief McCluskey reviewed
proposed amendments to the ordinance that was tabled at the May 4, 2026, council meeting.
There was much discussion on definitions for electric or motorized devices, as well as "Place of
Riding" amendments. Chief McCluskey noted that the proposed amendments may require
amendments to other code sections in order to avoid conflicting regulations.
3) Long-term affordable housing strategy — Assistant City Administrator Osborne presented a draft
policy for affordable housing incentives utilizing LMI funding and density bonuses. He reviewed
the policy purpose, goals, eligibility requirements, incentives, and application and review process.
4) Bluestem Village affordable housing — Assistant City Administrator Osborne updated council on
the project.
5) Strategic Planning: Comprehensive Grant Strategy/Grant Writing assessment and
framework — City Administrator Deets reviewed key issues, the departments applying for grants,
the different types of grants and recommendations moving forward.
6) Police Service Dog initiative discussion — Police Chief McCluskey presented plans to
implement a K9 program, including timeline and associated costs.
7) IT update — Technology Services Director Le reported about use statistics and updates with
several software systems, as well as the need for an updated technology master plan.
8) Beekeeping discussion — After some discussion, council directed City staff to draft beekeeping
regulations.
9) Central Iowa Water Works update — Public Works Director/City Engineer Koester reviewed the
CIWW operational status update, including nitrate removal, ASR well status, reservoir capacity,
and the irrigation reduction/restriction policy.
10) Public improvement project construction updates — Public Works Director/City Engineer
Koester provided an update on various projects under construction.
E. Council Liaison Reports — Report made by Mayor Clarke.
F. Comments
Council Member Grove moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Crone. Ayes: All. Nays: None.
Motion carried 5 — 0.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Courtney Clarke, Mayor
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Attest:
LO
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
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