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What’s Up in Des Moines?

• From redlining to the ash borer, Des Moines' city forester has put the finishing touches on a master plan. Now, he can retire.
  David Jahn, who will retire at age 71, led major efforts to conduct a tree inventory and develop an urban forestry master plan during his tenure.       
• Facing thousands in fines for a code violation, Des Moines group defends community fridge in front yard shed
  Organizers of the North Des Moines Community Fridge said they "regard the threat against the community fridge as an act of violence."       
• Des Moines seeks consultant to create climate plan after setting ambitious goals to curb greenhouse emissions
  The city is seeking bids on a project to create a climate plan that will guide its efforts to drastically curb emissions in the coming decades.       
• What can be said in 25 seconds? Not much, Des Moines City Council public commenters learn
  Mayor Frank Cownie said officials will review a policy that limits public commenters to a collective 30 minutes of speaking time.       
• Des Moines council adopts new conflicts of interest policy after contentious debates
  The council unanimously passed a first reading, then split 4-3 to approve subsequent readings with fewer allowed exceptions to the rule.       
• Des Moines City Council's public commenters will be limited to 25 seconds of speaking time during Monday's meeting
  "There's nothing illegal about what they're doing, but ... the way they are doing it now just makes a mockery out of 'public comment.'"      
• Des Moines defends decision to make police sergeant disciplined for excessive force a de-escalation trainer
  City Manager Scott Sanders and Police Chief Dana Wingert "continue to support this decision and do not intend to make a change," Sanders said.       
• The Des Moines Public Library building turns 15 with a look back at the past
  The Des Moines library building on the west edge of downtown help revitalize the area when it opened 15 years ago.       
• Des Moines loop scooping hits 'boiling point,' prompts restricted weekend parking downtown
  Des Moines City Council voted to restrict parking along 12th Street from Walnut Street to Grand Avenue, where loop scoopers congregate.      
• Des Moines council considering a new conflicts of interest policy; members differ over its merits
  Debate over adopting a policy began after a council member's daughter asked for a home restoration grant from a nonprofit partly funded by the city.       
• Activists ask: Why is Des Moines officer disciplined for excessive force leading police de-escalation training?
  Police defend Sgt. Michael Fong, saying assignment based on 'his complete career performance, not simply a fraction of it.'      
• Pro skaters say Des Moines' Lauridsen Skatepark, Dew Tour will elevate Midwest skate scene
  Dew Tour is expected to contribute at least $4 million to the local economy, said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards.