First Lady Laura Bush Visits Waukee First Lady Laura Bush spoke to about 1,500 Iowa Republicans during a rally at the Waukee Public High School on November 3, 2002. The First Lady was joined on stage by U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley and four men at the top of the 2002 Republican ticket – gubernatorial candidate Doug Gross, U.S. Senate candidate Greg Ganske, U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, and U.S. House candidate Stan Thompson. During the First Lady’s visit she put a greater emphasis on women by recognizing each candidate's wife by name. Presidential Candidate George W. Bush paid a visit to Waukee in 2000 during his final stretch on the road to the White House.
FALL 2002 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
Special Interest Articles: First Lady Visits Waukee
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Waukee Boasts High-tech Digital System
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Waukee Welcomes A Record Number of New Businesses in 2002
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Waukee Assists Funding Of Private School Expansion In West Des Moines 5
Congressman Tom Latham, Congressional Candidate Stan Thompson, First Lady Laura Bush, and Gubernatorial Candidate Doug Gross.
Waukee Has Record Year for Building Permits Residential Development Remains the Driving Force
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Waukee Purchases Parkland
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Airport Leaders Move Forward With Master Plan
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Waukee's Sky Box Completed
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Waukee has the unique distinction of being the fastest growing community
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Waukee Plans Another New School
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Waukee Has Record Year for Building Permits
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New Developments:
in the fastest growing county in the state of Despite a sluggish national economy, the Iowa. “I continue to be encouraged by the City of Waukee issued a record number of steady growth we have experienced”, said building permits in 2002. At the December Mark Arentsen, Waukee’s City 16, 2002 City Council Meeting, Dennis Administrator. In 2002, the City issued Dowell, the Waukee Code Compliance $20.6 million in residential, $6.4 million in Officer, announced to the City Council that townhomes/condo, $5.8 million in Waukee had surpassed all previous years multifamily, and $5.6 million in commercial in building permit valuation. Waukee has permits. continued to experience steady residential Millions and commercial growth despite the $25 tentative national economy. Waukee Building Permits Jody T. Gunderson, $20 1996 to 2002 Waukee Community Development Director, said a couple of factors have $15 contributed to the City’s growth. “A forty year low in residential mortgage rates certainly serves as one factor that would $10 explain much of the growth in that sector,” said Gunderson. However, a community $5 must still be viewed as a desirable place to live; low $0 interest rates do not dictate Resi dent where homes are built. ia T Othe r
ownh l ome Com /Con merc d o ial Mult i-fam ily
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
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Waukee Plans Another New School
Breakdown of Waukee's Building Permits 2002 Other 6%
Residential 50%
Commercial 14%
About 350 more students enrolled in the booming Waukee school district this fall, a 14 percent increase from last year. Waukee's enrollment has nearly tripled in 10 years. The state's fastest growing district has increased from 992 students in 1992 to about 2,800 students in 2002. School officials say the number - total enrollment is now 3,107 students - has prompted construction of a $16.5 million middle school, scheduled for completion by the 2004-05 school year.
Multi-family 11% Townhome/Condo 19%
"Our classes have gotten really big in the lower elementary and upper elementary grade levels," said Assistant
Did You Know… Waukee’s population has doubled during two of the last four decades.
Waukee Boasts High-tech Digital System
population increased 130% from 687 to 1,577. During the 1990’s Waukee’s population doubled again, increasing 104% to 5,126. Waukee’s current population is Chamber President Geoff Warmouth, Councilman Wayne Johnson, Pres. of Qwest of Iowa Max Phillips, Qwest spokesman Michael Sadler.
Source: Chad Weaver Director of Planning
Educational Attainment Percent of Population 25 Years and Over
70.0% 60.0%
17.2% 14.1%
12.8% 7.5%
38.8%
24.3%
8.2%
30.9%
50.0%
34.3%
30.0% 20.0%
13.2%
6.1%
10.0%
9.7%
8.4%
7.5% ne s
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M oi
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es t
D es
W
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nd
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C liv e
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Associate
Bachelor's
Qwest Communications has installed a $2.6 million state-of-the-art digital switching system that can carry Internet, TV cable and other technology in Waukee. City officials said they believe it will attract hightech businesses and more residents to one of Iowa's fastest-growing communities.
40.0%
25.8%
Graduate or Professional Source: United States Census 2000
Superintendent Dave Wilkerson. "By the time those kids get to middle school four years from now, we'll have as many kids …Continued on page 4
During the 1960’s, Waukee’s
estimated at around 6,000.
Renderings by RDG Crose Gardner Shukert
"From the City's perspective, companies really don't make that kind of investment unless they think you're going to have the kind of growth to support the investment," said Jody Gunderson, Waukee's Director of Community Development. "This fits very well with the types of companies we're trying to attract." Gunderson said the City would like to attract information technology companies, such as computer software businesses.
“The digital switching system installed will allow more high-speed computer use and Internet access than were possible before,” said Michael Sadler, a Qwest spokesman. He said the system puts Waukee on par with larger cities in terms of telecommunications systems. It should help the City entice new businesses as well as give existing businesses access to technology. "They've got the latest and greatest technology out there," Sadler said. The project began last April and took more than 10,000 hours of work to install. Qwest representatives and City officials held a reception in October to celebrate its completion. Waukee isn't the first town Qwest has made such investments in, but it's the only one on the horizon. "We have no other upgrades planned, which says a lot about Waukee," Sadler said. "We're always evaluating our network, and we identify towns where there is growth." Waukee, once a rural community in the shadow of Des Moines western suburbs, exploded in the 1990s. Census figures showed that from 1990 to …Continued on page 4
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
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Waukee Helps a Record Number of New Businesses Cut Through the Red Tape in 2002
What they’re saying About Waukee "They've got the latest and greatest technology out there," Sadler said. Michael Sadler, spokesman for Qwest, referring to the installation of new telecommunication infrastructure in Waukee. Des Moines Register 10/26/02
Design Alliance Inc. is an Architectural Firm formed in 1947. They specialize in the design of buildings for public interaction but handle all areas of architectural design with the uniqueness that only artistic experts with experience possess.
Signature Male is a company that specializes in male personal care. Signature Male has a full range of hair services as well as tanning, spa, massage, pedicure, manicure, body waxing and skin treatments.
"We’ve virtually outgrown this location," Donati said. "I'd love to have 10 bays out here because I'm sure we could fill them." George Donati, Quick Lane manager, commenting on the volume of business they have received since they opened their doors in Waukee.
Phillips' Floors, Inc. has it all, from custom hardwood to ceramic tile and carpet.
Shanghai Chinese Restaurant is a place where you can get together with friends and family for quality food. They offer 28 dishes to choose from for lunch and 98 choices for dinner.
Dallas County News 10/30/02
"This area is growing so fast we thought it would really take off." The Chit-n-Chat Coffee House is a place to meet friends for a mocha, latte, hot chocolate, tea, brewed coffee or fruit smoothie.
Remember When provides a variety of products and services including stationery, scrap booking supplies, photo processing, and copying services.
Waukee Family Dentistry has been in business in Waukee since 1996. In 2001, Dr. Tina Kurtz joined her sister’s practice. The doctors celebrated the opening of their new family practice office in November of 2002. The Mid-States Ford model lineup includes new and used vehicles. The company has a huge selection of pre-owned models of all makes. In the new modern Mid-States Ford facility you will also find a Rental Department, Quick Lane, Body Shop, Parts Department and a large Service Department offering you all your vehicle needs under one roof.
Stacy Roberts and JoDee LetoBlair, owners of Remember When, commenting during their Oct. 1, 2002 Grand Opening as to why they decided to locate their business in Waukee. Dallas County News 10/16/02
Other New Waukee Businesses • • • • • • • • •
Philadelphia Bar and Grill The Haldane Corporation Dyna Search Subway Bikers Alley Shelter Insurance Clip Art Farrells US Martial Arts Jacobs Gymnastics
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT Scenes From Waukee’s
2002 Fall Festival
High Tech Digital System...
2000, Waukee more than doubled in size, from 2,227 residents to 5,124. The population growth has meant an explosion in property valuations, from $56.5 million in 1990 to $376.2 million in 2002. The school district is the fastest-growing in Iowa, and at least 140 homes are built in the town every year.
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Gunderson said improvements to the City’s digital communications system can only enhance the marketability of the community for commercial and residential development. “Waukee is fortunate to have a redundancy of its telecommunication infrastructure,” said Gunderson. HickoryTech, headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, completed installation of its communication lines, including underground fiber optic and telephone cable, in 2001. Des Moines Register
Waukee Purchases Parkland Waukee officials have signed an agreement to buy 200 acres of farmland outside the city to create a home turf for area softball, baseball and soccer teams. The proposed complex is greatly needed in the growing community and will become "a first-rate site" for youth and adult recreation activities, said City Administrator Mark Arentsen. A consultant will be selected in the next few months to help the City decide how to proceed with development, which could include a municipal swimming pool. The City expects to buy 40 acres at a time,
stretching the purchase out to 2009 at a total cost of $1.4 million. Mike Bailey, a member of the city's Parks and Recreation Board and a softball parent, said he hopes the land will be put to use soon. "We've got to put activities in there to generate funds," he said. …Continued on page 6
Waukee Plans for New School...
line and storm sewer, and building construction will kick off in February of The current middle school is "pretty full this 2003. year, and it will be really full next year," he The district has been building schools for said. years, and officials said they are far from Superintendent Veronica Stalker said that finished. "It's been pretty much continuous for the last 10 years," Wilkerson said. despite the increase, with only a few "We've either had a project that's been exceptions, class sizes are still within the district's target range. "We're off to a good under way or working with an architect on another project." start this year," Stalker said. in two grades as we have in three now."
The City of Waukee would like to thank Terry Snyder Photography for her contribution of the Fall Festival photographs.
The new school, to be located east of the high school and YMCA, will be able to serve 800 eighth- and ninth-grade students. The existing middle school then will house sixth- and seventh-graders. Site preparation is scheduled to begin this fall, officials said. Crews will put in a water
The new school is being paid for with part of a $21 million bond issue approved earlier in 2002. The bonds also will pay for the renovation at Waukee Elementary, expand Brookview and Eason elementary schools and prepare the future North Elementary School. Des Moines Register
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
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Other 2002 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Airport Leaders Move Forward With Master Plan Pledges now sufficient for feasibility study Preparation of a master plan for a proposed regional airport along U.S. Highway 6 between Adel and Waukee got the goahead during a development meeting last August. There was $105,000 contributed by area businesses and another $50,000 from the county and cities involved. The master plan will consider the feasibility for aviation activity, its compatibility with surrounding land use and other area
airports. It will also address environmental and financial concerns. Public meetings will be held as the master plan is compiled. Supporters hope the new airport will be constructed within the next four or five years. It would be located on 400 acres near the Ortonville Business Park and would serve small, private planes and corporate jets, similar to airports in Ankeny and Perry. Total cost of the project is estimated at $13.4 million. Dallas County News Inc.
City of Waukee Assists Funding of Private School Expansion in West Des Moines district. The school would benefit from the In December of 2002, the Waukee City Council agreed to allow for the issuance of City's ability to borrow money at a lower $9,500,000 of City's Private School Facility rate as a small issuer. Revenue Bonds to support the acquisition "It's a win-win situation for everybody," said of land, retirement of debt, and the Councilman Nicholas Gruber. "It's good construction of additions to the St. Francis anytime you can help out a of Assisi School. While this "It's a win-win situation for neighbor." might typically be viewed everybody"…."It's good anytime as a gracious offer you can help out a neighbor." The City's bond counsel from a city government told the City the to a school, what makes agreement would not affect the City's this gesture especially gracious is the bonding capacity, credit or debt limit and school resides within the corporate the City will not be liable for the bonds. boundaries of neighboring West Des Moines. Garmoe said the addition is necessary to house the additional school district as the State and federal laws allow non-profit enrollment continues to grow. "The growth organizations to sell bonds through local governments so the bonds are tax-exempt. is incredible," Garmoe said. The church itself as grown in 11 years from 300 William Lillis, representing St. Francis of families to 2,100 families. Assisi, said the church would save approximately $383,500 through the Garmoe said the school will have to have agreement with the city. mobile classrooms next year while waiting for the addition to be completed. St. Francis "I'm one hundred percent for this," said of Assisi is in the Waukee School District Councilman Bill Peard. "I don't see where and works with the district. "We have a the City is entering into any liability." great working relationship with the Waukee St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, School District," Garmoe said. "We just have absolutely wonderful support from the has approximately 150 families from district." The school is involved with the Waukee as members. special education program and is contracted out for school lunches. Principal Trisha Lenarz-Garmoe said that 25 percent of the school's 355 students at Des Moines Register the school are from the Waukee School
Farrell’s U.S. Martial Art's Mission: To make each student a success in life through martial arts. Farrell’s takes pride in the quality of their program and constantly strives to provide the best service to their students.
Chris Jacobs brings over 17 years of teaching experience to Waukee with her new business, Jacobs Gymnastics. The business provides gymnastics lessons for youth ages 3-18, both girls and boys.
Clip Art is a casual, upbeat salon that offers styles to suit the whole family, and all at practical prices. Conveniently close, they're right here in Waukee on Highway 6.
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
City of Waukee 230 Highway 6 Waukee, IA 50263
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Waukee's Sky Box Completed The Waukee School District's new twostory sky/press box has been completed. The $170,000 structure was started in early
August and was completed on Oct. 11 in time for their football game against A-D-M. "I'm very pleased with the facility," said Activities Director Jim Duea. "We had a lot of positive comments on it." Duea said it has not been determined yet what will be done with the sky box portion of the building. He said it may be rented out on a game-by-game or season-by season basis.
PHONE: (515) 987-4522 FAX: (515) 987-1845
Dallas County News
E-MAIL:
jgunderson@waukee.org City Purchases Land for Park‌
"The way the City's growing and the number of kids involved in softball and soccer, I think those two sports would be the best way to generate revenue." Bailey said organizers should solicit construction ideas from area coaches and seek advice from surrounding cities on how to develop the land.
Contact Us on the Web www.waukee.org
CITY OF WAUKEE 230 HIGHWAY 6 WAUKEE, IA 50263
Arentsen said the support of recreational leagues and possibly the school district will be critical to the project's success. "The City is going to fund the land purchase, but will seek out partnerships with groups that want to make this a firstclass facility the residents in our area deserve."
The site, 2.5 miles west of Waukee, has been farmed by Joe Copeland's family for 50 years. They were hesitant when City officials broached the idea, Copeland said, but "we felt it was probably better to know it would be an athletic complex such as this rather than condos, townhomes and strip malls." Dallas County News
Community Development Board Chairman: Vice Chair: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Director:
Bill Peard Dierck Oosten Linda Pound Nancy Horsch Joe Schmidt Michelle Durand-Adams Darlene Stanton Jody T. Gunderson