Expand/Contract Questions and Answers
What are the hours of construction?
A: Construction noise is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weeknights and between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
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Does the library accept volunteers?
A: Yes. For more information about volunteering at the library email Sherry Schlundt or call 515-965-6456.
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What action should be taken when the sirens go off?
A: If the sirens are activated, it is signaling residents that a tornado is or is highly likely to be near. Take action immediately to protect yourself, your family and your pets.
If you are in a home or building, go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs (such as auditoriums and warehouses). Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris. Crouch down and cover your head.
If you are in a car or mobile home, abandon them immediately. Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. Leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. If no suitable structure is nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.
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When is Cascade Falls scheduled to open?
A: The Cascade Falls Aquatic Center is scheduled to open in mid-June 2010.
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Are toddlers free on the season pass?
A: They are not. Cascade Falls and Prairie Ridge both provide amenities that young children and toddlers will enjoy. While not all daily admission fees have been established yet, we have determined that children 2-years old and younger will be charged $1/visit. Depending on the number of visits, some visitors might find paying the daily fee each time for a toddler more cost effective.
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Does the nanny have a special season pass?
A: The nanny can purchase a Nanny Pass for $55 if a resident, or $65 if a non-resident. Please call 963-3570 for further details or visit Aquatics. |
Where can we learn more about Cascade Falls?
A: Learn more at Aquatics, Cable channel 7 or call Ankeny Parks & Recreation at 963-3570.
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Will I be able to reserve Cascade Falls for a birthday party or other event?
A: Yes, absolutely. More information on how to do this available under Aquatics. |
Where are city parks located?
A: The City of Ankeny has 33 developed parks and many new ones being constructed. To locate the closest park to your house, see our Park Locator Map. |
How do I report a violation?
A: The Plan & Building Department administers an enforcement program that investigates and corrects violations of the City’s Municipal Codes that govern the use and maintenance of property within the City limits. Our Code Enforcement officers also investigate and conduct inspections involving nuisance, weed abatement, illegal construction and illegal dumping. Violations can be reported by completing the online complaint form, by calling 515-963-3550, by visiting the Public Services Building at 220 West First Street, or via e-mail. |
What if my mailbox was damaged by snow removal equipment?
A: The installation of mailboxes on city owned right-of-way is permitted. The mailbox owner assumes all risk of damage, except when a mailbox is damaged through direct contact by snow removal equipment. If a mailbox is damaged due to direct contact by snow removal equipment, the City, at its option, will repair, replace or reimburse the property owner.
Contact the City Clerk's Office at 965-6400. |
How do I get my car out of impound?
A: If your vehicle was impounded by Ankeny Police you need to obtain an impound release from the Police Department at 411 SW Ordnance Rd.
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How can I submit a concern or complaint about the crossing guard program?
A: You may submit your concerns by calling the Ankeny Police Department at 515-289-5240 during regular office hours.
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How can I get information about my property or real estate taxes?
A: Information about property and real estate taxes is available through the Polk County Auditor's office at 515-286-3753, the Polk County Assessor's office at 515-286-3140, and the Polk County Treasurer's office at 515-286-3060.
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Where may I get a handicapped parking sign?
A: A handicapped parking sign may be obtained at City Hall during regular office hours.
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Is it true the city is unwilling to share the cost of infrastructure for the second new high school?
A:
| No. The city has offered to the school district a number of funding proposals to share the cost of infrastructure as changes have been made by the Board of Education to the school district's 10-year facilities plan. |
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Des Moines Register (Aug. 5, 2009): Excerpt of comments made by Dr. Matthew Wendt to Ankeny School Board Aug. 3, 2009- “I was informed by (by city officials) that there was no interest in splitting the cost.”
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Why shouldn't the city pay for infrastructure costs instead of the school district?
A: Whether it is the city or the school that pays for infrastructure for a second high school at 36th and State Streets, it is the Ankeny taxpayer that ultimately pays.
It is the view of the City Council that all taxpayers within the larger school district should share in that cost, not just city of Ankeny taxpayers. |
Is it true that the reason why the city can't pay for school infrastructure for the second high school is because they have so much money tied up in Prairie Trail?
A: No. Paying for school infrastructure at the NW 36th and State Street site would be a problem whether Prairie Trail was being developed or not. It is important to note that the city is financing infrastructure improvements for the new high school in the Prairie Trail development.
Similar to school district financing, city financing is a complex issue. Put simply, public investment in Prairie Trail is financed through a civic trust fund agreement with DRA Properties, which returns to the city $1.25 for every $1 spent on infrastructure. If you would like to read the civic trust fund agreement in its entirety it is available for public review. |
Is it true the city is gouging the school district by requiring four and five lane roads?
A: No. The road improvements were developed by professional engineers and based on anticipated traffic for both a high school and stadium facility. The plan includes two lanes in each direction with turn lanes.
City officials advised the school district in March 2008 of the road requirements necessary to support a high school at this location and that the school district would be responsible for the cost of extending and expanding NW 36th Street between North Ankeny Boulevard and Irvinedale Drive and NW State Street between NW 18th and 36th Streets. Since that time, a stadium has been incorporated into the school district 10-Year Facilities Plan requiring the city's professional engineers to revise the road improvements necessary to support both facilities. |
Is it true the city failed to plan for a high school at NW 36th & State Streets?
A: No. Each December city officials review and approve the city's Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Infrastructure for a high school at the 36th Street location was not built into the current CIP as the Board of Education had not yet acted on a second high school location, which they subsequently approved in January 2009.
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