16 minute read
STORY Stormwater Grant Program
Many of us probably don’t give stormwater a second thought. Once rain has fallen, or snow has melted, most of us don’t think too much about where the runoff goes, or what ramifications it can have later on. But the consequences of stormwater runoff can be dire—not just locally, but on streams and lakes around the state. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to help manage stormwater runoff, and through its Stormwater Grant Program, the City of Waukee is here to help.
For those who may not know, stormwater runoff is rainfall or snowfall that does not soak into the soil or evaporate into the air, but flows from the surface where it fell and into nearby streams and storm sewer systems. This runoff picks up pollutants from the environment as it moves, such as oil and grease from roadways or fertilizers and pesticides from fields. Since the stormwater isn’t treated to remove these pollutants, these contaminants end up in our streams, rivers and lakes—the end destination for stormwater runoff. Needless to say, these pollutants have a negative impact on the water quality in these bodies of water. Stormwater runoff can create drainage and flooding problems, as well. Each Waukee resident pays a Stormwater Utility Fee on their utility bill to help the City manage stormwater. The City’s Stormwater Grant Program uses a portion of those fees to help homeowners with stormwater management on their properties. The program pays up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum contribution per project, depending on the project. The program receives $50,000 in funding each fiscal year. These funds are then granted to property owners to reimburse for projects that improve drainage, improve stormwater quality or repair stormwater facilities.
Advertisement
The Stormwater Grant Program has been around for close to a decade, according to City of Waukee Public Works Director Rudy Koester. Since the City made modifications and added some additional qualifying practices, the number of applications has steadily increased over time, from two or three per year to roughly 22 per year, said Koester. Residents have numerous options when it comes to which stormwater management project they’d like to implement on their properties. One of the most popular rainscaping practices in the Des Moines metro area is Soil Quality Restoration (SQR). When soil becomes compacted, or when there is soil with a high clay content, lawns can become brown and patchy, and need to be watered constantly. SQR uses tillage, aeration and compost to increase filtration and organic matter content, naturally improving the lawn’s health and ability to manage water. Another popular project is installing a rain barrel on the property, which will collect and store rainwater from the property’s downspout. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve and reuse water, as collected rainwater can easily be used to water lawns and gardens. Other eligible projects through the grant program include the implementation of rain gardens, which are landscaped depressions that capture runoff in a temporary pond and allow the runoff to absorb back into the soil. If the site isn’t ideal for a rain garden, installing bioretention cells can be a good alternative. An engineered subgrade uses a perforated drain pipe in a rock bed, covered by a sandy soil mixture, to allow captured runoff to percolate into the soil. Implementing native landscaping on a property can also prove to be beneficial. Strategically placing native plants (for instance, placing bands of prairie or woodland plants on the downslope side of a property) can enhance a lawn’s ability to manage water and prevent high levels of runoff. So how do you know whether a rainscaping project might be right for your property? Koester said it’s all dependent on your particular lawn, but if you notice any issues after a rain event, such as standing water or a lawn that’s still soggy days afterward, your yard might benefit from implementing a stormwater management project. According to Koester, if you have a natural stream on your property, or “if you’re in an area where you have erosive banks, not stabilized by vegetation,” bank reinforcement for erosion prevention may be a good idea. It’s important to note, he added, that you don’t necessarily have to have a problem with your property in order to implement a rainscaping project. Anyone can implement native grassland, or “enhance your property with native plantings that will attract pollinators, birds and butterflies.”
Overall, said Koester, the most important thing is the homeowner’s desire to make a difference in the water quality in their community. He pointed out the cumulative effect of numerous people implementing positive change: “A bunch of little efforts can become a big effort.” Waukee resident Mike Kellar can attest to the difference a stormwater management project can make. A landscape designer and friend pointed Kellar in the direction of the grant program while discussing options to address a soggy backyard. “I had a lot of water collecting, primarily in the spring and after big rains, at the bottom of my backyard,” said Kellar. “He suggested an Iowa native flower rain garden and then mentioned the grant program.” After planting the rain garden this past fall, he’s already noticing improvements in his yard. “The water seems to be draining much better than last year—certainly not the pooling we saw for extended periods of time before the garden was installed,” he said. Kellar has high praise for the Stormwater Grant Program, saying he would “1000 percent” recommend it to other homeowners. “I had no idea this grant was out there. Without that knowledge, I likely would have gone down a completely different path. It was nice to have financial options from the city to help offset costs.” Kellar added that the application process was “very customer-forward and easy to follow.”
Interested in applying for a Waukee Stormwater Grant yourself? If your property is located within the corporate limits of the City of Waukee and you pay the Stormwater
Utility Fee, you’re eligible to apply for funding. Applicants must own the property, and the property must have a full certificate of occupancy for at least one year.
Visit waukee.org/raincampaign to fill out a grant application.
Applicants can upload their applications online, along with any original documents needed in conjunction with the application. “We review it and make sure it aligns with the program’s intent and requirements,” said Koester. Once approved, homeowners conduct and finance the work themselves, then submit final receipts to the City for reimbursement.
So if you’re interested in improving not only the quality of your lawn but the quality of the water in our lakes and streams, a rainscaping project might be a great step to take. Since residential areas make up a large portion of our community, residents who take steps to manage stormwater on their properties can make a positive difference for local watersheds.
“We can be a partner with the homeowner,” said Koester. “We hope this program continues to encourage people to take those steps.”
JOSEPH SMITH
Home Solutions of Iowa Owner 515-954-3555
Home Solutions of Iowa has established itself as a trustworthy and reliable source for homeowners looking for all sorts of exterior remodeling solutions. We’re a full-service exterior remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard® gutter protection, seamless gutter systems, rain barrels, roofing, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and decking. We started as a one-man show at the Iowa State Fair in 2003 and have since grown to have more than 50 employees serving the entire state of Iowa. We’ve all heard the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” While that may be true, we still experience a lot of heavy rains during the months of May and June. Summer storms can be an annoyance to deal with as a homeowner, but you can take advantage of the rainfall by investing in a rain barrel system from Home Solutions of Iowa. Our rain barrels are perfect for any homeowner who wants to save on their water bill and conserve natural resources.
A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Rain barrels help our environment by reducing water pollution, improving both soil and water quality, and reducing climate change. Overall, a rain barrel system helps save the earth and helps save you money. So, what can you do with the rain you collect? Well, it can be used for many different tasks around your home. Many homeowners use their collected rainwater to do things like:
Water outside gardens, flowers and vegetables Water houseplants Wash vehicles Wash windows Top off a hot tub or fill a pool Flush toilets
With a rain barrel system from HSI, you can harness the power of precipitation. Our knowledgeable team will help you determine the right size of rain barrel in accordance with how you want to use the water you collect. Call HSI today to find out how a rain barrel system can help you take care of your Waukee home!
Our “Made in Waukee Rain Barrels” give homeowners a chance to capture and use rainwater from the roof of their home and/or garage.
THEN to NOW A COMMON THREAD: CONNECTION
There’s a common theme when talking to students, staff, and the surrounding community about Waukee Community School District—the importance of people and connection.
Even amidst the growth we’ve experienced over the last several decades, one thing we’ve been able to maintain is a sense of connectedness with all of our stakeholders. As we move forward into this next chapter of continued growth, it’s important to look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.
PAST: Where We’ve Been
When talking to those who have been around since the early days, we can see that much of what we still experience as foundational, key components of the district were present even in the beginning.
Susan Hope, Instructional Coach at Waukee Middle School, began teaching at Waukee in 1986 as one of three 5th grade teachers for the district, when K-8 were all in one building, which is now the Vince Meyer Learning Center. “When I came to Waukee, there was a reputation of excellence, progressiveness and pride,” said Hope. “I was honored to be a part of Waukee early in my career and continue to be proud to this day. The way our school and community have continued to work together and support one another over the years doesn’t happen everywhere. We’re so blessed. We need one another to achieve excellence.”
“There have been many crossroads,” said school board member and WCSD alumni Mary Scheve. “Moving to neighborhood schools, and now opening up a new high school. I’ve been amazed at how well it’s gone, with all the change and growth.” The school-community connection is a key part of the district’s growth and continued progress, and it’s something that has always been foundational for Waukee. “We’re still trying to be the best Waukee we can be,” said
Scheve. “We have to progress to be the best, to give people and kids the best opportunity.”
Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck PRESENT: Where We Are
As the seventh-largest and fastest-growing school district in the state, with over 1,600 staff members and 11,900 students, we have much to celebrate, including our athletics, academic achievements, and increased student enrollment. We’ve certainly come a long way from the beginning, while still holding on to what makes us Waukee.
Ali Locker, Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, has been with the district for the last 12 years. She started as a teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and has been in her current role since 2015. When reflecting on the last few years and where we are today, one thing that stands out to her is the importance of people and human connection. “I’ve seen so many things stay true to the integrity and values that we’ve always had, including our value of human capital,” she explained. “People are the most important resource to making this district great—staff, students, administrators, families and community members. Every single day, letting people know how valuable they are. Honoring relationships and connection, above all. I love that as we continue to grow, we hold onto those values and pair them with a mindset of innovation and novelty.”
As we continue on the path forward, the threads of connection between staff, students and our community continue to be very important. They’re authentic and real, and so they remain, even amidst the growth.
Waukee High School senior Braden Menz has been part of the district throughout his school career, and to him, the community-school connection is unlike any other, and it plays an essential role in the student experience. “It’s amazing to think about the things students can do here to prepare them for the future,” said Menz. “Waukee has exemplified what it can look like to set students up for greater things in the future. We have such a tight-knit community, and it’s a neat thing to think about considering how big we are. The district and community have done a great job to stay close.
It’s really second to none.” FUTURE: Where We’re Headed
As we move into the next chapter of growth and progress, we will remain committed to the sense of connectedness with our students, staff and community. Looking back at our history allows us to see how our connection and value for one another has made this journey possible, while looking forward allows us to see the ways in which connection will play a part in our growth and continued student success. “The most important strategy in maintaining connection is focusing on individual students and their needs, even as we have grown,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck.
One of the most significant changes in our path forward is the addition of a second high school. While we’re excited about the additional opportunities this will create for our students, we’re also committed to our continued connectedness, and a transition to something even more powerful—belonging. “The work associated with belonging is part of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” said Dr. Buck. “We envision a future in which all of our students feel a sense of belonging, where the diversity of our student body is considered a strength, and where we appreciate one another for what we bring to the table—without a pressure to conform in order to belong.”
Even as we evolve and grow, the foundational pieces that make us Waukee will continue to unify and bring us together. A focus on people—our students, our staff, and our community—will continue to be at the root of what we believe.
“It will be exciting to see the traditions that remain as we move forward, and to see what new traditions begin to distinguish the high school pathways from one another,” said
Dr. Buck. “But through it all, we’ll still be one Waukee, with a focus on meeting the individual needs of our students. In all of this work, we’re guided by a vision—inspiring learners who feel valued, challenged and prepared to embrace tomorrow's opportunities.”
With all of the growth, transition and progress, one thing has been and always will be a foundational piece of who we are— connection. We will continue to put each other first on this path forward, creating the best opportunities for our students, staff and community.
Adventure through the Animal Kingdom with the Library!
Summer is almost here, and we’re getting ready for the Summer Reading Challenge at the Waukee Public Library! This year’s theme is “Tails & Tales” and the program will run from June 1 until July 31. Adventure through the world of life around us and find out what’s special about the animals who roam the lands, soar through the air, and swim in the oceans. All ages are invited to participate! Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, this year’s challenge and events will be held entirely online. Watch the library’s website and follow our social media accounts to get up-to-date information about upcoming events, including virtual performances, weekly online activities, and pick-up times for craft packs and prizes. The library is currently open with Library Express hours for book browsing, checkout, and computer use Monday through Friday from 12–6 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Road construction will continue through the summer months. During the construction, the library is only accessible from the south on Warrior Lane.
Summer Reading Challenge FAQs:
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION BEGIN?
May 1, but reading for the Summer Reading Challenge doesn’t start until June 1.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register online at waukeelibrary.beanstack.org, through the Beanstack app, or by picking up a reading log at the library.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
All ages!
DO I NEED A LIBRARY CARD TO JOIN?
Library cards are not required. Everyone is encouraged to participate! If you would like to get a library card, you can sign up online at waukeepubliclibrary.org/getacard. like to get a library card, you can sign up online at waukeepubliclibrary.org/getacard.
HOW DO I EARN PRIZES? HOW DO I EARN PRIZES?
READ! Magazines, audiobooks and eBooks count, too! READ! Magazines, audiobooks and eBooks count, too! To find out more about the library’s Summer Reading Challenge, go to waukeepubliclibrary.org/summer. Facebook – @WaukeePublicLibrary Instagram – @Waukee_Library Twitter – @WaukeeLibrary YouTube – Waukee Public Library YouTube – Waukee Public Library
For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944. or (515) 978-7944.
Waukee
LINCOLN CORSAIR LINCOLN NAUTLIUS
2021 LINCOLN Corsair
VIN 5LMCJ1C93MUL09236
$348*
PER MONTH, 39 MONTH LEASE
$2,848
DUE AT SIGNING After $750 rcl customer cash and $1000 competitive conquest bonus cash
*39 month lease 10500 miles per year. $2500 down plus Taxes and fees. No security deposit required. With approved credit from Lincoln Automotive Financial Services. Expires 5-31-21.
LINCOLN NAVIGATOR LINCOLN AVIATOR
2021 LINCOLN Nautilus
VIN 2LMPJ6J99MBL02774
$468*
PER MONTH, 39 MONTH LEASE
$2,968
DUE AT SIGNING After $2000 rcl customer cash
*39 month lease 10500 miles per year. $2500 down plus Taxes and fees. No security deposit required. With approved credit from Lincoln Automotive Financial Services Expires 5-31-21.
2021 LINCOLN Aviator AWD
VIN 5LM5J7XC6MGL12079
$673*
PER MONTH, 39 MONTH LEASE
$3,173
DUE AT SIGNING After $500 rcl customer cash
*39 month lease 10500 miles per year. $2500 down plus Taxes and fees. No security deposit required. With approved credit from Lincoln Automotive Financial Services Expires 5-31-21
2020 LINCOLN Navigator 4x4
VIN 5LMJJ2NT9LEL22216
$859*
PER MONTH, 39 MONTH LEASE
$3,359
DUE AT SIGNING After $1000 competitive conquest bonus cash.
*39 month lease 10500 miles per year. $2500 down plus Taxes and fees. No security deposit required. With approved credit from Lincoln Automotive Financial Services Expires 5-31-21
1450 E HICKMAN WAUKEE IA 50263 515.987.3697
