Civic Groups Ask Urbandale Council for Financing

Numerous Urbandale civic groups and nonprofits had representatives at Tuesday's Urbandale City Council meeting to ask for funding for 2013.

No decision was made at the meeting. Council members said they would review each presentation separately and a decision will be made as work on the new budget begins in earnest in January.

The groups that requested funding were as followed:

• Downtown Urbandale Neighborhood requested $550 to continue the Lawn of the Month program and the Fourth of July celebration at the Olmstead House.

• Greater Dallas County Development Alliance originally requested $12,000 to implement a work program for the Dallas County portion of Urbandale, but instead asked for $6,000.

• Greater Des Moines Partnership requested $25,000 to continue regional economic development efforts.

• J-Hawk Soccer Club asked for $12,000 for a new sprinkler system for its soccer fields.

• Polk County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden requested $9,829.26 for improvements to put wood chip on paths with ADA compliant hardscaping.

• Urbandale American Legion Post 663 asked for $500 to continue community support programs.

• Urbandale Chamber of Commerce requested $5,000 to work with a public relations company to push the Uniquely Urbandale brand.

• Urbandale Community Action Network requested $50,000 for funding of its operations and activities.

• Performing Arts section of the Urbandale Community Schools requested $3,500 to further support the growth of their program.

• Urbandale Development Association requested $128,000 to implement its strategic business plan.

• Urbandale Food Pantry requested $20,000 to support increasing rent and utility expenses.

• Urbandale Girls Recreation Association requested $235,000 for a new parking lot and for the improvement of current facilities. The association said it needs to come up with $200,000 for the parking lot and the city would cover the rest of the charges.

• Urbandale Little League asked for $15,000 for Northview Park improvements including a new field, drainage and light repairs.

• Urbandale Soccer Club asked for $2,000 for field improvements.

• Urbandale Sports Association asked for $4,000 related to youth events it holds annually.