Waukee Residents Turn Out to Welcome New City Administrator

What does new Waukee City Administrator Tim Moerman need to know about the town when he starts work Monday?

Call him up and set up a meeting. He wants to hear from you.

At a public reception Tuesday afternoon, Moerman said he welcomes meetings with community members as he gets to work on important projects, including the extension of Alice's Road and the growth tied to that project.

"I want to make time for (community input) early on and get going on this adventure," Moerman told the crowd.

Moerman comes to the City of Waukee with more than 25 years of professional local government experience with an emphasis in city management and economic development. Most recently he has served as an assistant city manager for Ankeny overseeing special projects and economic development.

"I'm thrilled to be here," Moerman said. "I'm anxious to get here next week and get started. We just can't believe the promise in this community."

Waukee Mayor Bill Peard said that Moerman's role in the economic boom that has taken place in Ankeny was a key factor in his favor during the search process.

Moerman's stellar reputation in the metro area "make him the perfect fit" for Waukee, Peard said. "I am thrilled to have Tim on board."

The mayor also thanked Development Services Director Brad Deets, a five-year city employee, who has served as interim city administrator since previous city administrator Jeff Kooistra resigned in May 2012. Peard joked that Deets was sure to miss a daily 8 a.m. phone call from him, some in the crowd disagreed.

Moerman’s contract will pay him a prorated, annual base salary of $132,000 through the rest of the city’s fiscal year, the Des Moines Register reports. His base salary will be $134,000 for the fiscal year that begins July 1. In addition, the city will provide Moerman with a car allowance of $400 per month.