Special Interest Articles: First Lady Visits Waukee 1 Waukee Boasts High-tech Digital System 2 Waukee Welcomes A Record Number of New Businesses in 2002 3 Waukee Assists Funding Of Private School Expansion In West Des Moines 5 New Developments: Waukee Has Record Year for Building Permits 1 Waukee Plans Another New School 2 Waukee Purchases Parkland 4 Airport Leaders Move Forward With Master Plan 5 Waukee's Sky Box Completed 6

First Lady Laura Bush Visits Waukee

FALL 2002 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

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.

Waukee Has Record Year for Building Permits Residential Development Remains the Driving Force

Congressman Tom Latham, Congressional Candidate Stan Thompson, First Lady Laura Bush, and Gubernatorial Candidate Doug Gross.

Despite a sluggish national economy, the City of Waukee issued a record number of building permits in 2002. At the December 16, 2002 City Council Meeting, Dennis Dowell, the Waukee Code Compliance Officer, announced to the City Council that Waukee had surpassed all previous years in building permit valuation. Waukee has continued to experience steady residential and commercial growth despite the tentative national economy. Jody T. Gunderson, Waukee Community Development Director, said a couple of factors have contributed to the City’s growth. “A forty year low in residential mortgage rates certainly serves as one factor that would explain much of the growth in that sector,” said Gunderson. However, a community must still be viewed as a desirable place to live; low interest rates do not dictate where homes are built. Waukee has the unique distinction of being the fastest growing community

in the fastest growing county in the state of Iowa. “I continue to be encouraged by the steady growth we have experienced”, said Mark Arentsen, Waukee’s City Administrator. In 2002, the City issued $20.6 million in residential, $6.4 million in townhomes/condo, $5.8 million in multifamily, and $5.6 million in commercial permits.

1996

1998

2000

2002 Other

Multi-family

Commercial

Townhome/Condo

Residential

$0

$5

$10

$15

$20

$25Millions

Waukee Building Permits1996 to 2002

7.5%

34.3%

14.1%

9.7%

25.8%

8.2%

8.4%

30.9%

12.8%

13.2%

24.3%

7.5%

6.1%

38.8%

17.2%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

Clive

Grimes

Urban

dale

Wauke

e

West D

es M

oines

Educational Attainment Percent of Population 25 Years and Over

Associate Bachelor's Graduate or Professional

Source: United States Census 2000

Multi-family11%

Commercial14%

Residential50%

Other6%

Townhome/Condo19%

Breakdown of Waukee's Building Permits

2002

Did You Know… Waukee’s population has doubled

during two of the last four decades.

During the 1960’s, Waukee’s

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

estimated at around 6,000.

Source: Chad Weaver Director of Planning

WAUKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 2 of 6

Waukee Plans Another New School

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. "Our classes have gotten really big in the lower elementary and upper elementary grade levels," said Assistant

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

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 high-tech businesses and more residents to one of Iowa's fastest-growing communities. "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

Waukee Boasts High-tech Digital System

Chamber President Geoff Warmouth, Councilman Wayne Johnson, Pres. of Qwest of Iowa Max Phillips, Qwest spokesman Michael Sadler.

Renderings by RDG Crose Gardner Shukert

What they’re sayingAbout 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

"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. Dallas County News 10/30/02

"This area is growing so fast we thought it would really take off."

Stacy Roberts and JoDee Leto-Blair, 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

WAUKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 3 of 6

Waukee Helps a Record Number of New Businesses Cut Through the Red Tape in 2002

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.

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.

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.

The Chit-n-Chat Coffee House is a place to meet friends for a mocha, latte, hot chocolate, tea, brewed coffee or fruit smoothie.

The Mid-States Ford model line-up 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.

Phillips' Floors, Inc. has it all, from custom hardwood to ceramic tile and carpet.

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.

Remember When provides a variety of products and services including stationery, scrap booking supplies, photo processing, and copying services.

Waukee Purchases Parkland

WAUKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 4 of 6

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.

Waukee Plans for New School... in two grades as we have in three now." The current middle school is "pretty full this year, and it will be really full next year," he said. Superintendent Veronica Stalker said that despite the increase, with only a few exceptions, class sizes are still within the district's target range. "We're off to a good start this year," Stalker said. 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

line and storm sewer, and building construction will kick off in February of 2003. The district has been building schools for years, and officials said they are far from finished. "It's been pretty much continuous for the last 10 years," Wilkerson said. "We've either had a project that's been under way or working with an architect on another project." 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

The City of Waukee would like to thank Terry Snyder Photography for her contribution of the Fall Festival photographs.

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 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

Scenes From Waukee’s

2002 Fall Festival

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.

WAUKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 6

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 go-ahead 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.

In December of 2002, the Waukee City Council agreed to allow for the issuance of $9,500,000 of City's Private School Facility Revenue Bonds to support the acquisition of land, retirement of debt, and the construction of additions to the St. Francis of Assisi School. While this might typically be viewed as a gracious offer from a city government to a school, what makes this gesture especially gracious is the school resides within the corporate boundaries of neighboring West Des Moines. State and federal laws allow non-profit organizations to sell bonds through local governments so the bonds are tax-exempt. William Lillis, representing St. Francis of Assisi, said the church would save approximately $383,500 through the agreement with the city. "I'm one hundred percent for this," said Councilman Bill Peard. "I don't see where the City is entering into any liability." St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, has approximately 150 families from Waukee as members. Principal Trisha Lenarz-Garmoe said that 25 percent of the school's 355 students at the school are from the Waukee School

district. The school would benefit from the City's ability to borrow money at a lower rate as a small issuer. "It's a win-win situation for everybody," said Councilman Nicholas Gruber. "It's good anytime you can help out a neighbor." The City's bond counsel told the City the agreement would not affect the City's bonding capacity, credit or debt limit and the City will not be liable for the bonds. Garmoe said the addition is necessary to house the additional school district as the enrollment continues to grow. "The growth is incredible," Garmoe said. The church itself as grown in 11 years from 300 families to 2,100 families. Garmoe said the school will have to have mobile classrooms next year while waiting for the addition to be completed. St. Francis of Assisi is in the Waukee School District and works with the district. "We have a great working relationship with the Waukee School District," Garmoe said. "We just have absolutely wonderful support from the district." The school is involved with the special education program and is contracted out for school lunches.

Des Moines Register

City of Waukee Assists Funding of Private School Expansion in West Des Moines

"It's a win-win situation for everybody"…."It's good anytime

you can help out a neighbor."

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.

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.

Other 2002 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Community Development Board Chairman: Bill Peard

Vice Chair: Dierck Oosten Board Member: Linda Pound Board Member: Nancy Horsch Board Member: Joe Schmidt Board Member: Michelle Durand-Adams Board Member: Darlene Stanton

Director: Jody T. Gunderson

City of Waukee

230 Highway 6 Waukee, IA 50263

PHONE:

(515) 987-4522

FAX: (515) 987-1845

E-MAIL:

jgunderson@waukee.org

Contact Us on the Web

www.waukee.org

CITY OF WAUKEE 230 HIGHWAY 6

WAUKEE, IA 50263

WAUKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 6 of 6

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.

Dallas County News

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. 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 first-class 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

Waukee's Sky Box Completed The Waukee School District's new two-story sky/press box has been completed. The $170,000 structure was started in early