City of Ankeny

The Ankeny City Council voted to appoint Council Member Bobbi Bentz to serve as Mayor last night at the Ankeny City Council Meeting. This is following Mayor Mark Holm’s resignation to assume the role of Polk County Supervisor. Bentz will complete the remainder of Holm’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2025. She was sworn in as Mayor immediately after the vote. "Today, it is my great honor to nominate my colleague and friend Dr. Bobbi Bentz to be Ankeny's next mayor. Bobbi is our most tenured Council Member, and has capably served and lead on the Council for over 12 years. Bobbi is deeply involved and connected in Ankeny, and is well respected among other metro communities that we collaborate with on numerous complex issues. Bobbi will be Ankeny's first female mayor, and is the most qualified candidate for the job, " said Council Member Kelly Stearns. “It’s an honor to serve as Mayor of my hometown,” said Mayor Bobbi Bentz. “After serving 12 years as a council member with the last two as Mayor Pro-Tem, I have gained a deep understanding of our community’s needs and opportunities. I am excited to bring that experience to this new role.” To fill the vacancy left by Bentz’s appointment, the City Council voted to provide a notice of intent to fill the council seat by appointment. For more information about the Ankeny City Council visit https://zurl.co/hRAOt.

Several members of the Ankeny Police Department participated in Christmas with Cops yesterday. This year, Christmas with Cops was able to help 21 kids from 16 schools in Ankeny. Christmas with Cops is hosted by the Ankeny Police Foundation, this event connects Ankeny Police officers with children from the community for a fun and festive holiday experience. Christmas with Cops aims to bridge the gap between the community and police and make a positive impact on the kids. Each officer is paired with a child to shop for Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. The goal is to not only get items for fun, but also to help full in basic needs for clothing and household items. After shopping, everyone went to the Ankeny Public Library for lunch and gift wrapping followed by some fun at the operating room. The City of Ankeny is proud to partner with the Ankeny Police Foundation for this event. Thank you to all of the community sponsors and partners for Christmas with Cops: The District - Prairie Trail The Operating Room Ankeny Public Library Ankeny Community School District Brakes Plus Ankeny Citizen's Police Academy Alumni

The City of Ankeny announced today City Manager David Jones has accepted the role of city manager for the City of Urbandale, pending the approval of an employment agreement. His resignation will take effect in late January. Jones has served as city manager in Ankeny since Oct. 1, 2013. During his tenure, he was instrumental in reducing the city’s per-capita debt and spearheading a public-private partnership to construct the Albaugh Family Senior Community Center. He also led the staff efforts of a successful double bond referendum for Fire Station No. 3 and a 55,000-square-foot library. A new fire station, the city’s fourth, is now under construction. During Jones’ time as city manager, Ankeny experienced a remarkable 50% growth in population, adding more than 25,000 new residents, earning recognition from the U.S. Census Bureau as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States multiple times. "David has made a lasting impact on our community," said Ankeny Mayor Mark Holm. "Over the past 11 years, he has worked collaboratively with myself and other elected officials to dramatically improve the City’s financial condition while delivering world-class facilities and amenities. Under David’s leadership, the city saw over $4 billion in commercial and residential investment and an 18% property tax rate reduction. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors." “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ankeny and am grateful for the opportunity to lead the incredible staff here for more than 11 years,” said City Manager David Jones. “I wish the organization and community nothing but the best in the future.” The City Council will discuss plans for the search for a new city manager in the near future.

Share your love of pickleball with others! Ankeny Parks & Recreation is currently seeking a part-time pickleball instructor to lead both youth and adult classes. Learn more and apply now: https://lnkd.in/gmzyTWPJ

Now Hiring! Looking for a career where you can make a real difference in shaping your community? The City of Ankeny is seeking candidates to fill a full-time parks and facilities administrator position. Competitive pay and excellent benefits. Learn more about the position and apply by Dec. 1: https://lnkd.in/gGanJv9X

Now Hiring! Looking for a career where you can make a real difference in shaping your community? The City of Ankeny is seeking candidates to fill a full-time parks and facilities administrator position. Competitive pay and excellent benefits. Learn more about the position and apply by Dec. 1: https://lnkd.in/gGanJv9X

Now Hiring! Otter Creek Golf Course is seeking applicants for a full-time groundskeeper position, starting January 2025. Starting pay is $26.98 - $29.75 per hour, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. View the job description and apply now:https://lnkd.in/g65JpCGw

The City of Ankeny congratulates Mayor Mark Holm on his recent election to serve on the Polk County Board of Supervisors. With Mayor Holm stepping down from his role on Dec. 31, 2024, the Ankeny City Council will soon begin the process of finding a new mayor to complete his term, which expires Dec. 31, 2025. The City Council will have 60 days from the date of his departure to decide if they will appoint someone to the position or hold a special election to let residents vote on the next mayor. If a special election is held, it will only cover the remainder of his term. More information about the process and timeline will be shared soon. The City Council is dedicated to making this transition smooth and to keeping Ankeny moving forward.

Please join us in congratulating Ryan Hulsebus of the City of Ankeny Municipal Utilities Department. The Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA) each year recognizes individuals and communities for exemplary wastewater collections system practices. This year Ryan was inducted into the Iowa Golden Manhole Society for his contributions to a cleaner environment. This honor extends to the Mayor and Council as well for their continued support to IAWEA and to the sewer collections staff. Ryan was recognized by the Mayor and IAWEA before the Council meeting last week. Congratulations, Ryan! Thank you for your dedicated service to our community, we appreciate you. Pictured L to R: Ryan Hulsebus, Municipal Utilities; Curt Kampman, IAWEA/JEO; Mayor Mark Holm; and Don Clark, Municipal Utilities.

Looking for an engaging way to make an important difference in your community? Apply to join an Ankeny board or commission! The City of Ankeny is currently seeking applicants for the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Learn more and apply now: https://lnkd.in/gzmV2Brs