Special to the Times/News

On an absolutely gorgeous Saturday when nearly 60 busy people attended an invitational Mayor's Leadership (translate work) Summit, it just figures that something "pretty big" is brewing in Des Moines.

Mayor Bob Sheckler said he called an earlier meeting with the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Business Boosters to discuss ways they can work together in the economic interest of the community.

"It was during this exchange of ideas I suggested a Leadership Summit and later implemented it," he noted.

I'm reminded of those who walked these streets before us with foresight that gave us a community Field House, public Beach Park and money making Marina.

Although the Summit is in its infancy, there's a refreshing rush of new energy among participants.

Des Moines Chamber President Jane Ipsen said, "The Leadership Summit was the result of some very honest conversation between the city, Chamber, and Boosters.

"Cohesiveness is key to Des Moines' future, as reinforced by participants. With mutual support - community and city leadership - this direction can develop into a synergy that shapes this city's future."

Welcoming these leaders, Mayor Sheckler said, "We're here to establish an economic base with top priority for economic development and a sense of community developing clean, friendly and safe, neighborhoods."

City Manager Tony Piasecki instructed groups of six to eight people at all eight tables to answer two questions:

What are our organizations doing currently?

And, what would we like to see in the future?

Answers written on posters were later displayed on walls for open discussion.

A variety of organizations were represented. Police and fire departments, water and sewer departments, the historical society, churches, city-appointed committees, social organizations, the food bank, condominiums, apartments and senior-living communities, the Chamber and the Boosters, the library, school district and community college.

After lunch, the group convened in an open forum where representatives from each table reported their answers.

Suggestions included increasing public safety. Making the city's permit process increasingly user-friendly. Improving citywide communications and community aesthetics. Encouraging community events. Waterland? Yes. Carnival? No.

Public safety was clearly high priority.

Responding to questions, Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker said, "The indisputable facts are there is an increase in both crime and the fear of crime.

"As city revenue decreased since 1999 [when voters started passing tax-reduction ballot initiatives] the police department lost over 20 percent staffing, seven police officers, four community service officers, one records clerk, and an animal control officer."

The Level I crime rate has increased over 25 percent. Level one crimes are murder, rape, arson, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft.

Baker affirmed that an appropriate level of police service is essential to the goal of keeping the city of Des Moines a safe and livable community. A city with a high crime rate is not where developers, businesses and families will buy or build.

"The Des Moines Police Department seeks to fully implement the approved police five-year strategic plan and to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our community," Baker concluded.

A proposed property tax levy lid lift to help restore the police department to its 1999 staffing levels is scheduled for a second reading at the Sept. 8 city council meeting.

If council members agree to place the Public Safety Levy Lid Lift on November's general election ballot and it wins voter approval, the city's property tax levy on a home with an assessed valuation of $250,000 will increase in 2006 to about 42 cents per $1,000 valuation or $105 a year - less than $8 a month.

That's dinner for two, a latte and muffin - or a safer city.

The key to success is in "listening" as past world leaders have said.

" No man ever listened himself out of a job," President Calvin Coolidge once observed.

Closing the summit, Mayor Sheckler urged, "Take ownership. The future of Des Moines is in this room today."

Could these leaders get that mule-type "economic development" program out of the starting gate and running like a thoroughbred?

My money's on 'em. They're listening.