Times/News Correspondent

On Sept. 25, according to charging papers filed in King County Superior Court, Raymond Moultrie - a door-to-door magazine salesman - knocked on a door in the Redondo area.

When the woman who lived there answered the door, Moultrie allegedly entered the residence and raped her.

Reacting to that crime, Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler discussed at the city council's Sept. 29 meeting measures that residents should take to protect themselves against solicitors.

"I was very, very disturbed by the report that I got regarding the rape that occurred in the area close to Redondo,' said Sheckler.

"So I thought it would be appropriate to bring something to the attention of the public, not that it would necessarily stop a person like [the accused], but so the public can be aware that the city has an ordinance regarding solicitors."

Sheckler explained there is a class one civil infraction that carries a $1,000 fine for solicitors who violate "No Solicitors' signs.

Residents may purchase two "No Solicitors" signs at City Hall, he noted.

"One of them is very small and can go right by your doorbell. I have one of those."

The other sign, generally posted in apartment buildings, is more vivid and goes into detail about the ordinance regarding solicitation.

The small sign costs $2.25; the large metal one is $10.25.

"I would recommend that everyone have one of these signs posted on or near their door," Sheckler stressed.

Violation of city law prohibiting solicitation where a "No Solicitors Allowed" sign is posted, even if a solicitor has a certificate of registration, is subject to the penalty. Solicitors legally can't even knock on a person's door when this sign posted, according to the ordinance.

"What I strongly recommend is that residents ask salesmen for their permits, and if they do not have one from the city, to turn them away immediately or call 9-1-1," Sheckler continued.

Des Moines Chief of Police Roger Baker noted the addition of a police sub station at Redondo would help the city address such public safety issues.

According to Baker, the Joshua Green Corporation, a property management group for Redondo Square, has "kept in contact with us periodically to check on the status to possibly locate a sub station at Redondo Square.

"They have offered to assist the city in opening a sub station."

The corporation recently notified Baker that the almost 2,000 square foot office space is still available and they offered to give the city that space at no cost for five years.

"They have [also] offered to make all the tentative improvements themselves," stated Baker. This would include modifications to the building, installation of office equipment and conversion of the facilities interior.

"The corporation is anxiously awaiting the city's response," he added.

Mayor Pro Tem Scott Thomasson noted that to staff this new sub station in Redondo, the proposed levy lid lift on November's ballot would need to be passed by voters.

The city "does have significant financial problems," said Thommason, who also explained that the city's anticipated revenues for this year are going to be significantly shorter from what the amended budget was.

However, during a presentation at the council meeting, Finance Director Paula Henderson pointed out how much revenue the city would gain if the levy lid lift were approved.

Henderson said that the city's levy rate is down to $1.16 and that an increase in assessed valuation would bring in more revenue.

"We should bring in approximately $1,032,970 for 2006," she stated, noting this revenue would be used exclusively for police services.