Live
New to Town?
Q. I am moving to town. Who do I contact for water, garbage collections, gas, electric, cable, and telephone. How do I start utility service at my new address?
A. To obtain water and garbage collection services or when making a change from one address to another in the City of Van Meter, either visit City Hall at 310 Mill Street, submit the Utility Service Request Form or call (515) 996-2644. There is no deposit required.
MidAmerican Energy provides natural gas and electric services – call 1-888-427-5632 or visit MidAmerican New Service Request.
CenturyLink provides local telephone service – call 1-866-259-0937 or visit CenturyLink Home Phone Service Request.
There are several internet providers including Dallas County Data, CenturyLink Internet and Mediacom Internet .
Be sure to call the post office at (515) 996-2458 to notify them of your move to Van Meter.
Q. Where do I register my children for school?
A. Contact the Van Meter Community School District at (515) 996-2221. Visit their website www.vmbulldogs.com.
Q. What day is solid waste collection?
A. The city contracts with Waste Connections Inc to provide collection service. Residential trash pick up is every Monday. Residential recycling pick up is every other Monday.
You can request an additional trash cart for $10.00 a month and/or an additional recycling cart for $8.50 a month by emailing info@vanmeteria.gov.
Q. What are the payment options for my utility account?
A. Utility bills may be paid in person at City Hall during regular business hours. City Hall accepts the following payment methods: Cash, Debit Card, Credit Card, Check or Money Order.
There is a secured mail slot in the front door for after hour payment drop off.
Payments may be made through your online account portal. Please request additional information from info@vanmeteria.gov to set up online access.
Automatic ACH withdrawal is available by completing the ACH Authorization Form located at Applications and Forms. To set up ACH withdrawal, you will be required to provide a voided check, voided deposit slip or direct deposit verification from your bank to complete the set up.
Q. What can I recycle?
A. Check out Waste Connections Recycling Guide to see what you can and cannot recycle.
Q. When and where does the City Council meet?
A. The Van Meter City Council meets the second Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at the Van Meter United Methodist Church located at 100 S Hazel Street, Van Meter, IA 50261. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. On occasion the council schedules a special meeting. The public notice will be posted at least twenty-four hours prior to a meeting.
The Van Meter City Council holds a workshop session the fourth Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at the Van Meter United Methodist Church located at 100 S Hazel Street, Van Meter, IA 50261. The workshops start at 6:00pm.
Q. Where and when are agenda and minutes posted?
A. The agenda is posted at least twenty-four hours prior to a city council meeting. The agenda is posted at: city hall; library; and the post office lobby. Minutes are posted on the Agendas and Minutes page of the City website and the minutes are published within ten days in the Des Moines Register.
Q. Do you license cats or dogs?
A. The City does not require the licensing of pets. However, there are specific rules about # of pets, restrictions relating to livestock and other rules pertaining to animals and animal control in Chapter 55 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Van Meter.
The City of Van Meter does allow up to 6 chickens (no roosters) within city limits pursuant to Chapter 57 of the Code of Ordinances. Please reach out to City Hall at info@vanmeteria.gov to request additional information and to obtain the necessary registration information.
Q. Is a building permit requires when a garage or other accessory building is constructed?
A. Yes, please review the documentation provided at Building Information for more information.
Q. I want to plant a tree/plant a tree/install a fence (or dig a hole for about any reason). Should I contact anyone?
A. Yes. Contact Iowa One-Call at 1-800-292-8989 at least 48 hours in advance. They will schedule to locate all the power lines, cables, water and sewer lines. This call is free to the public.
Q. What are the hours of city hall? The library?
A. The city hall office is open from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Thursday and from 8:00am – 1:00pm on Friday.
Appointments are preferred to meet with the City Administrator or to discuss matters pertaining to the Van Meter Cemetery. Please submit your appointment request to info@vanmeteria.gov.
Please check the Library’s website for current hours (https://www.vanmeter.lib.ia.us/)
Q. How do I register to vote – and where to I vote?
A. Please visit Voter Registration Information or contact the Dallas County Auditor’s office at 515-993-4751 for details on voter registration. All elections are held at the Veterans Reception Center at 910 Main Street.
Building and Property Requirements
A. Building permits are generally needed for new construction, new additions, remodels, electrical work, HVAC work, new roof, new siding, sheds & other accessory structures, decks, water heaters, pools, solar installation and signs. Please visit Building Information for more information
A. The City of Van Meter does not require a fence permit. However, if you are installing a fence on a corner lot, it is recommended that you call the Building Inspectors at 515-850-2980 to ensure that the placement of fence does not impede traffic visibility. Depending on where the property is located, there may be covenants that dictate fence specifications.
Prior to digging any holes, you will want to ensure that you are aware of your lot lines and that you have contacted Iowa One Call for locate services.