A board of nine Commissioners governs DART, which as a tax-supported transit system is ultimately accountable to this region’s voters.

About

The volunteer Commissioners set policy and oversee DART’s budget, leaving the planning and day-to-day operations to DART staff. Two of the Commissioners are at-large representatives, appointed by the Polk County Supervisors. The seven remaining Commissioners represent specific regions, which largely mirror the seven state senate districts in Polk County; they are appointed by the mayors within that district and those appointments are approved by the City Councils within that district. Many of the Commissioners are elected officials within their district, although that is not a requirement of the position. Terms are four years.

Commission Members

Angela Connolly, Chair • At-Large

Bob Mahaffey, Vice Chair • Region 5 - Des Moines

Ted Boesen, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer • Region 6 - Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle

Skip Conkling • Region 1 - Altoona, Mitchellville, Runnells, Bondurant

Steve Brody • Region 2 - West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive

Christine Hensley • Region 3 - Des Moines

Tom Gayman  • Region 4 - Des Moines, Urbandale

Steve Van Oort • Region 7 - Ankeny, Elkhart, Alleman, Sheldahl, Polk City, Granger, Grimes, Johnston

Gaye Johnson • At-Large

Commission Meetings

The Commissioners meet monthly at DART’s office, 1100 DART Way. Meetings begin at 5 p.m. and are typically held on a Tuesday late in the month.

The meetings for 2012 are scheduled for February 1, February 28, March 27 (3:00 p.m. meeting), April 24, May 22, June 26, July 31, no commisssion meeting in August, September 25, October 23, November 27 and December 18.

Public Comments – Guidelines

Citizens are welcome to attend the board meetings and address the Commission. Some questions and concerns might more easily be addressed by staff, however, so citizens are invited to first call staff at 515-283-8100.

The Commission has established guidelines for making public comments to ensure that meetings are conducted efficiently. Citizens may address the Commission during the public comment period at the start of the meeting. Speakers will be limited to three minutes. In addition, the Chair may limit the total time allotted for public comments.

Citizens will also be given an opportunity to address the Commission during public hearings when they are held during regular meetings. Speakers are asked to limit their comments on the topic of the hearing; unrelated comments can be shared during the regular public comment period at the start of the meeting.

Citizens are kindly asked to limit their remarks to the times allotted for comment so the Commission can conduct business expediently.