>> THIS MEETING, THE CEDAR RAPID CITY COUNCIL WILL COME TO ORDER.
[Call to Order]
[00:00:06]
WELCOME, EVERYBODY TO OUR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 25TH, 2024.ALL ARE HERE, MINUS MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL MEMBER ANN PO STILL RECOVERING FROM HER ACCIDENT SO WE CONTINUE TO SEND HER OUR BEST WISHES THERE.
I'D LIKE TO WELCOME OUR CITY MANAGER, OUR CITY CLERK, AND OUR CITY ATTORNEY, AND THANK YOU AS ALWAYS TO CITY STAFF FOR BEING AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR US BEFORE AND AFTER THE MEETING TODAY.
A REMINDER IS ALWAYS TO PLEASE TURN OFF ANY CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES THAT MIGHT DISTRACT FROM OUR PROCEEDINGS TODAY.
NOTE THAT ALL OF OUR MEETING AGENDAS, MINUTES, AND VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR CITY'S WEBSITE, AND REGULAR SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO WATCH LIVE VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
WE WILL BEGIN, AS WE ALWAYS DO WITH AN INVOCATION.
TODAY, PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPLAIN JIM COYLE WILL DO THAT FOR US, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER TO HAVE COMBINED VOICES TURNED INTO ONE.
I PRAY FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND THE DECISIONS THAT ARE GOING TO BE MADE HERE TODAY AND FORTHCOMING.
GOD, THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE LEADERSHIP THAT YOU HAVE BLESSED US WITH HERE IN CEDAR RAPIDS.
I PRAY THESE THINGS IN YOUR NAME.
AMEN. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE WILL BEGIN TODAY WITH
[Proclamations/Presentations]
A PRESENTATION ON OUR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING DATE.THIS IS AN UPDATE PROVIDED BY SARAH BUCK AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JENNIFER PRAT.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL.
SO GREAT TO BE HERE WITH AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF SOME OF THE PROJECTS AND THE EXCITING HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY.
AGAIN, JUST A QUICK REVIEW OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE ACT.
THE PURPOSE WAS TO ENABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG AND EQUITABLE ECONOMIC RECOVERY.
TWO AREAS OF FOCUS WERE SERVING LOW INCOME AND SOCIALLY VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES THAT EXPERIENCE THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC MORE SEVERELY, AS WELL AS INCREASING COMMUNITY RESILIENCY AND A NEW REALITY WITH ISSUES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE.
HERE AT THE CITY, WHEN WE WERE MADE AWARE THAT THESE FUNDS WOULD BE COMING, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE ALIGNING THEM WITH OUR LOCAL NEEDS.
A FEW WAYS THAT WE MADE SURE THAT WE KNEW WHAT THOSE LOCAL NEEDS WERE, ONE WAS THE WORK WE HAD ALREADY BEEN DOING WITH RAPID AFTER THE DURATION, AS WELL AS THE COORDINATED INTAKE THAT WE RECEIVED FROM WAYPOINT SERVICES.
WE ALSO DID A COMMUNITY IMPACT SURVEY WITH THE CITY, LYNN COUNTY AND UNITED WAY.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME WE HAD ALL JOINED TO DO THAT SURVEY SO WE HAD VERY NEW INFORMATION, AS WELL AS DOING OVER 1,000 DOOR TO DOOR SURVEYS IN LOW TO MODERATE INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS TO MAKE SURE WE UNDERSTOOD WHAT THOSE NEEDS WERE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.
AGAIN, THE CITY WAS AWARDED JUST OVER $28 MILLION.
WE FOCUSED ON FOUR FUNDING CATEGORIES.
WE HEARD A LOT AND WE KNEW THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAS A NUMBER ONE PRIORITY FOR THE CITY.
ALSO, SOCIAL SERVICES, BUSINESS, AND NON PROFITS THAT WERE IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC ECONOMIC IMPACT, AS WELL AS WEST SIDE FLOOD CONTROL.
AGAIN, A RESOURCE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING THAT SIDE OF THE RIVER DONE.
THROUGH THIS PROCESS, WE DID DO A JOINT COMPETITIVE AWARD WITH LYNN COUNTY.
THE CITY USED SIX MILLION DOLLARS TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO THOSE NON PROFITS THAT ARE DOING GREAT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY ALREADY THAT ALREADY HAVE PROGRAMS AND THINGS GOING ON THAT WE KNEW THEY COULD MAXIMIZE THOSE DOLLARS.
WE DID TWO ROUNDS OF FUNDING THROUGH THAT COMPETITIVE AWARD.
WITH THAT, I'LL TURN IT OVER TO SARAH.
>> NOW FOR SOME PROJECT UPDATES.
ALL AVAILABLE FUNDING HAS BEEN ALLOCATED, AND WE ENTER INTO SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE AGENCIES THAT WERE AWARDED THE FUNDING AND WHAT THOSE SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENTS REALLY LAYOUT AS THE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE TO BE FUNDED, THE BENEFICIARIES OF THAT FUNDING, AND THEN THEY PROVIDE QUARTERLY REPORTS TO THE CITY, AND THEN, IN TURN, WE PROVIDE THOSE QUARTERLY REPORTS TO US TREASURY.
ALL OF THE FUNDING MUST BE EXPENDED BY DECEMBER 31ST OF 2026.
TO GET INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TOTAL FUNDING ALLOCATED IS NEARLY $5.5 MILLION.
SO FAR TO DATE, THE DISPERSED FUNDING IS $4.6 MILLION.
[00:05:05]
TO GET INTO THE INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS AND HOUSING REHABILITATION THE PATCH PROGRAM, RECEIVED ONE MILLION DOLLARS.AGAIN, THIS WAS FUNDING THAT WAS LEVERAGING AN ADDITIONAL $3.4 MILLION IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING THAT CAME FROM LYNN COUNTY AND THROUGH UNITED WAY AND OTHER AGENCIES THAT PROVIDED FUNDING.
THE NFC ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM, EIGHT HOUSEHOLDS SERVED TO DATE, LEVERAGING AN ADDITIONAL $230,000 IN FUNDING.
MATTHEW 25, STRATEGIC GREEN REHABS, AND AGAIN, THEY'RE PROJECTED TO SERVE 10 HOUSEHOLDS, THEY'RE JUST GETTING THAT PROJECT UNDERWAY. NEW UNITS.
HAPPY TO SAY THAT WE HAVE AN ADDITIONAL 49 NEW UNITS IN THE COMMUNITY OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, SO JUST OVER A MILLION DOLLARS IN TOTAL ALLOCATION, BUT IT SHOWS THERE THE LISTING OF INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES THAT HAD RECEIVED THAT FUNDING, BUT AGAIN, JUST A HUGE NUMBER OF UNITS THAT HAVE BEEN INCREASED IN OUR COMMUNITY.
OF COURSE, THE HEIGHTS WITH 2.5 MILLION, AGAIN, LEVERAGING 4.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING SO BRINGING ON THOSE ADDITIONAL 25 UNITS INTO THE COMMUNITY, SIX FULLY ADA ACCESSIBLE UNITS, SERVING 60% AMI OVER A 15 YEAR TERM.
AGAIN, THAT'S THE AREA MEDIAN INCOME SO I'M REALLY JUST ABOVE THE SECTION 8 LIMITS, BUT UNDER WHAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY SEE FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING.
HACAP WAS SELECTED AS THE OWNER AND MANAGER AT THAT PROPERTY.
MANY OF YOU ATTENDED THE RIBBON CUTTING, SO I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT PROJECT.
TO GET INTO SOCIAL SERVICES, TOTAL FUNDING ALLOCATED NEARLY $11 MILLION.
TOTAL FUNDING DISPERSED TO DATE, 2.5 MILLION AND THE REASON FOR NOT SPENDING MORE BECAUSE A HUGE CHUNK OF THIS, AGAIN, IS THAT WESTSIDE LIBRARY OF SIX MILLION DOLLARS, SO THAT WILL BE COMING VERY SOON.
WILL BE SPENDING THAT FUNDING DOWN.
NON-PROFIT FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS, THIS IS JUST INCREASING CAPACITY FOR A LOT OF THEIR NONPROFIT AGENCIES.
FOR INSTANCE, HIS HANDS FREE CLINIC ADDED SOME ADDITIONAL DENTISTRY CHAIRS SO THAT THEY COULD SERVE ADDITIONAL PATIENTS.
THE ARK OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA HAD THEIR INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND THAT WAS INSTALLED AND SO JUST REALLY AGAIN ADDING CAPACITY TO THESE NON-PROFITS.
INCREASED FOOD ACCESS, SO 456,000.
HCAP FOOD RESERVOIR, FOR INSTANCE, DOUBLED THEIR FOOD CAPACITY BY INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR INTO THEIR AGENCY.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND HOMELESSNESS.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IS 174,000, SO MENTAL HEALTH TOOL KITS THAT WERE MADE AVAILABLE AND THEN THE MAKE IT OK CAMPAIGN THAT WAS HAPPENING.
THEN HOMELESSNESS, WE HAD THE NATIONALIZED AND HOMELESSNESS COME IN AND PROVIDE THAT DESIGN CLINIC LAST JUNE, AND THEN WILLIS DADY'S EMPLOYMENT HUB THAT PROVIDES DAILY EMPLOYMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE SEEKING JUST DAILY EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS DAY CENTER.
IMMIGRANT SERVICES, OVER 500,000 HERE.
FOR INSTANCE, THE KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES THAT WERE PROVIDED JUST TO REALLY HELP OUR IMMIGRANTS COMING INTO OUR COMMUNITY TO LEARN ENGLISH AS WELL AS SUSTAIN EMPLOYMENT SO A LOT OF ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMIGRANTS HERE.
THEN OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS, SUCH AS STAFFING FOR LGBTQ YOUTH CENTER.
SOCIAL SERVICES, THIS IS JUST THE COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES, SO A BROADER REACH OVER SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS.
AGAIN, THIS INCLUDES THAT WEST SIDE LIBRARY AND OPPORTUNITY PARK CONCEPT.
I KNOW THAT THE PLANNING PORTION OF THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND I BELIEVE GOES OUT FOR BID NEXT MONTH, SO THE VERY EXCITING OPPORTUNITY THERE.
THEN THE WAYPOINT SERVICES, KIDSPOINT CHILDCARE INCREASED CHILDCARE OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY, WHICH WE KNOW WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS VERY MUCH NEEDED DURING THE PANDEMIC AND CONTINUOUS.
AGAIN, THESE ARE THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAD A REDUCTION IN INCOME THAT COME FROM OUR HOTEL GRANTS, THE TAXES FROM THOSE AS WELL AS ANY OPERATIONAL GAPS.
EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS WERE SERVED WITH 515,000 DISBURSED SO FAR.
WORKFORCE INITIATIVES SUCH AS THE KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CEDAR RAPIDS COLLEGE CAREER CONNECTION.
WE HAVE 318 STUDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN ASSISTED TO DATE, AND OVER HALF OF THAT HAS BEEN DISBURSED TO DATE SO GOING VERY WELL.
CONTINUED WITH WORKFORCE INITIATIVES, TARGET INDUSTRY WORKFORCE STUDY.
THIS WAS COMPLETED IN JANUARY OF 2023, AND 581 OF OUR TARGET INDUSTRY JOBS HAVE BEEN RETAINED WITH 78 NEW JOBS CREATED. IT'S VERY EXCITING.
THE SKILL-UP CR PROGRAM IS A NEW PROGRAM THAT IS STILL UNDER DESIGN.
AGAIN, THAT'S A PARTNERSHIP WITH KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND ADDRESSES BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT, SUCH AS THOSE ENGLISH LEARNING CLASSES AND ANY TYPE OF SKILL UP IMPROVEMENT THAT IS NEEDED FOR PEOPLE TO GAIN EMPLOYMENT.
[00:10:04]
THEN THE WEST SIDE FLOOD CONTROL, 10 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED.ABOUT 30% OF THAT IS EXPENDED TO DATE, AND AGAIN, THOSE ARE THOSE TWO PROJECTS, THE Q AVENUE, NORTHWEST TO ELLIS PARK FLOOD CONTROL, AND THEN THE ELLIS BOULEVARD NORTHWEST RECONFIGURATION PROJECT.
I'LL TURN IT BACK OVER TO JENNIFER.
GREAT. AGAIN, JUST TO WRAP UP, ALL THE FUNDING IS ALLOCATED.
WE DO QUARTERLY REPORTING TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, AND IT REALLY DOES HELP US IN THE MONITORING.
AGAIN, HAVING SOME SUB-RECIPIENTS THAT ARE SUBMITTING QUARTERLY REPORTS BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL OF THESE FUNDS ARE EXPENDED BY DECEMBER 31ST OF 2026.
AGAIN, WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE REGULAR UPDATES TO CITY COUNCIL.
WITH THAT, I'LL TURN IT BACK TO THE MAYOR.
COUNCIL, ANY QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS FOR THE GROUP? IF NOT, COUNCIL MEMBER MYER.
>> THANKS FOR THE UPDATE. WHAT DOES THE LIBRARY ACTUALLY HAVE TO SPEND THE SIX MILLION DOLLARS ON, AND IS THERE ANY RISK THAT THAT WON'T BE SPENT IN THE NEXT YEAR AND A HALF?
>> A PORTION OF THAT WAS THE PLANNING PORTION, SO PAYING FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, AND THEN THE REMAINING PORTION WILL BE FOR THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PORTION OF THEIR OVERALL BUDGET, SO I DON'T BELIEVE THERE'S ANY FEAR THAT THEY'RE NOT GOING TO EXPEND THAT.
>> IT'S GREAT TO SEE SO MUCH OF THIS ALREADY ALLOCATED.
AS WE'RE HALFWAY THROUGH, I WAS REALLY PLEASED TO SEE EXCEPT FOR THE ONE OUTLIER WITH THE LIBRARY THAT THESE FUNDS ARE EXPENDED, AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A YEAR FROM NOW WHERE WE'RE SCRAMBLING TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE REALLOCATE THESE DOLLARS.
THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE, AND IT'S WONDERFUL TO SEE ALL THESE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
>> THANK YOU. THANKS SO MUCH BOTH OF YOU.
WE WILL NOW MOVE ON TO OUR PUBLIC HEARINGS.
I REMIND EVERYBODY WHO WISHES TO SPEAK TODAY OF A FEW MATTERS WHEN YOU DO ENSURE DURING THIS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
REMINDER TO REMAIN AT THE LECTERN.
IF YOU HAVE DOCUMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GIVE THEM TO THE OFFICER ON YOUR RIGHT, HE WILL MAKE SURE TO GET THEM TO US.
SECOND COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
YOU'LL SEE LIGHTS ON THE PODIUM, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS YELLOW, YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE AND WHEN IT TURNS RED, WE ASK YOU TO TAKE YOUR SEAT ONCE AGAIN.
THIRD, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL COMMENTS MUST BE DIRECTED TO THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AND THAT ABUSIVE, PERSONAL, LOUD, THREATENING IRRELEVANT COMMENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
FINALLY, WE DO NEED TO HOLD AN ORDERLY MEETING, SO ONCE AGAIN, WE ASK FOR NO INTERACTION FROM THE AUDIENCE IN TERMS OF APPLAUSE OR BOOING, OTHER NOISE OR CONDUCT THAT MAY DISTRACT FROM OUR PROCEEDINGS TODAY OUT OF RESPECT FOR EVERYBODY.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. DOES THE CLERK HAVE ANY WRITTEN COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS IN REGARD TO ANY OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON OUR AGENDA TODAY?
>> YOUR HONOR, THERE WERE NO WRITTEN COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS FILED. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE'LL GO ON TO ITEMS NUMBER 1 AND 2.
[1. A public hearing will be held to consider public comments regarding identification of community development needs, program funding for development of proposed activities, and specific budget allocations for the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs prior to adopting an Annual Action Plan for July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 (Sara Buck). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #CDBG-FY24]
ITEM NUMBER 1 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING IDENTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS, PROGRAM FUNDING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIFIC BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS PRIOR TO ADOPTING AN ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.SARAH BUCK IS HERE ONCE AGAIN.
AGAIN, WITH YOUR PERMISSION, WE'LL PUT BOTH OF THESE TOGETHER.
>> PERFECT. THE FIRST ONE IS ACTUALLY ON ITEM NUMBER 2, THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 23 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT.
HOPE CDA HAS PUT IN A CHANGE OF REQUEST.
THEIR ORIGINAL AWARD WAS FOR TWO HOUSING REHABILITATION PROJECTS, THEY ARE NOW PROPOSING ONE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROJECT AND ONE NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, AND THIS REQUIRES AN AMENDMENT TO OUR PLAN.
ON MARCH 14TH, 2024, OUR GRANTS AND PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REVIEWED THIS REQUEST AND THEN IS MAKING A RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL FOR COUNCIL, AND THIS HAS GONE OUT FOR A 30 DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AS WELL.
THEN ONTO OUR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 24, THIS IS ITEM NUMBER 1 ON YOUR AGENDA FOR ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FUNDING.
THIS IS THE FUNDING THAT WOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR JULY 1 OF 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30TH OF 2025.
WE RECEIVED JUST OVER A MILLION DOLLARS IN CDBG FUNDING, A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, AND THEN 353,000 FOR OUR HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
THEN WE HAVE $54,521 THAT IS COMING FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR FUNDING, WHERE WE HAD A COUPLE OF SUBRECIPIENTS ONE THAT RETURNED FUNDING AND ANOTHER ONE THAT DID NOT FULLY SPEND DOWN THEIR FUNDING, AND SO THAT THEN GETS PUSHED INTO THE NEXT CALENDAR YEAR, AND WILL BE RELOCATED.
THIS IS THE PROPOSED HOME BUDGET.
AS A REMINDER, THIS FUNDING NEEDS TO BE SPENT ON EITHER A NEW CONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, WORK TO HOMES OR ASSISTANCE FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.
THOSE ARE THE PROPOSED BUDGET NUMBERS AND THE AGENCIES AND THE ACTIVITIES.
THEN THE PROPOSED CDBG PUBLIC SERVICE BUDGET.
AGAIN, JUST AS A REMINDER, HODGE RESTRICTS US TO 15% OF OUR OVERALL ALLOCATION TO GO TO PUBLIC SERVICE, AND THESE ARE FUNDS THAT ARE USED TYPICALLY FOR CASE MANAGEMENT,
[00:15:02]
WAGES FOR STAFF, THOSE TYPES OF FUNDING.AGAIN, AGENCY IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET AND THE ACTIVITY.
>> THEN OUR PROPOSED CDBG NON-PUBLIC SERVICE BUDGET.
THIS IS THE REMAINDER OF THAT BUDGET.
THIS CANNOT BE USED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, ONLY HOUSING REHAB AND OTHER NON-PUBLIC SERVICE.
AGAIN, THE AGENCY ACTIVITY AND PROPOSED BUDGET.
THE TIMELINE TO DATE FEBRUARY 13TH WAS OUR FIRST REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING.
MARCH 7TH THROUGH MARCH 28TH, OUR GRANTS AND PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REVIEWED THE APPLICATIONS FROM OUR NONPROFIT AGENCIES.
MAY 7TH, WE HAD OUR FINAL ALLOCATIONS WERE RELEASED, SO THOSE DOLLARS THAT CAME IN THROUGH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
ON MAY 16TH, THE GRANTS AND PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MET AGAIN TO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS BECAUSE WE HAD SOME CHANGES IN THOSE NUMBERS.
THEN THE 30 DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD BEGAN ON MAY 25TH, AND WE'RE HERE TODAY FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION.
THIS PLAN IS THEN DUE TO HUD ON JULY 6TH.
HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
>> THANK YOU, SARAH. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON THIS MATTER? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
COUNCIL, COMMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION? SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY TODD.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
[2. A public hearing will be held to consider public comments regarding a change to a Hope Community Development Association project using HOME Investment Partnership Program funding, prior to amending the Annual Action Plan for July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 (Sara Buck). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #CDBG-FY23]
THIS IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING A CHANGE TO A HOPE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION PROJECT USING HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDING PRIOR TO AMENDING OUR ANNUAL ACTION PLAN JULY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2024.THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW, A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNSEL COMMENTS.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY VANORNY, SECONDED BY HOEGER.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COUNCIL.
ITEM NUMBER 3 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A CHANGE OF ZONE FOR PROPERTY AT
[3. A public hearing will be held to consider a change of zone for property at 7011 Harlan Eddy Drive SW from S-RLF, Suburban Residential Low Flex District, to S-RMF, Suburban Residential Medium Flex District, as requested by Watts Group Development Inc. (Seth Gunnerson). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #RZNE-000440-2024]
7011 HARLAN EDDY DRIVE SOUTHWEST FROM SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW FLEX DISTRICT TO SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM FLEX DISTRICT.THIS IS REQUESTED BY THE WATTS GROUP DEVELOPMENT INC. SETH GUNNERSON IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT THAT.
>> THANK YOU. SETH GUNNERSON, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR IN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
AS NOTED IN THE AGENDA ITEM, THE REQUEST IS A CHANGE OF LAND USE FROM THE SRLF, WHICH IS SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL LOW FLEX TO THE SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM FLEX ZONE DISTRICT.
THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THREE AND THREE-QUARTER ACRE PARCEL.
THE APPLICANT IS PROPOSING TO DEVELOP 12, 4, AND 3-UNIT TOWNHOMES ON THE PARCEL AND TO SUBDIVIDE TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL LOTS FOR EACH TOWNHOME.
THIS IS THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP SHOWING THAT THE LAND IN QUESTION IS URBAN MEDIUM INTENSITY.
HERE'S AN AERIAL SHOWING THE ZONING MAP.
THIS IS KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF YOUR SCREEN, C STREET SOUTHWEST ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY AT THE PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTED HERE OFF OF KIRKWOOD PARKWAY.
HERE'S A EXHIBIT SHOWING THE LOCATION TO BE REZONED AND AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE PARCEL.
THE REQUEST IS BEING MADE TO SUBDIVIDE THE PARCEL SO THAT EACH OF THE INDIVIDUAL UNITS IN THESE FOUR, THREE-BEDROOM TOWNHOMES ARE ON INDIVIDUAL LOTS BECAUSE THE LOT SIZE FOR THE INTERIOR UNITS OF SAY, THIS FOUR-PLEX ARE SMALLER THAN IT'S ALLOWED IN THE CURRENT ZONE DISTRICT.
THAT'S WHAT THE REZONING IS FOR.
HERE'S A SITE PLAN SHOWING THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT.
THESE TWO ROW HOMES AT THE EDGE ON ARTESA BELL DRIVE HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONSTRUCTED, AND THEN THEY WILL CONTINUE CONSTRUCTING ROW HOMES TO THE SOUTH.
HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF THE EXTERIOR SIMILAR TO WHAT HE SAW IN THE AERIAL.
IN TERMS OF REZONING CRITERIA, THE DISTRICT IS PERMITTED BY THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION.
CITY HAS NO CONCERNS WITH PUBLIC FACILITY SERVICES AND SUITABILITIES.
THIS IS MAINTAINING THE EXACT NUMBER OF UNITS THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR.
THE ZONE CHANGE IS JUST NECESSARY TO ALLOW THEM TO DO THE LOT SPLIT TO CREATE THE INDIVIDUAL LOTS.
THE REQUESTED DISTRICT PROVIDES SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER MATCH ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT.
STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST AS IT MEETS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
THERE WERE NO RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS.
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEWED THIS ON JUNE 6TH AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL PENDING TODAY'S PUBLIC HEARING.
A SECOND AND POTENTIAL THIRD READINGS OF THE ORDINANCE COULD OCCUR ON JULY 9TH.
[00:20:03]
WITH THAT, I'LL TURN IT BACK TO THE CHAIR.>> THANK YOU, SETH. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL COMMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION.
SEEING NONE, THE APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE ON ITS FIRST READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OVERLAND, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TYLER OLSON.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM NUMBER 4 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE DISPOSITION OF
[4. A public hearing will be held to consider the disposition of a vacant lot at 1016 3rd Avenue SW (Rob Davis). CIP/DID #PRD-034153-2023]
A VACANT LOT AT 1016 THIRD AVENUE, SOUTHWEST.ROB DAVIS IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT THAT, ROB. I'LL RECOGNIZE YOU.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL ROB DAVIS, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THIS PARCEL, AS SHOWN, IT'S HATCHED ON THE DRAWING HERE JUST OFF THIRD AVENUE, THAT TRIANGLE BETWEEN THIRD AND SECOND AVENUE, SOUTHWEST.
IT WAS ACQUIRED IN 2011 THROUGH THE VOLUNTARY PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRAM.
AFTER THAT, THE HOUSE THAT WAS ON THE LOT WAS DEMOLISHED.
YOU CAN SEE THE HOMES DIRECTLY TO THE LEFT OF THERE, THEY BARELY FIT ON THAT SHOE OR IN THAT POSTAGE STAMP SIZE LOT THERE.
WE'VE WORKED WITH THE CITY ASSESSOR, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND REALLY DETERMINED THAT THAT'S NOT REALLY A VIABLE LOT FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ANY LONGER.
WE DID PUT THAT OUT FOR DISPOSITION AND THE ADJOINING PROPERTY DIRECTLY TO THE NORTH, NORTH BEING UP, SUBMITTED A BID TO COMBINE THAT LOT WITH THAT ADJOINING PARCEL.
CONSIDERING IT'S NOT REALLY DEVELOPABLE, THE NEGOTIATED AMOUNT WE CAME UP WITH WAS $3,000 FOR THAT LOT.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS WE ACCEPT THAT OFFER.
>> THANK YOU, ROB. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD, COUNCIL.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY MAIER.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM NUMBER 5 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE DISPOSITION OF
[5. A public hearing will be held to consider the disposition of property at 1001 2nd Street SE (Jeff Wozencraft). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #PRD-000471-2024]
PROPERTY AT 1000 SECOND STREET, SOUTHEAST.JEFF WOZENCRAFT IS HERE ON THAT.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR JEFF WOZENCRAFT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
AS STATED, THIS IS A DISPOSITION FOR 1000 SECOND STREET, SOUTHEAST.
HERE'S AN AERIAL IMAGE OF THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION.
THIS IS 12TH AVENUE, SOUTHEAST RUNNING THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE IMAGE, AND THEN SECOND STREET, SOUTHEAST COMING FROM THE NORTHEAST OR NORTHWEST.
THEN NEWBO CITY MARKET HERE, AND WE HAVE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ACROSS 12TH AVENUE. A STREET VIEW.
THE AREA IS AROUND THREE ACRES CURRENTLY USED AS A PARKING LOT AS LOT 44.
IT IS ZONED URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL, WHICH ALLOWS FOR MIXED USE UP TO SIX STORIES, HAS ACCESS TO ALL CITY INFRASTRUCTURE.
THERE WILL BE SETBACKS THAT NEED TO BE MAINTAINED FROM OUR FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM AND IT IS LOCATED IN A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN, SO IT WILL NEED TO MEET OUR FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE.
THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A PROPOSAL FROM CONLON CONSTRUCTION TO CONSTRUCT A 150-ROOM HOTEL, WHICH ALIGNS WITH OUR CZECH VILLAGE NEW BOHEMIA AREA ACTION PLAN TO INCORPORATE A HOTEL INTO THE STUDY AREA.
THIS WOULD BE FROM 12TH AVENUE AND SECOND STREET LOOKING SOUTHWEST.
THIS WAS REVIEWED AT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ON MAY 15TH AND RECOMMENDED THERE.
THE PUBLIC HEARING IS TODAY TO OPEN THE PROCESS TO RECEIVE COMPETING PROPOSALS.
PROPOSALS WOULD BE DUE JULY 26TH, AND THEN WE'D HOPE TO BRING THIS BACK TO COUNCIL ON AUGUST 13TH FOR CONSIDERATION AND SELECTION AND THEN IN THE FALL TO NEGOTIATE A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
WITH THAT, STAFF WOULD RECOMMEND OPENING UP THE PROCESS, TO RECEIVE COMPETING PROPOSALS.
I'LL PASS IT BACK TO THE MAYOR FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU, JEFF. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING RATHER ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNSEL COMMENTS.
>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT AT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WHILE SHARING OUR EXCITEMENT WITH THIS, AND CERTAINLY, I'VE HEARD FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE SURROUNDING AREA ABOUT THE EXCITEMENT IS TALKING ABOUT THE PLAN FOR PARKING AND SEEING HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO BEST UTILIZE THE ROOFTOP SPACE.
ARE THERE ANY UPDATES WITH THAT?
>> THAT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH CONLON CONSTRUCTION,
[00:25:01]
AND THEY HAVE HEARD THAT.WE ARE VERY ACUTELY AWARE OF THE PARKING CONSIDERATIONS, AND WE'LL WORK THROUGH THAT AS A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND A PROPOSAL IS SELECTED.
BUT WE'RE STILL A LITTLE EARLY ON IN THE PROCESS.
>> ANYTHING ABOUT ROOFTOP UTILIZATION?
>> THAT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH THEM AS WELL, AND SO THEY ARE AWARE, AND I THINK WE'LL LOOK TO INCORPORATE THAT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
>> IRONICALLY, THE CITY DEVELOPED THAT FOR PARKING YEARS AGO.
THE PROPOSED USE OF IT, THE BUSINESS THAT WAS PROPOSED TO USE IT SHUT UP, CLOSED THEIR DOORS.
IT SAT THERE AND LANGUISHED FOR 30-PLUS YEARS.
IT'S AN APPROPRIATE USE AND THERE ARE OTHER PARKING NEEDS IN NEWBO THAT I KNOW THAT STAFF IS WORKING ON.
SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS AND BEST LUCK TO EVERYBODY.
>> APPRECIATE THAT CONTEXT, COUNCIL MEMBER TODD. ANYONE ELSE? I WOULD ALSO JUST LIKE TO ADD THAT I ALWAYS FIND IT A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE.
NO ONE LIKES ISSUES WITH PARKING, BUT IT REALLY IS A SIGNAL OF A VIBRANT AND GROWING COMMUNITY.
I KNOW THE CITY IS ACTIVELY WORKING, AS YOU MENTIONED, ALONGSIDE CONLIN TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO TAKE CARE OF NOT JUST OUR RESIDENTS IN THAT AREA, BUT CERTAINLY THE GUESTS THAT WE HOPE WILL STAY AT THE HOTEL.
WE APPRECIATE YOU KEEPING US POSTED ON THAT.
IF THERE ARE NO OTHER FURTHER QUESTIONS FROM THIS GROUP, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY VANORNY, SECONDED BY TODD.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM NUMBER 6 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR
[6. A public hearing will be held consider the Urban Renewal Plan for the proposed Pinnacle Urban Renewal Area generally located along Wright Brothers Boulevard SW and the collection of tax increments within the area (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0092-2024]
THE PROPOSED PINNACLE URBAN RENEWAL AREA GENERALLY LOCATED ALONG WRIGHT BROTHERS BOULEVARD, SOUTHWEST, AND THE COLLECTION OF TAX INCREMENTS WITHIN THAT AREA.SCOTT MATHER IS HERE TO ADDRESS THAT, AND SCOTT, I'LL RECOGNIZE YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. SCOTT MATHER WITH THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE.
AS STATED, WE'RE HERE TODAY TO CONSIDER THE CREATION OF THE PINNACLE URBAN RENEWAL AREA.
APRIL 23RD, CITY COUNCIL APPROVED A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR STANDARD INCENTIVES FOR THE AIRPORT COMMERCIAL PARK PROJECT.
ON MAY 14TH, A RESOLUTION INITIATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE URBAN RENEWAL AREA IN TIF DISTRICT.
ON MAY 24, CONSULTATION WAS HELD WITH AFFECTED TAXING ENTITIES WITH NO COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS.
THEN ON JUNE 6TH, THIS WENT BEFORE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, WHICH WAS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED.
TODAY, WE'RE HERE TO HOLD THE PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER RESOLUTION AND FIRST ORDINANCE READING.
HERE IS THE MAP OF THE PROPOSED URBAN RENEWAL AREA, WHICH IS ALONG WRIGHT BROTHERS AND TO THE WEST OF THE I-380 INTERCHANGE.
WITH THAT, I'LL RETURN IT BACK TO YOU, MAYOR. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL COMMENTS OR CONSIDERATION.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TYLER OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OVERLAND.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
BEFORE WE VOTE ON THE ORDINANCE FOR THIS ITEM, DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? WE'RE MOVING ON TO THE ORDINANCE NOW.
SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THE APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE ON ITS FIRST READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TODD.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM NUMBER 7 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
[7. A public hearing will be held to consider the Urban Renewal Plan for the proposed Wilson Urban Renewal Area at 1265 Wilson Avenue SW and the collection of tax increments within the area (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0091-2024]
THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR THE PROPOSED WILSON URBAN RENEWAL AREA, WHICH IS AT 1265 WILSON AVENUE, SOUTHWEST, AND THE COLLECTION OF TAX INCREMENTS WITHIN THIS AREA.SCOTT, I'LL RECOGNIZE YOU ONCE AGAIN.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THIS URBAN RENEWAL AREA.
APRIL 23RD, CITY COUNCIL APPROVED RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR STANDARD INCENTIVES FOR THE CORRIDOR NETWORK CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
ON MAY 14TH, THERE WAS A RESOLUTION INITIATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE URBAN RENEWAL AREA IN TIF DISTRICT.
MAY 24TH, CONSULTATION WAS HELD WITH AFFECTED TAXING ENTITIES WITH NO COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS.
ON JUNE 6TH, THIS CAME BEFORE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, AGAIN, UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION.
TODAY, WE'RE HERE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER RESOLUTION AND FIRST ORDINANCE READING.
HERE IS A MAP OF THE PROPOSED URBAN RENEWAL AREA LOCATION RIGHT ALONG WILSON AVENUE WITH LYNN COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES JUST TO THE SOUTH.
WITH THAT, I RETURN IT BACK TO YOU, MAYOR. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SCOTT. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING ON
[00:30:02]
THIS MATTER HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL COMMENTS.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TYLER OLSON.
>> THIS MOTION CARRIES. BEFORE WE VOTE ON THE ORDINANCE FOR THIS ITEM, DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? SEEING NONE, THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE ON ITS FIRST READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY VANORNY.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO.
THIS MOTION CARRIES. ITEM NUMBER 8 IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
[8. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed Amendment No. 2 to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Central Consolidated Urban Renewal Area (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0089-2023]
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR THE CENTRAL CONSOLIDATED URBAN RENEWAL AREA.>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. I WOULD REQUEST TO COMBINE ITEMS 8 AND 9 AS ARE RELATED.
>> ON MAY 14TH, COUNCIL AUTHORIZED A TERM SHEET WITH ASPECT LC FOR A MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT 329 SECOND AVENUE, SOUTHEAST.
AS SUCH, URBAN RENEWAL AREA PLANS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UPDATED TO REFLECT SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ANY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE.
ON JUNE 10TH, CONSULTATION WITH TAXING AGENCIES OCCURRED WITH NO COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS.
TODAY, WE'RE HERE TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE URBAN RENEWAL AMENDMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TERMS INCLUDE A $5.6 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR THE MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL SPACE, A MAIN FLOOR COMMERCIAL WITH SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR 13 APARTMENTS IN TOTAL WITH A MIX OF STUDIO ONE AND TWO BEDROOM.
THE EXTERIOR WILL MAINTAIN THE HISTORICAL FEATURES AND ARCHITECTURAL AS REQUIRED BY STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE.
CONSTRUCTION IS PLANNED TO BEGIN HERE IN JULY 2024 AND COMPLETE BY JULY 1, 2025.
THE CITY IS TO PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT OF 100% OF THE TAX INCREMENT, EITHER UP TO 350,000 NET PRESENT VALUE OR 20 CONSECUTIVE ANNUAL PAYMENTS.
A COUPLE OF SLIDES SHOWING THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE.
THIS IS THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING WITH SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WINDOWS AND ENTRYWAY.
THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING WITH SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO WINDOWS AND SOME OF THE PANELING.
THEN THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING IS TO HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL WINDOWS INSTALLED.
I'M SORRY, THIS IS THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
AN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO PART OF THIS PLAN FOR A ROUNDABOUT AT THE INTERSECTION OF EIGHTH AVENUE, 10TH STREET, AND MOUNT VERNON ROAD.
THAT'S THE LOCATION THERE WITH THE STAR.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO THE CENTRAL CONSOLIDATED URBAN RENEWAL AREA AND APPROVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
WITH THAT, I'LL RETURN IT BACK TO YOU MAYOR. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SCOTT. THIS IS A TIME IN A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL?
>> LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL COMMENTS OR CONSIDERATION.
SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY MAIER.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
[9. A public hearing will be held to consider a Development Agreement with Aspect Investments, LC for a mixed-use redevelopment project at 329 2nd Avenue SE (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0084-2023]
THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM NUMBER 9 HAS HAPPENED WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD. COUNCIL COMMENTS? SEE NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TYLER OLSON, SECONDED BY VANORNY.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
[10. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed Amendment No. 7 to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Consolidated I-380 Corridor Urban Renewal Area (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0070-2022]
THIS IS A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT NUMBER 7 TO THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR THE CONSOLIDATED I-380 CORRIDOR URBAN RENEWAL AREA, AND SCOTT, I SEE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO COMBINE, 10 AND 11?>> THANK YOU. ON MAY 14TH, COUNCIL AUTHORIZED STANDARD CITY INCENTIVES WITH WILLIAMS SYNERGY GROUP, LLC FOR A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT ALONG 6TH STREET SOUTHWEST.
AS SUCH, URBAN RENEWAL AREA PLANS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UPDATED TO REFLECT SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
JUNE 10TH, CONSULTATION WITH TAXING AGENCIES OCCURRED WITH NO COMMENTS OR OBJECTIONS.
TODAY, WE'RE HERE TO CONSIDER THE URBAN RENEWAL AMENDMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TERMS INCLUDE AN $8.5 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ONE BEING 60,000 SQUARE FEET, AND ONE BEING 20,000 SQUARE FEET.
CONSTRUCTION IS TO COMMENCE IN JULY OF 2024, COMPLETE BY JULY OF 2025.
THIS COMES WITH A 10-YEAR 50% REBATE OF INCREASED TAXES OF WHICH AN ESTIMATED THREE MILLION WILL BE GENERATED AND ONE MILLION TO BE REBATED BACK.
HERE IS A MAP OF THE PROJECT LOCATION ALONG 6TH STREET,
[00:35:03]
AND A COUPLE OF RENDERINGS REGARDING THE TWO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.RECOMMENDATIONS TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT NUMBER 7 TO THE CONSOLIDATED I-380 URBAN RENEWAL AREA AND TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
WITH THAT, I'LL RETURN IT BACK TO YOU, MAYOR. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SCOTT. THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD.
THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL COMMENTS.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OVERLAND, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HOEGER.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
[11. A public hearing will be held to consider a Development Agreement with Williams Synergy Group LLC for a redevelopment project at 9900-10000 6th Street SW (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #TIF-0098-2024]
THIS IS THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR WILLIAMS SYNERGY GROUP.THIS IS A TIME AND A PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.
DOES ANYONE HERE WISH TO ADDRESS COUNCIL? LET THE RECORD SHOW A PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN HELD WITH NO OBJECTIONS FOR THE RECORD THAT BRINGS US TO COUNCIL.
SEEING NONE, THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY OVERLAND.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
THANK YOU. HERE IN THE CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS,
[PUBLIC COMMENT]
WE HAVE TWO PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS.THE FIRST IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON ANY SUBJECT PERTAINING TO COUNCIL ACTION THAT IS SLATED FOR TODAY.
A SECOND PUBLIC INPUT PERIOD WILL COME LATER AT THE END OF THE MEETING FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK ABOUT ISSUES THAT ARE GERMANE TO THE CITY, BUT MAY NOT NECESSARILY APPEAR ON OUR AGENDA TODAY.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY STAFF, AS YOU MENTIONED EARLIER, MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE.
NOW WE CAN STAY AFTER THE MEETING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
AT THIS TIME HERE AS A COUNCIL, WE ARE HERE TO LISTEN TO YOU.
REMEMBER THAT ALL THE MATTERS I ADDRESSED EARLIER IN THIS MEETING DO APPLY TO THIS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AS WELL.
[INAUDIBLE] TO SAY AT THE LECTERN, THE LIGHT TURNS YELLOW, YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE, TURNS RED, WE ASK YOU TO BE SEATED.
COMMENTS ARE LIMITED BY THE WAY TO FIVE MINUTES.
ALL COMMENTS NEED TO BE DIRECTED TO THE MATTER THAT YOU WISH TO ADDRESS AND ABUSIVE PERSONAL IRRELEVANT COMMENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AND NO PARTICIPATION FROM THE AUDIENCE.
IF YOU'VE SIGN UP TO SPEAK, WE ASK YOU TO APPROACH THE MICROPHONE WHEN CALLED UPON.
TODAY, IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE ONE PERSON SLATED FOR THIS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, AND THAT IS KATHY POTTS HERE TO SPEAK ON INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY CODE.
IS IT MAINTENANCE CODE? YOU'LL HAVE TO CORRECT ME, KATHY WHEN YOU GET THERE.
>> INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE.
>> INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE. THANK YOU.
IT SAYS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE A COUPLE OF CHANGES AND ACCEPT THIS AS THE CODE THAT WILL RUN THE CITY.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS IN THIS CODE IS IN SECTION 302.3 THAT'S TALKING ABOUT SIDEWALKS AND DRIVEWAYS, AND 302.4 THAT'S TALKING ABOUT WEEDS.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD NOW, THERE ARE WEEDS THAT ARE FIVE FEET TALL.
IT'S A THISTLE THAT'S ON 1ST STREET SOUTHWEST.
THE DRIVEWAY NEXT DOOR TO US, THERE ARE FOUR RENTAL PROPERTIES AROUND US, AND THEY ARE ALL LOOKING HORRIBLE.
I THINK I ADDRESSED THE WEED SOME PICTURES LAST AUGUST WHEN I WAS HERE.
IT'S JUST GOTTEN WORSE, BROKEN DOWN VEHICLES.
BUT IF YOU'RE GOING TO ACCEPT THIS CODE, I'M JUST ASKING, PLEASE ENFORCE IT.
IT WON'T DO US ANY GOOD FOR YOU TO ACCEPT A CODE IN A BOOK AND NONE OF IT BE ENFORCED.
IT'S IMPORTANT AS A MEMBER THAT TRIES TO PRESENT THE BEST WE CAN AS CITIZENS WITH OUR HOME, THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT COMFORTABLE.
WHEN I'M STANDING AT MY KITCHEN WINDOW, I SEE TWO RENTAL PROPERTIES AND THEY'RE BOTH IN HORRIBLE CONDITION.
THE INSIDES MAY BE GOOD, AND THE SAD THING IS, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE HOMES PASSED INSPECTION.
I'M JUST ASKING, PLEASE ENFORCE THE CODE.
LET'S ACTUALLY USE IT AND NOT JUST SAY, HEY, WE GOT IT, IT'S ON THE BOOKS.
BUT I'M JUST ASKING YOU, PLEASE ENFORCE IT.
THERE SEEMS TO BE NO LIMIT ON HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR WHEN IT SNOWS OR SLEETS THAT WE HAVE TO CLEAN UP OUR DRIVEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS.
BUT THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A TIMELINE ON HOW THIS IS.
YOU CANNOT GET A STROLLER OR A WHEELCHAIR DOWN ON PATHS OF THE FOUR CORNERS WHERE 12TH AVENUE AND 1ST STREET MEET.
YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT BECAUSE OF THE WEEDS.
ONCE AGAIN, THESE ARE NOT HOMEOWNERS THAT MAYBE FACING DIFFICULT TIMES,
[00:40:02]
MAY BE GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION, DIVORCES, ALL KINDS OF STUFF. THAT'S DIFFERENT.THESE ARE RENTAL PROPERTIES WHERE SOMEBODY HAS COME TO YOU AND SAID, I WANT TO HAVE A BUSINESS HERE, AND I WILL FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES AND THEY'RE NOT BEING FOLLOWED.
ANYWAY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, I APPRECIATE AND THAT'S THE COMMENTS I HAVE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, KATHY. THIS CLOSES OUT OUR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.
CITY MANAGER POMERANZ, DO YOU HAVE ANY CHANGES TO THE AGENDA?
[MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA]
>> ONE ITEM, YOUR HONOR. I'D LIKE TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO TAKE UP THE CITY MANAGER'S COMMUNICATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
THE FIRE CHIEF WILL PROVIDE A BRIEF AND SHORT PRESENTATION ON THE STATUS OF THE RIVER FLOOD LEVELS IN THE CITY.
>> ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
DO ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS NEED TO RECUSE THEMSELVES ON ANY AGENDA ITEMS OR MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE AGENDA? THAT BRINGS US TO A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
THE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA HAS BEEN MOVED BY OVERLAND, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TYLER OLSON.
THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COUNCIL.
WE WILL, AS THE CITY MANAGER DIRECTED,
[CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS]
LISTEN TO CHIEF SMITH.CHIEF, I APPRECIATE YOUR WILLINGNESS IN AN OVERABUNDANCE OF CAUTION AND TO OVERCOMMUNICATE WITH OUR CITY REGARDING FLOOD LEVELS, WHERE OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO OUR FRIENDS UP IN THE NORTHWEST.
WE'VE BEEN THERE. I KNOW WE'RE ALL AT THE READY FOR HOWEVER WE CAN HELP.
BUT THANK YOU FOR COMMUNICATING RIGHT NOW WITH OUR CITIZENS.
GREG SMITH, FIRE CHIEF, AND I'M JUST HERE TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON WHAT OUR FORECASTED FLOODING POTENTIAL IS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND OVER THE WEEKEND.
WE STARTED LOOKING REALLY AT THE RIVER LEVELS OR THE FORECASTED LEVELS AND BY WE, I MEAN, PUBLIC WORKS, UTILITIES, FIRE, AND ANYBODY WHO MIGHT BE INVOLVED IN RESPONDING TO THIS OVER THE WEEKEND.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL WERE LOOKING AT THAT, BUT AT ONE POINT THEY WERE FORECASTING THURSDAY TO BE AT ABOUT 16.7 FEET.
THAT DROPPED, I BELIEVE IT WAS YESTERDAY DOWN TO ABOUT 13.2 FEET.
THEN HERE TODAY AT AROUND NOON OR SO, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PUT OUT ANOTHER PREDICTION.
RIGHT NOW THEY ARE FORECASTING A PREDICTION OF 14.5 FEET SOMETIME OVERNIGHT, FRIDAY NIGHT.
CURRENT RIVER LEVEL, EXCUSE ME, IS 7.65 FEET.
AGAIN, LIKE I MENTIONED, THE PROJECTED CREST IS AT ABOUT 14.5 FEET, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE SEVERAL ACTIONS BY PUBLIC WORKS AND PUTTING PROTECTIONS INTO PLACE.
RIGHT NOW, PUBLIC WORKS ARE CURRENTLY PROTECTED OR IN THE PROCESS OF PROTECTING FOR THE WATER TO REACH A FLOOD STAGE OF 15 FEET.
PUMPS AND PLUGS FOR STREETS ARE PLACED OR WILL BE BY THE TIME THAT THEY ARE NEEDED WITH THE FLOOD PROJECTION.
AT THIS POINT, THERE ARE NO FORECASTS FOR SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF PROPERTY OR LOSS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT THIS CURRENT LEVEL.
A COUPLE OF THE EXPECTED IMPACTS ARE ROAD CLOSURES ON OTIS AND ELLIS ROADS ARE LIKELY, AND AGAIN, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS NEEDED.
WE CLOSE THE BOAT RAMPS WITHIN THE CITY AT 13 FEET.
AT THIS POINT RIGHT NOW, WITH THE PROJECTIONS, WE WOULD PROBABLY LOOK AT CLOSING BOAT RAMPS SOMEWHERE AROUND 8:00 AM FRIDAY MORNING AND THEN RELEASE THEM OR OPEN THEM BACK UP APPROXIMATELY 1:00 PM ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON IF THE PROJECTIONS HOLD.
THE REASON THAT WE DO THIS IS JUST TO PROTECT BOATERS AND RECREATION ON THE RIVER BECAUSE ONCE WE GET TO THAT LEVEL, WE GET SOME PRETTY RAPID FLOW ON THE RIVER, AND IT'S DANGEROUS FOR ANYBODY TO BE OPERATING ON THE RIVER AT THAT POINT.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THAT, JUST TO NOTE, ALSO, WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE FREEDOM FESTIVAL STAFF AND GIVEN THEM NOTICE THAT WE WILL BE MONITORING THAT AND CLOSING THE BOAT RAMPS WHEN IT REACHES 13 FEET.
I KNOW THAT THEY'RE WATCHING THE RIVER LEVELS FOR THEIR PLANS FOR THOSE FESTIVITIES OVER THE WEEKEND AS WELL.
JUST ANOTHER NOTE, AS WELL, CERTAINLY, AS YOU ALL KNOW, A LOT OF PERMANENT FLOOD PROTECTION HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, AND THAT IS CERTAINLY IMPROVING THE RESPONSE TO THESE POTENTIAL FLOOD EVENTS.
I KNOW THAT PUBLIC WORKS WHILE THEY STILL ARE SCRAMBLING, AND THEY'RE STILL PUTTING A LOT OF WORK AND EFFORT INTO IT, THAT CERTAINLY HELPS HAVING THE PERMANENT FLOOD PROTECTION.
IT'S REDUCING THE VULNERABLE PARTS OF THE FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM.
ALONG WITH THAT, AS I INDICATED WITH SOME OF THE FLUCTUATIONS, WE DO EXPECT THESE FORECASTED LEVELS TO CONTINUE TO FLUCTUATE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, DEPENDING ON THE RAIN THAT WE'RE GETTING,
[00:45:01]
DEPENDING ON HOW FAR NORTH AND AT WHAT POINT IN THE RIVER VALLEY THAT IT IS.WE'RE CONSTANTLY MONITORING THAT.
MOST OF THESE FORECASTED LEVELS INCLUDE WHAT IS FORECASTED IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
AGAIN, THEY CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY, AND WE ARE CERTAINLY DILIGENT AND ESSENTIALLY HAVE STAFF MONITORING THOSE FORECASTS 24 HOURS A DAY READY TO RESPOND AS NEEDED.
ONE FINAL NOTE AND THEN I'LL TAKE ANY QUESTIONS IS THAT OUR ACTIVATION LEVEL FOR THE CITY'S INCIDENT COMMAND POST IS 18 FEET FORECASTED RIVER LEVEL.
THAT'S WHERE THE WORK AND THE EFFORT TO PUT THE FLOOD PROTECTION IN PLACE STARTS TO PUT ENOUGH OF A STRAIN ON THE SYSTEM THAT WE KNOW THAT WE ARE GOING TO NEED POTENTIAL ASSISTANCE FROM EITHER PRIVATE CONTRACTORS, MUTUAL AID PARTNERS OR POTENTIALLY THE STATE.
THAT'S WHEN WE WOULD ESTABLISH THE INCIDENT COMMAND POST IF WE'RE LOOKING AT GOING OVER A PROJECTED FLOOD CREST ANYWHERE OVER 18 FEET.
WITH THAT, I WOULD TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> BEFORE I OPEN UP TO COUNCIL QUESTIONS, CHIEF, DID I UNDERSTAND THAT OUR FRIENDS IN THE HARBOR WERE ALSO NOTIFIED, THOSE BOATS?
>> WHEN YOU NOTIFY ANYBODY THAT HAS A SLIP OR ANYTHING.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE WERE EXPECTING SOME BAD STORMS ON SATURDAY AND THEY NEVER MATERIALIZE THANKFULLY.
THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT OUR FRIENDS UP NORTH DIDN'T THAT WOULD IMPACT OUR FLOOD LEVELS.
BUT WHERE CAN PEOPLE TURN TO TO HAVE THE BEST SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR INFORMATION FOR CEDAR RAPIDS?
>> WELL, I DO KNOW THAT THROUGH THE CEDAR RAPIDS APP OR CR AT WORK, YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS ON THE APPLICATION.
IN FACT, I RECEIVED ONE AT SOMEWHERE AROUND 12:40 TODAY ABOUT THE FLOOD COMING UP, THE FLOOD FORECAST, SO I WOULD SAY CONTINUE TO LOOK.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO SIGN UP FOR THAT NOTIFICATION, AND THEN JUST LOOKING AT AND PAYING ATTENTION TO CITY'S WEBSITE, WE CONTINUE TO UPDATE THINGS, PAY ATTENTION TO FORECASTS.
WITH ANYTHING AND WITH ANY POTENTIAL, OBVIOUSLY, THE CITY HAS OUR PACKED PROGRAM, AND THERE'S INFORMATION ON THAT SITE, IF WE WOULD HAVE TO ESTABLISH NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTERS.
BUT I WOULD JUST SAY, PAY ATTENTION TO FORECASTS, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, ANYBODY CAN GO ONLINE AND LOOK AT THE FLOOD FORECASTING AT, JUST GOOGLE CEDAR RIVER LEVEL AT CEDAR RAPIDS, AND I THINK IT'S YOUR TOP ONE THAT YOU CHOOSE, AND THAT WILL SHOW YOU WHAT THE FORECASTED LEVELS ARE.
I WILL JUST SAY THAT THOSE DO CHANGE.
I THINK OFFICIALLY, THEY CHANGE BETWEEN 11 AND 12 EACH DAY, BUT THEY DO UPDATE THEM SOMETIMES MORE FREQUENTLY THAN THAT.
>> THANK YOU. JUST AGAIN, TO REITERATE OUR THANKS FOR OVER COMMUNICATING AT THIS POINT BECAUSE WE ALL ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON THOSE LEVELS.
IT IS A CHALLENGE FOR US TO FIND WAYS TO REACH ALL CITIZENS.
EVERYONE HAS A SMARTPHONE, OR USES AN APP, OR EVEN HAS A COMPUTER.
WE DO RELY ON OUR NEWS FRIENDS AT THE LOCAL NEWS STATIONS THAT ARE ALSO IN CONTACT WITH OUR COMMUNICATIONS FOLKS, SO JUST ENCOURAGE, IT'S JUST ONE MORE WAY TO GET THAT INFORMATION OUT. CHIEF, THANK YOU.
>> THAT WILL BRING US NOW TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA.
[CONSENT AGENDA]
THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA HAS BEEN MOVED BY OVERLAND, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TYLER OLSON.>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL. ON TO OUR REGULAR AGENDA.
[28. Report on bids for the FY24 Sanitary Sewer Lining project (estimated cost is $1,560,000) (Ben Worrell). CIP/DID #655999-12]
WE BEGIN WITH ITEM NUMBER 28, WHICH IS A REPORT ON BIDS FOR THE FY24 SANITARY SEWER LINING PROJECT.THIS HAS AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1,000,560.
BEN MORRELL IS HERE. BEN, I'LL RECOGNIZE YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. AS DISCUSSED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, THIS PROJECT IS TO REHABILITATE DETERIORATED SEWERS, AND IT'S DONE WITH A LINING PROCESS THAT'S CHEAPER THAN FULL REPLACEMENT.
LARGE PACKAGE THIS YEAR OF OVER 29,000 FEET OF PIPING.
HERE'S A MAP OF THE LOCATIONS AROUND THE CITY.
THIS PROJECT BID ON JUNE 19TH, WE RECEIVED FIVE BIDS.
THE BIDS RANGED FROM $1,673,289.25 TO $2,104,302.00.
LOW BIDDER WAS VISU-SEWER, INC. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, BEN. COUNCIL, QUESTIONS? SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS,
[00:50:02]
THE ADOPT TO THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY MAIER, SECONDED BY OVERLAND.>> THOSE OPPOSE SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
[29. Report on bids for the Kennedy High School Curb Ramp Repairs project (estimated cost is $380,000) (Ben Worrell). (Council Priority) CIP/DID #3016016-26]
ITEM NUMBER 29 IS A REPORT ON BIDS FOR THE KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL CURB RAMP REPAIRS PROJECT.THIS HAS AN ESTIMATED COST OF $380,000.
BEN, I'LL RECOGNIZE YOU AGAIN.
>> THANK YOU. THIS PROJECT WAS INITIATED FROM CITIZEN CONCERNS THAT WE RECEIVED, AND THE PROJECT IS TO REPLACE DETERIORATED AND/OR NON-COMPLIANT CURB RAMPS IN THE AREA OF KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL.
RAMPS WILL BE UPGRADED TO CURRENT ADA STANDARDS.
CONSTRUCTION HAS BROKEN OUT INTO TWO PHASES, WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEING COMPLETE BEFORE THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
THAT'S THE RAMPS THAT ARE ALONG WENIG ROAD ON THE EAST SIDE OF KENNEDY.
HERE'S A PROJECT AREA SHOWING ALL OF THE EXPANSION OF THE CURB RAMPS.
THE LOW BIDDER WAS MIDWEST CONCRETE INC. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, BEN. COUNCIL, ANY QUESTIONS? COUNCILMEMBER MAIER.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. [NOISE] EXCUSE ME. QUESTION FOR YOU.
YOU MENTIONED THAT THIS PROJECT WAS INITIATED BASED ON SOME FEEDBACK FROM RESIDENTS THAT HAD CONCERNED ABOUT THE CURBS.
I'VE HAD PEOPLE REACH OUT TO ME ABOUT SIMILAR CONCERNS, BUT WHAT'S THE BEST WAY FOR THEM TO CONTACT THE CITY OR COMMUNICATE TO THE CITY REGARDING SOME POTENTIAL ISSUES OR IMPROVEMENTS THAT MAY BE NEEDED WITH INFRASTRUCTURE? THANK YOU.
>> THE MY CR APP IS A GOOD PLACE TO GO.
THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR, THERE WAS A REPORT OF A CHILD IN A WHEELCHAIR STRUGGLING TO GET ACROSS THE RAMPS, AND SO WE LOOKED AT NOT JUST THAT LOCATION, BUT THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND DID A LARGER PROJECT THERE, BUT YEAH, PLEASE SUBMIT COMMENTS.
>> LET ME AD ALSO FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE APP, THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE IS USUALLY A GOOD STARTING POINT TOO.
ALWAYS THAT'S AVAILABLE, AGAIN, ONLINE OR WE CAN JUST, AGAIN, CALL CITY HALL. ANYONE ELSE?
>> SEE NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TYLER OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OVERLAND.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM NUMBER 30 IS A REPORT ON BIDS FOR
[30. Report on bids for the Big Cedar Industrial Center Water Main Extension (Phase 1) Edgewood Road SW to Old Bridge Road SW project (estimated cost is $5,000,000) (Cheyanne Wiegenstein). CIP/DID #6250122-01]
THE BIG CEDAR INDUSTRIAL CENTER WATER MAIN EXTENSION, PHASE 1, EDGEWOOD ROAD, SOUTHWEST OLD BRIDGE ROAD SOUTHWEST PROJECT.THIS HAS AN ESTIMATED COST OF $5,000,000.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
CHEYANNE WIEGENSTEIN, WITH THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.
THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED BETWEEN EDGEWOOD ROAD AND OLD BRIDGE ROAD, AND WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF APPROXIMATELY 5,650 LINEAR FEET OF WATER MAIN.
WE WILL CONNECT TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM NEAR THE 60TH AVENUE AND EDGEWOOD ROAD INTERSECTION AND INSTALL WATER MAIN IN A PERMANENT EASEMENT THROUGH THE BIG CEDAR INDUSTRIAL CENTER SITE.
WE RECEIVED TEN BIDS FOR THIS PROJECT ON JUNE 12TH.
BIDS RANGED FROM A LOW OF $3,036,382.00 TO A HIGH OF $4,183,505.40, WITH BOOMERANG CORP AS THE LOW BIDDER.
THE ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE WAS $5 MILLION.
THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION TO AWARD AND APPROVE THE CONTRACT FOR BOOMERANG CORP. WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT BACK TO YOU.
>> THANK YOU, CHEYANNE WIEGENSTEIN. MY APOLOGIES.
COUNCIL, ANY QUESTIONS? SEEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THE ADOPTED OF THE RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY VANORNY.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
MOVING ON NOW TO OUR ORDINANCES. ITEM NUMBER 31.
[31. Ordinance amending Chapter 61 of the Municipal Code, Traffic Regulations, by repealing Section 61.138, Automated Traffic Enforcement, and enacting in its place a new Section 61.138 to incorporate updated state legislation. CIP/DID #OB449776]
THIS IS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 61 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, TRAFFIC REGULATIONS BY REPEALING SECTION 61.138, AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT, BY ENACTING IN ITS PLACE A NEW SECTION 61.138 TO INCORPORATE UPDATED STATE LEGISLATION.THE ADOPTION OF THIS ORDINANCE ON ITS THIRD READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TODD.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COUNCIL.
ITEM NUMBER 32 IS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE,
[32. Ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code, City Officers, to update Section 5.16 setting forth the salaries and benefits of the Mayor and City Council members. CIP/DID #ATT000048]
CITY OFFICERS TO UPDATE SECTION 5.16, SETTING FORTH THE SALARIES AND BENEFITS OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS.THE APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE ON ITS SECOND READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER VANORNY, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TYLER OLSON.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COUNCIL.
>> MAYOR, I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THAT THE RULE REQUIRING THREE READINGS ON THREE DIFFERENT DAYS,
[00:55:02]
BE SUSPENDED AND THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING.>> THANK YOU. THE ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY TODD.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM NUMBER 33 IS AN ORDINANCE VACATING PUBLIC WAYS AND GROUNDS OF
[33. Ordinance vacating public ways and grounds of a 0.65-acre parcel of Old Bridge Road between the CRANDIC railroad crossing and 68th Avenue SW as requested by Iowa Land and Building Company. (Council Priority) CIP/DID #ROWV-000367-2024]
0.65 ACRE PARCEL OF OLD BRIDGE ROAD BETWEEN THE CRANDIC RAILROAD CROSSING AND 68TH AVENUE, SOUTHWEST AS REQUESTED BY IOWA LAND AND BUILDING COMPANY.THE APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE ON SAID SECOND READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY HOEGER, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TYLER OLSON.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
>> MAYOR, I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THAT THE RULE REQUIRING THREE READINGS ON THREE DIFFERENT DAYS, BE SUSPENDED AND THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING.
>> THE ADOPTION OF THIS ORDINANCE ON ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING HAS BEEN MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER SCOTT OLSON, SECONDED BY OVERLAND.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES.
BEFORE WE VOTE ON THE RESOLUTION OF THIS ITEM, DOES COUNCIL HAVE ANY FURTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? SEE NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.
THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MOVED BY MAIERS, SECONDED BY HOEGER.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. THIS MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
THAT CLOSES OUT OUR FORMAL BUSINESS TODAY,
[PUBLIC INPUT]
AND BRINGS US TO OUR FINAL PUBLIC INPUT PERIOD.THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON ISSUES THAT ARE PERTAINING TO COUNCIL BUSINESS.
AS WITH THE EARLIER PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, AT THIS TIME, WE ARE HERE AS A COUNCIL TO LISTEN TO YOU.
I'LL REMIND EVERYBODY TO REMAIN AT THE LECTERN, COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES, AND THERE SHOULD BE NO ABUSIVE, LOUD, THREATENING, OR PERSONAL COMMENTS.
IF YOU'VE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK, WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE APPROACH THE MICROPHONE WHEN CALLED UPON AND GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.
I WILL CALL THE NAMES IN ORDER THAT I HAVE THEM ON OUR SIGN UP SHEET.
THIS IS ESTHER. ESTHER, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO SAY YOUR LAST NAME AGAIN BECAUSE I LIKE IT.
>> WE TALKED EARLIER. DI BERNARDO IS MY MAIDEN NAME.
I RECOGNIZE A NAME THAT I SHOULD KNOW HOW TO PRONOUNCE, AND I DON'T.
ESTHER, WOULD YOU HELP US OUT?
I LIVE AT 3620 CENTER POINT ROAD, NORTHEAST, AND I HAVE BEEN THERE A LONG TIME.
I MOVED THERE IN 1956, SO I'M STILL THERE.
THESE REALTORS DON'T NEED TO CALL ME TO SEE IF I CAN SELL MY HOUSE BECAUSE I'M PLANNING ON STAYING THERE TILL I GO TO CEDAR [INAUDIBLE].
I'M A MEMBER OF THE NORRIDGE PARK ASSOCIATION.
I'M HERE TO THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US AND ALL THE NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS.
I KNOW YOU'RE VERY BUSY, BUT WE DO HAVE SOME NICE BROWNIES AT THE END, AND WE'D LOVE TO HAVE TO SEE YOU THERE.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT YOUR STAFF THAT YOU SEND THERE ARE A1 PEOPLE.
THEY ANSWER ALL OUR QUESTIONS, AND IF THEY DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER, AND THEY'RE NOT SURE, WE GET AN ANSWER EITHER BY PHONE CALL, LETTER, IN A TIMELY FASHION.
THIS IS THE BEST CITY GOVERNMENT WE'VE HAD OF ALL THE TIME THAT I'VE LIVED HERE, AND THAT'S THE HONEST TO GOD TRUTH, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A GRANT.
WE JUST GOT THE $3,000, BUT IT HAS BEEN SPENT IN OUR DISTRICT.
WE'VE GIVEN TO THE SHOP FOR CROPS, CROPS SHOP OR WHATEVER IT'S CALLED, AND THE CHURCH THAT WE'VE MET WITH FOR YEARS IS FINALLY GETTING THEIR KITCHEN MOVED UP TO THE SECOND FLOOR, AND THEY FOUND OUT THEY HAD A LOT OF HIDDEN CONSTRUCTION COSTS, SO WE'VE GIVEN TO THEM.
WE'RE AT THE CARNIVAL FOR WRIGHT SCHOOL, AND INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION,
[01:00:04]
AND SERVED HIM CANDY.I SPENT MOTHER'S DAY AT THE NORRIDGE WITH A LITTLE HANDED OUT CANDY AND SUPPORTING.
WE HAD THE HONOR OF HAVING OUR NEW POLICE CHIEF AT OUR LAST MEETING, AND WE HAD MORE PEOPLE THERE THAN WE EVER HAD BEFORE, SO THAT'S IT.
BUT I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU-ALL.
AS I TRULY BELIEVE THIS, I COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN ALL THOSE YEARS I'VE LIVED IN CEDAR RAPIDS EVEN ABOUT THE MAYORS.
IN 1954, WHEN BOB JOHNSON WAS THE PRESIDENT OR THE MAYOR AT THAT TIME, AND HE WAS LYNCHED ON 32ND STREET AND FIRST AVENUE BECAUSE HE WANTED TO RUN THESE STREETS.
THE MAYORS FROM WATERLOO AND CEDAR RAPIDS HAD A FEUD BECAUSE THERE WAS POOR WATER DUE TO SOMETHING THAT WAS HAPPENING IN WATERLOO, AND WE COULDN'T DRINK THE WATER.
WE HAD TO GO UP THE SPRING HOUSE AND FILL OUR JUGS WITH WATER.
ANYWAY, I COULD GO ON, BUT I WON'T.
I INVITE YOU-ALL TO COME AND JOIN US.
I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU AGAIN.
>> THANK YOU. WE'LL LOOK FORWARD TO THE PIZELLIS TOO, IN ADDITION TO THE BROWNIES.
NEXT UP, LINDA CARR IS HERE TO SPEAK ON WEST ENTERTAINMENT.
>> HELLO, AND THANK YOU MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
I ENJOY LIVING IN THIS COMMUNITY A GREAT DEAL.
CEDAR RAPIDS IS A CITY OF FIVE SEASONS.
FIFTH SEASON IS A SEASON TO ENJOY, AND MY ISSUE IS MOVIE THEATERS.
I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE.
I'M RATHER UNEDUCATED, BUT WE HAVE AN EMPTY THEATER BUILDING ON THE WEST SIDE.
CURRENTLY, EVERYONE HAS TO GO AT LEAST TO COLLINS ROAD TO GO TO A THEATER.
THERE IS A THEATER OWNER MANAGER INTERESTED IN THAT PROPERTY, BUT HE'S BEEN TURNED DOWN TWICE BECAUSE THAT WAS FORMALLY MANAGED BY AMC, AND THEY'RE PAYING ON THEIR LEASE COMMITMENT THROUGH SEPTEMBER, AND HE DOESN'T WISH TO WAIT THAT LONG.
I JUST DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS ANY WAY THE CITY WOULD HELP WITH THIS.
IT JUST SEEMS LIKE A REALLY GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A THEATER MORE ON THE WEST SIDE FOR OUR CONVENIENCE, AND IT'S A THRIVING AREA.
I THINK IT WOULD BRING BUSINESS AND OTHER BUSINESSES WOULD ENJOY MORE BUSINESS.
JUST INTERESTED IN PURSUING THAT.
IF THERE'S ANYTHING THE CITY HAS TO SUGGEST OR IDEAS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> KATHY POTTS. WEEDS AND LANDLORDS.
>> THANK YOU AGAIN, MAYOR, AND COUNCIL.
KATHY POTTS, 1118 FIRST STREET, SOUTHWEST.
I WAS ABLE TO COVER SOME OF IT BECAUSE OF THE CODE BOOK THAT WAS IN IT THAT I DID NOT KNOW.
BUT LAST TIME WHEN I WAS HERE IN AUGUST, I SPOKE ABOUT THE LANDLORD THAT LIVES TWO HOUSES DOWN FOR ME, ERIC GATSMICH.
HIS OFFICE MANAGER IS THE ONE THAT LIVES NEXT DOOR TO ME THAT HAS THE BROKEN DOWN TRUCK, THAT HAS THE WEEDS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT CONSTANTLY.
WHEN YOU DRIVE DOWN FIRST STREET, IT LOOKS NICE, BUT THAT'S NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
YOU NEED TO COME AND LOOK AT THE ALLEY.
IT IS DISGUSTING WHAT WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH, AS I SAID EARLIER.
THEY CAN PUT ON A GOOD FRONT, AND EVEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE LOOKED AT HIS PROPERTIES HAVE SAID THE INSIDES ARE NICE.
[01:05:01]
IT'S THE YARDS THAT STINK.I TOLD YOU THAT WITH RUDY JULIAN, ANNIE IN NEW YORK CITY, THEY HAD THE BROKEN WINDOW.
IF YOU HAD ONE BROKEN WINDOW, YOU REPAIR IT.
WE HAVE THE LANDLORD THAT I KNOW THREE PROPERTIES THAT I CAN SEE FROM MY HOUSE THAT ARE GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET.
HOW FAR IS IT GOING TO GO? I DON'T KNOW WHAT HIS OTHER PROPERTIES LOOK LIKE, BUT I KNOW THE CITY HAS GIVEN HIM PLENTY OF SPACE TO DO THIS, AND I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE HIS FRIENDS.
HE LETS ME KNOW, AND THEY LET ME KNOW, OUR NEIGHBOR HAS NOT SPOKEN TO US SINCE LAST AUGUST BECAUSE I COMPLAINED, AND SHE REMINDED ME THAT I SPOKE THREE TIMES AT THAT LAST MEETING.
BUT GUYS, WHEN YOU'RE ELECTED, YOU MAKE PROMISES TO US.
THE CITY MANAGER DOESN'T MAKE PROMISES, HE'S HIRED. HE'S PAID WELL.
BUT YOU'RE THE ONES THAT STAND UP AND SAY, IF YOU ELECT ME, I WILL DO ABCD, AND REALLY ALL THE ALPHABET BECAUSE OF ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS.
WE HAVE ONLY A FEW OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS YOU PUBLICLY AS YOU MAKE YOUR STATEMENTS PUBLICLY ABOUT WHAT YOU WILL DO FOR US AS CITIES, AND I LOVE OUR CITY.
I THINK JEFF IS JUST THE BEST MANAGER EVER, I LOVE HIS ONE BAG CHALLENGE, AND THAT THING. THAT'S WHAT WORKS.
BUT LET'S DON'T DO IT WITH JUST ONE BAG.
LET'S DO IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND IMPROVE IT.
THIS IS JUST SOME IDEA I'VE HAD.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OF YOU REMEMBER BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS WHERE IT WAS CEDAR RAPIDS AND IT HAD THE RAPIDS, AND YOU COULD COME SEE THE RAPIDS.
THE THING I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT IS WHY DON'T WE DO SOMETHING LIKE SEE OUR BEAUTY? LET'S HAVE SIGNS.
GO AROUND AND WHERE PEOPLE HAVE WORKED HARD TO MAKE THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN THE CITY BECAUSE CURB APPEAL MATTERS.
YOU'RE TRYING YOUR BEST, MAYOR TO GET PEOPLE TO COME HERE.
LET'S PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD, THEY'RE GOING TO GO AROUND IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND LOOK.
NOT EVERYBODY THAT COMES HERE IS WEALTHY.
WE'VE GOT PEOPLE THAT ARE MOVING HERE INTO THE LOWER INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS.
GRANTED, WE LIVE WAY BELOW OUR MEANS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WE'RE IN.
BUT WHY SHOULD THE NEIGHBORHOOD GO DOWN? I WANT TO BUILD THE NEIGHBORHOOD UP, I DON'T WANT IT BLIGHTED.
BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT.
IT'S A TRIANGLE THAT'S ACROSS THE STREET, THAT'S ONE OF THOSE RIGHT AWAY THINGS.
I GOT TIRED OF TAKING PICTURES OF MY GRANDCHILDREN AND HAVING TO LOOK IN THE WEEDS IN THE BACKGROUND.
I WAS EMBARRASSED TO SEND IT TO MY BROTHER.
IT DOESN'T DO ANY GOOD TO CALL.
THE CITY HAS A TON, AS YOU KNOW, OF GRASS TO MOW.
FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, I'VE MOWED IT.
MY HUSBAND'S EDGED IT, WE'VE WEEDED IT TO MAKE IT LOOK NICE.
WE FEEL LIKE THAT'S A PART THAT WE CAN GIVE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
YOU GO FROM THE PICKLE PALACE TO CHECK VILLAGE, YOU HAVE TO GO PAST THAT.
I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT WE MAKE THAT PART LOOK GOOD.
SEE OUR BEAUTY. LET'S BUILD UP SOMETHING.
ANYWAY, THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LISTEN TO MY COMPLAINTS.
I HOPE I HAVE BROUGHT SOME NICE THINGS FOR YOU TODAY AND IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN. THANK YOU.
>> THANKS, KATHY. DUSTIN. AGAIN, I ASK YOU TO CORRECT THE PRONUNCIATION OF YOUR NAME.
MASGAJ, HERE TO TALK ABOUT TAX MONEY.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME.
>> THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN TO ME TODAY.
I WANT TO START OFF BY SECONDING WHAT THAT WOMAN JUST SAID.
>> DUSTIN, CAN I GET YOUR ADDRESS, PLEASE?
>> WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, I'D LIKE TO EXERCISE MY FOURTH AMENDMENT RIGHT ON THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, YOU HAVE MY INFORMATION ON THAT PAPER.
>> IT'S PO BOX 110 WALFORD, IOWA.
>> MY FIVE MINUTE STARTS RIGHT NOW.
YOU JUST TOOK UP 20 SECONDS OF IT.
WHAT THAT WOMAN SAID PREVIOUSLY IS TRUE.
ERIC RIGHT NOW OWNS 1501 FIRST AVENUE, MARION IOWA, AND AS OF THREE DAYS AGO, HAS A BROKEN WINDOW.
THIS WINDOW HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR LITERALLY YEARS ON END.
IT'S JUST A FAKE RENTAL INSPECTION.
LANDLORDS DON'T HAVE TO FOLLOW THE SAME RULES THAT OTHER PEOPLE DO.
BUT THAT'S NOT WHY I CAME HERE, GUYS.
I JUST HEARD WHAT SHE SAID, AND IT'S ALL 100% TRUE.
I'VE SPOKEN OUT AT THE MARION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.
I'M HERE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT FIVE DIFFERENT CASE NUMBERS.
[01:10:03]
NUMBER 4 IS SCR 015800.I'M TALKING ABOUT THESE CASES BECAUSE LYNN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MARION SPENDS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON CHAD PELLY.
YOU CAN LOOK IT UP ONLINE, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
I'M HERE TO READ TO YOU GUYS AN ARTICLE THAT WAS WRITTEN BY DICK HOGAN OF THE CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE.
THE TITLE OF IT IS SEX ABUSE TRAVEL WON'T BE MOVED FROM LYNN COUNTY.
THIS WAS WRITTEN BY THE GAZETTE AND IT HAS BEEN SCRUBBED FROM THE INTERNET, ALONG WITH THESE OTHER ARTICLES.
I'M GOING TO READ THE ARTICLE WORD FOR WORD.
THE SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL ABUSE TRIAL OF FOUR YOUNG MEN WILL STAY IN LYNN COUNTY.
DISTRICT JUDGE WILLIAM THOMAS THURSDAY DENIED A REQUEST FOR A CHANGE OF VENUE FILED EARLIER BY THREE OF THE FOUR DEFENDANTS.
PRETRIAL POLITICALLY WAS CITED IN THE REQUEST.
IT WAS ONE OF SEVERAL MOTIONS THOMAS RULED ON ON THURSDAY CONCERNING THE FOUR, JAMES SANTI 219, DONALD SANTI 317, AND CHAN GONZALEZ 18, ALL OF CEDAR RAPIDS AND CHAD M PELLY 18 OF MARION.
THEY'RE CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ABUSING A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL FEBRUARY 4TH AT OF CEDAR RAPIDS RESIDENCE.
THOMAS ALSO DENIED MOTIONS BY D SANTIS TO SEVER THEIR CASES AND HOLD SEPARATE TRIALS.
THOMAS RULED THERE WOULD LIKELY BE NO PREJUDICE BY ALL FOUR STANDING A JOINT TRIAL.
HE NOTED THE FOUR HAVE SAID THEIR DEFENSES WILL BE SIMILAR, THAT THE ALLEGED VICTIM CONSENTED TO THE SEXUAL ACTIVITY THAT FORMS THE BASIS OF THE CHARGE.
THOMAS GRANTED MOTIONS ALLOWING ATTORNEYS FOR SANTI III AND GONZALEZ TO EXCEED COURT GUIDELINES FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES.
THOMAS ALSO APPROVED ALLOWING THE DEFENDANT'S ATTORNEYS TO HIRE MEDICAL EXPERTS WITH THE MAXIMUM EXPENSURE OF $2,000. THAT'S ONE CASE, GUYS.
YOU MIGHT THINK GUY MADE A MISTAKE, WHATEVER.
WHEN YOU ASSAULT SOMEBODY FIVE TIMES, THAT'S NOT A MISTAKE.
I READ HIS LITTLE LETTER FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN HE GOT THAT CHARGE AGAINST A 15-YEAR-OLD.
HE'S OVER IN JAIL CRYING I'M SO SCARED, I'M GOING TO GET RAPED, AND HE'S SO WORRIED ABOUT EVERYTHING, AND HE ACTS LIKE HE'S THE VICTIM.
THEN HE GETS OUT OF JAIL, GETS CHARGED NUMBER 2, GETS CHARGED NUMBER 3 ALL THE WAY UP TO NUMBER 5.
I'LL BE SUBMITTING TO YOU ALL THIS PAPERWORK HERE.
WHEN YOU GO THROUGH IT, YOU SEE THAT HE VERY CLEARLY HAS A TYPE.
HE LIKES TO GO AFTER PEOPLE THAT ARE SMALLER THAN HIM.
RIGHT HERE, IT SAYS, CASE NUMBER CRF 13612D TALKS ABOUT ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO COMMIT SEXUAL ABUSE.
ANOTHER CASE THAT HE HAS, IT TALKS ABOUT HE LIKES TO KICK AND PUNCH WOMEN IN THE FACE.
I'M GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN, KICKING AND PUNCHING WOMEN IN THE FACE.
THE CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS IS PAYING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO THIS GUY.
ON ANOTHER CASE, YOU JUST GO THROUGH THESE CASES, GUYS, YOU SEE THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER.
I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HE HAS NOT CHANGED HIS WAYS.
HE DIDN'T MAKE SOME MISTAKES 30 YEARS AGO AND I LEARNED FROM MY ACTIONS.
I CAN TELL BY THE WAY HE ACTS, AND I CAN TELL BY A LOT OF OTHER INFORMATION THAT HE'S INVOLVED IN A LOT OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY.
JUST THE WAY THAT THIS ARTICLE IS SCRUBBED FROM THE INTERNET, WHEN YOU GO LOOK IT UP AT COURTHOUSE, IT JUST SAYS DEFENDANT, IT DOESN'T ACTUALLY SAY PELE'S NAME.
I REALLY HAD TO DIG TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THIS.
IT'S ALSO SUCH A CONVENIENT COINCIDENCE THAT THE DOCUMENTS ARE LOST IN THE FLOOD.
EXTREMELY CONVENIENT TO DE PELE.
CHAD PELLY'S JUST A REALLY BAD GUY, AND YOU GUYS ARE PAYING HIM ALL THIS MONEY.
I JUST WANT TO BRING THIS TO YOU GUYS' ATTENTION.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTENING TO ME TODAY.
>> THANK YOU. MELISSA DUFFIELD? NO SPECIFIC ISSUE?
>> I HAD AN ELOQUENT BEGINNING TO MY SPEECH, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, I'M GOING TO THROW THAT ASIDE BECAUSE I'VE BEEN IN HERE TALKING ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND GIVING MONEY TO GYMNASTIC STUDIOS THAT'S PUTTING INAPPROPRIATE PICTURES.
I GOT YOU ON RECORDING SAYING SOME INTERESTING STUFF LIKE SWEETHEART DEALS ARE PART OF THE DEAL HERE IN CEDAR RAPIDS.
I GUESS, SCRUBBING RECORDS OF MEN WHO ARE VIOLENT AGAINST WOMEN.
THIS IS A GANG RAPE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT OF A 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
CEDAR RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT, IS THIS WHAT WE DO? LYNN COUNTY COURT, IS THIS WHAT WE DO? MY COURT CASE IS TAKING NINE YEARS.
THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR BECAUSE WHAT? I FIGHT AGAINST PEDOPHILES AND SEX TRAFFICKERS.
I HAVE PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY WORKING AGAINST ME.
SKOGMAN REALTY WILL NOT DO BUSINESS WITH ME, EVEN THOUGH I HAD A CONTRACT WITH THEM.
ALL OF A SUDDEN, THEY SAID, WE CAN'T DO BUSINESS WITH YOU.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST, EXACTLY YOUR WORDS ON RECORDING.
YOU SAID IT DOESN'T MATTER IF A PERSON ISN'T ON THE SEX OFFENDER LIST ANYMORE.
AS LONG AS SHE'S YOUR FRIEND, WE CAN GIVE HER MULTI MILLION DOLLAR FACILITIES,
[01:15:01]
AND THAT'S TOTALLY FINE.YOU WANT TO PRETEND, VANORNY, BECAUSE YOU GIVE MONEY TO CHAINS INTERRUPTED, THAT THAT MEANS WE'RE DOING SOMETHING.
WE'RE GIVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO CRIMINALS, MILLIONS, $185 MILLION FOR A PICKLE PALACE, AND BY THE WAY, YOU GUYS WANT TO PRETEND IN COURT THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
I DO HAVE A BA AND TWO CLASSES AWAY FROM AN MBA AND ALSO HELP RUN A FAMILY BUSINESS FOR 14 MILLION.
BUT WE HAVE A JUDGE IN LYNN COUNTY THAT WANTS TO IGNORE THAT THERE'S ANOTHER CONTRACTOR THAT YOU GUYS GIVE MONEY TO THAT IT WAS TESTIMONY THAT THE FBI SHOULD BE CALLED.
I TALK TO PEOPLE WELL ABOVE YOU GUYS AND YOU AND YOU, AND THEY'RE WANTING TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON IN CEDAR RAPIDS.
I WANT TO KNOW WHEN QUALIFIED WOMEN AS YOU GUYS WANT TO PRETEND, WOMEN ON COUNCIL AND OTHER WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY, THAT WE SUPPORT WOMEN, WE TAKE A PICTURE WITH CAITLIN CLARK MEANWHILE WE'RE DESTROYING THE ONE VOLLEYBALL BUSINESS IN TOWN BY A QUALIFIED WOMAN THAT FIGHTS FOR KIDS' RIGHTS.
I ACTUALLY HAVE ON RECORD, ONE OF MY ATHLETES WAS SAVED THROUGH MY EDUCATION IN THE FBI INVESTIGATION.
THERE'S SOME PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KNOW WHY.
SKOGMAN REALTY WON'T WORK WITH ME, WHY THE CEDAR RAPIDS PD DOESN'T CARE WHEN THERE'S DEATH THREATS OR MARION PD OR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DOESN'T CARE WHEN THERE'S DEATH THREATS TO ME.
BUT YET WE FIND OUT WHEN SOMEBODY STARTS ACTING SHADY, THIS MASSIVE BACKGROUND.
I'M THE WOMAN THAT BROUGHT PROFESSIONAL EVENTS TO THIS STATE.
POMERANZ, HAVE YOU COME TO TALK TO ME ABOUT BUILDING A SPORTS FACILITY? BECAUSE I'VE BUILT TWO, AND THEY'VE BEEN TARGETED.
I HAVE REALTORS THAT WILL NOT SELL TO ME BECAUSE IT'S SAID THAT I'M BROKE, NOBODY WANTS TO WORK WITH ME, BUT WE'RE GOING TO WORK WITH SOMEONE THAT RAPES WOMEN.
THAT'S WHO WE WANT? WE'RE GOING TO WORK WITH CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS, RIGHT? WE'RE GOING TO WORK WITH ANOTHER CONTRACTOR THAT HIRES FELONS TO RUN HIS LITTLE GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM THAT INTERFERED WITH FBI INVESTIGATIONS, AND WHERE'S CHAINS INTERRUPTED ON THAT.
HERE'S THE DEAL, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ALL OF YOU FROM THE THREE TIMES THAT I'VE COME UP HERE AND SPOKE, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IS ONE OF OUR.GOV PEOPLE SAID.
THE FACT THAT YOU WERE SILENT IS COMPLACENT.
THAT MEANS YOU ARE ON BOARD FOR WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME AND VICTIMS IN THIS COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE HAD PEOPLE THAT HAVE TRIED TO RUN AGAINST PEOPLE, HAVE BULLETS PUT INTO THEIR HOMES.
WE HAVE WOMEN LIKE ME THAT SPEAK UP FOR VICTIMS THAT ARE THEN THREATENED ON FACEBOOK AND OTHER MEANS.
I HAVE JUDGES, HUSBANDS TELLING ME TO JOIN THE SATANIC CHURCH IN WRITING.
IS THIS CEDAR RAPIDS? ISN'T MAYOR? BECAUSE YOU WANT TO STAND HERE AS A WOMAN AND SAY YOU REPRESENT WOMEN.
AREN'T YOU A MOTHER? WE DON'T BELIEVE IN PROTECTING KIDS? WE BELIEVE IN STANDING UP HERE AND ACTUALLY TAKING A POKE PICTURE AND SAYING WE HAVE A KID PROTECTION MONTH.
BUT WE DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT PROTECTING KIDS.
IF YOU'RE AN ACTIVIST, WE'RE GOING TO TARGET YOU AND DESTROY YOUR LIFE.
BUT THE PROBLEM IS YOU'VE MADE TOO MANY MISTAKES.
EIGHT YEARS OF ME NOT BEING ABLE TO BUY A BUILDING, THAT'S PRETTY OBVIOUS.
IT'S NOT LIKE I'M NOT MAKING OFFERS, LEGITIMATE ONES.
JUDGES IGNORING FBI, LYNN COUNTY LOSING RECORDS, AND YET YOU GIVE MONEY TO THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE.
I GUESS I SHOULD BE A CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER, A RAPIST, A MONEY LAUNDERER, A CHILD PORN PRODUCER TO BE BUSINESS WITH CEDAR RAPIDS AND GET PICTURES WITH YOU, RIGHT? THAT'S A SCARY THOUGHT.
YOU KEEP THINKING YOUR SILENCE IS GOING TO WORK FOR YOU.
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, YOU GUYS TOOK AN OATH.
YOU TOOK AN OATH TO ABIDE BY THE CONSTITUTION, WHICH MEANS I HAVE A RIGHT.
YOU MIGHT TRICK EVERYBODY ELSE WITH BREAD AND CIRCUSES OF YOUR LITTLE MONEY LAUNDERING PROJECT THAT YOU GOT GOING ON.
>> MELISSA DUFFIELD, DID YOU GIVE US YOUR ADDRESS AT THE BEGINNING BECAUSE I WILL.
>> NO. I JUST TOLD YOU MAYOR THAT MY LIFE'S BEEN THREATENED, SO I DON'T HAVE TO PUBLICLY SAY IT AGAIN.
>> WE HAVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, SO THANK YOU.
>> YOU WANT TO SAY IT AGAIN OUT LOUD FOR EVERYBODY?
>> THAT'S GOING TO CLOSE OUT OUR FORMAL BUSINESS AND BRINGS US TO ANY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS.
SEEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL, COUNCILWOMAN VANORNY MOVES TO ADJOURN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL-MEMBER TYLER OLSON.
>> THOSE OPPOSED SAY NO. AND THIS MOTION CARRIES, WE ARE ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.