The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month. The council conducted public hearings, discussed a controversial rezoning for Hoover Elementary, approved several development and infrastructure projects, and heard public comments on the renaming of the Eighth Avenue Bridge. Proclamation - Parks and Recreation Month: Mayor Pro Tem Poe read the proclamation recognizing July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month. The public was invited to a celebration at Green Square on Friday, July 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, sponsored by Cedar Rapids City Bank and Trust. Public Hearings & Discussion Items - Hoover Elementary Rezoning (Public Hearing continued from June 24, 2025): The council considered a request from the Cedar Rapids Community School District to rezone 11.7 acres at 4141 Johnson Avenue NW from Suburban Residential Low Single Unit (SRL-1) to Public Institutional to build a new, larger elementary school. Eighteen properties within 200 feet filed objections, requiring a supermajority vote. Neighbors (Brian Hammond, Joe Brokaw, Linda Hinsman, Mrs. Strong, Mark Kramer, Gary Hensman, Sarah Hinsman, Luke Levin, Gary Dussel) expressed concerns about the access road proximity, noise, construction disruption, loss of green space and memorials, and lack of prior communication. Chad Schumacher, Director of Operations for the school district, stated the district would move the building 5–10 feet north and provide screening, but neighbors cited a meeting where only 5 feet was mentioned. Councilmember Van Orney moved to table the vote, but the second was withdrawn. Councilmember Olson argued the rezoning question is about land use, not site design. The first reading of the ordinance passed 5–2 (Councilmembers Van Orney and Poe opposed). Second and third readings are scheduled for July 22, 2025, with staff direction to continue neighborhood dialogue. - Historic Landmark Designation – Zestara Pharmacy (1135 Ellis Blvd NW): Staff recommended adding the 1921 building to the local historic register. No public objections. The council unanimously approved the first reading, with second and third readings set for July 22. - FY25–FY30 CDBG/HOME Consolidated Plan and FY25 Annual Action Plan: Staff presented the five-year plan for federal housing and community development funds. No public comments. The council approved both resolutions unanimously. - GTC Parking Ramp Repairs: Estimated cost $343,000. Bids due July 9. Public hearing held with no objections. Resolution approved. - Riverfront Park 1 Project: Estimated cost $290,000 for a new walkway, plaza, seating, swings, drinking fountain, and landscaping. No public objections. Resolution approved. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. Item 22C (Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District funding) was pulled to the regular agenda. Regular Agenda Items - Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District MOA: Councilmember Meyer expressed concern about a 40% reduction in funding (from $90,000 to $45,000 annually for FY26–27) and questioned the process. Staff explained that total requests ($665,000) exceeded available funds ($305,000), and all applicants received less than requested. The council approved the MOA after debate. - 42nd Street NE & Bel Air Drive SE Pavement Rehabilitation: Awarded to Midwest Concrete for $1,559,822.60 (lowest of three bids). Estimated cost $1,600,000. Approved. - City Annex & City Services Center Renovation – Phase 1: Six bids received, lowest at $5,334,000 (estimated $4,400,000). Awarded to Peak Construction Group. Phase 2 expected in FY27–28. Approved. - City-Owned Property at 1417 & 1423 Ellis Blvd NW: Awarded to Capitol B LLC for construction of four market-rate townhomes. Staff recommended approval; passed unanimously. Ordinances (Second and Third Readings) - 2023 National Electrical Code (Chapter 34): Adopted on second and third readings (suspension of rules) unanimously. - 2024 State Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapter 35): Adopted on second and third readings unanimously. - 2024 State Mechanical Code and International Mechanical Code (Chapter 36): Adopted on second and third readings unanimously. - Change of Zone for Walford Road SW (Agricultural to Airport District): Adopted on second and third readings unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Bridge Name Change (First Public Input Period): Anthony Arrington criticized the council for changing the name of the Eighth Avenue Bridge from the "Ark of Justice" without public input, questioning transparency and symbolism. He also objected to comments from the mayor at the previous meeting. - Infrastructure and Equity (Second Public Input Period): Ann Harris Carter echoed concerns about the bridge name change, urging the council to consider context and transparency, and noting that similar pressures are affecting other local entities. She referenced the Linn-Mar School Board's recent vote to retain gender identity policies. Key Outcomes - Hoover Elementary Rezoning: First reading passed 5–2; second and third readings set for July 22, 2025. Council directed the school district to continue neighborhood engagement and provide guarantees on screening, memorials, and building placement. - Historic Landmark Designation for Zestara Pharmacy: Approved unanimously on first reading. - CDBG/HOME Plans and Annual Action Plan: Approved unanimously. - GTC Parking Ramp Repairs: Resolution approved with authority to award contract. - Riverfront Park 1 Project: Resolution approved. - Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District: Funding MOA approved at $45,000 annually for FY26–27. - Other Infrastructure and Development Contracts: All awarded and approved as presented. - Building Code Updates: All three code ordinances (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) adopted on final reading. - Airport Zone Change: Adopted on final reading. - City Property Sale: Resolution to award parcels to Capitol B LLC approved; development agreement to return later in summer.