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.
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 Councilmember Van Orney moved to table the vote, but the second was withdrawn.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.
Good afternoon, everybody. This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order. Welcome everybody to the Cedar Rapids City Council meeting for Tuesday, July 8th, 2025. I want to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, city attorney, and thank you as always to city staff for being available for questions after our meeting. A reminder to those who are here today to please turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that might distract us from our proceedings today. And note that all of our city council meeting agendas, minutes, and videos are available on our city's website. Um, also regular sessions are available to watch live and on replay through Facebook Live. We will now begin with our invocation by public safety chaplain Ken Glandorf, immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Let's pray. God, we thank you for our city of Cedar Rapids. We pray for this meeting of City Council that everything that needs to be accomplished will get done, and it will be for the good of everyone. We pray also for our men and women overseas, especially those in harm's way, pray for your protective grace. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. We'll begin today's proceedings with a proclamation for parks and recreation month. So, Mayor Pro Tempo, I'll have you do that and invite any of you who are here for this proclamation to please approach the daisy. This is great. Welcome, team. Come on up. Come on over. I promise I don't bite. How are you? Good, good, good. All right, we'll get the show on the road. Well, welcome everybody. We're glad you're here and thank you for all the work you do for our city. It's greatly appreciated. Proclamation, whereas park and recreation play an integral role in community in communities across our nation, including Cedar Rapids, and whereas spending time in nature through parks and recreation positively impacts mental health by enhancing cognitive performance, overall well-being, and mitigating conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. And whereas parks and recreation facilities provide spaces for physical activities, including popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and other amenities that encourage active lifestyles. And whereas park and recreation programs, such as out-of-school activities, youth sports, environmental education, and nutrition services are essential for childhood development. And whereas parks and recreation contribute significant significantly to the environmental well-being of a community. And whereas these resources enhance economic prosperity by increasing property values, expanding local sales tax base, attracting tourism, retaining businesses, and reducing crime. And whereas park and recreation serve as an adaptable infrastructure, making our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change, while also providing ecological beauty and the opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature. And whereas the Cedar Rapids recognizes the enormous benefits derived from parks, parks, and recreation resources. Therefore, I Ann Poe, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and the entire Cedar Rapids City Council hereby recognize the month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month. Congratulations. Thank you, Mayor, City Council. We just want to invite everyone in the public to join us this Friday at Green Square downtown from five to seven. So we hope we see you there. And a special thank you to the Cedar Rapids City Bank and Trust for uh sponsoring the Summer in the Square events this summer. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everybody. It is now time for a public hearing. So I remind everybody who wishes to speak today, whether during a public hearing or during the public comment or public input periods of a few matters to ensure that we have an orderly meeting. First, remain at the lector. If you have any documents you wish to share, we're going to invite you to give them to the officer on your right. He will make sure we get them. When the light in the console turns yellow, you have one minute when it turns red.