Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – January 27, 2026

The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM (presumed) in Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation by Public Safety Chaplain Rick Gale, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Scott Olsen and Tyler Olson were absent. The agenda included a proclamation, two presentations, six public hearings, regular agenda items, and two public comment periods.

Proclamation

• Mayor Anne Poe proclaimed February 1, 2026, as George Washington Carver Day in Cedar Rapids, recognizing Carver’s scientific, civil rights, and culinary achievements. Representatives from the African American Museum of Iowa and Veterans for Peace accepted the proclamation.

Presentations

• FY 2025 Annual Audit: Brad Tyson of I Bailey presented the audit results. The city received unmodified (clean) opinions on its financial statements, federal programs (three major programs), and airport revenue. No internal control findings or material weaknesses were identified. New GASB standards (103, 104, 105) will be adopted in 2026 with minimal expected impact.
• Relief Plan Update: Carol Teeter (Parks & Recreation) and Molly Stolke (Trees Forever) reported progress on the post-derecho tree planting initiative. The city has planted 18,400 trees (43% of the 42,500 goal), ahead of schedule by 4,500 trees. Trees Forever has engaged 2,000 volunteers, partnered with 45 local businesses (94% returning), and will host a 2026 planting season kickoff on February 19. Councilmembers discussed mortality rates (8% replacement under warranty), watering plans, and the need for private-sector participation. No formal action was taken.

Public Hearings (Items 1–6)

All public hearings were held with no objections from the public. The following actions were taken:

1. Central Reinvestment District Plan Amendment: Approved an amendment to remove the Eighth Avenue Pump Station and Mixed Use Development projects (due to conflict with federal flood control funding) while retaining $6 million for the First & First West parking ramp. The amendment passed on first reading unanimously.
2. ITC Midwest Transmission Line Easements: After a public hearing and council debate, the council voted 6-1 (Van Orney opposed) to adopt a resolution approving the route and granting eminent domain authority for two remaining easements (out of 13). ITC had secured 10 voluntary easements and expected one more. Councilmember Todd noted the grid’s critical role after the 2020 derecho. The resolution authorizes the city to proceed to compensation hearings in Linn County District Court.
3. SPARC Program Property Disposition: Approved the sale of a vacant lot at 413 Fifth Avenue SW to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity for construction of a single-family home. The property had been vacant since the 2008 flood and had 41 code violations.
4. Tree of Five Seasons Park & First Street Two-Way Conversion: Approved plans and estimated cost of $2,790,000 for the project, which includes a two-way conversion of First Street NE, a park with an overlook, and enhanced lighting. The project is funded by the flood control system, Paving for Progress, and other sources.
5. Cedar Lake Amenities Playground Equipment: Approved $600,000 for a playground with synthetic turf, a challenge course, and ADA-compliant features. Bids will be scored on design and cost.
6. West Side Library FF&E: Approved $1,500,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new library branch on Sanburg Lane, funded by the library foundation.

Regular Agenda Items

• Item 24R Removal: Removed from the agenda at the request of Public Works (paving for progress item).
• Consent Agenda: Approved as amended. Councilmember Poe recused herself on item 18C (ID 49 and 195).
• Item 25 – 42nd Street NE Pavement Improvements: Awarded bid to Roche Construction for $3,970,202.38 (nine bids received).
• Item 26 – Mount Vernon Road & Wilson Avenue Tank Reconditioning: Awarded bid to O&J Codings for $1,243,000 (nine bids).
• Item 27 – Flood Control System Plan Revision 11: Approved the revision, which updates the financial plan to extend bonding through FY2035 and allows a potential debt levy increase of up to $2.00 per $1,000 valuation (from $1.47 to $3.47). The total cost of the flood control system is estimated at $1.25 billion, with 65% currently funded. Renderings of the new Eighth Avenue Bridge (a four-lane cable-stayed bridge) were presented.
• Item 28 – Plum Supply LLC Incentives: Approved a 10-year declining tax exemption for a $15.2 million warehouse and logistics building at 4690 Bowling Street SW. The project will retain 30 jobs and create 7 new jobs.
• Item 29 – Rose Cottage 2 Urban Revitalization Area: Approved on second and third readings, establishing the area for property along Prairie View Lane SW.

Public Comments – First Period

• No public speakers came forward (Sherry Monahan had already spoken during the ITC hearing; Dusky Terry did not speak).

Public Comments – Second Period (Residents and Property Owners)

1. Joshua Candler spoke about rental property issues, specifically the lack of a local contact for out-of-state property managers. He requested an ordinance requiring property management companies to have an in-city contact. He cited problems at the Five Seasons Apartments (formerly Hardwick) on Oakland Road, owned by Arrow Midwest of Lincoln, Nebraska.
2. Bronson Beals spoke about traffic delineators installed on East Robins Road and Marquette Drive NE. He argued the installation was a hazard, citing 30% of the delineators already damaged or missing after two months, with debris causing safety risks. He asked the council to direct the Streets Department to remove the delineators.

Key Outcomes

• Audit: Clean opinion received; no material weaknesses.
• Relief Plan: On track; 43% of public tree planting goal achieved.
• Eminent Domain: Resolution passed 6-1; ITC to proceed with compensation hearings.
• Flood Control: Revision 11 approved; bonding authority extended to $300 million over nine years; debt levy may increase up to $2.00 per $1,000.
• Public Safety: No action taken on public comments; staff directed to follow up with Mr. Candler on rental property concerns.
• Meeting Adjourned at approximately 6:34 PM (presumed).