OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, March 24, 2026
BodyCedar Rapids, Iowa
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:24:17

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order.

0:05

Welcome everybody to the City of Cedar Rapids City Council meeting for Tuesday, March 24th, 2026.

0:10

I'll note that my colleague Tyler Olson is absent today.

0:14

I want to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, and our city attorney.

0:18

And as always, thank you to city staff for being here and willing to answer questions with our constituents after the meeting.

0:25

A reminder if you're here to turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that might distract us from our proceedings today.

0:31

And note that all of our city council meeting agendas, minutes, and videos are available on our city's website.

0:38

Regular sessions are also available to watch live and on replay via Facebook Live.

0:44

We'll begin now with an invocation by public safety chaplain Ken Glandorf, followed by our Pledge of Allegiance.

0:55

Let's pray.

0:57

God, we thank you for our city of Cedar Rapids.

1:00

We pray for this meeting of City Council.

1:02

We ask for wisdom, courage, strength, and common sense, help them make the correct decisions that benefit everyone in our beautiful city.

1:12

Amen.

1:35

Councilmember Scott Olsen will read that.

1:38

If you're here to join us on behalf of that, come up to the dice.

1:50

Hello.

1:51

Got her going.

1:52

Good, come on up.

1:53

Anyone else here?

1:54

This is where the excitement is, right?

1:57

Okay.

1:57

That's great.

1:58

Well, it's quite an honor for me to be able to read this proclamation as sort of a retired real estate person, even though I didn't do residential and housing necessarily, but uh there's great things happening here, and and so uh I'm very pleased that uh we're able to recognize uh this special month, which is important to any city in the country.

2:18

And so the City of Cedar Rapids proclamation.

2:22

Whereas the Fair Housing Act enabled on April 13th, 19th or April 11th, 1968, was enshrined into federal law to prohibit discriminatory housing practices, undo racial segregation patterns, and provide equitable access to housing for all.

2:42

And whereas Fair Housing Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress and acknowledge remaining challenges.

2:50

And whereas, despite existing fair housing protections, barriers to housing still exist, and we will continue to fight against discrimination in housing.

3:02

The journey toward more fair housing and equitable opportunities will continue.

3:07

And whereas we recognize access to fair and equitable housing can be transformational, creating new promises for future generations.

3:16

Housing is not just a building, but a foundation on which we build livelihoods, nurture families, access quality education, improve health outcomes, and increase economic opportunities.

3:32

And whereas the city of Cedar Rapids is committed to securing freedom from discrimination based upon age, color, creed, familiar status, gender identity, marital status, mental disabilities, national origin, race, religion, physical disability, sex, sexual orientation, retaliation, or association.

3:56

And whereas we celebrate the passage of the Fair Housing Act, and we are committed to advancing equity, fairness, inclusion, and justice in housing.

4:08

Now, therefore, I, Scott Olson, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and our entire city council do hereby recognize April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and encourage residents to observe the month by joining citywide efforts to realize equal housing opportunities for all and commit to being a community in where everyone feels they belong.

4:35

What a proclamation.

4:37

Thank you.

4:38

Thank you.

4:42

Thank you so much.

4:45

My name is Jay Whitaker.

4:47

I'm currently the president of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Rail Tours.

4:50

This is Jill Hartke, who's the incoming president in 2027.

4:54

Just want to let everyone know.

4:56

A home is where families put down roots, where children grow up feeling safe, and where belonging is built.

5:02

Fair housing is simply the promise that everyone deserves the chance to find that place.

5:08

This city has rebuilt itself through adversity more than once.

5:13

That resilience comes from its people, and that's all of them.

5:16

When we remove barriers to homeownership, we're not just opening doors to houses, we're opening doors to full participation of this community.

5:26

April, as we heard, is Fair Housing Month, but the work doesn't stop on May 1st.

5:32

As members of this community, we renew this commitment every time we treat someone with dignity in the process of finding a home.

5:40

That's the kind of city Cedar Rapids chooses to be.

5:43

So thank you very much.

5:44

Thank you, Jerry.

5:45

Thanks.

5:50

Next, we'll have a proclamation for Disabilities Awareness Day read by Councilmember Dale Todd.

5:55

And I'll invite those of you who are here to mark this day to join him at the dais.

6:04

Super Jenny Boskin here.

6:09

Whereas an intellectual, physical, or mental health disability affects more than seven million Americans and their families.

6:16

And whereas public awareness and education enhanced communities understanding of the issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

6:26

And whereas the Ark of East Central Iowa has advocated for community understanding and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities since 1953.

6:37

Now, therefore, I, Dale Todd, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and the entire Cedar Rapids City Council to hereby recognize Saturday, March 28th, 2026's disabilities awareness day, and urge citizens of Cedar Rapids to give full support to efforts enabling people with intellectual, developmental and mental health disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development██████████████████████████████30%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Public Safety█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Fair Housing Month███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

The meeting opened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and proclamations declaring April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and March 28, 2026, as Disabilities Awareness Day. The council then held a series of public hearings and votes on development projects, zoning changes, infrastructure contracts, and policy updates. Residents voiced concerns about the Edgewood Point development, and the council approved the urban renewal area and a development agreement with one opposing vote. Other key actions included updates to the surveillance camera ordinance, landmark designation for Dairy Queen #4, and multiple street improvement projects.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved without discussion, including routine items such as bid awards and resolutions (specific items not detailed in the transcript).
  • Councilmember Poe recused herself from consent agenda items related to Community Improvement Districts 50 and 179.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Kim Dunahu (first public comment period) opposed consent agenda item 14, which allocated $22,000 for a police lieutenant to attend polygraph training in Peachtree City, Georgia. She argued that polygraphs are unreliable (citing 65-95% inaccuracy) and urged the city to instead fund constitutional law and ADA training for the police department.
  • Rob Hogue (during final public input) criticized a city staff member for speaking favorably about Alliant Energy’s proposed 720-megawatt fossil gas power plant at a public meeting, noting the plant would produce 1.8 million tons of CO2 annually, conflict with the city’s 2021 climate action plan, and impose health costs. He called on the council to address the issue directly rather than leaving it to staff.
  • Dorothy DeSosa-Guinness (final public input) raised concerns about the city’s handling of the Oak Hill Jackson Neighborhood Association, alleging that community development staff improperly allowed an ad hoc group to use the association’s logo and signage. She requested a review and clearer standards for volunteer organizations.
  • Kim Dunahu (also during final public input) accused council members of dodging legal process service and demanded transparency, stating she had filed complaints with federal authorities regarding police conduct and alleged violations of Iowa Code.

Discussion Items

  • Public Hearing – Surveillance Camera Ordinance (Chapter 60A): Lieutenant Michelle Omar presented updates to modernize definitions, accommodate cloud-based systems, add smoke/vape shops, and emphasize compliance over enforcement. No public comments. Approved on first reading.
  • Public Hearing – Local Landmark Designation for Dairy Queen #4 (501 16th St NE): Jeff Wozencraft described the 1954 building’s roadside architecture significance and its role in the neighborhood. The owner supports the designation. Councilmember Todd praised the effort. Approved on first reading.
  • Public Hearing – Annexation of 205 Wright Brothers Blvd East: Jeff Wozencraft outlined the voluntary annexation of 84 acres for light industrial/commercial use near the airport. No public comments. Approved.
  • Public Hearings – Edgewood Point Urban Renewal Area (URA) and Development Agreement with EOP Development LLC: Scott Mather and Bill Michael presented a $40 million master plan redevelopment of the former Transamerica site, including new commercial lots, renovation of two towers, and a 10-year, 50% tax rebate (estimated $18 million in new taxes, $7 million rebated). Several residents spoke against the project, citing traffic congestion, environmental concerns (gas station on a corner, tree loss), the developer’s history of property neglect, and lack of neighborhood input. Councilmembers debated: Councilmember Olson clarified that the rebate is from new taxes, not city funds, and that the developer must meet design standards, provide traffic studies, and cannot count relocated jobs. Councilmember Poe urged the developer to hold another neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Van Orney noted the property’s history and the need for engagement. The URA was approved unanimously (roll call). The development agreement was approved with one opposing vote (Councilmember Overland opposed).
  • Public Hearing – Plum Supply Urban Revitalization Area: Scott Mather presented a $15.2 million warehouse/logistics building with a 10-year declining tax exemption. No public comments. Approved.
  • Public Hearing – Status Reports: Salvation Army Generator Project and Willis Dady Homeless Shelter Operations: Crystal Cole and Jennifer Barton reported on progress, expenditures, and timeline changes. No public comments. Noted.
  • Public Hearing – Zone Change at 820 Wiley Blvd NW: Seth Gunnerson explained the rezoning from light industrial to traditional industrial mixed-use (TIM) to allow a storage warehouse and parking for a contracting business. The site plan includes fencing and landscaping. No public comments. Approved on first reading.
  • Public Hearings – Vacation of Pedestrian Easements (May Apple Drive and Love Grass Drive): Rob Davis presented two easement vacations to facilitate development. Both were approved.
  • Reports on Bids: Public Works staff presented bids for the FY26 sidewalk repair project, Cedar Lake amenities, 34th Street SE reconstruction, Nassau Street reconstruction, and Richard Drive/Nancy Jane Lane reconstruction. All contracts were awarded to the lowest responsive bidders.
  • Presentation – Rotating Sculpture Exhibit: Stephanie Schrader introduced a new program at the Light Line Loop, with $20,000 annually from the public art fund for five sculptures, to be sustained by private sponsors and a 20% commission on sales. Councilmembers expressed support. Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Approvals:
    • Surveillance camera ordinance (first reading)
    • Local landmark designation for Dairy Queen #4 (first reading)
    • Annexation of 205 Wright Brothers Blvd East
    • Edgewood Point Urban Renewal Area (unanimous)
    • Edgewood Point Development Agreement (passed, 1 opposed)
    • Plum Supply Urban Revitalization Area
    • Zone change at 820 Wiley Blvd NW (first reading)
    • Vacation of pedestrian easements (two resolutions)
    • All construction contracts (sidewalk, Cedar Lake, 34th Street, Nassau Street, Richard Drive)
    • Rotating sculpture exhibit resolution
    • Repeal of sign code (Chapter 33E) on second and third readings
  • Recusal: Councilmember Poe recused from consent items related to CIDs 50 and 179.
  • Next Steps: Several ordinances will have second/third readings on April 14, 2026; the Edgewood Point development agreement requires the developer to meet job and construction milestones; the sculpture exhibit will proceed with installation in 2026.

Meeting Transcript

This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order. Welcome everybody to the City of Cedar Rapids City Council meeting for Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. I'll note that my colleague Tyler Olson is absent today. I want to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, and our city attorney. And as always, thank you to city staff for being here and willing to answer questions with our constituents after the meeting. A reminder if you're here to 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. Regular sessions are also available to watch live and on replay via Facebook Live. We'll begin now with an invocation by public safety chaplain Ken Glandorf, 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. We ask for wisdom, courage, strength, and common sense, help them make the correct decisions that benefit everyone in our beautiful city. Amen. Councilmember Scott Olsen will read that. If you're here to join us on behalf of that, come up to the dice. Hello. Got her going. Good, come on up. Anyone else here? This is where the excitement is, right? Okay. That's great. Well, it's quite an honor for me to be able to read this proclamation as sort of a retired real estate person, even though I didn't do residential and housing necessarily, but uh there's great things happening here, and and so uh I'm very pleased that uh we're able to recognize uh this special month, which is important to any city in the country. And so the City of Cedar Rapids proclamation. Whereas the Fair Housing Act enabled on April 13th, 19th or April 11th, 1968, was enshrined into federal law to prohibit discriminatory housing practices, undo racial segregation patterns, and provide equitable access to housing for all. And whereas Fair Housing Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress and acknowledge remaining challenges. And whereas, despite existing fair housing protections, barriers to housing still exist, and we will continue to fight against discrimination in housing. The journey toward more fair housing and equitable opportunities will continue. And whereas we recognize access to fair and equitable housing can be transformational, creating new promises for future generations. Housing is not just a building, but a foundation on which we build livelihoods, nurture families, access quality education, improve health outcomes, and increase economic opportunities. And whereas the city of Cedar Rapids is committed to securing freedom from discrimination based upon age, color, creed, familiar status, gender identity, marital status, mental disabilities, national origin, race, religion, physical disability, sex, sexual orientation, retaliation, or association. And whereas we celebrate the passage of the Fair Housing Act, and we are committed to advancing equity, fairness, inclusion, and justice in housing. Now, therefore, I, Scott Olson, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and our entire city council do hereby recognize April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and encourage residents to observe the month by joining citywide efforts to realize equal housing opportunities for all and commit to being a community in where everyone feels they belong. What a proclamation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. My name is Jay Whitaker. I'm currently the president of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Rail Tours. This is Jill Hartke, who's the incoming president in 2027. Just want to let everyone know. A home is where families put down roots, where children grow up feeling safe, and where belonging is built. Fair housing is simply the promise that everyone deserves the chance to find that place. This city has rebuilt itself through adversity more than once. That resilience comes from its people, and that's all of them. When we remove barriers to homeownership, we're not just opening doors to houses, we're opening doors to full participation of this community. April, as we heard, is Fair Housing Month, but the work doesn't stop on May 1st. As members of this community, we renew this commitment every time we treat someone with dignity in the process of finding a home. That's the kind of city Cedar Rapids chooses to be.

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