OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – April 14, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyCedar Rapids, Iowa
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:39:20

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

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

0:11

Welcome everybody for this meeting Tuesday, April 14th, 2026.

0:15

I like to welcome our entire council here, also our city manager, our city attorney, our city clerk, and as always to city staff for making time to be here for us.

0:25

A reminder for those of you here in the gallery to please turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that might distract from our proceedings today.

0:32

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

0:37

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

0:43

We will begin now with an invocation by public safety chaplain Sam Anderson, immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance.

0:53

Thank you, Mayor, City staff, uh, city uh council members and the community members for being here.

0:59

Uh this is uh just a beautiful day and invigorated by the springtime uh weather that we have, but also just reminded of the work that is to be done.

1:10

And so uh we're gonna start with prayer, if you would join me, please.

1:13

God, we pray that you would guide indirect conversations, decisions, God, that you would make Cedar Rapids to be a place that's God, we would be proud to continue to call our home.

1:27

God, that you would be in all the decisions, God, we know that in you we have our life and our breath and our very being.

1:33

So, Father, we pray that you would guide the discisions, conversations, and God, that your will is done.

1:39

Uh we pray all of this, God, asking uh for direction and discernment.

1:45

Amen.

1:47

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, individual with liberty and justice for all.

2:05

All right, we're again with uh proclamations beginning with child abuse prevention month.

2:09

So I'd like to invite anyone who's here for this proclamation to join Councilmember Van Orney at the dais.

2:19

Whereas child abuse and neglect, oh, come on up.

2:23

Yeah, please, please, please.

2:26

First, you are welcome.

2:30

Yeah.

2:36

All right, whereas child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community and require action from everyone in our community to prevent it.

2:45

And whereas our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of Cedar Rapids and Lynn County, and together we can support safe, healthy families in our communities by partnering to protect children and whereas child abuse and neglect directly harm children and increase the likelihood of long-term physical and mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse, continued family violence and criminal behavior, and whereas every child can have a great childhood by making sure each family has support and education they need in raising their children in safe and nurturing environments, and whereas effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.

3:31

And whereas community members must make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families.

3:37

Now, therefore, I, Ashley Van Orney, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell of Cedar Rapids and the entire Cedar Rapids City Council do hereby recognize this month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call upon all citizens to increase their participation in building caring connections with families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the community in which we live.

3:58

Thank you.

4:04

So thank you, Council members, for recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

4:08

Keeping children in Cedar Rapids safe takes all of us working together to support those strong families and healthier communities.

4:15

Our children are our greatest resource, and investing in safe supportive families builds a brighter future for Cedar Rapids.

4:22

So thank you all.

4:27

And our final proclamation today is uh for Make My Music Day.

4:30

So anyone who's here for that, oh great.

4:34

I see quite a few from our community.

4:36

Yes.

4:38

Join Council Member Todd here.

4:44

Yeah.

4:45

Oh, I should be.

4:48

So, whereas music is a universal language that brings people together across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods, strengthening community bonds and enriching civic life.

5:11

And whereas Make Music Day is an international celebration of music held each year on June 21st, with more than 1,000 cities worldwide hosting free performances in parks, sidewalks, businesses, and public spaces.

5:27

And whereas the City of Cedar Rapids in partnership with local musicians, venues, educators, and community partners is working to strengthen the local music ecosystem and create more opportunities for residents to experience and participate in live music.

5:44

And whereas Make Music Day in Cedar Rapids helps showcase the city's creative talent, support local performance, performers, and fill neighborhoods and public spaces with music for all enjoy.

5:56

Now therefore I, Dale Todd, on behalf of Tiffany O'Donnell, Mayor of Cedar Apits and the Cedar Rapids City Council do hereby recognize June 21st 2026's Make Music Day and encourage residents to participate in the citywide celebration by sharing and enjoying live music throughout our community.

6:17

There.

6:18

Good.

6:22

Mayor and Council, thank you for the proclamation and your support.

6:26

Make music Cedar Rapids is excited to partner with the city to bring Make Music Day to Cedar Rapids on June 21st.

6:33

Cedar Rapids will join cities around the world for this international holiday, turning our parks, sidewalks, and businesses into stages with musicians and non-musicians sharing music across the community as we ring in the summer.

6:45

This is a citywide celebration, but it's also part of a larger effort to grow Cedar Rapids music community as Make Music Cedar Rapids and the City work to support local artists, activate public spaces, and build stronger connections across the creative community.

7:01

We're excited to see Cedar Rapids come alive with music on June 21st.

7:05

To get involved, visit MakeMusic Day.org/slash Cedar Rapids.

7:13

Council, you started this about four years ago, and now it's starting.

7:17

And this is our Make Music, this is our Music Committee ecosystem right now.

7:22

It's a good one.

7:22

That's a good one.

7:23

Thank you for meeting every other month and helping to make this thing happen.

7:27

So that's a great one.

7:28

Thank you.

7:29

Thank you.

7:30

And thanks for your leadership, uh, Councilmember Todd, too.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████24%
Economic Development█████████████████████21%
Environmental Protection███████████11%
Procedural███████7%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Arts And Culture███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and proclamations for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Make Music Day. The council then held public hearings on 15 agenda items, approved several resolutions and ordinances, and heard public comments on public safety and climate emissions. Key decisions included transit funding, wastewater fee restructuring, a new urban revitalization area, and multiple infrastructure projects.

Proclamations

  • Child Abuse Prevention Month – Recognized April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, emphasizing community support for families.
  • Make Music Day – Recognized June 21, 2026, as Make Music Day in Cedar Rapids, a citywide celebration with free performances.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously (moved by Todd, seconded by Van Orney).

Public Hearings & Votes on Items 1–15

  1. Transit Funding Application (FY27) – Approved $7.21 million in federal and state transit assistance (40% of operating budget, 75% of capital). Motion by Olson, seconded by Todd. Unanimous.
  2. Wastewater Code Amendment (Group 6) – Established new fee structure for adjoining cities, part of the $348 million WPC renovation. First reading approved. Motion by Todd, seconded by Van Orney. Unanimous.
  3. Parks, Waterways & Recreation Commission Update – Amended Chapter 6.05 to reflect current practices. First reading approved. Motion by Van Orney, seconded by Poe. Unanimous.
  4. Ginkgo Ridge Project Update – Reviewed 16-unit Roots program (townhouse style). $6.7 million budget, $3.12 million CDBG-DR funds, $1.34 million expended. Completion by August 2027. No vote required.
  5. Garfield Urban Revitalization Area (1201 Maplewood Dr NE) – Established for $7 million redevelopment of former school into 30 rental units. 10-year 100% tax exemption on increased value ($240,000 exempted). Councilmember Hager recused. Resolution and first reading approved. Motion by Poe, seconded by Overland.
  6. Mount Vernon Road Corridor Urban Revitalization Area – Created area from 10th St SE to 44th St SE to stimulate redevelopment. 87 eligible properties. Exemption: commercial 3-year 100% or 10-year declining; multifamily 10-year 100%. Resolution and first reading approved. Motion by Hager, seconded by Meyer. Unanimous.
  7. Alley Vacation (2nd St SE to Osborne Park) – Vacated alley to allow flood control system and redevelopment. First reading approved. Motion by Meyer, seconded by Scott Olson. Unanimous.
  8. Alley Vacation (17th Ave, cross alley, Jason Alley) – Same purpose as above. First reading approved. Motion by Scott Olson, seconded by Todd. Unanimous.
  9. 2nd Street SE Vault & Sidewalk Repair – Resolution of necessity approved. $665,000 total, $76,000 special assessment on one property. Motion by Todd, seconded by Van Orney. Unanimous.
  10. Blair's Ferry Road Sidewalk (South Side) – Approved plans, specs, estimated cost $530,000. Pedestrian safety project. Motion by Van Orney, seconded by Poe. Unanimous.
  11. 12th Street SE / Co Road NE / 13th Street SE Rehabilitation – One-way to two-way conversion, resurfacing, water/sewer repairs. Estimated cost $920,000. Motion by Poe, seconded by Overland. Unanimous.
  12. 2026 Pavement Milling & Curb Repair – 17 locations, $5.82 million. Motion by Tyler Olson, seconded by Hager. Unanimous.
  13. 2026 Sanitary Sewer Service Replacement – 15 locations, $170,000. Motion by Hager, seconded by Meyer. Unanimous.
  14. Old Bridge Road to 76th Ave SW Sanitary Sewer Extension (Phase 1) – $1.49 million, part of Google agreement. Motion by Hager, seconded by Meyer. Unanimous.
  15. Fuel Dispensing System Replacement – $240,000, bids due April 15. Motion by Meyer, seconded by Scott Olson. Unanimous.

Regular Agenda Items (34–43)

  • 34. Envision CR 2025 Updates – Annual update adopted (26 action steps, 15 other plans). Motion by Poe, seconded by Overland. Unanimous.
  • 35. L Street SW Housing Incentives – $1.46 million investment, 6 units, 10-year 100% tax rebate ($120,000). Motion by Overland, seconded by Tyler Olson. Unanimous.
  • 36. Redevelopment of City-Owned Properties (I Ave NW / Ellis Blvd NW) – Awarded to GELAD LLC (11 units, single-family, ADU, townhomes). Motion by Tyler Olson, seconded by Hager. Unanimous.
  • 37. Redevelopment of 4th St & 17th Ave SE – Awarded to Watts Group (66 units mixed-use, 1,500 sq ft commercial). Motion by Overland, seconded by Tyler Olson. Unanimous.
  • 38. O Avenue NW Levee Project Bids – Awarded to Peterson Contractors ($2,775,270.83). ARPA and flood mitigation funds. Schedule June 2026 – Oct 2027. Motion by Tyler Olson, seconded by Meyer. Unanimous.
  • 39–43. Ordinances – All passed on second and third readings (rules suspended):
    • 39: Dairy Queen (501 16th St NE) designated local landmark.
    • 40: Surveillance cameras ordinance updated.
    • 41: Zone change at 820 Wiley Blvd NW (light industrial to traditional industrial mixed use).
    • 42: Plum Supply Urban Revitalization Area established (4690 Bowling St SW).
    • 43: Edgewood Point Urban Renewal Area TIF collection approved. (Mayor registered a no vote on this item.)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Pastor Doyle – Spoke about public safety, referencing a Chicago police officer's murder and urging the council to take proactive steps to prevent similar violence in Cedar Rapids. Stressed accountability for criminal behavior.
  • John Dowdall (Citizens' Climate Lobby) – Requested the council to know their carbon emissions numbers. Highlighted global CO₂ levels (430 ppm reached in March 2025) and urged action to reduce emissions.
  • John Krasik (Linn Clean Energy District) – Requested the council formally adopt the East Central Iowa Council of Governments Pathway Plan and appoint a project manager to track emissions reductions. Also urged council to require data centers (QTS, Google) to add zero-emissions electricity to receive franchise fee rebates. Noted that data centers could triple electricity consumption in Linn County and that Alliant's proposed 720 MW gas plant would add 2 million tons of emissions annually.

Key Outcomes

  • All 15 public hearing items (resolutions/ordinances) were approved with unanimous votes except for one recusal (item 5) and one nay (item 43).
  • The council approved financial incentives for three housing/development projects (items 35, 36, 37) and a major infrastructure award (item 38).
  • Multiple ordinances were advanced to final reading and adopted.
  • Public comments raised concerns about public safety and climate emissions, with specific requests for the council to adopt a pathway plan and attach conditions to data center incentives.
  • The council did not take immediate action on the public comments, but the city manager acknowledged the communications.

Meeting Transcript

This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order, everyone. Welcome everybody for this meeting Tuesday, April 14th, 2026. I like to welcome our entire council here, also our city manager, our city attorney, our city clerk, and as always to city staff for making time to be here for us. A reminder for those of you here in the gallery to please turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that might distract 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 available to watch live and on replay on Facebook. We will begin now with an invocation by public safety chaplain Sam Anderson, immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Mayor, City staff, uh, city uh council members and the community members for being here. Uh this is uh just a beautiful day and invigorated by the springtime uh weather that we have, but also just reminded of the work that is to be done. And so uh we're gonna start with prayer, if you would join me, please. God, we pray that you would guide indirect conversations, decisions, God, that you would make Cedar Rapids to be a place that's God, we would be proud to continue to call our home. God, that you would be in all the decisions, God, we know that in you we have our life and our breath and our very being. So, Father, we pray that you would guide the discisions, conversations, and God, that your will is done. Uh we pray all of this, God, asking uh for direction and discernment. 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, individual with liberty and justice for all. All right, we're again with uh proclamations beginning with child abuse prevention month. So I'd like to invite anyone who's here for this proclamation to join Councilmember Van Orney at the dais. Whereas child abuse and neglect, oh, come on up. Yeah, please, please, please. First, you are welcome. Yeah. All right, whereas child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community and require action from everyone in our community to prevent it. And whereas our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of Cedar Rapids and Lynn County, and together we can support safe, healthy families in our communities by partnering to protect children and whereas child abuse and neglect directly harm children and increase the likelihood of long-term physical and mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse, continued family violence and criminal behavior, and whereas every child can have a great childhood by making sure each family has support and education they need in raising their children in safe and nurturing environments, and whereas effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community. And whereas community members must make every effort to promote programs and activities that benefit children and their families. Now, therefore, I, Ashley Van Orney, on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell of Cedar Rapids and the entire Cedar Rapids City Council do hereby recognize this month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call upon all citizens to increase their participation in building caring connections with families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the community in which we live. Thank you. So thank you, Council members, for recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. Keeping children in Cedar Rapids safe takes all of us working together to support those strong families and healthier communities. Our children are our greatest resource, and investing in safe supportive families builds a brighter future for Cedar Rapids. So thank you all. And our final proclamation today is uh for Make My Music Day. So anyone who's here for that, oh great. I see quite a few from our community. Yes. Join Council Member Todd here. Yeah. Oh, I should be. So, whereas music is a universal language that brings people together across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods, strengthening community bonds and enriching civic life. And whereas Make Music Day is an international celebration of music held each year on June 21st, with more than 1,000 cities worldwide hosting free performances in parks, sidewalks, businesses, and public spaces. And whereas the City of Cedar Rapids in partnership with local musicians, venues, educators, and community partners is working to strengthen the local music ecosystem and create more opportunities for residents to experience and participate in live music. And whereas Make Music Day in Cedar Rapids helps showcase the city's creative talent, support local performance, performers, and fill neighborhoods and public spaces with music for all enjoy. Now therefore I, Dale Todd, on behalf of Tiffany O'Donnell, Mayor of Cedar Apits and the Cedar Rapids City Council do hereby recognize June 21st 2026's Make Music Day and encourage residents to participate in the citywide celebration by sharing and enjoying live music throughout our community. There. Good. Mayor and Council, thank you for the proclamation and your support. Make music Cedar Rapids is excited to partner with the city to bring Make Music Day to Cedar Rapids on June 21st. Cedar Rapids will join cities around the world for this international holiday, turning our parks, sidewalks, and businesses into stages with musicians and non-musicians sharing music across the community as we ring in the summer. This is a citywide celebration, but it's also part of a larger effort to grow Cedar Rapids music community as Make Music Cedar Rapids and the City work to support local artists, activate public spaces, and build stronger connections across the creative community. We're excited to see Cedar Rapids come alive with music on June 21st.

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