OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BodyCedar Rapids, Iowa
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:26:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Good afternoon, everybody.

0:05

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

0:08

Welcome everybody to our meeting for Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

0:13

I'd like to note that Councilmember Marty Hager is absent today as he's representing our city in Washington, DC with a group along with the Economic Alliance.

0:23

I'd like to welcome our deputy city manager, Angie Charper, who's here, along with our city clerk and our city attorney, and thank you to city staff for attending and being available by phone or email to answer any of the questions our citizens may have.

0:37

And a reminder to turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that may be a distraction to our meeting today.

0:42

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

0:47

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

0:52

We'll begin now with our invocation by public safety chaplain Tim Leathers, immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance.

1:04

Let us pray.

1:05

Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility for the work set before us.

1:13

Thank you for the people of this city for their voices, their needs, and their hopes.

1:19

Grant to these leaders wisdom beyond their own, charity in the midst of complexity, and courage to do what is right, even what is difficult.

1:28

Help them to listen well, to lead with integrity, and to seek the good of all, especially those who at oftentimes are unheard.

1:37

Let their decisions be guided by justice, tempered with mercy, and carried out with humility and respect.

1:45

May this council be marked not by division, but by purpose, not by pride, but by service, and not by fear, but a steady commitment to do what is true and good.

1:58

And when this meeting ends, may it be said that what was done here strengthens the city, honors its people, and reflects all the higher calling to serve.

2:08

In your holy name we pray.

2:10

Amen.

2:12

Let's say the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:32

All right, we're going to begin with a couple of proclamations.

2:34

I'd like to invite those who are here for Mental Health Awareness Month to join me at the Dais, please.

2:52

All right, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

2:55

Whereas mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being, and whereas Cedar Cedar Rapidians experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives, resulting in real and prevalent mental health conditions.

3:07

And whereas with effective treatment, those individuals can recover and lead full productive lives.

3:12

And whereas early intervention and access to quality care are crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life.

3:20

And whereas we encourage all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and recognize taking care of ourselves and others.

3:28

Now, therefore, I, Tiffany O'Donnell, mayor of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on behalf of our council, do hereby recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month and recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.

3:53

Thank you.

3:54

Next up, if we have those here for public works week, please join me.

4:00

These are the quiet people behind the scenes that make the day-to-day much nicer.

4:09

Yeah.

4:13

We're going to be seeing plenty of you here back up at the dais in a bit.

4:18

But yeah, come on up.

4:19

Thank you.

4:20

I don't bite, I promise.

4:22

Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are essential to sustainable, resilient communities and to the health, safety, high quality of life, and well being of Cedar Rapidians.

4:33

And whereas these individuals serve countless hours on behalf of the community working to protect citizens and property in the event of emergency threats.

4:41

And whereas these infrastructure systems and services depend on the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees across government and the private sector who build, maintain, and protect transportation systems, stormwater infrastructure, sanitary sewers, and other critical public facilities.

5:01

And whereas it is in the interest for all in Cedar Rapids to gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs.

5:10

And whereas the year 2026 marks this marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association.

5:19

Now, therefore, I, Tiffany O'Donnell, mayor of Cedar Rapids, on behalf of our city council, hereby recognize this week, May 17th through 23rd, as Public Works Week to recognize the substantial contributions that public works professionals make to protect our health, safety, and advance the quality of life for all.

5:37

Thank you.

5:38

Director Floyd.

5:42

I'm Brennan Fall, the Public Works Director, and I just want to express my appreciation for all of our dedicated staff.

5:49

We're about 200 strong.

5:50

So this is very, very small group of us.

5:53

Others are outworking as we speak.

5:56

And we do incredible volumes of work for the city, thanks in part to fantastic programs like pavement for progress, our flood control system, the many uh priorities, initiatives, and plans that the council supports.

6:08

So thank you, Council, for your support and also for the collaboration of the entire city team.

6:14

We couldn't couldn't do it alone, but we're doing a lot, and that's really fantastic.

6:18

So thank you.

6:19

Well said, thank you.

6:38

All right, our first piece of business here is a presentation on our homeless systems update.

6:44

So uh Janae and Laura Shaw, I'll recognize you.

6:52

Hello, Council, Laura Shaw, Community Development.

6:56

Janae Peterman, homeless systems manager.

7:02

So today we're providing an update on the ongoing homeless systems initiative in our community.

7:07

Um, in June of 2023, the city uh contracted with the National Alliance and Homelessness, and from uh the certain recommendations and goals that they identified.

7:18

What we chose to do was um really focus on creating a systemic approach to ending homelessness and to align interventions and resources across our community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████████19%
Homelessness██████████████████18%
Affordable Housing███████████████15%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Engagement███████7%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Active Transportation████4%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at City Hall. Councilmember Marty Hager was absent, representing the city in Washington, D.C. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by proclamations for Mental Health Awareness Month and Public Works Week. A presentation on the homeless systems update was given, and the council held public hearings on eight items before approving the consent agenda and acting on several regular agenda items. The meeting concluded with a public comment period featuring speakers on the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center, animal control policies, and a disruptive statement from a resident.

Proclamations

  • Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing mental health education and accessible services.
  • Mayor O'Donnell proclaimed the week of May 17–23 as Public Works Week, recognizing the city's approximately 200 public works professionals for their contributions to infrastructure and safety.

Homeless Systems Update

  • Presenter: Laura Shaw (Community Development) and Janae Peterman (Homeless Systems Manager).
  • Key statistics from the 2025–2026 winter weather shelter season: 341 unique individuals served (down from 471 the prior season). Nightly average: 68; highest nightly census: 86 (down from 101 the previous year).
  • Exit outcomes: 61% self-resolved (doubled up or found own housing), 9% entered permanent housing through a program, 24% returned to unsheltered situations (up from 18%).
  • Calls for service at the shelter decreased from 328 (avg 2.5/night) to 210 (avg 1.2/night); medical calls declined significantly.
  • Lived Experience Advisory Council: Conducted panel at Unlocking Downtown Solutions event, showcased biometric lockers for storage (new community partners identified), and will review state applications for other communities to start similar councils. They are building a peer support program and structured activities.
  • Coordinated Entry Street Outreach Team: Now comprised of Waypoint and Lived Experience Council; completed by-name list of 61 individuals (down from previous year), with 25% actively enrolled in housing programs.
  • Landlord Tenant Success Initiative: As of latest report, 55 households housed (63 adults, 36 children); 65 enrolled. No lease violations.
  • Community Care Team: 10 high-need individuals enrolled (9 housed, 1 in treatment). Combined 46 years of homelessness; pre-enrollment: 30 incarcerations in 3 years (post: 3), 82 ER visits in 3 years (post: 4).
  • Street Medicine Collaborative: Phase 1 working with UnityPoint for psychiatric assessments and medication management; awaiting schedule.
  • Councilmembers expressed appreciation for results and discussed need for more housing options, storage, and library usage. Councilmember Todd noted proposed federal budget cuts could affect funding; Peterman confirmed the city and United Way have covered gaps for the Lived Experience Council.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda (items 19–30) was approved unanimously with a motion by Councilmember Poe and second by Councilmember Overland. No items were pulled for discussion.

Public Hearings & Action Items

All public hearings were held with no objectors from the audience. The following items were approved:

  1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Administrative Plan Update) – Presented by Laura Shaw and Danielle Schladerbeck. Key updates: removal of Emergency Housing Voucher program (31 families absorbed), alignment with best practices, updated criminal conviction language, and expansion of Foster Youth Initiative vouchers (7 approved, up to 25). Approved unanimously.

  2. Vacation and Disposition of Alley at 900 L Street SW – Requested by Interstate Power & Light to facilitate construction of the Alliant Energy CR Taylor substation. Councilmember Van Orney raised concerns about site cleanup; Councilmember Todd suggested aesthetic improvements. Approved on first reading.

  3. Disposition of Land between 2nd/3rd St SE and 16th/17th Ave SE – Initiation of RFP process for city-owned vacant lots. Approved.

  4. Third Street SW Pavement Rehabilitation (3rd Ave to 1st Ave) – Estimated cost $550,000. Approved.

  5. Fourth Street SE Cedar River Trail Extension (Segment 1) – Estimated cost $1,904,000. Approved.

  6. Czech Village Riverside Trail Project – Estimated cost $220,000. Councilmember Van Orney complimented the flood control system and museum. Approved.

  7. FY27 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project – Estimated cost $2,030,000; 25,000+ feet of pipe lining. A public commenter asked about night work; staff noted minimal traffic impacts. Approved.

  8. Replacement of First Street Doors at City Hall – Estimated cost $226,000. Approved.

Regular Agenda Items

  • Item 31 – Bond Sales Rescheduled: Motion to defer bond sale (Series 2026A, B, C) to a special meeting on Thursday, May 14 at noon. Approved.
  • Item 32 – Police Department Regional Academy Bids: Seven bids received; low bid $4,032,000 from Garland Construction (under estimate of $4,377,000). Staff still reviewing; award to be presented later. Noted.
  • Item 33 – 12th/13th Street SE Rehabilitation: Low bid $945,943.99 from Pierce Top and Construction; awarded.
  • Item 34 – Blair’s Ferry Road Sidewalk Infill: Low bid $432,260.78 from Eastern Iowa Excavation and Concrete LLC; awarded.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • John Lee (Cedar Rapids property owner) – Expressed concern that the Morgan Valley Energy Center (proposed near Fairfax/Atkins) is not well understood by residents. Noted that Cedar Rapids Utilities is already coordinating water/sewer service, and argued that public discussion should precede infrastructure commitments. Position: Calls for more transparency and public engagement before the project advances.
  • Jane Shear (Cedar Rapids property owner) – Echoed concerns about the scale of the Morgan Valley project, its impact zone (10-mile radius including tens of thousands of residents), and the risk of long-term development patterns being set without adequate public awareness. Position: Urged the council to ensure meaningful public input before major decisions are made.
  • Joshua Candler – Described being bitten twice by a pit bull in his apartment complex, requiring ER treatment. Criticized animal control for not removing the dog; the owner was required to use a muzzle but is not complying. Position: Requested a policy that any dog bite requiring ambulance transport results in the dog’s removal from the city.
  • Melissa Duffield – Made lengthy, disruptive remarks accusing the council of violating her constitutional rights, colluding with law enforcement, and failing transparency on the Morgan Valley project. Alleged corruption and targeting of citizens. Position: Expressed opposition to the council and demanded recusal; stated she would pursue legal action.

Key Outcomes

  • All eight public hearing items were approved unanimously.
  • The homeless systems update was received; no formal vote required.
  • Item 31 (bond sales) was deferred to a special meeting on May 14, 2026.
  • Item 32 (police academy) was received and will be brought back for award.
  • Items 33 and 34 were awarded to low bidders.
  • The consent agenda was approved.

Next Meetings: Special council meeting on May 14, 2026, at noon to award bond sales.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everybody. This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order. Welcome everybody to our meeting for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. I'd like to note that Councilmember Marty Hager is absent today as he's representing our city in Washington, DC with a group along with the Economic Alliance. I'd like to welcome our deputy city manager, Angie Charper, who's here, along with our city clerk and our city attorney, and thank you to city staff for attending and being available by phone or email to answer any of the questions our citizens may have. And a reminder to turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that may be a distraction to our meeting 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 through Facebook Live. We'll begin now with our invocation by public safety chaplain Tim Leathers, immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility for the work set before us. Thank you for the people of this city for their voices, their needs, and their hopes. Grant to these leaders wisdom beyond their own, charity in the midst of complexity, and courage to do what is right, even what is difficult. Help them to listen well, to lead with integrity, and to seek the good of all, especially those who at oftentimes are unheard. Let their decisions be guided by justice, tempered with mercy, and carried out with humility and respect. May this council be marked not by division, but by purpose, not by pride, but by service, and not by fear, but a steady commitment to do what is true and good. And when this meeting ends, may it be said that what was done here strengthens the city, honors its people, and reflects all the higher calling to serve. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Let's say the Pledge of Allegiance. All right, we're going to begin with a couple of proclamations. I'd like to invite those who are here for Mental Health Awareness Month to join me at the Dais, please. All right, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Whereas mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being, and whereas Cedar Cedar Rapidians experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives, resulting in real and prevalent mental health conditions. And whereas with effective treatment, those individuals can recover and lead full productive lives. And whereas early intervention and access to quality care are crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life. And whereas we encourage all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and recognize taking care of ourselves and others. Now, therefore, I, Tiffany O'Donnell, mayor of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on behalf of our council, do hereby recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month and recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions. Thank you. Next up, if we have those here for public works week, please join me. These are the quiet people behind the scenes that make the day-to-day much nicer. Yeah. We're going to be seeing plenty of you here back up at the dais in a bit. But yeah, come on up. Thank you. I don't bite, I promise. Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are essential to sustainable, resilient communities and to the health, safety, high quality of life, and well being of Cedar Rapidians. And whereas these individuals serve countless hours on behalf of the community working to protect citizens and property in the event of emergency threats. And whereas these infrastructure systems and services depend on the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees across government and the private sector who build, maintain, and protect transportation systems, stormwater infrastructure, sanitary sewers, and other critical public facilities. And whereas it is in the interest for all in Cedar Rapids to gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs. And whereas the year 2026 marks this marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. Now, therefore, I, Tiffany O'Donnell, mayor of Cedar Rapids, on behalf of our city council, hereby recognize this week, May 17th through 23rd, as Public Works Week to recognize the substantial contributions that public works professionals make to protect our health, safety, and advance the quality of life for all. Thank you. Director Floyd. I'm Brennan Fall, the Public Works Director, and I just want to express my appreciation for all of our dedicated staff. We're about 200 strong. So this is very, very small group of us. Others are outworking as we speak. And we do incredible volumes of work for the city, thanks in part to fantastic programs like pavement for progress, our flood control system, the many uh priorities, initiatives, and plans that the council supports. So thank you, Council, for your support and also for the collaboration of the entire city team.

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