Cedar Rapids City Council Regular Meeting – June 9, 2026
Cedar Rapids City Council Regular Meeting – June 9, 2026
The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM (presumed) for a regular session. The meeting included a proclamation, multiple public hearings on urban renewal amendments and development agreements, a major manufacturing expansion, street vacations, infrastructure projects, and public comment periods. Several speakers raised concerns about transparency, developer incentives, affordable housing, and environmental impacts. All agenda items were approved, with some receiving public objections but no opposed council votes.
Proclamation
- Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell proclaimed June 9, 2026 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in Cedar Rapids. The proclamation highlighted that Tourette syndrome affects approximately 1 in 50 children and over 15,000 Iowans. A community member whose family is affected by the disorder spoke in support, emphasizing that awareness promotes safety and dignity.
Public Hearings & Development Agreements (Items 1–4)
- Item 1: Approved Amendment No. 11 to the Central Consolidated Urban Renewal Area, updating the plan to reflect new projects. No public comments. Motion carried unanimously.
- Item 2: Development agreement with Rosa Holds LLC (Grace Gutenkoff) for a $1.46 million housing redevelopment at 934 and 940 L Street SW (6 market-rate units). Standard 10-year 100% tax rebate (est. $120,000 rebated). No public comments. Motion carried.
- Item 3: Development agreement with 2nd and 2nd LC (Steve Emerson) for adaptive reuse of the former Principal Building at 2nd Street SE and 2nd Avenue SE – $16.3 million investment creating 26 market-rate apartments and commercial space. Tax rebate: 10-year 100% for housing, 50% for commercial (est. $1 million rebated). Public speakers objected, citing lack of affordability, concerns about developer relationships, and calls to redirect funds to city services. Motion carried with one objection noted.
- Item 4: Development agreement with OFB LLC (Tyler Oswood) for a $2.45 million housing redevelopment at 10th Avenue SE and 5th Street SE (two townhomes, a fourplex, a triplex). 15-year 100% tax rebate (est. $600,000 rebated). Public speakers opposed, alleging favoritism and inadequate city services. Motion carried with one objection noted.
Public Hearing – Sub-Zero Group Expansion (Item 5)
- A development agreement with Sub-Zero Group Inc. and Cedar Rapids Real Estate LLC for a $196.3 million light manufacturing expansion (225,000 sq. ft.) at the existing Sub-Zero campus. The project is expected to create up to 312 new jobs (115 at or above $30.41/hr), with a 10-year 100% tax exemption under the state Big program (est. $13 million new taxes, $7 million exempted). Public speakers demanded disclosure of LLC members; one objected due to lack of transparency. Councilmembers noted the project was won in a competitive process against 900 cities and praised Sub-Zero’s employment record. Motion carried with two objections noted.
Public Hearing – Street Vacation (Item 6)
- Vacation and disposition of a 0.053-acre triangular right-of-way at 5th Street SE between 10th and 11th Avenues, requested by OFB LLC for a housing project. The property is valued at $4,925; the developer agreed to pay that amount. One public speaker objected, questioning whether the property was being given away and asking for disclosure. Motion carried with one objection noted.
Public Hearing – Tower Terrace Northeast Interchange Landscaping (Item 7)
- Proposed plan, specifications, and estimated $380,000 cost for landscaping at the Tower Terrace and I-380 interchange, including pavers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grass. One public speaker objected generically over transparency. Motion carried with one objection noted.
Public Hearing – Cedar Lake Amenities Bid Package 3 (Item 8)
- Proposed $3.95 million project for recreational amenities at Cedar Lake, including wetland restoration, bird walk, accessible kayak launch, trail reconstruction, activity set (challenge course, restrooms), and fishing jetties. Construction to start summer 2026, substantially complete by December 2026. Public speakers raised concerns about the site’s EPA superfund history, the need for native plants, and environmental impacts. Councilmember Dale Todd provided detailed context on sediment testing and the lake’s status, confirming the site is no longer on the impaired list. Staff confirmed native species will be used. Motion carried with one objection noted.
Discussion Items
- Item 22 – Second Street SE Vault and Sidewalk Repairs: Report on bids for a $600,000 project to address abandoned building vaults. No bids were received; staff plan to rebid as two separate packages later this year. No action required.
- Item 23 – Caledonia Haulers Inc. Incentives: Resolution of support for a $14 million transportation and logistics facility at 420–550 French Court SW (40,000 sq. ft., 27 new jobs). Standard 10-year 50% tax rebate (est. $1 million rebated). Motion carried unanimously.
Ordinances (Items 24–27)
- Item 24: Ordinance vacating Osborne Avenue SE (1437–1443 2nd Street SE) – approved on second and third readings (suspension of rules).
- Item 25: Zone change at 16th Avenue and 80th Street SW from Agricultural to Suburban Mixed-Use Community Center (requested by Todd Andrew and ANM LLC) – approved on second and third readings.
- Item 26: Zone change at 650 Walford Road SW from Agricultural to Light Industrial (requested by Linn County) – approved on second and third readings.
- Item 27: Ordinance amending Chapter 63 (Offenses Against Public Safety) by repealing and replacing Section 63.10B (Fireworks) to conform with Iowa Code – approved on second reading.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the consent agenda (moved by Overland, seconded by Tyler Olsen) without discussion or opposition.
Public Comments & Testimony (General)
- Pamela Wilhoit: Raised concerns about inadequate parking signage during the marathon weekend. Her vehicle was towed despite not seeing temporary signs. She requested better communication and more visible signage at least one week in advance.
- Christopher Klepich: Opposed data center investments (Google/QTS), citing environmental and health risks. Called for a moratorium and noted water usage issues in other states (e.g., 30 million gallons stolen in Georgia).
- John Lee: Requested a dedicated public meeting regarding the Morgan Valley Energy Center and Cedar Rapids’ water supply role. Emphasized that residents outside city limits (within a 10-mile impact zone) should be allowed to speak.
- Isaac Davis: Praised staff presentations but urged more detailed background on agenda items to inform citizens who may not have attended prior meetings.
Key Outcomes
- All public hearing items (1–8) were approved with votes recorded as unanimous (no nays). Objections from the public were noted but did not affect outcomes.
- The Sub-Zero expansion and Caledonia Haulers incentives were approved; the Caledonia agreement requires a future TIF ordinance and development agreement.
- The Second Street SE vault project will be rebid as two separate packages due to lack of bids.
- Four ordinances were approved (zone changes, street vacation, fireworks code update).
- The consent agenda was approved without discussion.
- The meeting adjourned following the final public input period.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everybody. This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order. Welcome everybody for our meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2026. I'd like to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, and our city attorney, and thank you as always to city staff for being available for us today to answer questions. A reminder to turn off any cell phones or electronic devices that might distract us from our proceedings. 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 will begin with our invocation by our public safety chaplain, Ken Glandorf, followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Let's stand. God, we thank you for our city of Cedar Rapids and for the men and women who have stepped forward to serve. We ask for your blessing upon the mayor, the city council, and all city staff. Grant them wisdom, unity, and as they seek the welfare and needs of the people they represent. We pray for their health, their families, and their protection. Your name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag. United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, liberty, and justice for all. And we'll begin with our proclamation today, which will be marking Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Day. So those of you who are here on behalf of this proclamation, please join me at the dais. Whereas Tourette syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder that is characterized by involuntary physical and vocal ticks that occur many times a day. And whereas Tourette's syndrome is often accompanied by other mental health disorders such as attention deficit, an obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, and anxiety. And whereas Tourette's syndrome and persistent tick disorders affect approximately one in 50 children. More than 15,000 children and adults in the state of Iowa alone are dealing with Tourette syndrome. And although some of these cases are aided by medication, there is no standard treatment or known cure for the disorder. And whereas there is an important need for more professional help with interest and expertise to identify counsel and treat people with Tourette syndrome, and whereas positive actions to assist children and families living with Tourette syndrome would result from a broadening of public and professional knowledge and acceptance of Tourette syndrome. And whereas the Tourette Association of America is actively providing services to families, educating medical professionals and teachers and supporting research to better understand the signs and treatments of Tourette syndrome. Now, therefore I, Tiffany O'Donnell, mayor of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on behalf of our City Council, do hereby recognize the 9th of June 2026 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. Tourette syndrome is often misunderstood, and due to stigma, individuals frequently feel isolated. The city of Cedar Rapids has many residents, both children and adults living with this condition, who want to go to public spaces without the fear of being ridiculed. By having this proclamation in our town, we believe and hope that it will be instrumental in bringing awareness to TS and to support services the Tourette Association of America has available, thereby reaching people who had previously suffered in silence. Oh my, this is near and dear to my heart. Thank you, Mayor, and the members of the City Council for this proclamation and for recognizing Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in our city. This truly means more than you know. Awareness isn't just a word. It's about safety and dignity. It's the difference between being judged and being understood. I grew up with undiagnosed Tourette syndrome, carrying confusion and shame for something that I couldn't control. It took me decades to find my voice. Today I'm standing here. Reminded of how powerful it is when a community chooses to see, to listen, and to learn. There are nearly 15,000 individuals living with threat Syndrome in Iowa. Community right here in Cedar Rapids, whether you see them or not. This proclamation tells every child, adult, and family affected by Trent Sand that they belong here, that they're valued, that their differences are not flaws, that they are part of this beautiful diversity of our city. Thank you for helping us build a community where authenticity is welcome and where awareness leads to acceptance. We are deeply grateful. Thank you. Whether it's during a public hearing or during the public comment period or one of the public input periods of a few matters to ensure that we have an orderly meeting. First of all, reminder to stay at the lectern. If you have documents you want to share with us, please hand them to the officer.
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