OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – July 14, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyCedar Rapids, Iowa
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:04:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

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

0:08

I want to welcome everybody for our meeting for today, Tuesday, July 14th, 2026.

0:12

I'd like to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, our city attorney, and thank you as always to city staff for being here and available to us.

0:20

A reminder for all of you here and you here in attendance to turn off any electronic devices or cell phones that might cause a disruption to the meeting today.

0:29

And as a reminder, the city council must maintain an orderly meeting.

0:33

So I'd like to make sure and invite everybody to read the rules of conduct for persons in attendance that are available.

0:41

That's right.

0:42

We ask everybody to make sure that they've read all of those rules to make sure we're all on the same page, and we'll make sure that those rules are also projected out of the screen during those public comment periods.

0:52

Are we already disrupting the meeting?

0:54

Okay, good.

0:55

Disruptions to the council meetings will not be tolerated.

0:59

All right.

1:00

I note that all of our city council meetings agendas and minutes are also available at all times on our city's website.

1:06

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

1:10

We will begin as we always do with our invocation.

1:13

So I'd like to invite public safety chaplain Ken Glandorf to do that for us, and that will be immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance.

1:22

Let us pray.

1:23

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

1:26

We thank you for city uh city council and all those that serve the city.

1:32

We pray for wisdom, clarity, and courage as they make decisions that affect all of us.

1:38

And Lord, we would also remember our men and women overseas, especially those that are serving in harm's way.

1:44

We ask for your protective grace.

1:46

Amen.

1:48

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

2:05

We'd now like to begin our meeting with a proclamation marking parks and recreation months.

2:09

So I'd like to invite anybody who's here to mark this to join Councilmember Ann Poe up here at the Dais so we can read our proclamation.

2:22

Come on, Carrie.

2:23

Look at all you wonderful.

2:27

Welcome.

2:28

Come on up.

2:32

Hi.

2:40

Come on over here.

2:42

Thank you.

2:43

Come on over, Carrie.

2:49

What a great team.

2:51

Before we get started, thank you all for your service to our community and certainly in the parks and recreation department, where you serve so many of our community members.

3:00

Thank you so very much.

3:01

This is a proclamation for the city of Cedar Rapids.

3:04

Whereas parks and recreation play an integral role in the community in communities across our nation, including Cedar Rapids.

3:13

And whereas spending time in nature through parks and recreation positively impacts mental health by enhancing cognitive performance, overall well-being, and imminent mitigating conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's.

3:35

And whereas parks and recreation facilities provide spaces for physical activities, including popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and other amenities that encourage active lifestyles.

3:49

And whereas park and recreation programs such as out of school activities, youth sports, environmental education, nutrition services are essential for childhood development.

4:02

And whereas parks and recreation contribute significantly to the environmental well-being of our community.

4:10

And whereas these resources enhance economic prosperity by increasing property values, expanding local tax base, attracting tourism, retaining businesses, and reducing crime.

4:25

And whereas parks and recreations serve as adaptable infrastructure, making our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change, while also providing an ecological beauty and opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature.

4:45

And whereas Cedar Rapids recognizes the numerous benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.

5:00

Therefore, I am I Anne Poe on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and our entire Cedar Rapids City Council hereby recognize the month of July 2026 as parks and recreation month.

5:08

Thank you all.

5:16

Thank you, Mayor.

5:17

Thank you, Council.

5:18

Thank you, leadership, and thank you, citizens.

5:20

A couple quick talking points.

5:21

My name is Jerry Kirk.

5:22

I'm recreation maintenance manager for this beautiful community up here.

5:27

Comprehensive plan open house tonight at Jones Lodge in our beautiful Jones Park.

5:34

From 4 30 to 6 30, we're in the development stage of a comprehensive plan that'll take us in the next uh 10 to 15 years, I believe, director.

5:42

And um that'll we're doing public input as far as staff, management, everybody.

5:49

So please come by to tonight from 4 30 to 6 30 to Jones Lodge and see what we have to offer and tell us what you'd like to see.

5:57

Also, tomorrow picnic in the park from 11 to 1 at Green Square.

6:01

Uh we'll be free lunch.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development███████████████████19%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████16%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Safety██████████10%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Public Engagement████████8%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Cedar Rapids City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to discuss and approve multiple infrastructure projects, speed limit changes, economic development incentives, and public hearings. The meeting included a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month, public comment periods with concerns about transparency, data centers, water usage, and police conduct, and several votes on contracts and development agreements.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as approvals of previous minutes, change orders, and property purchases. During public comment, Dorothy de Sosa Guedis questioned change order No. 23 and the purchase of a vacant lot at 1723 Ellis Boulevard Northwest for $350,000 (assessed at $86,900).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • First Public Comment Period: Dorothy de Sosa Guedis raised concerns about change orders not being built into contracts, the price of a city-purchased empty lot, and why incentives are offered to projects that do not include affordable housing. She noted the developer at 7217 Underwood Avenue plans to build homes at two times or more the average home price in Cedar Rapids.
  • Second Public Input Period:
    • Dorothy de Sosa Guedis requested reimbursement forms for an ad hoc group representing the Oak Hill Jackson neighborhood, criticizing self-appointed leadership without elections.
    • Timothy Pugh made disruptive, profane remarks and was escorted out.
    • John Lee (representing Save Morgan Valley) demanded a public meeting on the city’s water supply to the Morgan Valley Power Plant; announced a community meeting on August 11 at Usher’s Ferry Lodge; criticized sealed water deals and lack of transparency.
    • Roger Slade condemned the council for allowing the Satanic Temple at CR Pride’s family event, urged rejection of the Flock surveillance system renewal, and referred to himself as a Christian nationalist.
    • Robert Mullen raised concerns about data centers’ impact on water and electric bills, called for transparency and ballot measures, and asked for disclosure of financial ties.
    • Kelly Mullen questioned the economic math of data center incentives versus affordable housing, expressed distrust, and said she would return more prepared.
    • Kira Little Sky described a police encounter where she was pulled over under false pretenses and urged residents to use dash cams.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation: The council recognized July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month. Jerry Kirk, Recreation Maintenance Manager, announced a comprehensive plan open house at Jones Park on July 14 (4:30–6:30 PM) and a picnic in the park at Green Square on July 15 (11 AM–1 PM).
  • Public Hearing – Speed Limit Changes (Item 1): City Traffic Engineer Carrie Poly and Technician Luke Miller presented proposed amendments to Chapter 61. After six years of data collection on 41 roadway segments (over 100 speed studies), 21 speed limit changes are proposed: 8 decreases, 13 increases, and 1 new limit on Earhart Lane Southwest. The ordinance also adds authority for temporary construction zone speed limits. The council approved on first reading.
  • Public Hearing – 3rd Street SE Pavement Rehabilitation (Item 2): Estimated cost $590,000. Includes resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, enhanced crosswalks, and storm/water main improvements. A public information meeting was held May 24. Bid opening July 15; construction fall 2026. Adopted.
  • Public Hearing – FY27 Sanitary Sewer Point Repairs (Item 3): Estimated cost $250,000. Replaces 167 feet of sewer main and seven manholes, corrects two protruding taps. Bid opening July 22; construction September 2026 through spring 2027. Adopted.
  • Regular Agenda – Item 22: Downtown sidewalk repair project – awarded to Hunt Construction for $83,482.50 (lowest of four bids, estimated cost $110,000). 19 properties identified for repair.
  • Item 23: Railroad crossing improvements at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues SE at 4th Street SE – only bid from Pierce Tobin Construction for $630,604.61 (estimate $290,000). The higher cost reflects coordination with Union Pacific, subdrain installation, and construction windows avoiding Farmers Market and a specialty race. Adopted.
  • Item 24: 7th Avenue water main improvements across the Cedar River – estimated cost $2,610,000; low bidder Langman Construction (Rock Island, IL) at $2,642,938.31. Construction fall 2026 to spring 2027. Adopted.
  • Item 25: Redevelopment of three city-owned parcels (0, 1126, and 1132 Ellis Boulevard NW) – awarded to Wen Enterprises (NIC WEN). Proposal includes three retail units and three residential loft units. Unanimous staff recommendation. Adopted.
  • Item 26: First use of Single-Family Home Subdivision Economic Development Program – incentive for Midwest Development Co. at 7217 Underwood Avenue Southwest. $3.9 million infrastructure investment; city rebates 50% ($1.95 million) via TIF. 60 lots, homes priced $400,000–$450,000. Developer committed to reduce lot costs (estimated ~$40,000 vs. typical $70,000). Council approved.
  • Item 27: Affordable housing project at 410 20th Avenue Southwest – PedCorps Investments. $30 million project, 192 units (1-3 bedrooms) at 60% AMI, eight buildings. 15-year, 100% TIF rebate (~$6.7 million of $8 million total taxes). Adjacent to new West Side Library. Council approved.
  • Item 28: Zone change for 2400 37th Avenue Southwest from agricultural to suburban residential low single unit – approved on second and third readings.

Key Outcomes

  • Speed limit ordinance (21 changes) approved on first reading.
  • Pavement rehabilitation and sanitary sewer repair resolutions adopted.
  • Contracts awarded: sidewalk repair to Hunt Construction ($83,482.50), railroad crossing to Pierce Tobin Construction ($630,604.61), water main to Langman Construction ($2,642,938.31).
  • Redevelopment agreement authorized for Ellis Boulevard NW parcels (Wen Enterprises).
  • Financial incentives approved: 50% infrastructure rebate for Underwood Avenue subdivision and 100% TIF rebate for 15 years for affordable housing at 20th Avenue SW.
  • Zone change adopted on final reading.
  • Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

This meeting of the Cedar Rapids City Council will come to order. I want to welcome everybody for our meeting for today, Tuesday, July 14th, 2026. I'd like to welcome our city manager, our city clerk, our city attorney, and thank you as always to city staff for being here and available to us. A reminder for all of you here and you here in attendance to turn off any electronic devices or cell phones that might cause a disruption to the meeting today. And as a reminder, the city council must maintain an orderly meeting. So I'd like to make sure and invite everybody to read the rules of conduct for persons in attendance that are available. That's right. We ask everybody to make sure that they've read all of those rules to make sure we're all on the same page, and we'll make sure that those rules are also projected out of the screen during those public comment periods. Are we already disrupting the meeting? Okay, good. Disruptions to the council meetings will not be tolerated. All right. I note that all of our city council meetings agendas and minutes are also available at all times on our city's website. Regular sessions are also available to watch live and on Facebook Live. We will begin as we always do with our invocation. So I'd like to invite public safety chaplain Ken Glandorf to do that for us, and that will be immediately followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. God, we do thank you for our city of Cedar Rapids. We thank you for city uh city council and all those that serve the city. We pray for wisdom, clarity, and courage as they make decisions that affect all of us. And Lord, we would also remember our men and women overseas, especially those that are serving in harm's way. We ask for your protective grace. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty, justice for all. We'd now like to begin our meeting with a proclamation marking parks and recreation months. So I'd like to invite anybody who's here to mark this to join Councilmember Ann Poe up here at the Dais so we can read our proclamation. Come on, Carrie. Look at all you wonderful. Welcome. Come on up. Hi. Come on over here. Thank you. Come on over, Carrie. What a great team. Before we get started, thank you all for your service to our community and certainly in the parks and recreation department, where you serve so many of our community members. Thank you so very much. This is a proclamation for the city of Cedar Rapids. Whereas parks and recreation play an integral role in the community in communities across our nation, including Cedar Rapids. And whereas spending time in nature through parks and recreation positively impacts mental health by enhancing cognitive performance, overall well-being, and imminent mitigating conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. And whereas parks and recreation facilities provide spaces for physical activities, including popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and other amenities that encourage active lifestyles. And whereas park and recreation programs such as out of school activities, youth sports, environmental education, nutrition services are essential for childhood development. And whereas parks and recreation contribute significantly to the environmental well-being of our community. And whereas these resources enhance economic prosperity by increasing property values, expanding local tax base, attracting tourism, retaining businesses, and reducing crime. And whereas parks and recreations serve as adaptable infrastructure, making our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change, while also providing an ecological beauty and opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature. And whereas Cedar Rapids recognizes the numerous benefits derived from parks and recreation resources. Therefore, I am I Anne Poe on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and our entire Cedar Rapids City Council hereby recognize the month of July 2026 as parks and recreation month. Thank you all. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council.

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