City Council

CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION November 19, 2024, 4:00 PM City Council met in Regular Session in the Cedar Rapids City Hall Council Chambers, 101 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Present, Mayor Tiffany D. O’Donnell and Council members David Maier, Scott Olson, Tyler Olson, Scott Overland, Dale Todd and Ashley Vanorny. Absent, Council members Marty Hoeger and Ann Poe. Also present were City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and City Attorney Vanessa Chavez. The invocation was given by Public Safety Chaplain Rick Gail. Pledge of Allegiance. Council member Vanorny presented a Proclamation declaring November 17 to 23, 2024 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Council member T. Olson presented a Proclamation declaring November 17 to 23, 2024 as National Apprenticeship Week. Resolutions and motions were adopted with all Council members and Mayor O’Donnell voting “Aye” unless noted. 1. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed Big Cedar West Urban Renewal Area for property along 76th Avenue SW and an Ordinance pertaining to the collection of tax increments therein (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. a. 1584-11-24 a. Resolution approving the Big Cedar West Urban Renewal Plan for property along 76th Avenue SW. Council member S. Olson moved to approve; seconded by Council member Todd. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 2. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed Big Cedar East Urban Renewal Area for property along 76th Avenue SW and an Ordinance pertaining to the collection of tax increments therein (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. b. 1585-11-24 a. Resolution approving the Big Cedar East Urban Renewal Plan for property along 76th Avenue SW. Council member Todd moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1  3. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed Rex Concrete Urban Revitalization Area for property at 551 50th Avenue Drive SW as requested by Rex Real Estate LLC (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. c. 1586-11-24 a. Resolution approving the Rex Concrete Urban Revitalization Plan for property at 551 50th Avenue Drive SW. Council member Vanorny moved to approve; seconded by Council member Overland. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. b. First Reading: Ordinance establishing the Rex Concrete Urban Revitalization Area for property at 551 50th Avenue Drive SW. Council member Overland moved the approval of the Ordinance on its first reading and that it be filed in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection, as required by law, to be considered for action at a later date; seconded by Council member T. Olson. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 4. A public hearing was held to consider the vacation of a 0.17-acre portion of 6th Avenue SE right-of-way southwest of 1st Street SE between 535 and 625 1st Street SE (Rob Davis). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. d. a. First Reading: Ordinance vacating public ways and grounds of a 0.17-acre portion of 6th Avenue SE right-of-way southwest of 1st Street SE between 535 and 625 1st Street SE. Council member T. Olson moved the approval of the Ordinance on its first reading and that it be filed in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection, as required by law, to be considered for action at a later date; seconded by Council member Maier. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 5. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge project (estimated cost is $11,300,000) (Ben Worrell and Ken DeKeyser). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. e. 1587-11-24 a. Resolution adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge project. Council member Todd moved to approve; seconded by Council member T. Olson. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 2  6. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the 2025 Sidewalk Infill project (estimated cost is $270,000) (Ben Worrell). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. f. 1588-11-24 a. Resolution adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the 2025 Sidewalk Infill project. Council member S. Olson moved to approve; seconded by Council member Todd. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 7. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Stickle Drive NE at 4th Street East Central Quiet Zone Improvements project (estimated cost is $680,000) (Ken DeKeyser). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. g. 1589-11-24 a. Resolution adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Stickle Drive NE at 4th Street East Central Quiet Zone Improvements project. Council member Vanorny moved to approve; seconded by Council member Todd. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 8. A public hearing was held to consider the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Glass Road Tank Reconditioning project (estimated cost is $538,000) (Brandon Jennings). (Council Priority) No comments or objections were heard or filed. h. 1590-11-24 a. Resolution adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the Glass Road Tank Reconditioning project. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member T. Olson. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. City Manager Pomeranz requested that the amount in Item No. 25j be corrected to $238,200. Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Council member T. Olson moved to approve; seconded by Council member Maier. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved as amended. Motion to approve the consent agenda. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 3  9. Motion to approve the minutes. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1591-11-24 10. Resolution authorizing the establishment of two-way stop control at the intersection of 39th Street and B Avenue NE, stopping all traffic on 39th Street for traffic on B Avenue. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1592-11-24 11. Resolution accepting work and fixing amount to be assessed for the Daniels Street (1500) NE project. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1593-11-24 12. Resolution authorizing City financial support for KCG Development, LLC under the Local Match Economic Development Program for an affordable housing project at 1220 Jacolyn Drive SW. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1594-11-24 13. Resolution rescinding Resolution No. 1387-10-24, which approved an Annual Economic Development Grant payment to Altorfer, Inc. for fiscal year 2026. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1595-11-24 14. Resolution approving an Annual Economic Development Grant payment to Altorfer, Inc. in the amount of $399,121 for fiscal year 2027, and rescinding Resolution No. 1511-10-24. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1596-11-24 15. Resolution setting a public hearing for December 17, 2024, and consultation with affected taxing entities on the proposed Amendment No. 5 to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Central Consolidated Urban Renewal Area. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 4 16. Motion setting a public hearing date for: a. December 3, 2024 – to consider a Development Agreement with Cedar Rapids Development Group, LLC for the construction of a casino between F and I Avenues and 1st and 5th Streets NW. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 17. Motions setting public hearing dates and directing publication thereof, filing plans and/or specifications, form of contract and estimated cost, advertising for bids by posting notice to bidders as required by law, and authorizing City officials or designees to receive and open bids and publicly announce the results for: a. December 3, 2024 – 42nd Street NE from Edgewood Road to Pine View Drive Pavement Improvements project (estimated cost is $5,100,000). (Paving for Progress) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. b. December 3, 2024 – FY25 Sanitary Sewer Point Repairs project (estimated cost is $220,000). Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. c. December 3, 2024 – Replace Ribbon Board at Vets Stadium project (estimated cost is $600,000). Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 18. Motion approving the beer/liquor/wine applications of: a. African Family Market, 4346, 4350 and 4354 16th Avenue SW (new). b. Groundswell, 201 3rd Avenue SW. c. Lion Bridge Brewing Company, 59 16th Avenue SW. d. Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, 2360 Edgewood Road SW. e. Quick Stop, 380 Blairs Ferry Road NE. f. Ringer Golf, 1701 C Street SW. g. Tienda Mexicana La Guanajuato, 3915 Center Point Road NE. h. Williams Boulevard Service, Inc., 2601 Williams Boulevard SW. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 5  19. Resolutions approving: 1597-11-24 a. Payment of bills. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1598-11-24 b. Payroll. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1599-11-24 c. Transfer of funds. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 20. Resolution appointing the following individual: 1600-11-24 a. Appointing Ray Coleman (effective through June 30, 2027) to the Cedar Rapids Citizen Review Board. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 21. Resolutions approving assessment actions: 1601-11-24 a. Intent to assess – Water Division – delinquent municipal utility bills – 35 properties. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1602-11-24 b. Levy assessment – Water Division – delinquent municipal utility bills – 15 properties. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 22. Resolution accepting subdivision improvements and approving a Maintenance Bond: 1603-11-24 a. Water system improvements in Green Acres Grove 1st Addition and 4-year Maintenance Bond submitted by Rathje Construction Co. in the amount of $158,492. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 6  23. Resolutions accepting projects, approving Performance Bonds and authorizing final payments: 1604-11-24 a. 9th Avenue SE Improvements from 3rd Street to Railroad project, final payment in the amount of $14,671.69 and 4-year Performance Bond submitted by Pirc-Tobin Construction Inc. (original contract amount was $320,907.10; final contract amount is $293,433.73). Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1605-11-24 b. 10th Street NE from A Avenue to 1st Avenue – MedQuarter Parkway Improvements project, final payment in the amount of $42,829.32 and 4-year Performance Bond submitted by Rathje Construction Co. (original contract amount was $819,171.49; final contract amount is $856,586.30). Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 24. Resolution approving a final plat: 1606-11-24 a. Gateway Square First Addition for land north of O Avenue NW and east of 8th Street NW. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 25. Resolutions approving actions regarding purchases, contracts and agreements: 1607-11-24 a. Application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for a Community Attraction and Tourism Grant on behalf of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1608-11-24 b. 28E Agreement with Linn Mar School Community School District for an amount not to exceed $2,192.67 for the adult crossing guard program for fiscal year 2025. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1609-11-24 c. Memorandum of Agreement with Linn County, the Housing Fund for Linn County, Waypoint Services and Willis Dady Emergency Shelter, Inc. for the operation of the Linn County Winter Weather Shelter. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 7 1610-11-24 d. Amendments to the Development Agreement and related documents with Grey Hawk LC for a Multi-Family New Construction Program project at 8520 Prairie View Lane SW. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1611-11-24 e. Reimbursement Agreement with Cargill, Inc. for an estimated amount of $13,985,000 for reconstruction of a non-contact cooling well in connection with the Flood Control System. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1612-11-24 f. Payment in the amount of $358,038.68 to Union Pacific Railroad Company for crossing improvements in connection with the 4th Street SE from 1st Avenue East to 5th Avenue East Central Quiet Zone Improvements project. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1613-11-24 g. Purchase of property insurance coverage, including $100 million in excess flood insurance, through TrueNorth Companies, LC in the amount of $5,329,285. (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1614-11-24 h. Purchase of cyber liability insurance coverage through TrueNorth Companies, LC from Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America and Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company in the amount of $113,259.69. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1615-11-24 i. Amendment No. 2 to the contract with TEAM Services, Inc. for materials testing services to add work for the Facilities Maintenance Services Division for an amount not to exceed $10,200 (original contract amount was $130,000; contract amount with this amendment is $189,961.34). Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1616-11-24 j. Professional Services Agreement with Snyder & Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $238,200 for design services in connection with the D Avenue NW from West Post Road to Mayberry Drive project. (Paving for Progress) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 8 1617-11-24 k. Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $84,550 with Maxwell Construction for the Prairie Valley Feeder Main Relocation project (original contract amount was $3,347,810.45; total contract amount with this amendment is $4,397,642.65). (Council Priority) Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1618-11-24 l. Right of Entry and Temporary Construction Easement Agreements with the owners of nine properties for a total amount of $16,000 in connection with the Cedar River Clean Water Partnership project. Council member Overland moved to approve; seconded by Council member Vanorny. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 26. Report on bids for the River Wall Repair and Balustrade Replacement & City Hall Storm Sewer project (estimated cost is $1,020,000) (Rob Davis). (Council Priority) 27. Report on bids for the FY 2025 Tree and Vegetation Removal project (estimated cost is $310,000) (Ben Worrell). i. 1619-11-24 a. Resolution awarding and approving contract in the amount of $197,918, bond and insurance of S2 Construction, LLC for the FY 2025 Tree and Vegetation Removal project. Council member Todd moved to approve; seconded by Council member S. Olson. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 28. Report on bids for the Repair and Refurbish Cherry Hill Pool Slides project (estimated cost is $215,000) (Rusty Fuller). j. 1620-11-24 a. Resolution awarding and approving contract in the amount of $215,000, bond and insurance of Fischer Bros, LLC for the Repair and Refurbish Cherry Hill Pool Slides project. Council member S. Olson moved to approve; seconded by Council member Todd. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 1621-11-24 29. Presentation and resolution authorizing City financial incentives for 860 17th St, LLC under the Targeted District Reinvestment Economic Development Program for the redevelopment of the former Higley Mansion at 860 17th Street SE (Scott Mather). (Council Priority) Council member Hoeger moved to approve; seconded by Council member T. Olson. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. 9 Public comments were heard. City Manager communications were heard. Motion to adjourn. Council member Vanorny moved to approve; seconded by Council member Overland. Absent: Council members Hoeger and Poe. Result: Approved. City Council adjourned at 5:05 PM to meet Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 12:00 noon. Alissa Van Sloten, City Clerk 10