City Council

Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green and Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart announced Waterloo and Cedar Falls will celebrate Trick-or-Treat night Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat Night will be the culmination of a new “Halloweek,” showcasing creative activities, imagination, and community spirit from Sunday, October 23 to Saturday, October 29. Stay tuned to social media, including Cedar Falls Tourism @CedarFallsIA, for upcoming Cedar Valley activities.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

Cedar Falls Public Safety encourages you to follow these important tips this trick-or-treat season: • Wear bright and reflective costumes. Also, make sure costumes fit well to prevent tripping. • Use Trick-or-Treat bags with the ability to reflect light.

Reflective tape can help. • Choose costumes, wigs, and accessories, that clearly indicate they are flame resistant. • Have Trick-or-Treaters use flashlights so they are easily seen. • Only Trick-or-Treat in areas the child is familiar with. • Only cross streets at a crosswalk. Drivers must also be aware on Trick-or-Treat night to slow down and be prepared to stop. • When carving pumpkins parents should be present to assist.

If the child is too young, the parent or adult should do the carving. • Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. • Homeowners should remove anything from their porch or front yard that could be a tripping hazard. • Restrain pets so they cannot jump out or bite anyone. • An adult should always accompany young children. Teach your child to never enter a stranger’s home or car and instruct them not to eat any treats before you return home. • Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices away while walking, and to stay alert for drivers while crossing the street.

Drivers should put electronic devices away while driving, and enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Did you know there is a local matchmaker for unwanted items? Tammy Turner, Resource Specialist with the Iowa Waste Exchange (based out of INRCOG in downtown Waterloo), is just the person to find matches for your unwanted materials—or to search for items that your organization, non-profit, or school could utilize! The Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) is provided at no cost by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Businesses, schools, and organizations can contact the IWE specialist in their area for confidential assistance in assessing waste streams, waste sorts, and identifying reuse and recycling opportunities. Since 1990, the IWE’s success in matching materials has resulted in the diversion of over 4.3 million tons of waste from Iowa landfills with associated savings of over $129 million in avoided landfill costs, avoided purchases, reduced transportation costs, and freed storage space. The Iowa Waste Exchange maintains a database (http://programs. iowadnr.gov/iwe/searchmaterials.aspx.) of available and wanted materials that is free to access. With over 13,000 materials listed in the IWE database, the Iowa Waste Exchange may have what you are looking for! It can be as simple as the resource specialist matching up gently used corporate desks/cubicles/chairs to a non-profit who could use that furniture, or as detailed as finding a new market for a manufacturing waste material. For an overview of the program visit: Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) at www.iowadnr.gov. There are five IWE regions across the state, with Turner covering Area 3 (28 counties). In addition to the state database, Turner sends out a monthly Iowa Waste Exchange Area 3 Newsletter with a listing of available/ wanted materials. To view the most recent newsletter visit https://bit.ly/3qmUpGR. Contact IWE Resource Specialist, Tammy Turner, at tturner@inrcog.org or (319) 235-0311 for more information, to list your materials in the upcoming newsletter, or to receive the monthly Area 3 IWE Newsletter!

City Tree Planting and Stump Removal

City Parks staff will be planting trees provided by the city nursery this fall during October. City staff will team up with the local Land and Water Stewards AmeriCorps Team to plant approximately 200 trees in the city right of way. The trees will replace some of the ash trees which were removed due to emerald ash borer. The city has the opportunity to plant a larger number of trees each year moving forward, due to cost savings the city owned nursery has provided. City staff also planted several seedling trees from a grant received by the DNR in the spring of 2022, at Rownds Park and Big Woods Lake. City Parks staff has also been busy removing several stumps from the ash tree removals in the city right of way. The majority of removals will be complete early in 2023. Removal of stumps in parks and City lots will follow. Tree planting will continue in the upcoming years in an effort to replace the loss of trees. Deep fat frying is a popular way to prepare turkey for Thanksgiving and other meals, but oils and other materials—such as grease—can be a big problem if not handled properly. Fats, oils, and grease are very problematic in the sanitary sewer system, and should not be poured down the drain.

How does oil and grease affect the sanitary sewer system?

You may think if it’s flushed down it simply washes away and is gone for good—but that’s not the case. Fats, oils, and grease will build up in pipes and potentially create blockages and plug sewers, leading to problems such as: • Raw sewage backing up into your home, business, or neighboring property • Basement flooding • Exposure to disease-causing organisms • Raw sewage overflowing into parks, yards, streets, and creeks • Increasing operations and maintenance costs to clean and repair damaged sewer pipes. These are unpleasant thoughts, especially during the holiday season. Please be sure these oils are recycled or disposed of properly.

What should you do with your fats, oils, and grease?

• Deep fat frying oil should be cooled and placed in a container that can be taken to the Transfer Station at East 15th and State Streets.

• Small volumes of liquid cooking oil can be placed into the garbage as long as it can be absorbed by the other organic materials or paper towels. • Let the grease cool and harden, then scrape it off of trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and cooking surfaces into the garbage. To help with proper handling, the City of Cedar Falls Transfer Station offers used vegetable oil recycling. Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) recycling includes any type of liquid vegetable oil used for cooking: canola oil, olive oil, etc. The used vegetable oil is converted into a biofuel additive for diesel fuel. Bacon grease or solid cooking grease (like Crisco) is not accepted as part of this collection; those solid types of grease should be disposed of in the regular garbage.

Transfer Station Winter Hours

From November–March the Transfer Station is open Monday–Friday from 7 am–5 pm and Saturday from 8 am–3 pm. If you have questions upon arrival an attendant will be glad to assist. Other questions can be addressed by calling Public Works at 319-273-8629.

The Public Works Department uses a fully automated garbage collection system on a pay as you throw program. Residents should place carts out to the curb prior to 7 a.m. on their scheduled day of collection and remove carts from curbside by 8 p.m. on collection day. Carts should be placed at the curb, not behind the sidewalk. If a cart becomes damaged and is in need of repair, call the 319-273-8629 to schedule repair or replacement. Cart repair is normally done on the day of collection. In order to help ensure collection is safe and efficient, leave 3–4 feet between garbage and yard waste carts and other objects like mailboxes, cars, utility poles, snow banks, etc. Carts should not be buried in a snowbank or on top of a snowbank. Try to place the cart at street level. Placing containers on snow banks or on high curbs creates a safety hazard for City staff as they reach to pick up and place down the heavy containers.

Extra Garbage Bag

One extra garbage bag is allowed per household. The bag must have an approved Cedar Falls bag tag attached (30 gallon bag max.). Place the garbage bag—with the bag tag attached so it is visible to the operator—on top of your garbage cart. Bags without an approved bag tag attached will not be picked up.

Bag tags can be purchased at the following locations for $1.25 each:

Transfer Station and Recycling Center— 1524 State St., Cedar Falls Hy-Vee—6301 University Ave, Cedar Falls

Do not put cart on a snow bank. Do not put cart behind snow or on the sidewalk.

Instead, try to place the cart at street level.

These carts are too close together. These carts are properly spaced 3–4 ft. apart.

Transfer Station and Recycling Center (1524 State Street)

Hours for November–March: Monday–Friday: 7 am–5 pm (Last load taken at 4:45 pm) Saturday: 8 am–3 pm (Last load taken at 2:45 pm)

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule

REGULAR DAY RESCHEDULED DAY

Thursday, November 24, 2022 Tuesday, November 22, 2022 Friday, November 25, 2022 Wednesday, November 23, 2022 Friday, December 23, 2022 Thursday, December 22, 2022 Monday, December 26, 2022 No Yard Waste Collection Monday, January 2, 2023 No Yard Waste Collection

Fall/Winter Yard Waste Disposal Options

Cedar Falls Compost Facility—300 block of east Main St.

The Compost Facility is open through the end of November, Monday–Friday from 7:30 am to dusk, and on weekends and holidays from 8 am to dusk.

Residents are allowed to bring brush, logs, leaves, garden waste, and grass clippings to this site. Brush and twigs are processed separately from the yard and garden waste. Please be observant and deposit materials accordingly. The Compost Facility is intended for Cedar Falls residential use only. Contractors and non-residents are prohibited from using the facility. Garbage and demolition material is not accepted at this site. Wood mulch and compost is available to Cedar Falls residents during normal operating hours. Residents are required to “load their own” so be sure to bring containers and shovels.

Yard Waste Carts

Yard waste carts are charged a reduced fee of $5/dump in October and November. Yard waste carts are collected as often as possible from October 31–November 11. Residents must remove carts from the curb no later than 8 pm on the day of collection to prevent unwanted service. December–March yard waste collection is performed on a callin basis. To schedule a pick up or for additional information regarding yard waste disposal options, call the Public Works Department at 319-273-8629. Residents are reminded not to overload their carts. Carts have a weight limit of 250 pounds. Please do not put dirt, sod, or ashes in the yard waste carts. Remember to place your yard waste cart at the curb by 7 am and maintain a distance of at least three feet away from other objects.

Mulching

Residents are encouraged to mulch leaves and clippings into the lawn throughout the year. Mulching lawn clippings adds valuable organic matter back into the soil.

Leaf Vacuum

This service is offered for residents with large quantities of leaves in October and November. The cost is $50/ per visit, which is added to your residential utility bill. Residents must gather leaves behind the curb between the street and sidewalk for collection. Call 319-273-8629 to schedule an appointment.

City Hall Remodel

The City Hall Remodel project is continuing to progress towards its end of year completion date. As this newsletter arrives in your mailbox, Peters Construction will be putting the finishing touches on Phase 1, which includes the lower level and upper level public areas. After plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and flooring are installed, the new and reused furniture will be installed. Once the furniture install is complete, city staff will relocate to the completed area. Watch the City’s website and social media pages for upcoming details on city meetings returning to City Hall this fall. Once all staff is relocated from the upper north portion of City Hall, Peters Construction will begin the final phase of work. This phase will be much shorter than the first phase as the work is only in 25% of the building. This work is estimated to be completed in December. City staff and services that were temporarily relocated to other buildings will then return to City Hall at the beginning of 2023. We look forward to opening up the new and improved City Hall for all our citizens’ public meeting needs, permitting, and licensing.

ˆArea outside Council Chambers

Lower level lobby ˇ Another wonderful summer on College Hill has come and gone, and the College Hill Partnership (CHP) sends a sincere thank you to all those who visited College Hill. The CHP would like to thank Mayor Rob Green for The Year of College Hill! From our first neighborhood garage sales to our Jazz in Seerley Park event, we are excited to continue the celebration of the College Hill community into 2023. October brings the end of the College Hill Farmers Market season. Every Wednesday from 4–6 pm vendors have provided an abundance of fresh and local produce and handmade items. In August we partnered with the CHFM to welcome students back to campus with fun activities at the market. The last market for 2022 is on October 26, 2022. Saturday in Seerley, our monthly coffee club, has continued to be a bright spot for neighbors and friends. On the second Saturday of each month we gather in Seerley Park for coffee and pastries. This event has connected old and new neighbors, inspired larger events like our jazz concert, and given us endless opportunities for inspiring and fun conversation with friends. Join us for our final Saturday in Seerley for this year at 9 am on October 8, 2022. Speaking of Seerley Park, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Cedar Falls Community Foundation (CFCF). As we work to raise money for park improvements, including a new shelter and updated play equipment, our fund at the CFCF will allow donations to be easily collected and ensure a strong financial future for our organization on the whole. If you would like to donate to the Seerley Park Improvement Fund or the College Hill Partnership, you can find our page at https://bit.ly/3Q3hloC. As the holiday season approaches, please think of The Hill businesses when out shopping or dining. The College Hill Partnership sells $5 and $20 gift certificates, valid at most businesses on College Hill, at Copyworks (2227 College St.), which make for an excellent stocking stuffer. We plan to kick-off the season with a tree lighting in Seerley Park on December 3, 2022. The CHP will be serving hot coffee, cider, and sugar cookies, and a local choral group will perform Christmas carols. In 2023, we hope to continue some of our events established in 2022, including neighborhood garage sales, Saturday in Seerley, and Jazz in Seerley Park. We also hope 2023 will bring prosperity to The Hill, strengthened relationships with UNI, and more opportunities for neighbors and friends to enjoy all that College Hill has to offer.

Annual Economic Diversity & Inclusion Summit October 21, 2022 from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Grow Cedar Valley & The University of Northern Iowa have once again partnered up to host what has become an annual event. This year’s keynote speaker will be Katie Hightshoe, Asst. VP, Diversity Officer for QRC Holding Inc also presenting is Dr. Kyle Christiason, founder of the Inaugural Unity Point Health LGBTQ+ Clinic in Cedar Falls. Breakout sessions include Doing DEI Every Day; Mental Health Issues in the Workplace; Welcoming New Populations to our Community; and Intentional DEI: Find a Way to Say Yes.

Online registration opens Sept. 15 at www.growcedarvalley.com.

The Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation (CFEDC) was incorporated in 2021 by a committed group of local visionaries who support a growing business environment for the community. This nonprofit recognizes that for the community to thrive, it would be best if local business owners, investors, and stakeholders provided leadership and support to direct strategic local development efforts in concert with local government. We are a public-private partnership working every day to make Cedar Falls the best place to live, work, and play. Cedar Falls is a healthy, thriving, and welcoming community that creates an environment to enhance growth and attraction of both investment capital and people-talent. The CFEDC believes even more can be done to continue this vision for future growth of our great city. For more information, please contact the Executive Director at Jim.Brown@cedarfallsEDC.com or visit www.cedarfallsEDC.com.

Your Input Needed!

The Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation (CFEDC), a nonprofit promoting housing development in Cedar Falls, is sponsoring a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). This document will examine the City’s current housing stock, including type, age, quality, and affordability. The HNA will identify unmet housing needs in the community, which may include more workforce housing, senior housing, accessible housing for people with disabilities, and a wider variety of housing types in general. CFEDC is partnering with the City of Cedar Falls to gather input from residents about their own observations and concerns. To complete the online survey, please go to https://tinyurl.com/CFHousing. If you would like a paper copy of the survey, please call or email Rose Phillips, Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG), at (319) 235-0311 or rphillips@inrcog.org.

Snow Removal Reminder

Please remember: Property owners are to clear their sidewalks and ensure there is access to intersections within a reasonable amount of time after the snow event ends.

What Does the Upcoming Winter Have In Store For Iowans?

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Iowans will experience a “hibernation winter.” Freezing temperatures and above average snow fall is predicted. Regardless of how much precipitation we receive or frigid temperatures, the City of Cedar Falls snow fighters are prepared to keep the streets safe! Any amount of snowfall triggers snow and ice control operations. Staff make every effort to ensure streets are maintained for safe, winter driving conditions. Because it is impossible to immediately clear all streets at once, they are cleared based on priority. Arterial streets are treated promptly, followed by residential.

Please help us keep city streets safely and efficiently cleared!

• Put safety first. Drive only if necessary. • If possible, find off-street parking until streets have been plowed. • Reduce your speed. Snow plows travel slower than other vehicles. • Maintain a safe distance to the rear of trucks spreading salt or sand. • Do not stop directly behind a snowplow. Frequent backing is necessary during snow plow operations, and visibility is restricted. • Residents and business owners are reminded when removing snow from your driveway, sidewalk or parking lot, do not place snow onto a city street, roadway, or sidewalk. This practice is prohibited by city ordinance. Doing so also causes streets to take longer to clear and creates safety issues. If you have any questions regarding the snow removal process, please contact the Public Works Department at 319-273-8629.

Stormwater Rate Increases

The City Council voted to increase monthly stormwater charges by 7% each year, for the next five years. The increased rates became effective on your August 2022 billing.

Rate schedule for residential properties:

Current Rate 1st Year Rate 2nd Year Rate 3rd Year Rate 4th Year Rate 5th Year Rate

Monthly Fee $3.65 $3.91 $4.18 $4.47 $4.78 $5.12

Rate schedule for commercial/industrial properties: Current Rate 1st Year Rate 2nd Year Rate 3rd Year Rate 4th Year Rate 5th Year Rate

Base Monthly Fee $3.65 $3.91 $4.18 $4.47 $4.78 $5.12 1st 10,000 sq. ft. and each additional $6.08 $6.51 $6.97 $7.46 $7.98 $8.54 10,000 sq. ft. of impervious area

The stormwater fee was first implemented in Fiscal Year 2007. As shown the increase on a residential home will only be $0.26 per month—or $3.12 annually—in the first year. The increase is necessary to fund various projects related to improving our watershed, and protecting the water quality as listed on the City’s Capital Improvements Program. These projects may include drainage improvements, watershed assessments, bioretention cells, and permeable alleys. If you have questions regarding the stormwater increases, please feel free to contact City Hall at 319-273-8600.

Center Street Streetscape

The City of Cedar Falls is currently in its second of two phases on the Center Street Streetscape Project, with Owen Contracting, Inc. of Cedar Falls. The projected started in July. This project is derived from the Center Street Framework Plan that provided an outline for a phased improvement plan for the Center Street corridor. The objectives for this project included: creating a sense of place in a core area of northern Cedar Falls; integration of natural systems to include low impact green infrastructure construction methods; preserving open space with natural beauty; and critical environmental areas to strengthen surrounding neighborhoods; provide streetscaping elements including pavers, landscaping, decorative lights, signs, benches, etc.; improve pedestrian access with new sidewalk infill along the east side; improve street crossings at key intersections; and improve stormwater management along the corridor, with the focus on green infrastructure.

Project phasing plan:

Phase I: East Side of Center July–September

Phase II: West Side of Center October–November Final stabilization could carry over to May of 2023.

Construction for the west half of Center Street will mirror that of the eastern half with tie-ins to the adjacent trail, grades, and intersections. Similar streetscaping elements will be included on the western side such as pavers, landscaping, decorative lights, signs, benches, and biocells. The contractor will work on half of Center Street, while the other lane will be one-way for northbound traffic. An overall detour will be established prior to start of construction, utilizing Lone Tree Road to US 218 to HWY 57 to Franklin and Center Streets.

As construction continues, information and updates are provided on the City’s website. For ongoing active projects, sign up for e-mail notifications through “Notify Me” at www.cedarfalls.com/NotifyMe.

W. 27th Street Reconstruction

The City of Cedar Falls is in its second phase of three for the reconstruction of W. 27th Street west of Hudson Road, to the west end of the new Cedar Falls High School, with Peterson Contractors Inc. of Reinbeck. The project will include improvements to the water main, storm sewer, sidewalks, trails, and other miscellaneous roadway items. Also included as part of the project, is the construction of three new roundabouts at the intersections of Greenhill Road and the two drive entrances to the school.

Limits of construction for each phase:

Phase I: W. 27th Street at Panther Parkway (2022)

Phase II: Hudson Road Improvements & Greenhill Road Roundabout (2022–2023)

Phase III: W. 27th Street School Connections with Roundabouts (2023–2024)

During the fall crews will rebuild the section adjacent to Greenhill Road and PE Center Drive in the proximity of UNI’s Tallgrass Prairie Center. Crews will be working on removing pavement, grading operations, extension and placement of storm sewer, placement of new underground utilities, and repaving the previously stopcontrolled intersection with a new single lane roundabout.

The goal of Phase 2 will be to work as late into the season as possible to complete all pavement removal, grading, and underground work by end of the construction season. Paving operations maybe hindered by colder temps which may result in the intersection being closed throughout winter and paved in the early spring once conditions allow.

Additional information and updates are provided on the City’s website. For ongoing active projects, sign up for e-mail notifications through “Notify Me” at www.cedarfalls.com/NotifyMe.

Greenhill Road and South Main Street Intersection Improvements

The City of Cedar Falls is well underway with the reconstruction of the intersection of Greenhill Road and S. Main Street. The multi-lane roundabout is halfway complete. The contractor has transitioned from the north half of the intersection to the southern half. Underground utility installation is nearly complete. The contractor will begin gearing up for the paving operation on the second half. After the mainline pavement along Greenhill Road and the southern leg of S. Main Street is complete, there will be a few minor traffic pattern changes involving single lane closures in order to complete some of the remaining curb, center island landscaping, and remaining sidewalk, trail, and retaining wall/privacy fence. During construction, information and updates are provided on the City’s website. For ongoing design updates and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), please visit www.shive-hattery.com/microsite/ city-cedar-falls. For ongoing active projects, sign up for e-mail notifications through “Notify Me” at www.cedarfalls.com/NotifyMe.

University Avenue Biocells

Four new biocells are scheduled to start construction in September, 2022. These biocells will be located on University Avenue, East from Valley Park Drive and West from Waterloo Road. The biocells construction will be done by Benton’s Sand & Gravel, and landscaped by Matthias Landscaping. Funds for these biocells were obtained from a grant from the Dry Run Creek Watershed Improvement Project through the Iowa DNR and from the City’s Stormwater Fund. Biocells are landscaped depressions that capture stormwater runoff. Above ground, biocells look like a flower garden. We have designed these biocells to include native grasses and flowers to provide habitat for native pollinators. Below ground, they have an engineered subgrade designed to filter pollutants and to slowly release the majority of the rainfall runoff events, acting as a water treatment plant for stormwater runoff.

Poultry are allowed in Cedar Falls, which include female domesticated chicken, turkey, goose, duck, quail, dove, pheasant, or pigeon. A license is required, as well as a land use permit for the location of the coop and run. Poultry are required to be licensed annually by January 1.

Each Poultry

$6 (Limit 10 female poultry only) Land Use Permit—City ordinance specifies the location for the coop and run for poultry. This is verified through obtaining a land use permit. For questions, please contact the Planning Division at 319-273-8600.

If it wags it needs a tag!

Current pet licenses expire on December 31. If your pet is four months or older they are required to be licensed annually by January 1. Please don’t be late, the fees for licensing your pet doubles effective April 1. When registering your pet, please provide proof of rabies vaccination (with rabies tag number and expiration date) and proof of spay or neuter from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can fax a copy of the current rabies certificate and proof of alteration to 319-268-5126. If you no longer have your pet(s), would like to receive your tags by mail, or have questions please contact 319-273-8600.

Visit www.cf1stop.com to license your dog or cat online.

Fees: Dogs & Cats Not Altered $12 ($24 effective April 1) Dog & Cats Altered $6 ($12 effective April 1) Lost Tag Replacement $1 each tag/license Mailing Fee $1 each tag/license

For more info. on pet licenses or Paw Park passes, visit City Hall (220 Clay Street) or call 319-273-8600.

Do you have a dog who loves to run and be social, but a yard that

doesn’t let them? Visit the Cedar Falls Paw Park! The park is located on South Main Street just south of the Highway 58 overpass. The 3-acre, fenced-in park bodes hilly terrain, waste bags and disposal unit, and a doggie drinking fountain (during warm weather months). It even has a picnic shelter with tables, restrooms, and a parking lot for pet owners. Annual passes are $15/dog and valid from January 1–December 31. Dogs residing in Cedar Falls must be registered with the city to purchase a pass. What a great way for your k-9 to get off-leash exercise and socialize with other dogs! The Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau and Experience Waterloo collaborated on a new Prairie Pathway Sign for the Cedar Valley Trails, recognizing the two national trails traversing through their communities: The American Discovery Trail and The Great AmericanRail Trail. The sign was placed in June on the northernmost point of the American Discovery Trail in George Wyth Memorial State Park. The west facing side of the sign provides information about the two trails, and a national map showcasing the trail routes across the United States. There is also a map of the Cedar Valley Trails, with over 120 miles of paved trails, connecting four Black Hawk County communities. The Cedar Valley Trails also connects with the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 52-mile trail connecting Evansdale (Black Hawk County) to Cedar Rapids (Linn County), also part of both national trails. The east side of the sign utilizes collaborative artwork by two internationally renowned artists: Gary Kelley of Cedar Falls, and Paco Rosic of Waterloo. The creative result of the collaboration was a unique challenge to these two skilled painters from different generations and cultures. The artwork was commissioned for the 2012 and 2013 joint Visitor Guide covers; the originals, along with signed and unsigned prints, were sold to raise money for the sign. The artwork now stands as an impressive centerpiece of information along these two national trails!

For more information on the Cedar Valley Trails visit www.cedarvalleytrails.org.

Ribbon cutting representatives pictured below standing by east side artwork, from left to right:

Tavis Hall, Experience Waterloo, Executive Director

Deb Lewis, Cedar Falls Tourism, Trails Specialist

Rosemary Beach, Cedar Falls Volunteer Extraordinaire

Butch Niebuhr, American Discovery Trail, Iowa

Lori Eberhard, George Wyth State Park Manager

Gary Kelley, Cedar Falls Artist

Jennifer Pickar, Cedar Falls Tourism & Cultural Programs Manager

Mayor Rob Green, Cedar Falls

A Riverfront Master Plan was developed in 2017 for the area between Center Street and 1st Street. The Cedar River Recreation Project is the first step in the realization of the Master Plan. To date, the City has secured $3.2 million from several grants, the most recent one being $1.5 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under a new program: American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grant. The project should go out to bid late in the fall of 2022. The contractor would have up to a year to complete the project. The project includes features helping to reconnect the community to the river by providing terraced areas down to the river’s edge, near Peter Melendy Park and in Gateway Park. The project includes a River Art Plaza on the upper bank of Gateway Park, creating recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. Terraced areas closer to the river offer opportunities for visitors to relax and observe people and the river.

Improvements to the river channel include debris removal for safety improvements for watercraft users, and “put-in” and “take-out” locations for canoes, kayaks, and other small crafts. There are a series of jetties designed to create waves and pools for water recreation enthusiasts, improved fish habitat, and easier access to the river for anglers. The project is funded through a variety of sources, including private fundraising. If you would like to know more about donating to the project visit the fundraising website, The Cedar River Experience, at www.cedarriverexperience.com. For more information on the project visit www.cedarfalls.com/CedarRiverRecProject.

New City Website & New City Mobile App

To better connect with our community, the City of Cedar Falls launched a new website on September 1. Designed to help citizens navigate city news, services, and programs with ease, you get all the information you need right at your fingertips. Check out the new www.cedarfalls.com website today!

National Preparedness Month

September was National Preparedness Month. Make sure your family is ready for any emergency at smart911.com and sign up for the Alert Iowa system at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/alert-iowa/.

Cedar Falls Visitor Center Gift Shop

Looking for a unique gift related to the state of Iowa, Cedar Falls, or the UNI Panthers? Browse the Cedar Falls Visitor Center gift shop at 6510 Hudson Road—open Monday through Friday, from 9 am–5 pm—to discover that special gift or souvenir. The gift shop carries these items, as well as posters and artwork from local artists, books about Cedar Falls and the state of Iowa, and trail related merchandise. Maybe you are looking for a souvenir to send home with guests, or need a little something to take as a thank you gift— they have those items, too. Unsure about what to buy someone? The Visitor Center also has Cedar Falls Downtown District, and College Hill Partnership gift certificates for purchase (cash or check only). For more information about Downtown District certificates visit www.communitymainstreet.org/ about/gift-certificates.aspx. For College Hill certificates visit www.collegehillpartnership.org.