Cedar River Safety Reminders from the Public Safety Department

The Cedar River is a source of beauty and recreation, but can also be a challenge for our community. Each year—especially during the spring months—the river has the potential to flood because of ice jams or heavy rain events. During elevated water levels, the river can be very dangerous, especially around the Cedar River dam. River recreation should not be conducted near the dam regardless of water levels. High water may also deteriorate the river’s edges, causing areas to be unstable. Watch for posted signs indicating danger and heed the warning. Do not chance driving through flooded roadways because your vehicle could become disabled or swept away. The overall message is that caution should always be exercised when around fast-moving water. The Public Safety Department understands river dangers and trains regularly, utilizing the best practices for responding to all types of water rescue including high-water emergency events in and around the Cedar River.

TURN AROUND—DON’T DROWN

Radar Trailer

The Cedar Falls Police Division radar trailer can be requested for your neighborhood to help reduce the amount of motorists exceeding the speed limit on your street. The goal of the radar trailer is to increase speed awareness and traffic safety. The radar trailer is moved around throughout Cedar Falls in response to citizen requests. If you would like the radar trailer on your street please call 319-273-8612. Please specify what block number you believe the trailer would provide the greatest benefit to your neighborhood.

Coffee with a Cop

April 26 & June 28

8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at the First Street McDonald’s Swing by and connect with Cedar Falls Public Safety. Plus, enjoy a free cup of coffee provided by Soifer Family McDonald’s!

Landscaping for Clean Water

Traditional landscapes are designed to move water away from a property to the streets and from there to the storm sewer system and to our streams, lakes, or rivers. Along the way, water picks up pollutants that degrade ecosystems and make our ponds and lakes fill up with sediment and algae. Also, as we increase paved areas, the amount and speed of water making it to the streams increases, creating erosion issues on our streams, and filling our ponds and lakes with sediment. The good news is there are many ways to improve your landscape, while helping water quality and reducing erosion.

If you are adding or replacing a paved surface, including driveways and patios, you should consider using permeable pavers, or permeable asphalt or concrete. These systems have spaces where water can get into the system and have a rock storage layer where water can get filtered and stored.

If you have the space for a native garden or a rain garden, this can beautify your landscape, while improving water quality and habitat for pollinators and other creatures. Back drainage swales are a great place to add native plants. Be sure to consult with the City (319-268-5511) before you convert large areas of your yard to a native garden, to ensure the species you select are approved in the areas you are planning.

Using native grasses in well drained and sunny sites—instead of regular turf—is an excellent option to have a turf-like area that does not need irrigation or fertilizers. A blend of blue grama, buffalo grass, and sideoats grama is recommended.

If you have compacted soils (many new developments have this issue), you will benefit from doing Soil Quality Restoration. This consists of applying compost, deep aerating the lawn, and adding seed to your existing lawn. Installing a rain barrel or a series of barrels, can provide you with water for your garden or lawn, and decrease the runoff making it to the streams. The easiest and free way to help water quality in your yard, is to redirect downspouts to drain away from foundations and to a vegetated area.

If you are building a new home, you can install any of these practices at a lower cost; please consider discussing with your builder. Also, there are financial and technical resources available to build these practices. If you live in the Dry Run Creek Watershed, you may be eligible for up to 75% reimbursement if a cost-share application is approved prior to starting construction. To see if you are in the watershed, call 319-268-5511. To learn more about these and other “rainscapes,” please visit www.iowastormwater.org/campaigns/rainscaping Images courtesy of Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership (ISWEP)

A Practical Backyard Tour

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Save the Date! The Healthy Cedar Valley Coalition, City of Cedar Falls, City of Waterloo, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, and community partners will present “A Practical Backyard Tour” of Cedar Falls & Waterloo on Saturday, June 17, from 10 am–1 pm, with a finale & door prize drawing at SingleSpeed in Waterloo at 1:30 pm.

Organizations and homeowners will be opening up their greenspaces to share various sustainable and earth-friendly practices. Visit creative, sustainable backyards and greenspaces at your own pace and in any order. Tour locations will highlight topics such as: rain gardens, pesticide-free lawns, native prairie plantings, backyard composting, vegetable production, garden establishment, homemade rain barrels, bio-retention cells, pollinator

Grass & Prairie Plantings

It’s time once again to remind our citizens of necessary care regarding grass and other plantings within your yard and public right-ofway adjacent to your property.

City Ordinance Section

17-246 states grass, weeds, and volunteer growth must be kept at a height of 8" or less. However, there are a few exceptions to the 8" rule. Prairie plantings are allowed as long as they are planted per our ordinances and do not create a nuisance. If you are interested in having prairie grass, a rain garden, or butterfly garden please be sure to follow these guidelines: plantings, & much more! This public educational event is FREE and takes place rain or shine.

1. Prairie Grass species must be recognized and identified by a governmental agency. If you are interested in planting prairie grass you will need to submit your seed list, location of the plantings, and a maintenance plan to the Public Works Department. This is not required for plantings within a smaller designated bed on your property.

2. Plantings other than turf grass must be kept 18" from any adjacent street, curb, public sidewalk, or alleyway. They also must not obstruct visibility for pedestrians or vehicles.

3. Any plantings in the public right-of-way cannot exceed a height of 24" from the top of curbs.

4. There may be other considerations at the City’s discretion.

5. The prairie plantings must be properly maintained.

We hope these guidelines help you understand the ordinances for grass and prairie plantings. If you need additional information, please call Code Enforcement at 319-268-5186, or the Public Works Department at 319-273-8629.

Mark your calendar! As the event gets closer, details (tour addresses, site descriptions, list of door prizes) will be located at www.healthycedarvalleycoalition.org or www.facebook.com/ HealthyCedarValleyCoalition as well as the city of Cedar Falls website. For questions or more information, please contact HCVC Backyard Tour chair Tammy Turner, tturner@inrcog.org.

May 6: Household Hazardous Materials and Electronics Collection Event

The City of Cedar Falls is part of the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Commission. Twice per year, the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission co-sponsors drop-off events for household toxic materials and electronics. BOTH events are open to ALL Black Hawk County residents to get rid of approved items from their homes and garages (some fees may apply). Business waste will NOT be accepted. This event is staffed by community volunteers whom will unload your items for you. All event expenses are paid for by the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission.

The Spring Drop-off will be on Saturday, May 6, from 9 am – 1 pm, at the Waterloo Waste Water Treatment Plant (3505 Easton Avenue). Registration is required for this event to reduce wait time and vehicle idling. Registration is anticipated to open March 31, and close at 3 pm on May 5. To register and find additional details visit WasteTrac.org

Acceptable Items Include:

• Household cleaners, mercury thermometers, LED/fluorescent bulbs, etc.

• Liquid lawn and garden products including fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides

• Automotive batteries and chemicals such as engine cleaners, brake fluid, waxes, etc.

• Hobby products including stains, varnishes, paint removers, adhesives, etc.

• Propane tanks and other flammables

• Electric items like vacuums, holiday lights, power tools, humidifiers, lamps, etc.

• Flat panel TVs/computer monitors and other audio-visual equipment including stereos, VCR’s, DVD players, game systems and speakers

• Computer equipment including towers, laptops, tablets and other handheld devices. All hard drives will be shredded after the event.

• Each vehicle may bring two Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) containing devices for free; additional CRTs are $5 each (with no limit). Please bring exact cash only. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted. CRTs are TVs/computer monitors with a big bump in the back.

Not Accepted:

• Paint

• Laundry detergents, soaps, cosmetics, and medications

• Automotive oils, oil filters, and antifreeze

• Grills, lawn mowers, tires, or non-hazardous waste

• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, radioactive materials, asbestos, or ammunition

• Any container larger than 5-gallons (no drums)

• Appliances (including microwaves, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, etc.)

• Items from schools, businesses, farms, non-profits, or governmental entities

Tips for managing these materials (and more) can be found at www.wastetrac.org/FAQs

Residents interested in participating should visit www.wastetrac.org/ fall-drop-off-event to register and view the list of accepted items. Or call the Waste Trac Education Team at 319-266-8722 before May 4. The previous events served 400 residents resulting in the collection of over 75,000 pounds of electronics for recycling. The next event will be held in Cedar Falls on September 17. Visit www.wastetrac.org/springdrop-off-event for more details as the event approaches. For a complete list of materials accepted and not accepted, please visit wastetrac.org or Facebook @WasteTracEducationTeam for updates.

If you have questions, please contact the Waste Trac Education Team at 319-266-8722.

Volunteers needed to make Collection Event a Success

Approximately 50 volunteers (age 16+) are needed from 8 am–1 pm to make these community events possible! Volunteers assist with unloading items, directing traffic, surveying participants, and making this event run as efficiently as possible. Community groups or businesses whom provide five volunteers can be recognized on promotional materials for the event and on the post-event handouts. More details and registration can be found at www.wastetrac.org/ volunteer. To volunteer call 319-234-8115.

Did you know you do not have to wait to dispose of your electronic items?

The Cedar Falls Transfer Station accepts stereos, VCR and DVD players, vacuums, fax machines, home phones, video game systems, handheld electronics, record players, hair dryers, curling iron, countertop appliances, lamps, treadmills, space heaters, holiday lights, cable/ satellite equipment, fans, cables and many other items with a cord to recycle at no cost. Even Computers and Console televisions are accepted for $7.50 each. Call 319-273-8629 with questions.

Tree Roots and Sanitary Sewers

Did you know tree roots continue to grow through the winter months, even when it appears the tree is dormant? Tree roots are constantly searching for sources of water and nutrients to help the tree grow. One particular source is the sanitary sewer system.

Aging sewer mains and private service lines may have cracks or loose joints, allowing root intrusion. Once inside, the tree roots can grow quickly, filling the pipe while catching other debris flowing down the pipe. A homeowner may notice a gurgling sound in their toilet, or a backup of water in a basement floor drain during high water usage. If allowed to grow unchecked, a complete blockage may occur, causing basement flooding and property damage.

The City of Cedar Falls addresses tree roots in City owned sewer mains in several ways. This includes routine sewer main cleaning, root sawing, and an annual herbicide application program. Additionally, if root impact is severe, a liner can be placed inside existing sewer mains to seal out roots. Or, as a last resort, the sewer main may need to be dug up and replaced.

Many of these same options are available to homeowners to address tree roots in private service lines. These services can be provided by plumbing and drain cleaning companies. One action a homeowner can take on their own is the use of a foaming root killer. This will kill roots inside the service line and restrict future growth, while not harming the tree. A quick internet search will provide you with options and availability, both online and at local retailers. It is recommended however, to avoid using chemicals containing copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide due to potential environmental impacts.

If you have any further questions about tree roots in your sanitary sewer service, or believe there is an issue with the City’s sewer main, please call the Water Reclamation Division at 319-273-8668.

Street Maintenance

Street Sweeping

The Public Works Department strives to keep the city and your neighborhood streets clean. Street sweeping is a part of Public Works operations affecting everything from city streets to streams and waterways. After winter the City utilizes two street sweepers to remove sand, road debris, and leaves from the streets. Sweepers travel at a low speed along the gutter line collecting material to be either vacuumed or broomed into the hopper body of the vehicle. Sweepers are equipped with a watering system to help reduce dust and to assist collection of fine debris. Sweeping is important not only to keep our city looking nice, but also to reduce debris being washed into our storm sewers, and ultimately to local streams and rivers. Public Works staff strive to clean all 264 miles of city streets a minimum of three times per year. Typically, it requires six weeks to complete all streets. Sweeping operations begin as soon as temperatures allow, and wrap up in early December depending on weather conditions.

Street Repair

With construction season getting into full swing, street maintenance crews are now busy repairing potholes, street panels, and performing other street related maintenance.

While hot mix asphalt is not available until May, other methods are used to repair potholes permanently. This year the City will implement a new piece of equipment to assist with pothole repairs. This method utilizes a single operator, controlling a mechanical arm, to spray asphalt emulsion and clean aggregate mixture to permanently fill pavement voids. The new machine eliminates the need for two-person operation. It is also safer for workers because they are not on the street exposed to traffic. Spray patching is a maintenance method used to prolong the life of city streets. With approximately one to five miles being reconstructed each year, it is vital to have a sound maintenance program. This machine will be a definite help assist with achieving the City’s street maintenance goals.

Spring Yard Waste Disposal Options

Yard Waste Drop-Off & Compost Facility

Located on the 300 block of East Main Street

This facility is for use by Cedar Falls residents only. Usage may be monitored to ensure compliance so residents are asked to please bring proof of residency—such as a driver’s license or vehicle registration. The facility is open daily (weather permitting) from dawn to dusk.

Permissible disposal includes brush, logs, leaves, garden waste, and grass clippings. Please, no dimensional lumber, landscape timbers, demolition material, garbage, or plastic containers. Quality wood mulch and compost is available to residents free of charge during normal operating hours. Residents are required to “load their own” so be sure to bring shovels.

Remember, according to city and county ordinance, all loads must be covered or secured. Please do your part to help keep our city clean!

Spring Curbside Yard Waste Collection Options

Yard waste carts will be emptied in April on Mondays at a reduced cost of $5/dump. Remember to place your yard waste cart at the curb by 7 am and remove the cart from the curb no later than 8 pm the day of collection to avoid unwanted service. Do not overload carts; the weight limit is 250 pounds. Please do not deposit dirt, sod, or ashes in the yard waste carts. Please place carts at least three feet away from other objects.

Yard waste is collected curbside on Mondays in April, May, and June. There will be no yard waste collection on May 29, 2023 due to city offices being closed.

Transfer Station

The Transfer Station accepts yard waste daily during normal operations ($29.50/ton). Mondays are reserved for yard waste only. As an alternative, residents are encouraged to utilize the Seasonal Compost Facility for yard waste disposal needs.

For additional information regarding yard waste disposal options or to request service, please contact the Public Works Department at 319-273-8629.

Solid Waste Transfer Station Fees: Effective January 1, 2021:

Household/Commercial/Demolition Solid Waste Materials: $65/ton

Solid Waste: < 260 lbs. $7 minimum fee

Yard Waste: < 400 lbs. $7 minimum fee

NEW Solid Waste

Three Cubic Yard

Dumpster Fees:

2023: $89/dump

2024: $107/dump

2025: $125/dump

Commercial

Three Cubic Yards Cardboard

Dumpster:

$10/dump

Single bagged solid waste/yard waste: $0.75/bag

Appliances: $10/item

T.V./Computer: $7.50/item

Commercial Bulk Recycling drop-off: $50/dump

Please put your cart out on the makeup day prior to 7:00 a.m.

2023 Holiday Make-up Refuse Schedule

REGULAR DAY RESCHEDULED DAY

Friday, April 7, 2023

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Monday, May 29, 2023 No Yard Waste Collection

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Monday, September 4, 2023 No Yard Waste Collection

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Friday, November 24, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Monday, December 25, 2023 No Yard Waste Collection