14 minute read
Mayor's Revision
Simon Harding
Ward 4 Council Member 319-346-6695 simon.harding@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2024
Dustin Ganfield
Ward 5 Council Member
319-553-6899 dustin.ganfield@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Kelly Dunn
At-Large Council Member
319-215-6891 kelly.dunn@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Dave Sires
At-Large Council Member
319-231-1569 dave.sires@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2024
Easily e-mail every council member and the mayor at citycouncil@cedarfalls.com.
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Seerley Park Neighborhood Walking Tour
On May 25, the Cedar Falls Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hosted a guided walking tour of the Seerley Park Neighborhood to increase awareness about the rich history of Cedar Falls. Nearly 100 people attended the tour, which featured Seerley Park and eight historic houses located around the park. HPC commissioners and City staff provided information about the neighborhood, interesting details about past owners of the homes, and highlighted unique architectural features. One of the homeowners generously allowed attendees to walk through the main floor of their home and view one-of-a-kind features carefully preserved. Other homeowners shared the history and significance of their home from the front yard. Attendees particularly enjoyed the interactive opportunities with the owners. In a post-tour survey, attendees provided positive feedback and suggestions for future neighborhood tours. The HPC partnered with the College Hill Partnership,
UNI, Hearst Center for the Arts, Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau, and Cedar Falls Historical Society.
The HPC would like to thank all event attendees and partners for making this event successful. Those who missed the event can access the tour brochure on the HPC page of the City’s website at www.cedarfalls.com/historicpreservation, and can view a digital map version of the walking tour map through the QR code on the brochure.
The HPC conducts at least one educational event in the community every year. Information about upcoming events can be found on the City’s website. The Commission invites ideas from the community about ways to preserve the history of Cedar Falls, and to educate the community about historic preservation. The HPC meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Cedar Falls City Hall.
FEMA Flood Maps Update
The City of Cedar Falls participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As part of the program the City adopted a floodplain ordinance that includes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
As many will recall, in May 2019 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and FEMA held public open house events to present a new set of preliminary FIRMs for Cedar Falls and Black Hawk County. In May 2022, IDNR explained due to some errors and omitted data, another public review period was required for all the Black Hawk County FIRMs, including Cedar Falls. There were minor errors and data omissions on three Cedar Falls maps. Those three maps have been revised and have been available since August 3, 2022, for public review. The updated Map Panel numbers for Cedar Falls are: 19012 C0162G, 19012 C0164G, and 19012 C0277G.
If there are no additional errors discovered or appeals to these maps, a Letter of Final Determination will be issued in June 2023, with the new maps becoming effective December 1, 2023. The preliminary maps for all of Black Hawk County can be found at https://msc.fema.gov/ portal. Click “Search All Products.” On the next page type “CEDAR FALLS, CITY OF” for Jurisdiction Name or FEMA ID.
If there are any questions please contact Thom Weintraut, Planner III at 319-268-5184 or email Thomas.Weintraut@cedarfalls.com.
Parking
Home to local dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities, the Cedar Falls Downtown District has a wide variety of parking options to fit your needs including FREE 15-minute, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour, and 24-hour parking. To help serve visitors and residents in the area, parking enforcement hours are 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday–Saturday. A reminder that the dedicated 15-minute parking drop off pick up zones are always designated for this purpose only.
Have you seen the new quick read (QR) codes in the Downtown District? The codes can be found on selected ‘Per Vehicle Per Day’ signs located in the municipal lots. Simply scan the code with your smartphone to bring up the downtown public parking map and the downtown restrooms map.
Learn more by visiting www.cedarfalls.com/parking
Human Rights Commission Plans More Community Events
The Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission (HRC) hosted a meet and greet at the Ragged Edge Art Bar and Gallery in Cedar Falls on May 3. With over 30 people in attendance, the event connected residents with commissioners and Chelsie Luhring, the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist and liaison to the HRC. Attendees also shared their human rights needs, concerns, and visions for the community.
The HRC exists to protect human rights and promote the diversity and equity of all residents through advocacy, outreach, and education. The group recently held a Pride Month Recognition at the Hearst Center and participated in the Sturgis Falls Parade. You can find them next at their resource booth during Cedar Valley Pridefest on August 26. More community events, including a fall summit, are also in the works, so check out their Facebook page for all the latest happenings. To submit a human rights or discrimination concern based on protected classes, visit the HRC website for submission instructions or email cfhumanrights@ cedarfalls.com for more information.
The Cedar Falls HRC meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Center, 4600 S. Main St., Cedar Falls.
Fy24 Budget
The City Council held the formal public hearing on the FY24 budget on April 17. The fiscal year 2024 lasts from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. At the hearing, the City Council approved a tax rate of $11.40—a decrease from the $11.51 tax rate in FY23. However, the residential rollback (the amount of property taxed) increased from 54.13% to 54.65% for FY24. Therefore, considering the combination of these factors, residential properties will see a 0% increase for FY24.
The rollback on commercial and industrial properties remained the same at 90%, and because the tax rate decreased these classes of property will see a 1% decrease. The rollback on multi-residential properties decreased from 63.75% in FY23 to 54.65% in FY24, so the effect will be a 15% decrease.
Effects on all classes of properties vary based on assessments by Black Hawk County and rollback percentages set each year by the State of Iowa.
If you are interested in viewing the full budget document, contact the Department of Finance & Business Operations at 319-273-8600 or visit www.cedarfalls.com and click on “Finance.”
Stormwater Rate Increases
Housing Needs Assessment Adopted
The City recently adopted a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) for the Cedar Falls community. The HNA process started in the summer of 2022. The Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation led the process, hiring Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG) and the University of Northern Iowa’s Institute for Decision Making (IDM). INRCOG collected data on population projections, existing housing inventory, commute times, building permit activity, real estate data, income data, to analyze the housing needs for the future. IDM provided outreach to the community with a survey and focus groups with employers, senior housing stakeholders, residential builders/developers, real estate professionals/lenders, and human service providers. Representatives from the Housing Commission and the Human Rights Commission were part of the task force involved in the process as well. The HNA includes a set of strategies the city can choose to aid in preserving housing of varying sizes and price levels, as well as supporting new housing in the community.
The Housing Commission and the Human Rights Commission reviewed the draft and made a recommendation to City Council to adopt the HNA. On May 15, 2023, City Council approved and adopted the HNA. The approved document may be found at www.cedarfalls.com/HNA or email planning@cedarfalls.com for a copy.
The Cedar Falls City Council had voted to increase monthly stormwater charges by 7% each year over the next five years. We are now in our second year of the new rates. FY24 rates will be reflected on your August 2023 bill.
The rate schedule adopted by Council for residential properties is as follows:
The rate schedule adopted by Council for commercial/industrial properties is as follows: area
The stormwater fee was first implemented in FY07. The increase on a residential home will only be 27 cents per month (or $3.24 annually) in this second year. The increase in rates are 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.
Sewer Rate Increases
The City Council passed Ordinance No. 3001 in December 2021, to increase monthly sewer charges by 7% each year, for the next five years. We are now in our second year of those new rates. FY24 rates will be reflected on your August 2023 bill. The rate schedule adopted by Council is as follows:
For the average household (based on 700 cu. ft. of water used), this means on your August bill there will be an increase of $3.06 per month.
These increases were necessary to fund upgrades to our treatment facility which will aid in the City’s efforts to adhere to EPA and DNR standards. The Council approved using the City’s ARPA funding to help lower the increases needed for the upgrades. If you have questions regarding sewer increases, please feel free to call City Hall at 319-273-8600.
Residential Electronics & Hazardous Materials Drop-off Event
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 is NOT accepted at this event.
The Fall drop-off event is on Saturday, September 16, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Public Works Complex (2200 Technology Parkway). Registration is required to reduce wait time and vehicle idling. Registration is anticipated to open August 21, and close at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 15. To register and for additional details visit WasteTrac.org
Acceptable Items Include:
• Household cleaners, mercury thermometers, LED/fluorescent bulbs (limit of 10 tubes per household), 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:
• No more than ten 4 foot or longer florescent light tubes
• 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, light ballasts, 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 for the event and view the list of accepted items. Or call the Waste Trac Education Team at 319-266-8722 before September 14
The previous events served 400 residents resulting in the collection of over 27,000 pounds of electronics for recycling. Collection dates have not been set for 2024.
Volunteers needed to make collection event a success! Approximately 50 volunteers (age 16+) are needed from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. 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, send an email through the website or call 319-234-8115.
Did you know that you do not have to wait to dispose of your electronic items? No need for appointments or waiting for a collection date. 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 devices, 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.
Riverfront Improvements Coming Soon!
Improvements to the Cedar River near downtown Cedar Falls will start taking shape soon! The Cedar River Recreation Project is the first step in the realization of the 2017 Riverfront Master Plan. This project focuses on the river and riverfront area between the Main and 1st Street bridges, while the Master Plan encompassed the Center Street to 1st Street bridges. Construction on the project is expected to begin in August or September 2023, weather and river conditions permitting, and should be completed by September 2024.
The project includes features reconnecting the community to the river by providing trails closer to the river near Peter Melendy Park and in Gateway Park and providing a new venue which connects to Downtown. In addition, the park will be an attraction that will draw visitors from other parts of the region and the state.
Included in the project is a River Art Plaza on the upper bank of Gateway Park providing recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. Closer to the river there will be terraced areas to provide places to relax and observe activities in the river. Safety for water enthusiasts will be improved with the removal of debris, particularly the remnants of a former low-head dam. New “put-in” and “take-out” locations will be added for canoes, kayaks, and other small craft. There are a series of jetties designed to create waves and pools for water recreation enthusiasts and for improved fish habitat, and for easier access to the river for anglers. The project is funded through a variety of sources. The City has secured $3.2 million from several grants, including $1.5 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), $1.5 million from the Black Hawk County Gaming Commission, $150,000 from IDNR Resource Enhancement and Protection Fund, and $75,000 from the Iowa Arts Council Iowa Great Places Grant.
To complete the project, however, additional private funds are needed. To find out more about donating to the project visit the fundraising website: The Cedar River Experience at www.cedarriverexperience.com.
For more information visit www.cedarfalls.com/CedarRiverRecProject
Bulk Item Collection
The charge for bulk item collection service is $10 for up to ten items, or $20 if the number of items exceeds ten.
Large item pickup is available for residents with an active Cedar Falls refuse account. Pick up is scheduled on your regular refuse collection day. To schedule a pickup, call the Public Works Department at 319-273-8629 between 7 am and 4 pm, Monday–Friday. Large items should not be placed at the curb any sooner than the evening before the scheduled collection. This service is limited to large items only and not intended to be a service for extra garbage, moving boxes, etc. More information related to bulk item charges can be found under “Public Works” at www.cedarfalls.com. Select “Garbage and Yard Waste” and then “Bulk Items.”
Report Illicit Discharges
Did you know anything that makes it to the street or a storm inlet will likely get into our ponds, streams, and rivers? Since there is no treatment for our storm water, it is important that only rain water makes it to the street. Common pollutants in our rivers are trash, sediment, nutrients (Phosphorous and Nitrogen in particular), oils, fats, and bacteria.
An illicit discharge is when anyone intentionally, or by accident, discharges anything that is not rain water or ground water in the street, storm sewer inlet, or in a water body. This includes pool water, soil (sediment), trash, soapy water, grass clippings, oils, etc. If you smell something unusual or see any color, oil, or large amounts of foam in a ditch, creek, or being discharged into the street or storm sewer inlet, make sure to report this immediately. If you see a disturbed property without controls to keep the soil from getting to the sidewalk or street, you should report this as well. If you work at a restaurant/kitchen where the grease trap is outside, make sure it is maintained to avoid any fats, oil, or grease to overfill and reach the storm sewer.
If you see someone discharging anything to the streets or sewers, or if you observe water that has a different color in a stream, pond or river, please call 319-268-5161, or after hours at 319-273-8668. Please help our water bodies by picking up or mulching grass clippings and leaves, and by cleaning the inlet or catch basin downhill from your property. Be a responsible pet owner and pick up waste and dispose of it in the garbage. Please wash your car in a commercial car wash to avoid water pollution as the carwash water goes to the water reclamation plant. We can all help!
Summer Yard Waste Collection
The City of Cedar Falls offers automated yard waste collection yearround. Residents are charged $10 each time the cart is emptied. During April, October, and November, the carts are collected for a reduced fee of $5 per dump. Carts should be placed to the curb for service by 7 a.m. on the day of collection, and removed no later than 8 p.m.
July through September 2023, yard waste is collected every other week as follows:
Yard waste IS collected on:
July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 28; and September 11, 25
NO yard waste collected on:
September 5 (Labor Day)
Yard Waste at the Transfer Station—1524 State Street
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)
The Cedar Falls Transfer Station accepts yard waste exclusively on Mondays. They also accept yard waste in smaller quantities throughout the rest of the week. There is a charge of $29.50/ton or $0.75/bag. A $7 minimum fee applies for quantities under 400 lbs.
Odorous Waste Cart?
A common resident request, especially during the summer months, is for a cart exchange because of the foul smell. Homeowners are responsible to keep carts clean. City issued carts are exchanged only when damaged and will not be exchanged due to foul odor. Some helpful tips for odor control are:
• Periodically cleaning carts with detergent.
• Bag all garbage to help prevent residue sticking to the inside.
• Place a scented dryer sheet inside. Dryer sheets absorb odors and leave behind a pleasant scent.
Have Extra Trash?
Refuse carts should be placed with the lid close at the curb in an orderly fashion. If there is a need to dispose of extra bagged trash, a bag tag can be purchased and used during curbside collection. 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 the garbage cart.
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
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
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
