CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS | NOVEMBER 2022
Informed & Engaged Your guide to enhanced participation in Cedar Rapids government
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NOVEMBER 2022 FROM THE CITY MANAGER • SPECIAL SECTION •
CITY MANAGER
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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW • DIRECTORIES •
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or some, it can be difficult to navigate an organization with as much complexity as municipal government. Not everybody comes to the table with the same context, insight, or know-how. Whether you’re brushing up on City processes, new to Cedar Rapids, or anywhere between — this issue of Our CR is meant to give community members like you the tools you need to engage effectively with the City of Cedar Rapids. One of the benefits of local government is the direct connection City staff have with the community they serve. City employees drive the same roads, live on the same streets, shop at the same stores, enjoy the same local entertainment venues as our residents — and more. A resulting familiarity with your needs becomes evident in the everyday work of your local government. Similarly, it is important for you to feel familiar with your government’s processes. Interactions and direct feedback from the community can enhance the services we provide. When residents are informed, get involved, and stay engaged in the work of their government — that’s when government truly thrives. At the City, we strive to empower residents to participate in the future of our community. Living in Cedar Rapids means you can get involved and share ideas that impact the momentum and growth of this city. By turning the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel empowered with the information you need to access government services and impact our community’s trajectory. By staying informed and engaged, you can take part in building a strong future for Cedar Rapids.
Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager
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ities run best with the involvement of citizens with varied viewpoints, passionate elected officials, and professional staff dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents. They function much as a tripod, each performing a critical role to keep the community balanced and strong. In Cedar Rapids we are fortunate to have strength in all three. Because of the involvement of residents, vision of councilmembers, and commitment of staff, we have been recognized by outsiders for having a well-run city. This edition of Our CR is intended to educate you about your city government and provide you with resources so you can ask questions, find information, and become more involved. Whether you learn how to report issues on My CR, attend a City Council meeting, or become a Snow Buddy, we want you to be an engaged participant in creating the best Cedar Rapids for future generations.
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INFORMED & ENGAGED
ur Form of OGovernment T
he City of Cedar Rapids’ organizational structure begins with its citizens. In 2005, Cedar Rapids voters chose to be governed under a “Home Rule Charter” — one of the eight options for government that cities in Iowa can choose from. You can think of a charter like a constitution — a document that outlines how our local government is structured. Our charter establishes the Council-Manager form of government as Cedar Rapids’ organizational structure. This form of government combines strong political leadership and representation of elected officials with the strong managerial experience of a City Manager. The CouncilManager form of government is the most popular form of local government in the United States.
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Cedar Rapids residents elect the nine members of the City Council. The Council is made up of a Mayor and eight members elected on staggered, four-year terms. The City is divided into five districts. One Councilmember is elected by voters in each district. The remaining three members and Mayor are elected by all voters in Cedar Rapids. The Mayor and Council are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. Many Council policies can be reviewed in the City’s municipal code. The municipal code is a collection of laws and regulations grouped together according to the activities they regulate, such as traffic, fire prevention, housing and property maintenance, and more. The Council operates on a part-time basis and appoints a full-time City Manager to carry out the policies it establishes. The City Manager oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of city government. With the help of department directors and staff, the City Manager is tasked with bringing Council policy decisions to life in the day-to-day workings of our city.
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The Council also appoints the City Attorney, City Clerk, and hundreds of community members who serve on various boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. The boards and commissions play a critical role in public policy development, implementation, and review for the Council. These groups serve an important function in molding decisions for our community, acting as the voice of residents and providing stewardship of the City’s assets. It is the voters who elect the Mayor and City Council; the Council which sets policy and appoints the City Manager, Attorney, Clerk, and members of various boards and commissions; and the City Manager who oversees the daily operations of the City. All these various people work together to represent the best interests of the City and the residents they are elected and appointed to serve. Together, they keep the City functioning and keep you safe — while working to improve the lives of all who call Cedar Rapids home.
Charter Review Process City Charter requires Council to appoint a Charter Review Commission every 10 years. The Commission reviews the existing charter and recommends any amendments it deems appropriate. The City Council appointed a Charter Review Commission in 2021. Following public outreach and deliberation, the Commission presented final recommendations in September 2022.
Photograph by RYAN Industries
C I T Y O F C E D A R R A P I D S O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L C H A R T
Other Governments in Cedar Rapids Beyond Mayor and City Council, several governmental organizations represent Cedar Rapids residents. When registered voters take to the ballot box, they also elect leaders of: Public Schools and Colleges: Cedar Rapids Community School District, College Community School District, or Linn-Mar Community School District; and Kirkwood Community College. Linn County: Supervisors, Attorney, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, Treasurer, Agricultural Extension Council, and Soil & Water Conservation District. State: Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Secretary of Agriculture, Attorney General, State Senators, and State Representatives. Federal: President and Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senators, and U.S. House Representatives.
Find your elected officials, based on the address where you live, at LinnCountyElections.org.
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INFORMED & ENGAGED
te in articipaMeetings PPublic T
he City holds many committee, commission, and council meetings that are open to the public. These meetings are great opportunities to learn about projects and programs. Some meetings include time for public comments, so you can share your input. Here’s how to participate:
Find upcoming meetings on the calendar at CityofCR.com. There is a calendar that lists scheduled public meetings. The meeting link provides the date, time, duration of the meeting, purpose, and location. The description often provides links to an agenda and information from past meetings. Check meeting agendas to find out what will be discussed and if public comments are included. Watch City Council regular session meetings or Council committee meetings live on Facebook to learn what is happening in the City. Attend public meetings and voice your opinion. While public meetings may seem intimidating at first, residents are welcome and encouraged to participate.
City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month* on the third floor of City Hall and are open to the public. 6
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Attend a City Council Meeting City Council meetings follow a consistent format — starting with proclamations and presentations; followed by public hearings, the first public comment section, the consent agenda, the regular agenda, then ordinances; and ending with the second public comment section. The agenda for each meeting is posted on CityofCR.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the meeting. Proclamations and Presentations provide an opportunity for the City Council to provide special recognition of groups and events and to learn about or receive updates on projects in Cedar Rapids. Public Hearings allow Councilmembers to obtain information and hear public comments regarding proposed rezoning, disposition of city-owned property, and other topics. Consent Agenda items are part of routine business that is approved by one motion without individual discussion, unless Council requests that an item be removed for separate consideration. Ordinances are “A city law of a general and permanent nature,” according to state law. The Municipal Code can be amended only by the passage of an ordinance. Many ordinances are preceded by public hearings. When that’s the case, the ordinance first appears under the Public Hearing section before going to the ordinance section in future meetings. Public Comment opportunities are provided twice during each Council meeting. The first allows comments only on items in the meeting agenda, and the second allows comments pertaining to City business, but not on the agenda. Comments are limited to five minutes and questions to Councilmembers and staff are not answered at this time. Staff and Councilmembers are available immediately prior to, or following, the meeting for individual conversations.
Find a complete list of guidelines for participating in City Council meetings at CityofCR.com/PublicComment.
Be Involved We desire input from people with diverse backgrounds to make the best decisions for the entire community. Serving on a board, commission, or advisory committee is one of the best ways to have a voice. Applications are due each year on April 30. Find opportunities and requirements at CityofCR.com, by clicking on Local Government » City Boards & Commissions.
City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month* on the third floor of City Hall, 101 First Street SE. Meetings are open to the public. Anyone who requires an accommodation to participate should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 319-286-5060 or cityclerk@cedar-rapids.org as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the event.
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In December, meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays to account for holidays.
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adrant QuQuirks
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he key to understanding Cedar Rapids’ street names is understanding how the city is divided into quadrants: First Avenue divides north and south; the Cedar River divides east and west. Your location within that grid determines what quadrant you are in: NE, NW, SE or SW. Each area offers unique attractions and historical sites that contribute to the vibrant culture and community of our city. Take some time to explore and get to know what makes each quadrant special. Here are a few iconic destinations to get you started.
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History Happened Here! The Cedar Rapids Historic Markers project — also known as the “History Happened Here!” program — is a collaborative community history project that seeks to highlight notable historic sites throughout the city. Discover architecturally significant buildings, narratives related to the founding of Cedar Rapids, and lesser-known stories about our community’s past. Find a list of Cedar Rapids Historic Markers at CityofCR.com/CRN. 8
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details the n newspaper e Park. African America Iowa’s leading took place at Riversid An article from the Civil War that Sept. 8, 1899. ns of slavery and commemoratio State Bystander, Celebration,” Iowa “Emancipation
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NORTHE A S T
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Ushers Ferry Historic Village Ushers Ferry Historic Village provides a venue for family-friendly activities, events, and programs that build community from the historical perspective of a small Iowa town at the turn of the 20th century. These historic buildings take visitors back in time, depicting what life was like for residents between the years of 1890 and 1910.
F I R S T AV EN U E
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Noelridge Greenhouse At Noelridge Greenhouse, the Friends of Noelridge volunteers work to propagate and nurture the 60,000 plants that are found in various public spaces in Cedar Rapids. A permanent display of tropical plants housed inside can make visitors feel transported to a warm desert climate, even in the midst of a harsh Iowa winter.
NORTHWEST
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Northwest Gateway & Memorial Plaza One of the many permanent flood control projects completed to date, this distinctive gateway welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy greenway space, communal benches, and a memorial wall. The “West Side Rising” sculpture pays tribute to neighborhood recovery and persistence following the devastating Flood of 2008.
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City Hall Constructed in 1933, this building has served as a Federal Courthouse and Post Office — prior to its current designation as City Hall. Visitors can find remnants of the various uses throughout the building to this day.
SOUTHWEST
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Hughes Park Hughes Park is an example of historic preservation of outdoor environmental space where residents and visitors can recreate and play while enjoying nature. Artist Steve Huffman of Ottumwa created the iconic Hughes Horse — a life-size sculpture made from scrap metal pieces, old tools, and machine parts — that represents the draft horses once used in the landscape nursery business that the Hughes family established on the site.
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Mount Trashmore Mount Trashmore is a former landfill with six million tons of garbage, now transitioned to a recreational site with peak elevation at 948 feet. Walking and biking trails lead up to a scenic overlook with a unique and expansive view of the city below. 9
INFORMED & ENGAGED
ea BGood
Neighbor
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ities need healthy neighborhoods to survive. Neighborhoods are where people feel the strongest sense of community, creating an environment that improves quality of life and supports building friendships, tackling problems, and finding solutions to challenges. Cedar Rapids is fortunate to have many strong neighborhoods with distinct personalities and challenges. We all play a role in making our neighborhoods, and Cedar Rapids, a great place to live.
Neighborhood Associations Neighborhood Associations strengthen the relationships of people living in a community together, serving as unique partners with City staff. These groups often take the lead on their own community-scaled projects, such as coffee events with neighbors, back-toschool concerts, park improvements, and historic neighborhood tours. Did you know that Cedar Rapids neighborhood associations that register through the City are eligible for funding to support community activities? To find out if you live in a neighborhood with an association, or to start a new one, email CommunityDevelopment@cedar-rapids.org. 10
Vibrant Neighborhoods The City believes every resident is entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their home and encourages all residents to do their part in supporting vibrant and attractive neighborhoods, as well as forming relationships with their neighbors. Neighbors who know one another and talk with each other create a helpful, safer, and caring community. Some tips on being a good neighbor:
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Be Active in Your Neighborhood
A sense of community begins with communication. Find out your neighbors’ names and basic contact information. Not only is this the friendly thing to do, but it can come in handy during tough times, such as disasters like the 2020 Derecho, needing a last-minute babysitter or petsitter, or asking for help if you’re sick or injured.
Go beyond just knowing your neighbors’ names. Try hosting a block party, a book club, or a cleanup day. Building community can alleviate tension and solve problems; but if you have a concern with something in your neighborhood, you can let the City know at CityofCR.com/MyCR or through the City’s app, Mobile CR. You can also use Mobile CR to check out City news and events, find your voting district, see your garbage collection day, and locate your nearest recreational amenities and library branch.
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Be an MVP
Clean Up Yards and Neighborhoods When property owners take pride in their homes, the entire neighborhood benefits! Avoid letting trash, debris, or junk overtake your yard, and address peeling paint or other maintenance tasks that detract from your home’s beauty. Well-maintained homes help keep property values high and give the entire neighborhood a sense of pride.
Be Courteous with Parking Avoid parking your vehicle on your lawn. Vehicles using on-street parking need to be moved every 48 hours to rotate parking throughout the year and to help with snow removal efforts in the winter.
The spirit of involvement is the foundation of our community. Engaging with and serving your fellow residents by giving your time is an investment in your community — and it has personal rewards, too. Benefits include a connection with others, good mental and physical health, and learning new skills. Consider volunteering your time to one of the causes below through the City’s Municipal Volunteer Program (MVP), and learn more at CityofCR.com/MVP. • ReLeaf Cedar Rapids • Ushers Ferry groundskeeping • CleanUpCR and the City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge litter pickup program • Cedar Rapids Public Library Volunteer Program • Citizens’ Fire Academy • Snow Buddies
Take Care of Your Lawn A well-maintained lawn adds to the beauty of the entire neighborhood. Cedar Rapids’ ordinance requires property owners to keep their grass and weeds mowed below 12 inches.
• Youth Engagement • Adopt-a-Storm Drain and Storm Drain Markers • Parks and Recreation Volunteers
Keep Sidewalks Safe If your home comes with a sidewalk, do your part in keeping it clear, safe, and accessible for all residents, including the sidewalk ramp. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of a snow event. Property owners are also required to repair damage to their sidewalk, such as cracks, buckling, or uneven panels.
Volunteer with Snow Buddies The Snow Buddies program pairs residents in need of assistance with “Snow Heroes” — volunteers who can help clear sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations in the winter. The program is intended to benefit residents who are not physically able to remove snow and do not have other resources to do so. Snow Buddies is an annual program, and though registration for assistance is now closed, we still need snow removal volunteers!
Sign up at CityofCR.com/SnowBuddies. 11
INFORMED & ENGAGED
ow to HContact
the City
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onnecting with City staff when you have questions shouldn’t be challenging. Having access to answers about living in Cedar Rapids is important, and the City wants to make it as easy as possible for you to reach the correct person or department. In-person, phone, email, traditional mail, text, phone app, social media – they’re all valid ways to send and receive information from the City. Here’s a break-down of some of the fast and efficient ways you can be in-the-know.
Mobile CR Application
My CR Reporting Tool
CR News Now
This innovative application for connected devices allows you to communicate with various City departments anytime, anywhere. You can receive news for your neighborhood, interact with various City departments, pay bills, and find coupons for various City events — all in one, easy-to-use location. Mobile CR is available for all mobile platforms.
My CR can be used within Mobile CR, or in any web browser. It allows you to report a variety of comments, non-emergency concerns, questions and more. There are several categories, including Animal Control, Fire, Garbage/Recycling/Yard Waste, Police, Parks & Recreation, Snow & Ice and more. We suggest you create an account to receive updates on the status of your inquiries. While some concerns require an extended remediation period, many can be resolved in a matter of days. My CR allows staff to keep track of requests and progress and improve customer service for our residents.
Subscribe to CR News Now to receive short messages from the City of Cedar Rapids on your mobile phone or in your email inbox. You can choose to receive a text, email or both. Messages let you know about garbage collection delays, road construction updates, important City events, and dozens of topics you select. This is a great way to stay on top of fast-changing updates from many City departments. You can subscribe online at the link below or receive CR News Now alerts right in our app, Mobile CR!
CityofCR.com/MobileCR
CityofCR.com/MyCR
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CRNewsNow.com
Visit Our Website Find these resources and more at CityofCR.com.
Social Media News of the day, pictures of the many events in the city, and your chance to chime in — find us on your favorite social media app.
Engage with Your City Council
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
Citizen participation is very important and is achieved through various methods, including the election process, speaking at council meetings and other public hearings, and personal interaction with council members and other city officials. Contact the Mayor, Councilmembers elected at-large, or find the Councilmember representing your district at the link below.
Cedar Rapids Police Department
CityofCR.com/Council
City of Cedar Rapids Iowa Government @CityofCRiowa @CityofCR
Cedar Rapids Fire Department City of Cedar Rapids on Nextdoor
CEDAR-RAPIDS.ORG
By Phone and In Person There truly is no shortage of communication methods at your disposal, but sometimes what you really need is to talk to a human on the other end of the phone. Don’t hesitate to call when you need help. On page 24 of this issue of Our CR is a list of commonly-dialed numbers for your reference. We love hearing from you in whatever method you want to use. City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. While some offices are open for walkin business, it is always a good idea to call ahead to ensure your visit is productive. The City Services Center at 500 15th Avenue SW is open to the public 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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INFORMED & ENGAGED
n w o D g n i k rea Utility Bill BYour T
he Cedar Rapids Utilities Department works continuously to provide the best quality drinking water, as well as other services, to our residents. Your Cedar Rapids Utility Bill, mailed every two months, covers a variety of services, including drinking water, sanitary and storm sewer, wastewater treatment, loose-leaf vacuum collection, and garbage/recycling/compost collection and disposal. Find out more at CityofCR.com/Utilities.
Utilities Facts On average, residents use nearly 7,500 gallons of water per month.
The rate for water may vary each year and is set by City Council.
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Cedar Rapids offers spring and fall loose-leaf vacuum collection — something many communities do not offer!
Gas and electric services are not provided through the City; they are provided through separate entities.
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The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, who manages and operates two local landfills, is not part of the City of Cedar Rapids government entity. The Agency serves 17 communities in Linn County, including Cedar Rapids. Visit their website for more information: SolidWasteAgency.org.
Utility Bill Breakdown Days in Bill Period: This is the number of days between when your water meter was last read and the current meter read date. The number of days in each billing period can vary due to holidays and scheduling, but an average bill period is 61 days. Daily Service Charge: The service charge generates revenue to cover fixed costs such as maintenance, equipment and infrastructure, billing and collections, customer service, payment processing, meter reading, meter maintenance, sewer cleaning, sewer repair, and more. Units: Water consumption is measured in units of 100 cubic feet, known as a CCF. One CCF is equal to 748 gallons of water.
Sewer (Sanitary Sewer): The sanitary sewer charge is based on water usage, and for accounts without water service, sewer is a flat rate. Two CCFs per month are included in the daily service charge. Solid Waste/Recycling/Compost: This charge entitles the household to one container of garbage and one container of yard waste/ compost per week. The recycling charge entitles the household to unlimited recyclables. Other services from this division include bulky item pickup, various pickups of hard-to-dispose materials, and biannual loose-leaf pickup.
How to Start Services
Reducing Your Payment
Call our Customer Service team at 319-286-5900 to set up a Cedar Rapids Utility Billing Account. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and can discuss any possible requirements needed to start service. For more information, visit CityofCR.com/Utilities.
The Cedar Rapids Utilities Department offers a reduced-rate program for residents who are either disabled or are 62 years of age or older, and for those who meet household income eligibility requirements. Please call our Customer Service team at 319-286-5900 for guidelines.
How to Pay Your Bill We provide several options for paying your utility bill. You can pay online, by phone, or through our City’s app, Mobile CR. We also offer AutoPay signup on our website, pay stations at certain designated Hy-Vee store locations, Walmart money service counters, and the outdoor drop boxes at City Hall or the Water Administration Building. You can also still pay by mail with a check or money order, or you can use an eCheck through your personal bank.
Questions about your bill? Visit CityofCR.com/Utilities or call our Customer Service team at 319-286-5900.
All residents can reduce charges on their water bill by lowering water usage at home. Here are a few tips for keeping your water bill as low as possible: Check your toilets for leaks. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day! Remove the holding water tank lid and add leak detection tablets or several drops of food coloring. Wait 10 minutes; if colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Visit your local hardware store or call a plumber to assist with leaky toilets. Fix leaky faucets or showerheads. These small drips can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water each year! Most of these leaks are due to worn washers, which can be easily replaced. Shorten your showers and turn off the tap. Don’t water your lawn. Lawns are resilient — even if they look brown! Run only full loads in the dishwasher, which uses the same amount of water for a normal cycle whether the dishwasher is full or empty. 15
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Pay City bills and fees through Mobile CR
axes and TPayments T
he City collects payments, taxes, and fees for some services. Learn where to pay below.
Bus Passes
Miscellaneous City Fees
Bus passes can be purchased at the Ground Transportation Center information booth located at 450 First Street SE.
The City’s Finance Department collects payments for many programs across multiple departments. Fees for the following items can be paid through Mobile CR: • Rental property management fees • Burglar alarm permit and false alarm fees • Fire inspection, permit and false alarm fees • Public improvement assessments
Automatic Traffic Citations
• Nuisance abatements
The fine for an Automatic Traffic Citation may be paid at ViewCitation.com. Citizens may contest a citation and view additional information by going to the ATE Program website at CityofCR.com/ATE.
• Other/miscellaneous accounts receivables Access to online payment is also available at CityofCR.com/Pay_Bill_Online.
Parking Payments
Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Garbage/Recycling/ Yard Waste
Payments for downtown parking tickets or monthly parking is collected by Park Cedar Rapids. Links to pay are available on Mobile CR. Find more information at ParkCedarRapids.com.
Payments for these services are received by the Utilities Department. See page 15 for more detailed information about this bill. Payments are accepted using the mobile app, online, in person at select pay stations, by mail, and dropped off at some City locations. Pay using Mobile CR or go to CityofCR.com/UtilityPayment for details about other payment options.
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Taxes Property and motor vehicle taxes are collected by Linn County. Find payment information at LinnCountyIowa.gov. Mobile CR also includes links to pay taxes online.
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C ITY O F C E DA R R AP I D S
Help keep our community safe! The City of Cedar Rapids Water division is developing an inventory of service line materials for all homes, and we need your help. Older homes are more likely to have leaded plumbing materials or lead service lines, which increase your risk of lead exposure. Visit our website for details on how to protect yourself from lead exposure, identify your service line material, and help us with our inventory — regardless of the age of your home.
CityofCR.com/Inventory
Scan to learn more and take the survey.
INFORMED & ENGAGED
' s d i p a R edar CStrong Financial Position
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n the same way a credit score can impact your financial life, the City’s bond rating is a strong indicator of Cedar Rapids’ overall financial position. An impressive bond rating can directly impact our residents’ lives, too. It can mean better terms for bonds we issue to pay for long-term investments in our streets, flood control system, technology, parks, public safety infrastructure, and more. Strong bond ratings can even help you get more out of what you pay on your utility bill. A strong bond rating is one of the ways Cedar Rapids keeps its water and sewer rates competitive across the region, which in turn helps attract new businesses to our community.
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For years, Moody’s Investors Service has assigned an Aa1 rating to the City of Cedar Rapids’ General Obligation Bonds — its second-highest rating — including most recently in April 2022. Moody’s conducts a rigorous analysis of the finances and general management of operations for cities across the United States. These ratings are used as a measure of confidence in the city governance upon each issuance of bonds. “Our Aa1 rating demonstrates very strong creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal entities,” said Casey Drew, Finance Director for the City. “Moody’s considers the overall economic health of the city, including major employers; local residential, commercial, and industrial construction; unemployment; and other economic indexes in their rating methodology.” What’s more, in 2022, WalletHub named Cedar Rapids the 28th best-run city in America, considering factors such as financial stability, quality of city services per dollar spent, and more.
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The City’s budget and financial management are two of the most important products your City government is responsible for each year. City staff take their fiduciary duty very seriously and work hard to control the costs of doing business. We are proud to leverage your dollars responsibly while providing high-quality programs and services in return.
Budget Process Underway Formulating the City budget is a complex process. There are many needs, priorities, and services that require funding so the City can provide quality services to our residents and customers. The City uses priorities set by the City Council to create a budget that meets the needs of its citizens. In Iowa, property taxes, user fees (such as water, sewer, and garbage), federal and state grant programs (state flood mitigation program), local option sales tax, and special revenue funds (like hotel-motel tax, road-use tax, and tax incremental financing (TIF) are the primary fiscal tools local governments can leverage to provide programs and services. Preliminary budget planning for the City begins each September. This is when department directors and staff begin gathering budget information and developing plans. Each fall, the City’s Finance Department initiates a public survey to gather input from residents regarding their service priorities and funding preferences. The City Manager and Finance Department use City Council priorities to determine funding allocations for the following year.
Prepared for Emergencies In March, the City Council votes on the City Manager’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The City’s fiscal accounting calendar runs from July 1 of any year to June 30 of the following year. Our Fiscal Year 2023 budget is currently underway; the 2024 budget year will begin in July 2023. A public budget book document is available on the City’s website for residents to review and familiarize themselves with the City’s financial position and budget priorities.
Visit CityofCR.com/Budget to learn more.
In a community familiar with natural disasters, we’ve learned to make preparedness a priority. Not only are we prepared with plans for public safety when emergencies strike — Cedar Rapids is also prepared financially. The City maintains prudent general fund balances that protect the City’s financial integrity. City Reserves helped the City respond to disasters like the 2016 Flood and the 2020 Derecho, and financial uncertainty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in unprecedented times, residents can rest assured the City won’t skip a beat.
BUDGE T TIMELINE SEP T EM B ER • Preliminary budget process begins J A N UA R Y • Property tax information is available from the County; work begins to finalize a balanced budget
M A R C H • Public hearing to present budget and resolution for Council to adopt the budget • Budget certification to Linn County Auditor
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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Weatherize Your Home
for Winter
T
aking a few steps to prepare your home for cold weather now can keep you warm and save you money in the months ahead.
Winter Weather Driving Tips Love it or hate it, winter is coming. Snow, ice, drizzle, and freezing temperatures spell dangerous driving conditions, and we want all our residents to stay safe this winter season. Hone up on your defensive driving skills by reviewing these important safety tips: • Exercise caution during snow events, especially in residential neighborhoods or side streets. • Reduce your speeds and drive for the conditions. • Use caution in turns. • Avoid sudden movements. • Accelerate and brake carefully and slowly. • Leave more room between vehicles — give yourself plenty of room to slide to a halt if necessary. • Don’t follow plows too closely — please give our drivers plenty of room to maneuver their truck and blade as they fight winter weather.
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AIR LEAKS
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Check for air leakage around windows and doors, especially near water pipes. Use caulk, insulating foam, or weather stripping to seal any cracks.
Extra debris in your gutters can create ice dams that prevent drainage and damage your home. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris before heading into winter.
FURNACE Replace old and dirty furnace filters, usually once per month or based upon your furnace and the instructions on your filter. Consider having a professional check your furnace to ensure it is ready for winter.
WATER AND DRAIN PIPES Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts with wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials. If outdoor temperatures fall below 10 degrees, you might leave a thin stream of water running from the tap furthest from your water meter. Cover your meter with a blanket or rug to protect it and open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warm air near pipes. Always keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees, even if you are not home for an extended period. Don't forget outdoor pipes and lawn sprinkler systems. If possible, turn off the water supply to outdoor fixtures and blow compressed air through sprinkler lines to prevent freezing and pipe bursts. Protect outdoor faucets/hose bibs by disconnecting any hoses and storing them indoors during the winter.
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FIRE PREVENTION Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on each floor and in your garage. This is a great time to re-check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 5 years.
THAW WITH CARE Be prepared with a winter shovel and any de-icer you may need now so you're ready when winter hits. When snow and ice melt, the water runs off into our rivers and streams. De-icers can affect the quality of water for wildlife and even cause pavement, sidewalk, and foundation deterioration. Choose environmentally friendly de-icing products and follow the instructions so you use only as much as you need. A little goes a long way — applying more salt won't make the ice melt faster. Remove any resulting slush to prevent refreezing.
We Need Snow Buddies Volunteers!
RecAssist Offers Discounts on Eligible Recreation Programs
The City of Cedar Rapids needs volunteers for the Snow Buddies snow removal program, which pairs residents in need of assistance with “Snow Heroes” volunteers who help clear public sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations. While the sign-up for those needing assistance is closed, we still need Snow Heroes, especially for the Taylor and Cleveland Park neighborhoods, as well as the northwest quadrant.
The Parks and Recreation Department has updated the low-income assistance program, offering discounts to individuals and families with financial need. The program is called RecAssist.
The Snow Buddies program benefits residents who are not physically able to remove snow from public sidewalks and do not have other resources to do so. Snow Heroes must be at least 18 years old and provide their own snow-removal equipment — though loaner snow blowers and shovels are available from the Matthew 25 Tool Library, located at 201 3rd Avenue SW, at no cost for Snow Buddies program volunteers. Snow Heroes will be paired with residents based on factors such as location and availability. They are only asked to clear public sidewalks after a snowfall of two inches or more, and they will not be allowed to solicit or accept money, tips, or gifts for their volunteer activities. Our City’s vision includes ensuring we all have access to basic needs, asking our residents to come together to help one another, and helping our residents get connected to community resources. Removing snow and ice keeps our community safe and accessible. Municipal Code Chapter 9.11 — Clearing Snow & Ice from Sidewalks — requires property owners and residents to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after a snow event. It is important to the City to provide a safe, walkable community for all residents, regardless of age and ability. Snow Buddies is a great way to help others and to keep our sidewalks clear in the winter months.
ReAssist provides qualifying families and individuals, living in Cedar Rapids, with a 50 percent reduction on swim passes and up to eight eligible recreation programs per year. Non-eligible programs include pavilion or facility rentals, daily admission to the pools, team entry fees, garden plots, trips, and punch passes. Applications must be completed each calendar year with participation ending December 31.
Find eligibility requirements and application information at CityofCR.com/RecAssist.
Reminder: Yard Sign Regulations Election season is over, yard sales are (mostly) done and the leaves are getting sent to the curb. It’s time to pick up yard signs, too. You’re encouraged to remove signs when they’re no longer relevant. If you’ve ever wondered, the basic rules for yard signs are quite simple: • Signs must be on the property owner’s side of the sidewalk and not impede normal foot traffic. • Signs should be placed a minimum of 10-12 feet from the road when no sidewalk is present. Improperly placed signs can be reported using the My CR reporting tool online or through the Mobile CR application on your smart phone.
Find out more and sign up at CityofCR.com/SnowBuddies.
Report a sign concern at CityofCR.com/MyCR.
CEDAR-RAPIDS.ORG
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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Emergency Snow Routes If a Snow Emergency is declared, cars should not be parked on Emergency Snow Routes. Snow routes are often found near hospitals and schools. Residents are also asked to follow the odd/even parking rule in residential neighborhoods during Snow Emergencies: Park on the odd-address side of the street on odd calendar days; park on the even-address side of the street on even calendar days. The odd/even parking rule provides snow plow operators with enough room to safely and efficiently plow residential areas, where on-street parking is common. Residents and businesses are asked not to push snow from their driveways/parking lots into public streets, as this places an additional burden on City crews trying to clear the roadways, and is against City code.
Find a map of Emergency Snow Routes and more snow removal information at CityofCR.com/Snow.
Santa Cop Shopping with the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity Cedar Rapids Police officers are making Christmas and holiday dreams come true for about 120 kids in need this year with the ever-popular “Santa Cop” event. On November 14, officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department (CRPD) and partners from Marion Police, will take deserving kids shopping for gifts at the Target on the southwest side of the city. Officer Charity Hansel, Treasurer of the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity, says Santa Cop 2022 carries on a 20-year tradition for its members and has a been given an exceptional opportunity by one of Santa’s very special helpers. “Santa Cop is a passion for the employees of the Cedar Rapids Police Department. We love this project! It’s beyond believable to have had the good fortune of a private donor come forward this year and make a one-time donation that will allow us to shop for 120 kids. We are beyond thankful for this partnership.” The Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity (CRPPC) provides funding and volunteer support at this time every year and works to assist families experiencing challenges with buying gifts. The CRPPC focuses its efforts on addressing youth programs in the community and frequently offers assistance in the form of volunteers to help when needed to provide those programs and opportunities. If you’d like to donate to the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity, you can do so online at CRPoliceCharity.com or you can send a check to: 501 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 c/o Officer Charity Hansel.
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CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY CITY SERVICE
LOCATION
Animals
7241 Washington View Parkway SW
Assessor
City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW
319-286-5888
CRAssessor@Cedar-Rapids.org
Bid Opportunities
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5021
Bid-Purchasing@Cedar-Rapids.org
Building and Housing Codes
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5831
Building@Cedar-Rapids.org
Buses
Ground Transportation Center, 450 1st Street SE
319-286-5573
CRTransit@Cedar-Rapids.org
Fire Safety Inspections
713 1st Avenue SE
319-286-5166
CRFire@Cedar-Rapids.org
Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection
City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW
319-286-5897
Solid-Waste-Recycling@Cedar-Rapids.org
Housing Assistance Programs
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5872
HSG-Admin@Cedar-Rapids.org
Land Development
City Hall, 101 1 Street SE
319-286-5822
DevelopmentServices@Cedar-Rapids.org
Park Rentals
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5566
Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org
Potholes and Street Maintenance
City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW
319-286-5826
Street@Cedar-Rapids.org
Recreation Programs
Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW
319-286-5566
Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org
Sewer Backup or Problems
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5815
Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org
Traffic Signals, Signs and Markings
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5176
Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org
Utility Billing
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5900
WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org
th
th
st
th
PHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
319-286-5993
AnimalControlMgmt@Cedar-Rapids.org
For more information about the City of Cedar Rapids and its services, call 319-286-5080 or visit CityofCR.com.
CITY COUNCIL
To leave a message for a City Council member, call 319-286-5051. Find your district at LinnCountyElections.org.
MAYOR
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
Tiffany O’Donnell
Martin Hoeger
Scott Overland
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
Dale Todd
Scott Olson
Ashley Vanorny
t.odonnell@cedar-rapids.org
m.hoeger@cedar-rapids.org
dalet@cedar-rapids.org
scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org
a.vanorny@cedar-rapids.org
AT LARGE
AT LARGE
AT LARGE
Patrick Loeffler
Tyler Olson
Ann Poe
p.loeffler@cedar-rapids.org
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s.overland@cedar-rapids.org
t.olson@cedar-rapids.org
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ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org
S O L I D WA S T E A N D R E C Y C L I N G
HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE
Get service interruption notices sent straight to your phone!
Some holidays result in a one-day delay in collection for some or all of our customers.
CRNewsNow.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY* No Collection – 1 Day Delay for Remainder of Week *NO DELAY if the holiday falls on the weekend.
MEMORIAL DAY No Collection – 1 Day Delay for Remainder of Week
LABOR DAY No Collection – 1 Day Delay for Remainder of Week
THANKSGIVING DAY No Collection – 1 Day Delay for Remainder of Week
CHRISTMAS DAY* No Collection – 1 Day Delay for Remainder of Week
*NO DELAY if the holiday falls on the weekend.
If a holiday is NOT included in this list, there is NO INTERRUPTION in the collection schedule.
CityofCR.com/Garbage
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