Our CR - November 2017

Our CR Living 5 Seasons | November 2017

COMMUNITY

PRIDE

Cedar Rapids is recognized nationally as a great place to live, work and visit

} BEST PLACE FOR CHILDREN p. 4

} WINTER PLAY! GUIDE p. 25

POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS City Manager's Office 101 1st Street SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

City of Cedar Rapids W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G

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Our CR N OVEMBER 2 0 1 7 FROM THE CITY MANAGER • SPECIAL SECTION •

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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW • PLAY! GUIDE •

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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Community pride is a critical component to creating a successful

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community. A strong, positive community encourages new business

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and development, and attracts job seekers and visitors.

Cedar Rapids is a wonderful city we can all be proud to call home.

It is important that we talk about our accomplishments, show pride in our city, and encourage others to do the same.

In this issue you will read just a sampling of many of Cedar Rapids’ national accolades and unique offerings that are worthy of a little bragging. We hope you learn something new, and will share what you learn with others; maybe even save and share this magazine with family and friends from other parts of the state and country.

CONNECT WITH CEDAR RAPIDS www.cityofcr.com/subscribe

While we certainly have reason to be proud of how far we’ve come, we are always focused on opportunities for even greater

City of Cedar Rapids Iowa Government

improvement. We will continue to encourage investment, emphasize clean-up and beautification efforts, and look for

@CityofCRIowa

opportunities to increase quality of life. We expect more for our City, and this pride radiates out into the community and is

CityofCR

reflected by our residents and visitors.

City info on your smartphone Text / Email alerts Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager

City Source email newsletter

Interested in Advertising With Us? Contact the Our CR Communications Coordinator at 319-286-5742.

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BRAGGING RIGHTS The Midwestern work ethic often includes the trait of humility.

While humility has great benefits including better teamwork and sense of community, one definition of the word is a low view of one’s own importance.

Cedar Rapids frequently receives national attention for great people, great accomplishments, and being a great place to live. While we agree, we don’t say it enough. We thought we deserved to boast a little. In this issue, find out why others (and we do too) think Cedar Rapids is great.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

A GREAT PLACE FOR

KIDS

Cedar Rapids has been established as a champ when it comes to kids.

For the past three years in a row, SmartAsset selected Cedar Rapids as

the best place for children in America!

T

he things Smart Asset

This year, the area’s high school graduation rate rose

took into consideration

from 88.49 percent to 88.53 percent. The language arts

when recognizing Cedar

proficiency rate, at 79.56 percent, was the second-highest

Rapids, were metrics including

in the entire study. The comparison found that the Cedar

water quality, air quality, child

Rapids area has some of the best schools and highest

poverty rate, median home

performing students in the country. In the category of

value, percent of kid-friendly

intergenerational mobility, which measures how likely it

establishments, percentage

is for someone born in the bottom quartile of society to

of population under age 20,

move up, Cedar Rapids ranked in the top 4.

infant and child mortality rates, percent of children who are uninsured and intergenerational mobility. They also looked at high school graduation rate, math proficiency rate and language arts proficiency rate. In all, data was analyzed on 198 metro areas across the country and

We are located among the best of the best. All but one of the top 10 scoring places for children are in the Midwest.

The data demonstrated that Midwest metro areas had strong high school graduation rates and plenty of things for children and families to do.

Cedar Rapids came out on top in 2015, 2016, and again in 2017.

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CEDAR RAPIDS,

An All-America City

C

edar Rapids was named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2014. While not our most recent, this award is an enormous honor for cities who receive it and continues to be a point of pride for our community.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IA ROCHESTER, MN APPLETON, WI DES MOINES-WEST DES MOINES, IA 5 FARGO, ND-MN 6 BARNSTABLE TOWN, MA 7 OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS, NE-IA 8 MADISON, WI 9 GREEN BAY, WI DULUTH, MN-WI

Cities were ranked in 13 different metrics, giving a half weight to air quality and water quality, and a full weight to the other factors.

Then, an average ranking was determined for each city. The average ranking was used to determine each city’s final score, with the best average ranking receiving a 100 and the lowest average ranking receiving 0.

The All-America City Award is given to ten communities each year in recognition of their outstanding civic accomplishments. To win, communities must demonstrate innovation, impact, inclusiveness, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The award has a long standing tradition as a national gold standard and is recognized by organizations all over the country.

We are proud of the way our community came together to tell our story and work towards the goal of making Cedar Rapids an All-America City. We continue to work to demonstrate the qualities that earned us this prestigious title.

Cedar Rapids takes the crown as Iowa’s best city for first-time homebuyers -WalletHub 2017

Cedar Rapids ranked 29th out of 300 of the largest cities in the U.S. on a list of best and worst places for first-time homebuyers. It was the highest ranking city from Iowa.

Cedar Rapids ranked #10 Best City for New Grads -GoodCall.com

This study considered factors such as affordability, salary, entry-level jobs available, and local amenities.

Cedar Rapids has received national attention for its commitment to increasing habitat for pollinators.

Through a partnership with the Monarch Research Project, Hiawatha and Linn County, 1,000 acres of unproductive public land will be converted to wildflower-rich prairie, attractive to bees and butterflies. The Monarch Research Project is encouraging large private and commercial land owners to do the same with an additional goal of 10,000 acres. This initiative has been shared through numerous national media outlets and websites, reaching more than 70 million people.

Iowa ranks #2 state to spend your golden years! -Caring.com The state ranked among the top 10 for overall quality of life and healthcare (tied for number 8) and was within the top 20 for senior care costs, hovering around the national median. For example, a private one-bedroom in an assisted living community in Iowa will cost around $42,210 per year on average, more than $1,000 less than the national average.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Cedar Rapids came out strong on an independent ranking of best run cities

by WalletHub

R ECEI VI NG 19th Best Run City in the Nation

11 Best City Services in the Nation th

High Marks A nalysts compared the operating

Cedar Rapids received its highest

efficiency of 150 of the most

performance indicators in the categories

populated U.S. cities, and Cedar

of safety, financial stability and health. The

Rapids ranked 19th of the cities managed

violent crime rate, property crime rate and

best. We scored even better in the Quality of

fatalities per capita determined the safety

City Services ranking, landing just outside the

score which was in the top 11 percent of all

top 10 at number 11. No other city in Iowa

cities compared. Financial stability took the

outranked Cedar Rapids in either category.

Moody’s credit rating and long-term debt

WalletHub acknowledged that the governments of larger cities can often be more complex and difficult to manage than entire counties. In addition, local leaders walk a tight rope, balancing a diverse set of

TOP PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES:

Safety Financial Stability Health

interests against limited resources.

Analysts compared data across 33 key performance indicators grouped into six service categories. They determined the effectiveness of city management by determining each city’s operating efficiency.

That efficiency ranking measured how well city officials managed and spent public funds by comparing the quality of services residents received against the city’s total budget.

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outstanding per capita into account. The health category was comprised of infant mortality rate, average life expectancy, hospital beds per capita, and the quality of the public hospital system. Cedar Rapids ranked in the top 21 percent of both the financial stability and health categories.

Cedar Rapids citizens should be proud to know their local leaders are working hard to provide quality services and make the best use of City funds for the benefit of all residents. To learn more about the Wallethub study, visit cedar-rapids.org and search for recognitions and rankings.

Flood recovery receives national recognition As Cedar Rapidians were empathizing with the communities in Texas, Florida and two U.S. Territories that were facing natural disasters in recent months, the Wall Street Journal wrote an article commending our community for our recovery since our own disaster in 2008.

Cedar Rapids is a certified Blue Zone Community®

Titled “How a Midwestern City Bounced Back From Its Own Harvey,” the article, published on September 18, highlighted

We are one of 15 communities in Iowa and only 17 nationwide that has received the certified designation. The designation recognizes the commitment made to healthier lifestyles.

how Cedar Rapids was able to use the flood to “springboard into the future as a modern, more vibrant metropolis.”

According to the article, two factors were critical to the transformation. Cedar Rapids had a plan ready that it could quickly put in place, and the city was willing to jump in ahead of the private sector to get things started. “If you’re not willing to invest, why would others?” said Mayor Ron Corbett.

Thanks to investments from the City and the private sector, coupled with disaster relief funds, Cedar Rapids gross domestic product has grown by nearly 40 percent and the

Quality Response In 2016, in large part due to the tiered emergency medical response by the Police Department, Fire Department, and Area Ambulance Service, as well as quality hospital and surgical centers, patients that experienced cardiac arrest—no breathing and no pulse—had a 59% return of spontaneous circulation rate. The average survival rate from out-ofhospital cardiac arrest is 6%.

number of area businesses has grown 25 percent. Downtown residential units jumped 62 percent and total property values have risen by 18 percent.

The article provides a very positive view of Cedar Rapids’ recovery, and hope for others facing similar disasters. Find the complete Wall Street Journal story at www.wsj.com.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Education

OPPORTUNITIES T here is nothing more important to parents than living in a community where children have an opportunity to make lasting friendships, have a great

childhood and attend quality schools. Unfortunately, often times the best

schools are located in communities that are the least affordable. That is not the

case in Cedar Rapids. We have some of the best schools and highest performing students in the country. The success of area students is the direct result of great educators, families and community members working together to provide quality education opportunities.

Students in Cedar Rapids consistently score above the state average on the ACT College Readiness Indicators

Volunteers contribute thousands of hours to supporting educators and students

The Cedar Rapids Community School District, College Community School District and Linn-Mar Community School District partnered to support Iowa BIG. Students from these districts pay no tuition, and the teaching staff is employed by these three organizations. Iowa BIG provides students opportunities to engage in authentic business and community projects to earn core and elective academic credits. Iowa BIG is recognized as one of the most transformative education innovations in the country

Cedar Rapids area rankings for math proficiency, language arts proficiency, and high school graduation rate contributed to its selection as #1 in the Best Cities for Children list by SmartAsset from 2015 to 2017

Area schools collaborate with Kirkwood Community College Regional Center to offer opportunities for high school students to earn college credit and to explore career options

There are over 40 languages spoken in our schools and there are cultural development activities to ensure equitable access to learning for all students

Student learning is enriched by more than 100 school and community collaborations with area businesses, nonprofits, agencies and local organizations

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Area high schools are the top Iowa schools on the Washington Post listing of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools” and the Iowa Advanced Placement Index

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AWARD WINNING

Arts & Culture C

edar Rapids offers residents access to amazing, unique, and world class arts and culture. From the recent nationally renowned Chihuly exhibit

at the National Czech and Slovak Museum, to shows at the beautiful and historic Paramount, Cedar Rapids has something for everyone.

Our very own Orchestra Iowa was recently chosen as the recipient of a four-day residency for Grammy Award winning Pianist Emanuel Ax. Mr. Ax will join Maestro Timothy Hankewich and Orchestra Iowa for a performance of Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2, Edward Elgar’s In the South and Richard Strauss’ Don Juan in April 2018.

“Without a doubt, the highlight of our season is the fourday residency with superstar pianist Emanuel Ax, whose generous donation of his talents will serve to galvanize a renewed passion for music and the arts throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor,” said Orchestra Iowa CEO Jeff Collier.

To learn more, visit www.orchestraiowa.org.

Theatre Cedar Rapids Located just blocks from the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids, Theatre Cedar Rapids is another big venue dedicated solely to live theatre arts, or more specifically, community theatre arts. That’s because not only can you catch the latest performances of local and touring plays and shows at Theatre Cedar Rapids, but with an active mission of community involvement, Theatre Cedar Rapids encourages the community to come take part in the fun. Whether it’s backstage, front of house or in the spotlight, the Theatre Cedar Rapids relies on the community to enjoy and participate in all of their performances.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

DISTRICTS OF

DISTINCTION

C

edar Rapids is home to several districts that hold unique events, cultural attractions, and amenities. The Czech Village - New Bohemia Main Street District is a vibrant urban neighborhood model for

historic preservation and economic development in the Midwest, a destination for both residents and visitors.

Just south of the city’s primary downtown business district, the district (one of the first urban neighborhood models in the state) fosters connectivity to shared amenities and attractions while maintaining its own unique culture and feel. The district is made up of two diverse neighborhoods, Czech Village and New Bohemia, spanning approximately forty blocks.

The district has a storied past and stands as a shining example of the perseverance of its residents and business owners. Carrying on the legacy of early Czech settlement, the district represents a wide mix of small businesses; arts, culture and entertainment venues; and former industrial sites.

Designated as an Iowa Cultural District, the Czech Village - New Bohemia Main Street District is an area rich in history, alive with music, and bustling with shops old and new. Many world-class cultural attractions including the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, African American Museum of Iowa, and Legion Arts provide history, culture, performing and fine arts; drawing visitors from all over the world. St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, founded in 1874, continues to serve the community and carry on the Czech heritage. Live music is featured multiple days a week at many bars, restaurants and outdoor venues.

Interspersed with the various commercial properties are former immigrant houses allowing for residents to live in close proximity to necessary shopping and services. In addition, former large-scale industrial facilities have been thoughtfully converted into attractive loft-style condominiums, like Bottleworks and Water Tower Place; or artist studios, like the Cherry Building. Many upper-story housing opportunities are also available throughout the district.

Building on its unique history, the district is a dynamic arts and culture venue that provides interesting, authentic and enriching experiences with a variety of shopping, dining, arts and cultural entertainment opportunities, making it one of the most diverse districts in the community.

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The National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library was named #5 among the top 10 Best Museums in Iowa Though some may not associate Iowa with a prominent Czech and Slovak population, the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids shines a light on a rich community by tying stories of the past to the relevance of current times. Celebrating more than the Czech and Slovak heritage in Iowa, the NCSML tells the whole turbulent story of the Czech and Slovak culture, informing every visitor as they walk through the doors.

The African American Museum of Iowa Receives NAACP Community Empowerment Award This award is granted to a community organization, church, or civic group that has strongly supported the wellbeing of the community by focusing on areas such as economic growth, education, and/or political and social justice.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market one of the Midwest’s largest

T

he Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust is one of the Midwest’s largest

open-air markets, with an average of 14,000 people attending each market. Produced by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, the

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NUMBER OF MARKETS IN 2017

14,000

AVERAGE MARKET ATTENDANCE

200

LOCAL VENDORS

event takes place in the heart of Cedar Rapids and features nearly 200 local Iowa vendors offering an array of products from fresh produce and flowers to meats and artisan gifts. A full Downtown Farmers’ Market season, with eight day markets brings $3.1M total in economic impact. Completing its 12th season in 2017, the Downtown Farmers’ Market was named the Corridor’s Best Farmers Market for the second year in a row.

$3.1 million

ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

2016 & 2017

NAMED CORRIDOR’S BEST FARMERS MARKET

Cedar Rapids is the fourthbest city in the United States for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations –WalletHub 2017 Following Buffalo N.Y., Madison, Wis., and Boston, Cedar Rapids was recognized for its traditions, costs, safety and accessibility, and St. Patrick’s Day weather. Cedar Rapids ranked first for safety, 14th for traditions, 26th for costs and 150th for weather.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

RICH in HISTORY As the second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is home to unique neighborhoods and districts that offer rich experiences, diverse activities, and unique cultural and historic flavors.

I

n particular, Cedar Rapids is home to countless historically significant neighborhoods, landmarks and structures. With nine nationally recognized historic

districts and nearly 40 nationally recognized historic landmarks, Cedar Rapids boasts more than 1,000 individual historic properties throughout the city.

A newly launched program helps highlight some of the historically significant people and places around Cedar Rapids. Residents can find new historic markers that have recently been installed throughout the community, highlighting the unique points of pride and history that are woven into the Cedar Rapids landscape. Over the next few years, additional markers will be installed to help tell the many stories of Cedar Rapids.

Brucemore named to Top 15 Historical Sites in Iowa!

There is a lot to offer at the Brucemore Historic Site and Community Cultural Center including concerts, performances, and beautiful garden and home tours, all surrounded by the fascinating history and aged ambiance of this historical mansion. Occupying over 26-acres in Northeast Cedar Rapids, Brucemore has been and continues today to be a significant historical and cultural keystone of the surrounding community and is well worth the day, weekend or lifelong exploration the premises can provide.

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A SNAPSHOT OF HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT CEDAR RAPIDS’ TREASURES SCOTTISH RITE TEMPLE

The Scottish Rite Temple was built in 1927 to house a group of Masonic orders, following the establishment of the Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite in 1884. It serves Masons from 31 counties in Eastern Iowa. More than 10,000 Iowa Masons have been members since it opened.

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH St. Patrick’s, organized in 1886 under the Diocese of Dubuque to serve the growing Irish immigrant population, is the third oldest Catholic parish in Cedar Rapids and the first on the city’s West Side.

IOWA THEATER BUILDING The Iowa Theater opened in 1928 for the Orpheum vaudeville chain, and then became part of the RKO motion picture studio chain. After the movie theater closed in 1983, it became the home of the Cedar Rapids Community Theater, now Theatre Cedar Rapids.

OAK HILL CEMETERY Established in 1854, Oak Hill is the oldest cemetery in Cedar Rapids. It is a memorial to the many families and individuals who contributed to the development of Cedar Rapids—including pioneers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, immigrants, artists, educators, veterans and reformers.

BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Cedar Rapids is the city’s oldest black congregation.

The AME Church was founded in the eastern US after the American Revolution and quickly grew into a major national denomination. The Cedar Rapids congregation was organized in the early 1870s and construction of its first church at this location began in 1874. The current brick structure was built in 1931-1932, when the church was officially renamed Bethel AME.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

QUALITY , CON VE N I E N T ,

CONNECTIONS Eastern Iowa Airport is local, regional asset

P

roviding a quality community includes

Three air cargo carriers also operate out of CID.

offering the ability to travel to the places

In 2016, 12.5 tons of goods moved through CID,

residents want to go. The Eastern Iowa

which were then distributed throughout the

Airport (CID) connects the region to the locations

region and beyond.

that matter to them. In the past four years, CID

The airport is also home to 126 general aviation

has served more than 1 million passengers. Five airlines provide nonstop flights to 14 destinations, with connections to hundreds of domestic and

aircraft—the most of anywhere in Iowa. General aviation is an important part of CID, generating 49 percent of the airport’s overall operations,

international destinations. The airport—with the airline code CID—provides the most options for air travel in eastern Iowa and the border regions of Illinois and Wisconsin.

meaning the number of aircraft landings and takeoffs.

The airport is completely self-sufficient, meaning no local tax dollars go toward the operation of The

Based on the number of passengers, CID is

Eastern Iowa Airport. In 2015, CID celebrated being

the sixth largest airport in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Central region that includes Iowa,

one of the few debt-free airports in the U.S.

Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

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TERMINAL MODERNIZATION:

AMONG THE BEST

PHASE 3

In 2014, CID began a four-phase terminal modernization project, estimated to cost $61 million.

Funding for the project is 71 percent airport funds, 27 percent Federal grants and two (2) percent from state grants. The third phase of the project is underway with completion anticipated by the end of 2019. This will include:

• Adding 54,000 square feet to the terminal • Increasing the number of jet bridges from seven to nine • Geothermal heating and cooling and a solar photovoltaic system for the roof • Expanded concession options post-security • An outdoor patio postsecurity—the only one of its kind in the state

This year the Institute of Museum and Library Services selected the Cedar Rapids Public Library as one of 10 recipients of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.

For 23 years, the award has celebrated institutions that respond to societal needs in innovative ways, making a difference for individuals, families, and their communities.

T

he Cedar Rapids Public Library was selected due to the impact of its programs and services within the City of Cedar Rapids. These programs are designed to meet the strategic goals of the Library to invest in young minds, build and strengthen community, and transform lives.

They include unique programs such as the MICRO program, a partnership with the City of Cedar Rapids, the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, SCORE, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center. MICRO offers individuals the chance to receive a micro loan for up to $10,000 to help fund their business, idea or venture. The Library acts as a point of entry for anyone who may be interested in applying.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library Summer Dare Everywhere program takes the traditional summer reading program out and into the community. The Library partnered with community organizations to send volunteers, crafts, tablets and a collection of books to daycares and summer camps and keep kids reading all summer long. This program has been nationally recognized and serves as a model for other libraries to help prevent the summer slide.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is on the map as one of the best libraries in the nation. Visitors come from across the country to see the library and learn from us. To find out more about the amazing programs, services and resources available to you, visit www.CRLibrary.org.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

INCLUSIVE

PLAY

This project is special because it opens the door to kids who haven’t had an opportunity to play with other kids on a playground.”

T

he image of a playground often evokes fond

For many kids with disabilities, play

memories of childhood—the first time you got all

on playgrounds is a spectator sport.

the way across the monkey bars and the blisters

In Cedar Rapids that has changed. Thanks

you proudly displayed as battle wounds, pumping your legs as hard as you could on the swings until you felt like you would fly if you let go, and seeing just how fast you could get down the slide. Playgrounds play a critical role in a child’s development, enhancing emotional, social

invited to experience the excitement of a park playground alongside their siblings and friends. The Variety Star Playground addresses the needs of every child and encourages children, adults and families to experience

and cognitive skills. Participating in group play is how kids learn social and cultural rules. They develop and

the benefits of play together.

test relationships, learn self-control, independence, and

"We are thrilled every time we are able to provide a new park feature for the public. However, this project is special because it opens the door to kids who haven’t had an opportunity to play with other kids on a playground.

We are excited that they will be able experience Noelridge Park in a completely different way,” said Daniel Gibbins, Parks Superintendent.

negotiation skills. Play and playgrounds impact the way children grow.

While the feeling of the outdoors on your skin and the sounds of the excitement of kids playing are things most people experience while seated on a swing or slide, many children experience it from a place along the sidelines.

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to Variety - the Children’s Charity, kids with disabilities are

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OUTSTANDING

INDUSTRY The Variety Star Playground was made possible by the dedicated work of Variety - the Children’s Charity. The organization works to improve the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children throughout Iowa. The Noelridge playground is the second all-inclusive playground built by Variety. Its first playground, the Ashley Okland Star Playground, is located in Des Moines’ Ewing Park and sees thousands of visitors each year.

"Variety believes that playgrounds should be for everybody, regardless of physical limitations and challenges,” said Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety, “We are excited to open the Variety Star Playground and gift it to the city of Cedar Rapids and its residents. It is our hope this will be a lasting legacy in the city.” Variety embraced this project in 2015 and has worked to secure funding, design the playground and manage construction.

DONORS INCLUDE: Hall-Perrine Foundation Transamerica Foundation Wellmark Foundation Diamond V

• Cedar Rapids is the second largest producer of wind energy in the United States • Workforce productivity in Cedar Rapids is 29% higher than the national average for the United States and also exceeds other Midwestern cities and states • Industry in Cedar Rapids processes as much as 19% of the global oat crop • In 2014, the amount of ethanol produced in Cedar Rapids was greater than the total quantity manufactured in the People’s Republic of China • Cedar Rapids is the largest corn-processing city in the world. The quantity of corn processed each year in Cedar Rapids exceeds the size of the domestic corn crop of the entire country of Canada • Breakfast cereal manufacturers in Cedar Rapids produce 13% of total U.S. output • ADM alone uses around 15% of Iowa’s corn crop; with a value of $1.4 billion

Cargill CRST International ITC For more information about the organization please visit varietyiowa.com

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Drink Up CEDAR RAPIDS’ WATER IS SOME OF THE BEST

T

he Cedar Rapids Water Division works around the clock to ensure your drinking water is of the highest quality—safe, clean, pleasant tasting, available when you need it, and affordable.

Consistently ranked as some of the best tasting water in the state

Distributes an average of 36-50 million gallons of water per day, depending on the season

“Our dedicated staff work day and night, every day, to make sure our customers have safe, clean water when they turn on the faucet,” said Tariq Baloch, water utility plant manager. “What we do is incredibly important to the health and welfare of our community and the businesses who call Cedar Rapids home. Whether the work is providing quality customer service, fixing water mains, replacing meters, treating the water, analyzing samples, or designing a new system, our work never stops.”

The City’s commitment to protecting our drinking water from source to tap has also spurred some unique partnerships and innovation. The Middle Cedar Partnership Project (MCPP), a collaborative five-year project that began in June 2015, is one of those efforts. Led by the City of Cedar Rapids, the MCPP focuses on working with local conservation partners, farmers and landowners to implement best management practices such as managing nutrient application, planting cover crops, constructing saturated buffers, bioreactors, or wetlands, all to help improve the quality of our source water supply, reduce surface water runoff and promote healthier soil in the Cedar River Watershed.

“We have had tremendous interest in this program. It’s likely all of our project funding will be obligated by the half-way point—a good problem to have, and more importantly a big step towards changing the culture and creating a lasting positive impact on water quality,” said Jason Gomes, project coordinator. “These numbers tell me that farmers are interested in water quality and are willing to partner with downstream neighbors to improve it.”

Largest customer uses 11-12 million gallons of water per day

668 miles of water mains carry water throughout the City to more than 52,000 customers. The pipes range in size from 4 to 48 inches in diameter 18

There is an urgent need to address increasing concentrations of nitrates and extreme flood events in the Cedar River Watershed, but these issues aren’t unique to Cedar Rapids. Many communities across the United States are dealing with these same challenges, and this program’s innovative nature has placed Cedar Rapids at the forefront as the nation seeks new ways to address water quality concerns.

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=

0

There are approximately 675 miles of sanitary sewer owned and operated by the City and an equal number of miles of sanitary sewer owned by the residents. This is because the businesses and residents in Cedar Rapids own the service lines that connect their homes and businesses to the public sewer main.

National Average (21)

Cedar Rapids (1.8)

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ANNUAL SEWER BACKUPS (per 100 mi.)

An annual goal of the Sewer Maintenance Division is to ensure that basement backups and wastewater bypasses do not exceed 6 per 100 miles of sanitary sewer main. In fiscal year 2017, only 10 backups were recorded—averaging out to 1.8 backups for every 100 miles of sanitary sewer in the system. The national average is 21 backups per 100 miles.

SEWER AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL

PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH

The City receives about 250 sewer service interruption calls annually.

All of these calls are investigated immediately, 24 hours a day 7 days per week by City staff. Of the total, 20 or less on average are due to a problem with the public sewer line. Many of the interruptions experienced by residents annually are attributable to private service lines.

In July 2016, WPC was recognized as a Utility of the Future Today recipient and has received a Gold (100%) Peak Performance award in 2016 for meeting compliance with over 3,600 permit compliance points.

EXCELLENCE x1.4

Roots from trees and other plants can grow into sewer lines through joints and cracks. Sometimes these roots can grow so thick they cause blockage. To prevent this, staff cut roots out of sewers. In FY 2016, sewer maintenance staff removed tree roots from 56 miles of sewer.

BILLION Water Pollution Control treats approximately 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater per month.

14.5x

The sewer pipe in front of your house is probably 6 or 8 inches in diameter.

CEDAR RAPIDS POPULATION

The current population equivalent of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) treatment capacity is almost 1.9M people due to the nature of industrial customers served by Water Pollution Control.

Sewer pipe when it arrives at Water Pollution Control is 8 feet in diameter.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

SERVI NG R E SIDE N T S

BEYOND THE GARBY CART

T

he Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling Division

2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids (the Mount Trashmore

provides citizens with unique services to help reduce

location). Additional compost may be purchased by

the amount of waste sent to the landfill. In addition

residents and businesses for $24.00 per ton. Agency

to weekly garbage service, crews also collect recycling and

compost is a nutrient rich soil amendment that is tested

yard waste every week for the entire year.

in independent labs and certified by the U.S. Composting

“With our curbside collection services, we try to make it

Council before being made available.

easy for residents to dispose of most household waste

“We also recently reduced our curbside collection fees for

right at the curb,” said Mark Jones, solid waste and recycling

bulky items,” said Jones. “If customers have an old piece of

superintendent. “Many customers are still learning that our

furniture like a sofa or dresser, they can call and schedule

YARDY carts can be used for anything organic—fruit and

a bulky item pick-up for just $2.50.” The Division previously

veggie scraps, dryer lint, baked goods.”

offered two free bulky item drop-off events. However,

Organic waste is hauled to the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency where it’s transformed into compost.

Linn County residents may take one ton of compost for no charge per visit at the Agency’s yard waste/compost facility,

due to construction at the Agency’s Cedar Rapids landfill location, the drop-off events weren’t able to continue. The reduced bulky item rates make it simple and inexpensive for customers to dispose of unwanted household items all year without loading up the pieces and hauling them to a drop-off site.

4K tons of loose leaves

Another key service Cedar Rapids residents appreciate is the fall and spring leaf vacuum collection program.

487 tons of bulky items

Weather permitting, each customer has five opportunities in the fall and four in the spring to have leaves collected

8K tons of

via the leaf vacuum service. Rather than having to bag

recyclables

leaves or load up their YARDY carts, customers can simply rake their leaves into long rows at the edge of their lawn or parking strip, and a leaf vacuum truck will come by

13K tons of yard waste

and suck up the leaf piles. The 2017 fall leaf vacuum

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING COLLECTION

collection program runs through Dec. 8. Visit www.CityofCR.com/leaf to view the leaf collection schedule.

FISCAL YEAR 2017

20K tons of garbage

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Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency services compliment City of Cedar Rapids’ curbside collection

T

he Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling Division partners closely with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, which operates two locations and the Resource Recovery building. In addition to disposing and

LOCATIONS: 1954 County Home Road, Marion • Household Hazardous Materials Collection • Resource Recovery Building for recycling materials not taken at curb 2250 A. St. SW, Cedar Rapids (Mount Trashmore) • Compost pick-up

recycling items that can’t be collected at the curb, the Solid Waste Agency offers the following programs: Linn County residents may drop-off household hazardous materials for no charge at the Resource Recovery building.

Accepted materials include paint, cleaning chemicals, stains, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, and more. No appointment necessary.

Household hazardous materials that can be reused are made available in the “Free Paint, Cleaners, Etc.” room, also located in the Resource Recovery building. All materials can be taken for no charge by Linn County residents. Inventory depends on what gets dropped off and changes daily. No appointment necessary.

Recycling doesn’t stop just at your curb. In addition to paper, plastic, cardboard and glass, the Solid Waste Agency also accepts these items for no charge from Linn County residents in the Resource Recovery building: batteries (lead-acid, lithium, vehicle, rechargeable; alkaline batteries can be thrown away when used up), fluorescent bulbs (businesses can recycle them for $1.00 per bulb), scrap metal, syringes & sharps, and electronics (except for TVs & monitors), antifreeze, motor oil and oil filters (must be delivered in a 5-gallon container or smaller, 20-gallon limit).

No appointment necessary.

The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency is open from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Saturday. For more information, visit www.solidwasteagency.org

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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

BUDGET SURVEY Soon the City of Cedar Rapids will begin developing its budget for fiscal year 2019. We would like to invite our citizens to fill out a brief survey to provide input on service levels and how your tax dollars are spent. Visit www.cedar-rapids.org to take the survey. The survey will be available until November 30, 2017.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT! Last year the survey responses indicated police and fire should receive the highest proportions of property tax revenue to fund services. The City's current budget aligns with this feedback.

CITY READY

FOR WINTER The Public Works Street Division typically prepares for adverse weather as early as August, stockpiling material and servicing equipment well in advance of any flurries.

The City stockpiles more than 6,000 tons of snow-fighting material at three different sites, including a large 4,500ton salt dome at the City Services Center. The department

CITY HALL MURAL LECTURE SERIES

also keeps 10,000 gallons of brine on hand and 6 brine applicators. The City has approximately 90 pieces of snow removal equipment, and crews work 3 shifts around

A special lecture series, “History Restored: Law & Culture

the clock between December

in City Hall Murals� will be offered this winter and next

and April to provide 24/7

spring on the historic murals adorning the walls of the

service during snow falls.

Cedar Rapids City Council Chambers. The community

The public can assist with

is invited to learn more about these compelling images

snow removal operations by

highlighting the historic background of the murals, the

removing parked cars from

artists, and the unique cultural heritage they portray.

snow routes, using the odd/

The lectures are free to the public, and will be held on

even rule when parking cars

December 13, 2017; January 10, 2018, and February 15,

in residential neighborhoods,

2018, starting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

and giving plow operators

Learn more: www.cityofcr.com/visualarts.

plenty of room to work.

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PROTECT YOUR WATER METER AND PIPES THIS WINTER When the temperatures drop, home plumbing can become susceptible to freezing, which can lead to burst pipes and thousands of dollars in damages to your home. Consider some of the simple tips below to help protect your pipes this winter and be prepared if a pipe were to burst.

1. Check Your Water Meter

3. Insulate Pipes

6. Protect Outdoor Faucets

Locate your water meter shut-off valve

Use heat tape or pipe insulation to

Exterior faucets and hoses are the first to

in case an emergency turn off would be

protect pipes located against exterior

freeze. Bring in any hoses before the cold

needed. Turn your shut-off valve on and

walls or in unheated areas of your home.

weather sets in. If possible, turn off any

off a few times to make sure it is in good working order. You can even cover your water meter with a blanket or rug to protect it.

2. Eliminate drafts Seal any cracks allowing cold air into your home and cover drafty windows with plastic or insulation

shut-off valves for outdoor house faucets

4. Set Your Thermostat Leaving for a holiday vacation or traveling

or cover them.

south for the winter? Be sure to always

7. Leave Water Running

keep your home’s temperature above 55

If the temps fall below 10 degrees, leave a

degrees.

thin stream of water running from the tap farthest from your water meter.

5. Open Cabinet Doors During extreme cold weather, open under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate near your pipes.

Curbside Christmas Tree Disposal STARTING TUESDAY, DEC. 26

Holiday

Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste COL L ECTION SCHED U L E

THANKSGIVING

Thursday, Nov. 23

No collection, 1 day delay remainder of week

CHRISTMAS

Monday, Dec. 25

No collection, 1 day delay remainder of week

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Monday, Jan. 1 No collection, 1 day delay remainder of week

Natural, unflocked trees must be cut into 3 foot sections and cannot exceed 2 feet in diameter. Please set pieces at the curb on your normal collection day.

www.CityofCR.com/Garbage

www.CityofCR.com/Holiday W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G

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CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY CITY SERVICE

LOCATION

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Animals

900 76th Avenue Drive SW

319-286-5993

AnimalControlMgmt@Cedar-Rapids.org

Assessor

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5888

CRAssessor@Cedar-Rapids.org

Bid Opportunities

City Hall, 101 1 Street SE

319-286-5021

Bid-Purchasing@Cedar-Rapids.org

Building and Housing Codes

City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW

319-286-5831

D.Kolosik@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 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5897

SolidWaste&Recycling@Cedar-Rapids.org

Housing Assistance Programs

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

319-286-5872

HSG-Admin@Cedar-Rapids.org

Land Development

st

City Hall, 101 1 Street SE

319-286-5822

DevelopmentServices@Cedar-Rapids.org

Park Rentals

Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Potholes and Street City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW Maintenance

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Street@Cedar-Rapids.org

Recreation Programs

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Sewer Backup or Problems City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org

Traffic Signals, Signs and City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW Markings

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org

Utility Billing

319-286-5900

WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org

st

th

Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

For more information about the City of Cedar Rapids and its services, call 319-286-5080 or visit www.cedar-rapids.org.

CITY COUNCIL

To leave a message for a City Council member, call 319-286-5051.

To find your district, go to www.linncountyelections.org.

Ron Corbett

Pat Shey

Ralph Russell

MAYOR

DISTRICT 3

AT LARGE

Kris Gulick

Scott Olson

Ann Poe

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 4

AT LARGE

Scott Overland

Justin Shields

Susie Weinacht

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 5

AT LARGE

Ron.Corbett@Cedar-Rapids.org

Pat.Shey@Cedar-Rapids.org

Kris.Gulick@Cedar-Rapids.org

Scott.Olson@Cedar-Rapids.org

Scott.Overland@Cedar-Rapids.org

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Justin.Shields@Cedar-Rapids.org

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Ralph.Russell@Cedar-Rapids.org

Ann.Poe@Cedar-Rapids.org

Susie.Weinacht@Cedar-Rapids.org