City-County Discussion

The first “City-County Citizen Meeting” in the organizers’ memory was held Saturday, May 8th, with over fifty engaged citizens at the Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids.  Lu Barron, Linn County Supervisor, and Monica Vernon, Mayor Pro Tem, Cedar Rapids City Council, kicked off the first of many promised discussions on City/County issues at 9:30 AM and were still answering questions two hours later.

Monica Vernon, left, and Lu Barron, right, answer questions about a proposed roundabout

Most of the questions and comments centered around a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Forest Drive and Cottage Grove Avenue Southeast.  Participants were concerned about impetus, priority, cost, funding, traffic flow and impact on existing landscaping.

The questions then shifted to the New Bohemia neighborhood, plans for the Sinclair site, and how FEMA dollars for Sinclair could benefit other projects.  Vernon did not commit to the future of the Sinclair smokestack, but said that the  Sinclair site would be a nice “grassy field in two years, with or without a smokestack.”  FEMA will be reimbursing the City for its flood loss of the Sinclair value, estimated at $16 million.   While Vernon acknowledged that the new Events Center needs just about that amount in a local match, the City Council will be holding two public hearings to explore alternative uses.  Vernon said that the Quality Chef building in New Bohemia, owned by the City, is one of the worst buildings in that area.  She also mentioned that CSPS, across the street from Quality Chef, will be needing local funds to match its I-Jobs grant to restore that building.

The condition of streets in general, and the widening of C Ave NE and the proposed vacation of Second Avenue SE in particular, fueled the next discussion.  Several citizens thought that the widening of C Avenue NE was planned and implemented without proper consideration of pedestrians.  When Vernon said more could be done, citizens challenged her, noting that City staff had said nothing more could be accomplished.  Vernon countered with her own challenge – the City staff will learn that the City Council makes policy.  On streets in general, many noted the significant deterioration in the condition of many streets.  Vernon noted that for several years repairs had been delayed to balance the budget, but that now they were bonding to get as much work done as possible during this construction season. Vernon also reviewed the inequities of the current road use tax formula, and called for alternative revenues for the City to address road repairs.  Linda Langston, Linn County Supervisor in attendance, asked the participants to lobby candidates for Governor to support an increase in the gas tax.

In response to questions about Second Avenue SE, Vernon offered a poll, and a clarification.  With a show of hands, almost all present were against closing Second Avenue SE.  Vernon noted that the Council discussion was about the Council’s desire to explore options.  She said that it had been incorrectly reported in The Gazette that she was in favor of closing the street.  Now, hearing from citizens, she is making her position clearer and simpler – she is against closing the street absent some compelling argument.

The “Play” group, struggling after the flood, is now focused on a “multi-generational center”.  Marion is also interested in such a facility, and it is hard to get priority with all the flood issues, Barron noted.  Dale Todd, a participant and former City Councilperson, said that the functions of such a facility could be accomplished for much less money than is being proposed.

Robin Kash, owner of Neighborhood Network News, asked why the City was considering building more assets, when the assets it owns, such as streets, sewers, ballpark, ice arena, etc., were in such need of repair.  Vernon noted different sources of funds for different purposes.

Robin Kash, owner of Neighborhood Network News, shoots video of many public events, including this City-County Citizens Meeting

In response to a question from this blogger, Chuck Peters, about how the City and County were working together on regional economic promotion, Barron noted the cooperation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, East Central Iowa Council of Governments and political lobbying coordination.  Vernon noted that the appointment of Josh Schamberger of the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau to the Eastern Iowa Airport Commission was a step in the right direction.  Vernon also said that what “Iowa City needs is a stronger Cedar Rapids.”

As the formal part of the meeting ended, Harold Skripsky, 89, showed photos to several participants that he had recently taken from the top of Mount Trashmore, with the intent to give them to Vernon.

Harold Skripsky, 89, shows photos he took from the top of "Mount Trashmore" to Mayor Ron Corbett and Supervisor Linda Langston.

This photo montage, taken from the top of Mount Trashmore, was to be delivered by Harold Skripsky, 89, to Monica Vernon

Several participants were still talking to Barron and Vernon when I left at 11:20 AM.

My live notes, taken with a Blackberry, are below:

Lu Barron, Linn County Supervisor, and Monica Vernon, Mayor Pro Tem, Cedar Rapids City Council, kick off discussion on City/County issues at Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids.

Lu Barron starts with review of 25 million dollars of county construction projects, only 1 million of which comes from county taxpayers.

Monica Vernon starts with general review of state of city. Their construction projects too numerous to mention.

First question is about roundabout at Cottage Grove Ave SE and Forest Drive SE.

Many questions about roundabout. Michael Richards asks how we can have same transparency on other issues facing city.

Very particular questions about design of roundabout. Funding will come from traffic budget, but may be eligible for DOT grant, particularly as it is friendly to environment.

Is this particular roundabout a new idea due to East Post traffic? No, and will have more traffic data shortly.

Dale Todd can’t believe geese and crows have not come up yet. Praises Lu and Monica for showing collaboration. Asks about Sinclair site and need for plan for that area.
How to make it easier for future development?

Monica – In two years it will be a grassy field, with or without smokestack.

About 16 million from FEMA for Sinclair will be available for “alternative purposes”. City Council will have two public hearings on use of that money. Mayor Corbett has mentioned that CSPS/Legion Arts needs more money to match IJobs money.

Quality Chef building, on Third Street SE, between 11th and 12th Aves SE, is owned by city, and worst property in area.

Now turning to C Ave NE. Widening to four lane without consideration of pedestrians. Monica says more can be done. Audience says city engineering says nothing can be done. Monica mentions issue of who is running city will be resolved.

Now to closing of 2nd Ave SE. Who could be in favor of this? Monica starts poll. Almost all want it to stay open. Monica explains two issues. Medical district is part of city plan. First plan, to straddle 2nd Ave with building. Exploring options, possibility of closing street suggested. Monica first in favor of exploring options. Now she is simply against closing the street.

Now to street repairs. Bonding for more repairs than usual.

Monica – need to review road use tax formula. People using streets are not paying for them.

Streets and roads are great example of city/county cooperation. Monica introduces Mayor Ron Corbett who just arrived, and Supervisor Linda Langston, who has been here since beginning.

Another poll. All but a few in favor of keeping one way streets.

Status of “Play” group?? Monica says now ” Multi-generational center”. Justin Shields is “wearing project on his sleeve”.

Lu Barron says Marion also now has desire for that project. Difficult to get priority after flood.

Dale Todd – project could be done for less cost. Current pools are in jeopardy, so won’t be focusing on that project.

Monica – need one center or many projects throughout city?

Robin Kash, filming for Neighborhood News, asks about not only streets, but sewers, ball park, ice rink in bad shape. 40 million dollars in repairs are needed this year just to stay even, and we fund 27 million dollars in repairs. Why don’t we take care of what we have? When are we going to get alternative funding?

Lu Barron – six inch sewer upgraded to eight inch from Cottage Grove Ave SE to 17th Street.

Monica – always need to balance repairs with tax rate. Refers to Mayor’s budget committee. Also, add repair fund to Kernels or Paramount tickets.

Linda Langston – ask governor candidates to support gas tax.

Regional promotion question asked. Barron – MPO, ECICOG, political lobbying groups work together. Envy of state because we work together. Monica – Mayor appointing Josh Schamberger, CVB leader from Iowa City/Coralville, to airport commission is good start. Best help for Iowa City is strong Linn County.

Don Thomas, former city councilperson, asks about search for city manager. Compares Second Ave closing to past attempts by St. Luke’s to try to close A Ave. Wants information to get to these meetings.

Ending formal portion of meeting. Monica notes Robin Kash and www.neighborhoodnetworknews.com as a source for meeting details.

Nearly 50 people attend beginning of City/County discussion