Cedar Rapids council backs 'buy local' measure, spending oversight

New Mayor Ron Corbett succeeded on the first four items he helped bring to the table last night in his first City Council meeting as mayor.

On an 8-1 vote, the council agreed to institute a local-preference policy that will give local business special consideration in the sale of goods and services to the city. Proponents of the measure noted that the cities of Des Moines and Davenport, to name two, provide such preferences. Council member Tom Podzimek opposed the measure, calling it “welfare program” for businesses that he argued isn't targeted to flood-impacted businesses and will hurt businesses outside the city but in the metro area.

The council unanimously agreed to increase its oversight of city spending, saying the city manager and his department heads must receive council approval before spending more than $25,000. The current policy requires the city manager to come to the council on matters that cost more than $100,000. Corbett has said the measure will allow the council to be more watchful.

The council also did something the council did not do under Mayor Kay Halloran. It created three standing committees: Corbett will chair the budget committee; council member Justin Shields, the personnel committee; and council member Chuck Swore, the procurement committee.

The council also approved Corbett's pick for mayor pro tempore, council member Monica Vernon. But the vote was 5-4. Council member Chuck Wieneke said he thought the mayor pro tempore should be chosen from one of the three at-large members elected citywide and not from one of the five district members. Vernon represents District 2. Corbett, Vernon, Swore, Shields and Don Karr voted for Vernon. Swore also was nominated for the post by Wieneke, but Swore turned the offer down.