Government Notes: Cedar Rapids moves to ban smoking in Greene Square

Greene Square visitors will no longer be able to smoke in the Cedar Rapids park.

The Cedar Rapids City Council last week advanced an ordinance that would ban smoking in the downtown park. The small park in the heart of Cedar Rapids draws many visitors during events such as farmers markets or other festivals.

“We’re trying to be considerate to those who want to go enjoy this park and its amenities, but maybe don’t have the ability due to its size to separate themselves from someone that’s smoking if they’re concerned about the health risks of secondhand smoke,” Parks Superintendent Mitch Ahrendsen said. “There’s not much room to separate yourself but still enjoy the nature of the park.”

In addition to being harmful to the environment, Ahrendsen said the cigarette butts around the park are unsightly to those looking to use the facility.

In 2018, the council banned smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other smoking devices within 30 feet of park facilities including playgrounds, splash pads and exercise stations. Smoking is barred within 30 feet of scheduled youth programs and entrances to enclosed public buildings on park property.

The city Wellbeing Advisory Committee came up with that distance because research shows the impact of secondhand smoke is diminished after 30 feet, Ahrendsen said.

Smoking is banned entirely at Riverside Skate Park, Northwest Recreation Center, Ushers Ferry Historical Village, Tait Cummins Softball Complex, Tuma Sports Complex, outdoor aquatic centers and playgrounds.

E-cigarettes and chewing tobacco were not banned under the plan.

Other municipalities in Iowa such as West Des Moines, Iowa City, Marion and Des Moines are completely smoke free in parks.

Anyone found to violate the Cedar Rapids ordinance would face a $65 fine plus any court costs.

The policy does not change any other facilities, so people may still smoke cigarettes or cigars at golf courses, for instance, Ahrendsen said, though not in the golf course clubhouses.

There will be a window of education to try to prevent people from smoking in Greene Square, Ahrendsen said. No-smoking signs will be placed throughout the park.

“Any time you can avoid giving a violation is a success,” Ahrendsen said.

Council member Dale Todd said he supported this step.

“Police aren’t going to stop their car when they see someone smoking, but when they go through and walk the park, they’ll remind people what the code says,” Todd said.

Council member Ashley Vanorny urged a more comprehensive ban on smoking in city parks.

“There really are no benefits to smoking,” Vanorny said. “ … If we’re promoting health and well-being in Cedar Rapids, we would have a complete and total ban in all of our parks.”

Council member Scott Olson suggested staff explore bans in larger parks and whether the city could add more facilities to the list, and if it might be more simple to have a total ban on smoking in parks.

Ahrendsen said the city doesn’t receive a high volume of complaints in larger parks because there’s more room for people to separate.

The ordinance change will have to return to council for a second and possible third reading. The council next meets at 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at Cedar Rapids City Hall, 101 First St. SE.

UTVs now allowed in North Liberty

Utility task vehicles — better known as UTVs — can now be operated on city streets in North Liberty.

The North Liberty City Council last week approved the ordinance for the third and final time. The ordinance went into effect on Saturday.

The ordinance allows the use of UTVs and establishes minimum safety requirements supported by the North Liberty Police Department. The ordinance is consistent with other cities that have chosen to allow UTVs on their streets.

A state law passed last year allows registered all-terrain vehicles and UTVs to be operated in all 99 counties as along as the rider follows the various rules outlined in the law. The legislation allows cities to regulate operation within their city limits.

A UTV has four wheels and side-by-side seating with a steering wheel. An all-terrain vehicle, or ATV, holds one or two people and is straddled like a motorcycle.

Last year, Marion voted to allow UTVs on city streets. North Liberty’s ordinance also only includes UTVs.

North Liberty's UTV regulations will be automatically repealed on Dec. 31, 2024, if council doesn’t take action.

Johnson County grants to help nonprofits impacted by COVID-19

Johnson County is encouraging area nonprofits to apply to its grant program created in response to the pandemic’s impact on local organizations.

The Board of Supervisors allocated $2.1 million in pandemic relief dollars to the Building Nonprofit Capacity Grant Program. Of that, $100,000 is for local arts nonprofits and $2 million is for social service, child care and other area nonprofits.

These one-time awards will support capacity building efforts. Efforts that will receive priority for funding include increasing staffing capacity, capital improvements and system upgrades that increase capacity.

The city of Iowa City had its own similar capital grant program also funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The Free Medical and Dental Clinic and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County were awarded funds from the city.

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Two Iowa City nonprofits will receive ARPA dollars to expand services

To be eligible, nonprofits must operate primarily in Johnson County and have 501 (c) (3) or 501(c) (19) status. Organizations must also demonstrate their negative economic impact due to the pandemic.

The first step to apply is submitting a letter of interest, which is due Sept. 1. More information about the grant program and how to apply can be found online at johnsoncountyiowa.gov/arpagrants.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. Gazette reporters Marissa Payne, Izabela Zaluska and Grace King contribute.