Government Notes: E-scooters and bikes are back in Cedar Rapids

Electric bikes and scooters returned last week and are available for use on Cedar Rapids streets.

Veo, the Chicago vendor that owns and operates Cedar Rapids’ bike and scooter rental program, has worked with the city to improve the program in recent years, with changes that promote safety and reduce the equipment left around the city.

Since 2019, Veo has brought hundreds of bikes, standup scooters and sit-down scooters to the city for people to unlock and ride using VeoRide’s mobile application. The fee depends on the devices.

The e-bikes and scooters are available in downtown and the surrounding districts, including the MedQuarter, NewBo, Czech Village and Kingston Village.

All riders will be required to verify their ID to confirm they are 18 or older and complete a safety walk-through this year. The VeoVoice feature will remind users not to ride on sidewalks. Technicians from Veo will rebalance devices based on usage and, after 48 hours of idling, remove abandoned devices from sidewalks in areas beyond downtown.

The city has added six new parking hubs for the devices in public rights of way, marked with reflective bollards and paint. According to a memo from City Manager Jeff Pomeranz to the Cedar Rapids City Council, data shows when participants store and retrieve devices in these street hubs, sidewalk riding is reduced.

A new feature this year is VeoPlus, a monthly membership offering free unlock fees and unlimited rides.

VeoAccess, a discounted fare program, remains available as an affordable mobility option for those in local, state or federal assistance programs.

How should Marion grow? City seeks input on comprehensive plan

The city of Marion and consultant RDG Planning and Design are hosting a public open house to guide the city’s effort to update its comprehensive plan, coined Marion 2045: A Plan to Reach New Heights.

The kick-off open house is planned for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 18 at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th St. There will be no formal presentation, but attendees will be asked to think about future land use, identify growth and enhancement areas, and provide input on key areas such as housing, parks and recreation and transportation.

The comprehensive plan is a tool that gives community leaders and decision-makers a road map for growth for the next 15 to 20 years.

Those unable to attend may visit cityofmarion.org/CompPlan to take an online survey when it becomes available April 15. People also can share comments on an interactive map and check for public participation opportunities. It’s expected the plan will take 16 months to develop.

Questions may be directed to the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, (319) 743-6320.

Marion offering tourism grants to nonprofits

Marion is taking grant applications from nonprofits for projects that increase tourism in the city.

About $50,000 is available for grants, funded by hotel-motel taxes collected in Marion.

City staff, City Council representatives and council-appointed citizens will review applications, determine recommended funding awards and make a recommendation to council for how to use the funds. Projects that boost tourism and result in more overnight hotel stays in Marion will get priority.

Applications will be accepted online through the city website, www.cityofmarion.org/HotelMotel, through May 6. Award allocations are expected during the June 20 council meeting.

Questions about the hotel-motel grant program should be directed to Deputy Finance Director Brian McKenzie, (319) 743-6353.

League legislative forum April 20

Linn County residents may hear from state lawmakers about legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature this session and ask questions in the final forum this season hosted by the Linn County League of Women Voters.

The nonpartisan forum will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 20 in the Lynn Dunn Building at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Central City. All Linn County legislators are invited to participate.

Gilbert Street Bridge closing Friday in Iowa City

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The Gilbert Street Bridge in Iowa City will be closing Friday, April 12, as the city begins its monthslong demolition and reconstruction.

The $3.7 million project will bring a new four-lane bridge across Ralston Creek. The bridge will have 6-foot sidewalks on both sides. The project includes replacing water mains north of the bridge and burying overhead utility lines.

Court Street remains closed at Gilbert Street but is to reopen April 12.

City buses begin detours around the project Friday. Check the city website or transit app for details.

Linn County campgrounds opening

Campgrounds managed by Linn County Conservation will open for the season at 7 a.m. Friday and are typically open through mid-October.

This includes campgrounds at Buffalo Creek, Morgan Creek, Pinicon Ridge and Wanatee parks.

Most sites are first-come, first-served. Only the new A-loop at Buffalo Creek Park and A-loop at Wanatee Park can be reserved online.

More information including rules and regulations is available at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation.

Linn-Mar Tennis Complex ribbon-cutting rescheduled

The ribbon-cutting for the new tennis complex in the Linn-Mar Community School District, delayed last week because of inclement weather, has been rescheduled to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9.

The public is invited to join the ceremony at the new complex on the Oak Ridge Middle School campus, 4901 Alburnett Rd., Marion.

The complex includes spectator seating and more courts, replacing the six crumbling courts at the high school that had no room for bleachers. The project was part of the school district’s five-year facility plan.

Marion Girls Soccer raising money cancer-prevention services

The Marion High School girls’ soccer team is doing something special this year to honor people who have been affected by breast cancer.

The Girls soccer team is raising money to donate to Especially for You at a “Kick Cancer” night May 6, at a home soccer game against Williamsburg.

The team is selling “Kick Cancer” apparel until April 15. All gear will arrive by May 1 and will be distributed at the high school, 675 S. 15th St., Marion.

All funds raised from the apparel and donations will be donated to Especially for You, a program that helps those who are unable to afford breast cancer screenings and other support services.

"Kick Cancer“ apparel can be purchased online at kickcancer2024.itemorder.com/shop/sale.

Mount Vernon schools hosting inaugural art show

The Mount Vernon Community School District has scheduled its first District Art Show in April, with an opening reception at 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13.

The exhibition will be in the High School Performing Arts Center lobby, 731 Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon, during the weeks of the high school spring musical.

The show will include 150 pieces of art created by students, kindergarten through 12th grade, curated by art teachers Bonnie Ahrens, Samantha Yorgensen and Sara Lenhart.

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