Government Notes: Marion extends development moratorium

Marion extends development moratorium

The Marion City Council, earlier this month, approved the extension of a moratorium on some new development in the city’s commercial districts.

The moratorium restricts certain commercial uses along stretches of Tower Terrace Road, Highway 13 and Uptown Marion. Last fall, when the moratorium was being considered, city officials said it would give them time to assess and plan for the impacts of commercial development in certain areas of growth.

Specifically, the city said it would use the year to refresh the Marion Comprehensive Plan, a long-term guide for physical improvement and development. The city hired RDG Planning and Design to update the plan.

Revisions to that plan are ongoing. A draft of the revisions is expected to be delivered to the city in December, and staff will review it through February, according to a memo distributed in a city council packet. Public open houses and engagement exercises are planned before the plan goes to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council for approval.

Under the moratorium, which now will last until July 1, 2025, restrictions have applied to uses that include motor vehicle service and repair; gas stations; car washes; pawnshops; liquor, tobacco or vape shops; deep discount retail stores; crematory retorts; storage; outdoor sales; artist live work; delayed deposits services; retail sales; and grocery.

The moratorium has not applied to operational businesses or those that had applied for a building permit to expand before the moratorium went into effect.

When the moratorium was being considered last year, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly said the pause was not a final determination as to what types of businesses should go where in the city. Instead, it was a temporarily pause for new projects.

“The idea is that we get one chance to do this right,” AbouAssaly said.

The moratorium was set to expire Nov. 9.

Eastern Iowa Airport receives funding for baggage handling

The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is among three Iowa airports that will received more than $8.7 million in federal funding to modernize and expand terminal areas and infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The awards were announced by Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley, who voted for the act.

“Iowa’s airports facilitate high volume passenger travel and move our world-class products to market. Keeping our airports in top shape ensures travelers’ safety and strengthens our local economy,” Grassley said. “I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law with Iowans in mind, and I’m glad our state continues to see significant returns on that investment.”

The Eastern Iowa Airport will receive $3.6 million for construction of a new baggage handling control system for the expanded airport terminal.

Other awards include $3.6 million for Des Moines International Airport to construct four new terminal gates and holdrooms. Sioux Gateway Airport will receive $1,564,466 for the acquisition and installation of a new passenger boarding bridge.

Cedar Rapids library book sale begins Friday

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The Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library will host its annual Big Fall Book Sale Nov. 1-3 at the Downtown Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE, in Cedar Rapids.

The sale will feature thousands of gently used books — mysteries, cookbooks, picture books and more — available for purchase. Hardcover books are $3, large paperbacks are $2, small paperbacks are $1 and all children’s books are $1. There also will be hundreds of individually priced collectibles and vintage books for sale.

The hours for the sale are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1-5 p.m. Sunday is “Box Day” when shoppers will be able to fill a box of books for $10.

The money raised through this year’s book sale will benefit the Inspiring Big Dreams capital campaign for the new Westside Library project.

Linn County Veteran Affairs changes name to Veteran Services

Earlier this month, the Linn County Veteran Affairs Department officially changed its name to Linn County Veteran Services.

The name change was made to reduce confusion and frustration among veterans and their dependents who think Linn County Veteran Affairs is affiliated with or is the same as the federal and state Veteran Affairs departments and services, a news release states. County officials said the name change also puts the emphasis on services for veterans, which is what the department provides to veterans and their families.

“The name change reflects our ongoing commitment to focusing on the needs and concerns of Linn County veterans,” Linn County Veteran Services Director Dustin Peterson said. “We’ve seen an uptick in veterans calling our office requesting to change their medical appointments or access other information that is managed by the state and federal government, and we cannot access those appointments or help them. It’s frustrating for them and for us. Our goal with the name change is to reduce the confusion between our county-level services and those offered by the state and federal veterans’ programs.”

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the name change during a meeting Oct. 9.

North Liberty fire chief receives award from Iowa Fire Chiefs association

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North Liberty Fire Chief Brian Platz has received the Roger W. Mooty award from the Iowa Fire Chief Association.

The annual award, which was established in 1986, is awarded to someone who shows dedication to the advancement of fire service such as a commitment to firefighter training.

Platz joined the North Liberty Fire Department as its first full-time fire chief after 24 years in the Iowa City Fire Department.

Platz’s father, Robert Platz received the same award in 2001 for his work in Dyersville.

Johnson County veteran affairs commission appoints new VA Director

Mandy Coates has been selected as the new Veterans Affairs director by the Johnson County Commission of Veteran Affairs.

In the role, Coates will serve on the commission and manage the county’s veteran affairs office.

The office works to connect veterans with benefits at the local, state and federal level.

Coates is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran who served a 15-month tour in Iraq in the early 2000s. Since then, Coates has worked in human resources in the private sector and worked as a county veteran service officer.

Eastern Iowa railroads to receive funding to upgrade tracks, locomotives

The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway will receive more than $19 million in federal funding for railroad tie replacements along 56 miles of main line track from Cedar Rapids to Hills.

It’s part of an overall $97 million in federal funding awarded to Iowa railroads and manufacturers to replace outdated infrastructure, construct new bridges and support Iowa’s locomotive industry.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its CRISI program, which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The awards were announced by Iowa’s U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who voted for the act.

“Iowa’s rail system is vital to our state’s local economy. This federal investment will enhance railroad safety and manufacturing, while opening up greater opportunities for economic growth,” Grassley said in a statement.

Other awards include:

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Megan Woolard, Tom Barton and Sara Konrad Baranowski contributed.