Government Notes: Cedar Rapids moves forward with Fox Trail Park improvements

The City of Cedar Rapids is moving ahead with a playground replacement project at Fox Trail Park.

City Council members last week gave preliminary approval to the project, which is estimated to cost roughly $245,000. Members will discuss the matter again at a later meeting to select a contractor.

The existing playground was built roughly 25 years ago. City landscape architect Stephen Krug said the replacement is necessary due to the existing structures’ age, as well as general maintenance issues and water damage.

The new playground will include a play structure for children ages 2-5, a separate structure for those ages 5-12, and additional stand-alone equipment for various ages. The city intends for the equipment to follow a “nature and animal” theme.

To prevent future water damage, Krug said the elevation of the playground will be raised prior to installation of the new structures. All equipment will be as “accessible as practical” for children with disabilities.

Pending any delays, the project should be complete in late summer or early fall of this year.

Cedar Rapids library’s ‘artist-in-residency’ program put on pause

The Cedar Rapids Public Library has suspended its Artist-in-Residency program for the upcoming year.

The program, which launched in 2022, selects artists to work with library staff to provide exhibition space and co-lead community arts programming. Library leaders moved to pause the program due to cost and staffing concerns.

“The program takes a large amount of staff time and also financial resources,” said library spokesperson Alison Gowans. “The decision was made in case we need to shift priorities due to funding or staffing in the next fiscal year.”

Between the monthly stipend paid to artists and the cost of supplies for in-house displays and programming, each resident cost the library about $3,000 plus the staff time needed for collaborative programming.

The most recent artist-in-residency slot went to Akwi Nji, a Cedar Rapids-based multidisciplinary artist whose work was on display at the library last spring. Prior to the pause, the next exhibition was set to begin this fall.

Programming manager Kevin Delecki said the pause will give library staff financial flexibility as the library looks to several large projects such as the addition of a new Westside Library. That project now is under construction and is set to open in 2026.

He further cited ongoing uncertainty related to future state and federal funding for public libraries ahead of significant cuts expected at the National Institute for Museum and Library Services.

“It was a hard decision to make, … but with how quickly things are changing on a state and federal level, we’re being really intentional about committing to our more expensive programs right now,” he explained.

Library staff will reevaluate the feasibility of the artist-in-residency program at a later date for potential reinstatement, Delecki said.

Linn County opens dust control signups

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Dust control signups are now available for residents in unincorporated portions of Linn County.

The only dust control option available through Linn County is seal coat, also known as chip seal. All other forms of dust control are applied by private contractors.

Property owners self-applying dust control materials or those wanting the county apply seal coat to their road must return their completed dust control form and permit fee to the Engineer’s Office.

Property owners wanting a dust control option other than seal coat applied by Linn County should contact a local contractor and choose their dust control of choice.

Regardless of control type, property owners wanting dust control must complete the applicable dust control permit form from the Linn County website.

Application deadlines vary between contractors, and a list of relevant contractors is available on the county website. The deadline for county-applied seal coat is May 10.

For more information contact the Engineer’s Office at 319-892-6400 or visit the county website at linncountyiowa.gov/1081/Dust-Control.

Nonprofits sought for Marion’s hotel/motel grant program

The City of Marion is seeking applicants for its annual hotel/motel grant program, which supports area nonprofits using taxes collected from local lodgings.

The city collects a 7 percent room tax on all overnight hotel and motel stays within city limits, and each year a portion of those funds are redistributed through the city’s hotel/motel grant program.

This year, approximately $50,000 is up for grabs, and nonprofits have until May 5 to submit their application. Applications will be reviewed by a group of area residents and city staff who will make a recommendation to City Council for final approval.

All nonprofits are welcome to apply, although projects that increase tourism and result in more overnight hotel stays in Marion will be given priority. City Council will award the funds in June.

For more information or to submit an application, visit cityofmarion.org/HotelMotel.

Tuesday workshop to cover renters’ rights

Renters can learn about their rights as tenants through a free Cedar Rapids workshop being held Tuesday.

The Renter’s Rights and Responsibilities Workshop will be begin at 6:15 p.m. in Beems Auditorium at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.

The workshop will include a 45-minute panel discussion with local experts, followed by a short question-and-answer session. Speakers include:

The workshop is free to all area residents, and registration is not required. Topics covered will include information on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Iowa.

Iowa City named Tree City USA for 45th time

Iowa City has been named a Tree City USA for the 45th time by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city also received a Tree City USA Growth Award.

“This award shows the dedication of our community and staff who are committed to providing a healthy and sustainable urban forest for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors,” Tyler Baird, Iowa City forestry superintendent, said in a news release. “The Tree City USA designation highlights this commitment to planting and caring for trees in our community and the growth award further recognizes our drive to go above and beyond.”

The city was dedicated a Tree City USA by having a tree care ordinance, a tree board, an annual community forestry budget, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Iowa City Downtown District Block Party set for June 28

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Iowa City Downtown District announced its eighth annual Downtown Block Party will be June 28 from 3-10 p.m.

The event offers various free programming such as a silent disco, pro wrestling, tug-of-war tournament and other performances.

“This year, we’re being intentional about expanding programming that can be enjoyed by all ages, along with activities that require physical movement, such as crossnet volleyball, roller-skating, and hula hooping," Katie Carpenter, director of events at the Iowa City Downtown District, said in a news release. "These interactive elements are reminiscent of the classic neighborhood block party, where everyone can join in on the fun.”

Additionally, certain areas of downtown will allow open container alcohol during the event. The Block Party offers beer and wine throughout the event, with the purchase of a wristband and cup. The wristband and cup are now available to purchase online for $10.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. Grace Nieland, Megan Woolard and Sara Konrad Baranowski contributed.