Local Government

The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed an appellate opinion in a case against the Cedar Rapids City Council and affirmed that members were legally allowed to enter into closed session to interview a potential city clerk candidate.

The delay results in the loss of $3 million in state funding for the two smaller infrastructure projects, although the city is eligible to reapply at a later date.

Starting next year, county officials hope to leverage a multiphase renovation project — and a game of “musical office chairs” — to tackle growing space needs at the Linn County Courthouse.

Also in this week’s Government Notes roundup, the Cedar Rapids City Council has given its OK for historic landmark designation of a former school site.

The move comes less than a week after the end of a government shutdown that delayed the distribution of SNAP funds.

After a slight delay, the Linn County overnight winter weather shelter is set to open Saturday as a “last resort” for those seeking shelter during the harsh winter months.

Johnson County plans to give out $230,000 in Social Services Emergency Food and Housing grants next month.

The move comes amid a surge in commercial interest in the county’s unincorporated areas.

As Iowa researchers continue the search for a new funding source for the state’s largest water sensor network — which provides real-time data about nitrate, phosphorus and flow levels in the state’s rivers and streams — the network’s director said Iowa’s nitrate issues are continuing to expand.

An investigation was prompted by Scott Belt’s erratic behavior at a town hall on Nov. 5.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government notes, the Iowa City school district will replace an Iowa City High turf soccer field and football practice field with turf.

With the help of a $250,000 planning grant, the Iowa Energy Fund intends to turn Cedar Rapids into its “development grounds” to learn more about effective public-private pathways toward green energy implementation.