Government Notes: Final open house to be held for Cedar Rapids’ westside library

OPN Architects and the Cedar Rapids Public Library invite the public to the final open house for the new westside library.

The informational event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday at the Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW. Participants will be able to see visual renderings of the library design and overall site plan and orientation.

Attendees also will be able to ask the architects and library staff questions and learn more about the project.

This newly built facility near the corner of Wiley Boulevard SW and 20th Avenue SW will replace the current Ladd Library, which is in a leased space.

It will be larger than the current Ladd Library and will include more community rooms and additional space for partners using the Opportunity Center. In partnership with the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, a public park is being developed to be built alongside the new library.

More information on the project is available on the library’s website at CRLibrary.org/westside. Through the design process, the library has received public input through open houses, surveys and interviews.

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Linn County entities update agreement for Homeless Systems work

The Linn County Board of Supervisors earlier this month updated the joint agreement between the county, the city of Cedar Rapids and the Housing Fund for Linn County for a new Homeless Systems Manager.

The manager will collaborate with local providers to streamline gaps in serving the growing population of people experiencing homelessness.

This position was created based on one of the recommendations from the Washington, D.C.-based National Alliance to End Homelessness, which the city enlisted to assess local systems this summer. This manager would not provide social services but instead would look to improve the overall network of supports for the unhoused population.

The amendment changes the funding term to begin April 1 and end March 31, 2027. Each local government entity is contributing $75,000 per year, for a total of $450,000 over a three-year term.

A Homeless Systems Strategy and Support Committee will provide support and feedback to the Homeless Systems Manager, and meet regularly — at least quarterly.

It will be made up of the following agency representatives:

This is separate from a local Oversight Board that will review local data, make program and funding recommendations to funding agencies and direct the manager. This panel also was recommended by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

This group also will meet on a regular basis, at least quarterly. It will be made up of:

The amendment to this agreement will come before the Cedar Rapids City Council on its consent agenda Tuesday. Items there are considered routine, noncontroversial matters that are approved in a single vote with no discussion.

State board awards incentives for Danisco’s Cedar Rapids expansion

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board on Friday awarded Danisco, a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances, incentives for an expansion its Cedar Rapids plant at 1000 41st Ave. Dr. SW.

The company manufactures enzymes for biofuels production to be used in food, animal nutrition and household products. Its new facility would be a 9,000 square-foot metal building used as a steam generation plant.

The total investment in Danisco’s application for assistance through the state’s High-Quality Jobs Program is just over $19 million, marketing and communications team lead Kanan Kappelman said in an email. The capital investment, which excludes a research development credit, totals about $17 million.

The project is expected to create at least two jobs at a qualifying wage of $31.44 per hour. State incentives awarded were an investment tax credit and sales and use tax refund totaling $409,516.

Johnson County replaces derecho-damaged memorial stones

Three new pieces of granite have been added to the Veterans Memorial at Johnson County. The new pieces replace 159 inscriptions that were damaged in the derecho in August 2020.

The memorial was established by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in January 2013, and dedicated on Veterans Day in 2013. Since then, it has expanded its reach, standing as a permanent place of honor for the now 1,022 veterans whose names are inscribed on the stones.

To continue honoring veterans and preserving their legacies, the Memorial welcomes new orders for recognition. Veterans do not need to be Johnson County residents to be honored. The cost to inscribe the name of an honored veteran is $200.

An order form, veteran biographies, and the history of the memorial are available at johnsoncountyiowa.gov/memorial.

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The veterans memorial has received state (ISAC) and national (NACO) awards. It is a collaborative effort among various county departments, including the Board of Supervisors, the Veterans Affairs Commission, and the Information Technology and Physical Plant departments.

Iowa City bridge replacement work begins this week

Iowa City has announced that, weather permitting, work on the Gilbert Street Bridge replacement project will begin March 29. Construction is expected to last until late fall this year.

The work is being broken into several phases. Full road closures of East Court Street at its intersection with Gilbert Street are planned as part of the first phase of work. A detour will be posted on March 29.

South Gilbert Street is expected to remain open during the first phase of construction work, but with construction in the area, traffic delays are likely.

A full detour route will be announced before a closure begins. All vehicle and pedestrian detours will be clearly marked with signage. All changes in vehicle parking also will be clearly marked and communicated with residents and businesses in the project area ahead of construction work commencing.

Find more information about the project at icgov.org.

Local educators honored for engaging young learners

Five local educators were recently selected as recipients of the Robert E. Yager Active Learning Award by The Iowa Children’s Museum. This award recognizes educators who dedicate themselves to facilitating active learning and providing opportunities for kids to become engaged learners, innovative thinkers, and creative problem-solvers.

“We're thrilled to celebrate these amazing educators who spark curiosity and excitement in young learners through hands-on activities,” The Iowa Children’s Museum executive director Jeff Capps said. “As we gear up for our 25th anniversary this November, it's crucial to recognize the teachers in our community who bring fun and interactive learning into the classroom every day, just like we've been doing for nearly 25 years.”

The 2024 Honorees recognized for their exceptional work are:

This award is presented in memory of University of Iowa Professor Emeritus and world-renowned educator Robert E. Yager (1930-2019). Yager devoted his career to empowering educators to inspire students to learn through active engagement with concepts and hands-on materials.

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