Government Notes: Johnson County expands SEATS program to include same-day service

Johnson County residents facing transportation barriers can now schedule same-day service through Johnson County SEATS.

The county is investing pandemic relief dollars to offer on-demand rides for residents. The Board of Supervisors originally allocated $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the expansion.

Eligible residents can schedule ride service from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vehicle used for rides is accessible.

The SEATS vans transport people to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores and other destinations, according to the county.

Eligible residents include people who live outside of or are traveling to areas not served by public transit systems; who are awaiting approval for paratransit service; residents of North Liberty and unincorporated Johnson County without access to transportation; people with limited English proficiency; and individuals with barriers to accessing transportation.

Riders need to get a one-time referral through a local human services agency or the county’s mobility coordinator before accessing the service. Rides cost $5 each way. Residents should pay in cash or with an agency-issued ticket.

Information on service, referrals and more can be found on the county’s website at johnsoncountyiowa.gov/sameday.

Residents can call 319-339-6125 to schedule a ride and 319-339-6127 for ride information.

Agencies can purchase tickets by calling SEATS at 319-339-6128.

Linn County makes way for trail near Dows Farm project

The Linn County Board of Supervisors last week advanced on second consideration the rezoning of several acres of land earmarked for the Dows Farm project to promote trail development.

The move is part of the county’s negotiations with a landowner to the north of the development to do a voluntary land swap with the landowner. That grants Linn County a trail easement to make way for a connection to an existing trail.

This will take 7.58 acres out of the existing Dows Farm “agri-community” project that will add housing and a working farm, only slightly shrinking the overall acreage to about 171 acres. The development plans include 251 housing units, walking trails and land conservation elements for an estimated value exceeding $80 million.

Supervisor Louie Zumbach said to build the trail, there were several spots where the trail would have had to cross a creek, which would have necessitated the construction of bridges, which would cost extra money.

“It's quite a savings of money for putting in the trail, because we won't have to cross the creek four to five times,” Zumbach said.

Charlie Nichols, Linn County planning and development director, said Linn County Conservation determined there would have been annual flooding, and it would have been cost prohibitive to maintain that trail with flooding every year. The neighbors requested land in exchange for granting the easement.

Developer 2040 Concepts, led by Chad Pelley, is seeking Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds being awarded from the federal government to aid in recovery from the 2020 derecho.

Linn County is receiving most of the funds, which are being awarded through the Iowa Economic Development Authority — likely this month. The developer paused the project last year while awaiting those decisions, but Nichols said the first phase of the project will likely be underway this spring and summer.

Jefferson High becomes Kirkwood Center

Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids is now an additional site location for Kirkwood Community College because of the high number of Kirkwood classes the school offers on site.

Jefferson High, 1243 20th St SW, Cedar Rapids, currently offers 25 Kirkwood concurrent enrollment courses in its building, according to a news release from the district in January. These courses are called “concurrent enrollment” because students can earn both college and high school credit upon successful completion of the course.

Kirkwood and Jefferson High work together for this partnership to exist.

The Department of Education defines “additional locations” as places where 50 percent or more of a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential is offered at an off-campus location.

“Jefferson is so proud to be recognized by Kirkwood as a leader in the metro area as a Kirkwood off-site location,” Jefferson High Principal Mike Hawley said in a news release. “The advantages provided to our students, both in terms of college and career development and cost savings, all without having to leave the building, is a huge benefit to our student body.

“It is our goal as we build on this achievement to expand further, improving our sophomore and freshman offerings, so that students can someday receive two degrees by the end of their senior year,” Hawley said.

Iowa City schools purchase land

The Iowa City school board approved a land purchase agreement Jan. 31 that will expand the footprint of Iowa City High School, 1900 Morningside Dr., Iowa City.

The property at 1828 Morningside Dr., Iowa City, was purchased by the district for $120,000, with Secure an Advanced Vision for Education funds. The capital projects fund is intended for the purchase and improvement of grounds, purchase, construction and remodeling of buildings, major equipment purchases (including technology) and community education programs.

The expenditures from SAVE are approved by voters in the Revenue Purpose Statement. It is funded by statewide sales taxes allocated by the state of Iowa to school districts based upon certified enrollment.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area government bodies. Marissa Payne, Izabela Zaluska and Grace King of The Gazette contribute.