Government Notes: Linn County to discuss data center, gas-fired power plant ordinances

The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission this week will discuss two ordinances related to how and where certain kinds of development can occur within the county.

The commission will discuss and decide on two draft ordinances at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

The first ordinance involves a proposed zoning ordinance for data centers in unincorporated Linn County. Data centers house computer servers, data storage and other technical equipment to store, process and transmit large amounts of digital information.

The draft ordinance includes rules for both small- and large-scale data center projects, as well as requirements around noise levels, property setbacks and site review.

Large projects, or those with an electrical design capacity greater than 20 megawatts, would also require a water study, water use agreement and economic development agreement to receive county approval.

The second ordinance includes a draft code for gas-fired electric generating facilities in unincorporated Linn County with proposed requirements around setbacks from residential properties, airport safety areas and noise limits.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote separately on the two draft plans, which would then require three rounds of approval from the Linn County Board of Supervisors to take effect.

Both codes can be reviewed in full on the Linn County website, and public feedback can be provided in-person at Tuesday’s meeting or over email to plan_dev@linncountyiowa.gov.

Linn-Mar schools hires superintendent search firm

The Linn-Mar school board last week unanimously approved a $19,455 contract with Grundmeyer Leader Search for superintendent search services. The district’s next leader could be named by March.

Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer last month announced her plans to retire. She will have led the district for three academic years by the time she retires June 30, 2026.

“I want to thank the board and our community and staff and students for all the support I’ve been given during my tenure,” Kortemeyer said during the board meeting last week. “Linn-Mar’s a really special place, and I’ll be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this wonderful district

School board President Katie Lowe Lancaster said the board is “very aware of the need for diligent background checks to make sure the best candidates” are found.

“Why this company? We got Amy through this company, and we feel strongly we were served well through this company and we will be served well again. Financially, they have made it affordable for us to remain with them,” Lowe Lancaster said.

Lowe Lancaster said the community will be “participants” in the search.

Grundmeyer Leader Search has "an amazing, well documented process. A leave no stone unturned and also we’re gong to line up all the stones and put them in categories and score them in categories process. I’m excited to be a part of it,“ school board member Laura Thomas said.

Cedar Rapids seeks feedback on Jones Park disc golf

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation is seeking community feedback about the future of its disc golf offerings at Jones Park.

The department will host a public open house on the matter from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Park, 2901 Fruitland Blvd. SW. The event is open to the public, and no registration is required.

There, disc golfers, park users and area residents are invited to ask questions and provide feedback to “help shape future improvements” to the park’s disc golf course.

Those who are unable to attend the open house can submit feedback virtually using an online survey available at CityOfCR.com/DiscGolfSurvey. The survey will remain open through the end of day Friday.

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I.C. schools receives STEM BEST program award

The Iowa City Community School District is one of 31 districts in Iowa to receive the 2026-27 STEM BEST Program award.

STEM BEST stands for science, technology, engineering and math Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers and is awarded by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education.

The STEM BEST Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side to develop a work-based learning model that incorporates STEM subjects like mathematics and science with experiential learning opportunities to emphasize future-focused skills for the workplace.

The STEM Council’s investment of up to $50,000 for professional and financial support can be used for curriculum development and coordination, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration, and preparing work-based learning environments.

The Iowa City district will use its grant to build three greenhouses at each of its three middle schools. The Outdoor Classroom and Greenhouse Program is designed in direct response to the district's growing need for equitable, experiential STEM learning opportunities that prepare all students, particularly students from underrepresented backgrounds, for Iowa's future workforce.

As the state continues to experience strong demand for professionals in agriculture, biosciences, environmental science and sustainable technologies, schools must provide learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application.

“This program’s focus on hands-on greenhouse learning and community engagement will provide (Iowa City) students, grades 6-12, with meaningful opportunities to develop real-world STEM skills, explore agricultural and environmental career pathways, and build confidence as learners and leaders,” said Danielle Riney, Iowa City district’s secondary curriculum coordinator. “Through this work, (the Iowa City district) is excited to continue our commitment to advancing equity, access and inclusion in STEM education across the district by ensuring every student can participate in authentic, applied learning experiences.”

To be considered for a STEM BEST Program award, applicants were required to submit a comprehensive proposal that incorporates rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum, includes valuable partnerships with community businesses or organizations, aligns with STEM goals, addresses sustainability of the model program and evaluates the program’s effectiveness.

Johnson County Food Policy Council to host public forum

The Johnson County Food Policy Council is hosting a public forum Saturday, Feb. 7 at Dream City, 611 Southgate Ave., Iowa City, from 9-11:30 a.m.

“Our Food, Our Future: Community Voices on the Food System,” is this year’s forum theme that looks to highlight the full scope of Johnson County’s food landscape.

The forum will include presentations from local nonprofits on food access and breakout discussions. The breakout discussions will help guide the council’s next strategic plan.

Breakfast and coffee will be served at the forum, which is free and open to the public.

The event was previously scheduled for Dec. 13, 2025 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Iowa City’s Court Street to temporarily reopen to vehicle traffic

Beginning Tuesday, Court Street from Muscatine Avenue to Seventh Avenue in Iowa City will fully reopen to vehicle traffic. The intersection at Muscatine Avenue also will reopen.

Sidewalks in the area will not be replaced until Spring 2026 so pedestrian access on Court Street will remain limited.

The street will close once again during the spring construction season to allow for the completion of the larger Court Street reconstruction project.

The $9.6 million reconstruction project includes complete replacement of the street and sidewalks, upgrades to the utility lines in the area, new traffic signals and a new joint utility trench that would move utility lines underground.

Sidewalks are being moved farther from the road and provide ADA access, which project consultants say are not up to standard in the area.

The entire project is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2027.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Grace King, Grace Nieland and Megan Woolard contributed.