Government Notes: State awards $42K to assist with Czech clock tower renovation

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has received a state grant intended to help with the expense of renovating and improving its Orloj Clock Tower.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board on Friday approved a $42,500 Community Attraction and Tourism grant for the clock tower project.

The clock tower, which was dedicated in September at a ceremony attended by Czech and Slovak dignitaries, was modeled after the famous Prague Orloj. The Cedar Rapids tower is the only orloj — a Prague-style astronomical clock — in the United States.

The tower, located at the corner of Inspiration Place and 16th Avenue SW, was transformed into an orloj after it incurred flood and derecho damage. The renovation was part of the original vision for the 61-foot tower that was built in 1995. It contains 12 figurines that rotate on the hour to the music of Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana.

In announcing the award, the IEDA board said the Cedar Rapids project added unique features that highlight Czech composers and improve the plaza around the tower. The total project cost, according to IEDA, was $685,000.

CAT grants also were awarded to a Grundy County Conservation Board trail project, Maquoketa’s Prairie Recreation Area enhancements, and a new Pella Recreation Center.

Cedar Rapids opens annual budget survey

The city of Cedar Rapids is inviting residents to participate in its annual budget survey for fiscal 2026. Those participating will be entered into a drawing for tickets to the Feb. 13 Iowa women’s basketball game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.

The survey asks residents about their priorities for services in the new fiscal year, which runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The city uses the survey to understand the community’s needs and expectations.

To take the survey, to online to cityofcr.com/BudgetSurvey. The survey will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Only residents of Cedar Rapids, age 18 and older, are eligible to complete the survey and win the basketball tickets.

Iowa City seeks input on its 5-year plan

The city of Iowa City is seeking public input on City Steps 2030, its five-year consolidated plan for improving housing.

The purpose of City Steps 2030 is to to improve the housing and living conditions of city residents, especially housing for very low- and lower-income households, for those experiencing homelessness and for persons with special needs.

Money for the plan comes from federal Community Development Block Grants and the HOME Investment Partnership Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

The plan contains four components:

The plan also outlines the process for distributing aid to agencies for the next five years.

The public comment period ends Jan. 21. Copies of the plan are online at icgov.org/2030 and also available from Neighborhood Services in Iowa City City Hall, 410 E. Washington St. and the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.

Additional information is available by calling (319) 356-5121. Comments may be submitted in writing to Neighborhood Services at the address above or by emailing comments to ekubly@iowa-city.org.

Also, the Iowa City Council will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at City Hall to accept oral or written comments and to consider adoption of the proposed plan. City Steps 2030 will be submitted to HUD for review and approval on or before May 15.

CR Council member Ashley Vanorny honored with impact award

  Buy Photo

The National League of Cities recognized Cedar Rapids City Council member Ashley Vanorny with the Centennial Under 40 Impact Award at its Centennial City Summit in Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 13.

The annual event brings together municipal officials and industry leaders from across the nation to celebrate achievements and discuss solutions to key issues facing local governments. The Impact Awards honor outstanding contributions to public service, governance and community development made by elected officials under the age of 40.

“Receiving the NLC Centennial Under 40 Impact Award is an incredible honor,” Vanorny said in a statement. “It reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire Cedar Rapids community and motivates me to keep listening and collaborating to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

“I am humbled and grateful to have been nominated by members of both my hometown community and the Iowa League of Cities, both of which I have been honored to serve.”

Vanorny is the youngest president of the Iowa League of Cities. She also serves on the National League of Cities board and the University of Iowa political science advisory board. She is a member of NewDeal Leaders and the Young Elected Officials Network and is an alumna of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Darren Stearns to head VenuWorks

  Buy Photo

VenuWorks has announced the appointment of Darren Stearns as its new executive director.

In that role, he will oversee VenuWorks’ facilities in Cedar Rapids, including the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, the Paramount Theatre, McGrath Amphitheatre and the ImOn Ice Arena.

Stearns has 18 years of experience in arena, theater, and convention center management that has included stints at the BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University and the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind.

VenuWorks cited Stearns’ skills in budget development, staff oversight and guest satisfaction in the announcement of his appointment.

“Darren's extensive experience in venue management and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences make him the perfect fit for this role," Steve Peters, VenuWorks founder and CEO, said. “His expertise will undoubtedly elevate our venues' standing within the community and beyond."

Stearns said he is excited by the job opportunity and is “eager to collaborate with the Cedar Rapids community to bring a diverse range of high-quality events and foster a thriving cultural scene.”

The facilities in Cedar Rapids, he added, ”are wonderful, and everyone I met during my visit was incredibly welcoming. I look forward to working with the city of Cedar Rapids and the staff at our facilities to continue to provide great entertainment and fan experiences to the Cedar Rapids region.”

Cedar Rapids Council approves Higley development agreement

  Buy Photo

The Cedar Rapids City Council last week approved a development agreement for the redevelopment of the former Higley Mansion at 860 17th St. SE.

The former senior living facility will reopen next year to offer residential rehabilitation for people who voluntarily choose to enter treatment for substance use issues.

Last month, the council approved financial incentives to 860 17th St LLC for the redevelopment of the property, which has been vacant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

In April, the council rezoned the property to allow for it to be used for residential inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Scott Mather, the city’s economic development project coordinator, told the council the $4.6 million project will renovate the 27,000-square-foot facility and add a 3,000-square-foot addition. It’s expected to create 40 to 50 jobs.

Once the renovation is complete, the building’s tenant, Higley Partners LLC, doing business as Radix Recovery, will operate a voluntary substance abuse treatment facility that can serve 68 to 88 residents.

Marion seeks input on city’s website

The city of Marion is preparing to redesign its website, cityofmarion.org.

Marion residents and website visitors are invited to share feedback regarding the functionality, appearance, navigation and content of the existing site. A short survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/T6F85FM.

The survey will be available through Jan. 3.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Sara Konrad Baranowski and correspondent Dick Hogan contributed.