[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300045,"mediaKeyId","2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605","parentId",2493992,"title","Council approves multiple construction and utility contracts, easement vacatons and project bids","audioSeconds",2456,"startMs",3512000,"endMs",5968000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605&start=3512&end=5968","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605/thumbnail_3512000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300045/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-approves-multiple-construction-and-utility-contracts-easement-vacatons-and-project-bids","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300045-7aaf6a04c97d1dfec063072cb82ac3ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448225&Signature=D-RIMvb~kDqdPC6PxzvSfytYp6y5jgQLszZXz~xMGzyfpUGb5zVZ6flVQHxblfx~lBwkAlIxui0euJh~VCoOZQbYUbkaYQ6poUCSc2FVrVnMDs5m0HTZSfGwnP6-hDAau1ZA6cu4zumLwpBKc0mjG3UWGtYmRNWg3ac-HcqvM2v0Po0SvsMzxzhe4uPMGWKxKnQRUKyImRyfBdLF9H56cpP~369Zkx6JyoN9IkGSIoQ~60wwki0fFEmkuQMsayGaf-37mEw104ySPP5juKrJPzO5vAbs7pTaFa6W2yt1DSxRCYuueVhw4iJZrIcW8GTT~-xrDr-eDwjkHX2cxXmf~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cedar Rapids ","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Cedar Rapids City Council on Jan. 28 approved a slate of public‑works and utilities actions, adopting resolutions and awarding contracts for several city improvement projects.

The items adopted or acted on included easement vacations, parking‑lot and street reconstruction projects, a stormwater detention basin project with FEMA hazard‑mitigation funding, sanitary sewer service replacement work and award of construction contracts from bid openings.

Highlights and outcomes:
- Item 3 — Sanitary sewer easement vacation north of Walford Road (previous 1997 easement no longer needed after 2024 plat): Council adopted the resolution to vacate the original easement. Motion: moved by Council Member Tyler Olson; seconded by Council Member Meyer; outcome: adopted.
- Item 4 — Third Street Southeast public parking lot improvements (engineer’s estimate $205,000): Council adopted plan specifications and authorized bid opening. Motion: moved by Council Member Van Orny; seconded by Council Member Todd; outcome: adopted. Bid opening scheduled Feb. 5, 2025.
- Item 5 — Eighth Street Northwest reconstruction from D Avenue to E Avenue (engineer’s estimate $230,000): Council adopted plan specifications and authorized bid opening. Motion: moved by Council Member Scott Olson; seconded by Council Member Todd; outcome: adopted. Bid opening scheduled Feb. 12, 2025.
- Item 6 — E Avenue NW detention basin expansion (engineer’s estimate $2,440,000): Council adopted plan specifications for a project funded in part by FEMA hazard mitigation grants and an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship grant to add storage, water‑quality improvements and a pedestrian loop. Motion: moved by Council Member Scott Olson; seconded by Council Member Todd; outcome: adopted.
- Staff said the detention basin project includes wetland plantings, a new sidewalk loop and coordination with planned sediment removal and trail projects; construction is to start in April with substantial completion by Nov. 30, 2025.
- Item 7 — 2025 sanitary sewer service replacements (engineer’s estimate $510,000): Annual program to replace failing service laterals (Orangeburg) and reduce future pavement failures; up to 50 parcels may be assessed. Motion: moved by Council Member Van Orny; seconded by Council Member Poe; outcome: adopted.
- Item 30 — Award of contract for Fifth Avenue Southeast pavement rehabilitation (engineer’s estimate $4,390,000): Council awarded the contract to ROTC Construction Company of Marion, Iowa following a low bid within the reported range. Motion: moved by Council Member Meyer; seconded by Council Member Tyler Olson; outcome: adopted.
- Item 31 — Award of contract for molecular sieve installation package 2 (engineer’s estimate $300,000): Council awarded the contract to NB Cook General Contractors in the amount of $288,585. Motion: moved by Council Member Poe; seconded by Council Member Van Orny; outcome: adopted.

Reported bids (no award at this meeting):
- Item 29 — Report on bids for Third Street Southwest reconstruction (estimated $2,830,000): Six bids received; staff reported results and said award action will be considered at the next meeting.

Why it matters: These actions authorize design, bidding and construction for road, parking, sewer and stormwater improvements across the city, including one federally funded hazard‑mitigation project that staff said will reduce flood risk downstream. The sewer service replacement program focuses on mitigating future pavement damage and may result in assessments to property owners who do not complete repairs themselves before city construction.

Ending: Staff gave timelines for bid openings and construction starts; council members emphasized the projects’ roles in system maintenance, flood mitigation and neighborhood quality of life.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Cedar Rapids Council Meeting January 15th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a package of public‑works actions on Jan. 28, including easement vacation, specifications and contract awards for street, parking, sewer and stormwater projects across the city.","taxTitle","Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa","taxId",4689,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300059,"Council approves urban renewal area, development agreement to clear way for data center projects at Big Cedar Industrial Park",2985,1670000,4655000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605&start=1670&end=4655","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605/thumbnail_1670000.jpg","/articles/6300059/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-approves-urban-renewal-area-development-agreement-to-clear-way-for-data-center-projects-at-Big-Cedar-Industrial-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300059-c3f14f6c97dedee18d9b38c37d8b9dc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448225&Signature=ogg7~PgPPq5xCOe8MFWGs6h8Y7TchzVxV97zxmFwAIGUp1usYH0eiIP4dBa5546zDkGeOPcIhQKHGZ20OS2PBcc~kR9RmwrHuF1b93fzDomI8ey9zf7zex1CFUb2cx1XHuqN7Cu6rkHWv7QN9KrodQlGaetfcFCMdJAhpjT54h~-ZvZ~rJ1e1PD7fu0euSUpvl-Qbj0OSVJdyfjmM5jD~Y0n0GCjWPwIPEP5sNT-n4jW~Jeiv-EueOiXHraf1daThaAB8TEVzBxQv6wfY78BjF0JsJCtLRCsb~pHa0BJ0b~43T2-ZbJaFkYhTjJaH2a-kf~sLBpUrtoO-wxZhrqDzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cedar Rapids City Council on Jan. 28 approved measures to pave the way for two data‑center projects in the Big Cedar Industrial Park, voting to establish an urban renewal area tied to a proposed Google development and to approve a development agreement with QTS Cedar Rapids 1 LLC for a separate data‑center campus.

The measures set long multi‑phase construction schedules and incentive packages meant to attract the projects. City staff and the city manager described the projects as major investments that will bring significant construction activity and, over time, some permanent high‑paying technology jobs and recurring tax revenue once incentive periods end.

Why it matters: The council approved tax‑increment financing and a development agreement for projects city staff said could total in the hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment in Cedar Rapids. Supporters said the projects would create sustained construction work and position the city to attract additional technology firms; a resident who spoke at the hearing urged the council to keep citizens informed and questioned the cost per job.

Scott Mather of the City Manager’s Office told the council the item for Google began with a December consultation with affected taxing entities and included a first reading of a TIF ordinance; city staff said a second and third reading are scheduled for Feb. 11. At the public hearing resident Myrna Lorline said she had reviewed coverage and said she was “concerned about what I see as a very expensive cost per job,” citing her back‑of‑the‑envelope calculation about the project’s long‑term value and the limited number of direct, long‑term jobs projected in early phases.

City Manager Jeff Pomerantz and economic development staff described both projects as multi‑phase facilities that begin with relatively small operations but generate large numbers of construction jobs and ancillary economic activity. Pomerantz said the QTS project will have multiple phases, that the first phase and follow‑on phases each have jobs “at or above the high quality jobs threshold,” and that each data‑center phase is expected to produce roughly 500 construction jobs over time.

Details in the development agreement and staff presentation for QTS included:
- Capital investment estimate: staff described the QTS agreement as a $750,000,000 capital investment (presentation materials used that figure as a baseline).
- Phasing and schedule: phase 1 to begin within three years of the agreement effective date and complete within six years of commencement; subsequent phases follow on multi‑year schedules with additional phases allowed up to a 25‑year window.
- Employment: the agreement requires a minimum of 15 permanent data‑center jobs per phase (30 jobs for the initial two phases) and anticipates at least 500 construction jobs per data center during build‑out.
- Financial incentives: staff described a 20‑year 70% property‑tax rebate per project phase and a 20‑year 75% rebate of city franchise fees (electric provider franchise) used for economic development. Estimated property tax generation over rebate periods was discussed in staff materials, with a portion rebated back to the company during the incentive term.
- Community betterment fund: QTS would make annual payments of $300,000 per project phase for 20 years (maximum $6,000,000 per phase; $18,000,000 total across phases) to support local nonprofits, public safety equipment and community amenities, according to staff statements.

During the Google urban‑renewal public hearing resident Lorline said she had reviewed reporting and financial projections and asked that the council “do everything you can to keep citizens informed” because she questioned the project’s near‑term return metrics. Councilmembers and staff repeatedly addressed utilities, saying Alliant Energy and other partners had indicated capacity and that utility regulatory frameworks would not cause immediate rate increases for existing customers, statements city staff said came from communications with Alliant leadership.

Council action: The council adopted a resolution to establish the Google urban renewal area and approved the TIF ordinance on first reading. Council member Poe moved the resolution; Council member Van Orny seconded and the motion carried. The ordinance’s first reading was moved by Council member Scott Olson and seconded by Council member Todd and passed on first reading; staff said second and third readings will be Feb. 11. For the QTS development agreement the council adopted the resolution approving the agreement; the motion was moved by Council member Poe and seconded by Council member Overland.

What they did not decide: Councilmembers and staff emphasized that employment at full build‑out would be phased and that many economic benefits are indirect — for example, construction employment and potential supplier activity — rather than large immediate new payrolls inside the data‑center buildings. Several citizen speakers asked for continued public information as the projects move forward.

The council’s approvals authorize staff to continue with the statutory and contractual steps needed to finalize tax‑increment financing and the development agreement; final engineering, subsequent phases, and later readings of ordinances remain subject to further council action.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution approving establishment of the Google urban renewal area and related TIF actions: moved by Council member Poe; seconded by Council member Van Orny; outcome: adopted. (First reading of related ordinance approved; second/third readings scheduled Feb. 11.)
- Resolution approving the development agreement with QTS Cedar Rapids 1 LLC for a data‑center campus in Big Cedar Industrial Park: moved by Council member Poe; seconded by Council member Overland; outcome: adopted.

Ending: City staff said they will continue public outreach and provide additional details as design, utility agreements and formal ordinances are finalized. Council members urged staff to keep residents informed as tax‑increment and utility agreements move forward.","The Cedar Rapids City Council on Jan. 28 approved measures to enable two data‑center projects at Big Cedar Industrial Park, adopting a resolution to create an urban renewal area tied to a proposed Google project and approving a development agreement with QTS Cedar Rapids 1 LLC for a separate campus.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300050,"Council authorizes Revision 10 to Cedar River flood control system plan; staff cites $300–$500M funding gap and Army Corps feasibility study",1237,5974000,7211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605&start=5974&end=7211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605/thumbnail_5974000.jpg","/articles/6300050/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-authorizes-Revision-10-to-Cedar-River-flood-control-system-plan-staff-cites-300500M-funding-gap-and-Army-Corps-feasibility-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300050-c6c888af4cc56ae52068ce546a2c0219/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448225&Signature=gbVdhl1dNbbiJg5rL1LRuJAWHlhUD5AWH4vc9aiXbTQmGaKxUUWBCxMDiLyDqPt3Tlvhud75b7B6jHan5lQzSPUjNSLDHkFKPS-3wBB2qtMr~qHYqIVK04M2eWBDdzVG1yMoZT~yVBTnRNFHesF6inuDNHuF4zSvVNxyNdoJ7F4zsCGrLtIvzXxutRvJVuUQz28IfTkVTKcXcBaYuxjp0tnsGxcYIq1uALkmE-TlmMT7DrkMtfjtkMzXgDVGybsmzWxx4dXZ7YLL-33w2UsIsO78Uue~pDWjgwnTlKEPERLuQqK6WPElixiCG6igvpVvYaXmlhKgK2LJtf3gFhOXLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cedar Rapids City Council on Jan. 28 authorized Revision Number 10 to the city’s Cedar River flood control system plan, updating project maps, cost estimates and sequencing and reaffirming the city’s long‑term approach to completing projects on both the east and west sides of the river.

Rob Davis of the Public Works Department, who presented the revision, told council the update reflects recent design decisions and clarifies elements the Army Corps of Engineers will evaluate in an expected feasibility study. He said the revision includes a substantial change in approach to the Vinton Drainage Way (the “vent drainage way” in staff materials) that aims to reduce the size and operational reliance on new pump stations while preserving existing neighborhoods.

Key points from staff presentation:
- Cost and funding: staff presented an updated estimated program cost of roughly $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion (end‑of‑2024 dollars, including inflation assumptions) and said about $780 million in funding is currently secured. Davis said that leaves an approximate funding gap of $300 million to $500 million depending on inflation and final scope.
- Army Corps feasibility study: the federal Water Resources Development Act directed the Corps to include the Cedar Rapids feasibility study in its work plan; staff said the city hopes the Corps’ feasibility work will be completed in the second half of 2026. Any federal participation would typically require a local match (staff noted a customary 65/35 local/federal split).
- Vinton Drainage Way approach: staff described a revised plan that would use pressure piping and separate street storm sewers to avoid building very large pump stations that staff said would rarely be used; certain improvements between Sixteenth and Eighteenth Streets were described as major investments the city wants the Corps to consider for potential federal participation.
- Project sequencing: the revision adds a detention basin in the Czech Village/White Line Loop area that will reduce flood risk pending pump‑station construction; other map changes clarified festival grounds and riverfront pump‑station locations and refined cost tables to reflect the later‑stage design work.

Council members praised staff’s progress and asked timing and feasibility questions. Council member Poe commended staff work and asked about specific elements such as raising Ellis Boulevard; Davis said portions will be constructed this year but full closure or overtop of the levy at Ellis Boulevard remains to be scheduled and depends in part on coordination with the Army Corps and Union Pacific Railroad agreements. Council member Olson noted the council’s prior long‑term funding commitment and said the city’s delivery record strengthens its case for federal partnership.

Action: Council member Tyler Olson moved to adopt the resolution authorizing Revision Number 10; Council member Poe seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote.

What this does not do: The revision updates planning documents and priorities; it does not commit additional new local funding in the meeting itself. Davis said staff will continue to pursue grants, work with the Corps and present options for local match if federal funds become available.

Ending: Davis said staff will continue to refine designs with the goal of reducing operations and maintenance costs, minimizing property impacts and preserving neighborhoods while advancing federal funding opportunities.","The council adopted Revision Number 10 to the Cedar River flood control system plan, updating maps, project sequencing and cost estimates and requesting incorporation of West Side projects into an Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study that staff said could be completed in late 2026.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300055,"City hears quarterly downtown plan update; trolley pilot, Mays Island and landlord‑tenant pilot highlighted",1073,485000,1558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605&start=485&end=1558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493992-cd9a3f79638cd9911c6fde099d2dc605/thumbnail_485000.jpg","/articles/6300055/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/City-hears-quarterly-downtown-plan-update-trolley-pilot-Mays-Island-and-landlordtenant-pilot-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300055-7149e8e335e698a21390205d755242a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448225&Signature=JqI~nm-ua7fwWOEql6bVvmcW8AZPQXhVKZTvaQ9DpicaI~AFHWvvaUZC835wwPlAu5NhkMokOMra-Fwe5FYmygwmtXXBWA1M8ewwhzrJSS-MG5MhFcoemNkFnA7UPLUauV-lfccnvsY67mjEIitgRmQrqHoF-0vGT-YFG0mm1dj-y8Lpmcq3gHviVsDZu6Bd2jnFR9lyiIICtKVRPLCYuydJalkzhm5s38eCmN55r8FFCPureEIKlP8POZn2PelqZTqYvLPo37jSozn4jMicezdfu~~RqGcm9dPCd95HoAmXoGdcUhvCF41nNLsmWovT1KCluv9MIdD66QhzVYwWVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials and the Downtown District presented a quarterly update on implementation of the Downtown Vision and Action Plan during the Jan. 28 Cedar Rapids City Council meeting, outlining near‑term activation projects, partnership efforts and pilot programs intended to increase foot traffic and connectivity downtown.

Jennifer Pratt (staff) and Caleb Knutson, introduced as the new executive director of the Downtown District, summarized accomplishments and next steps tied to the plan’s goals: embrace the Cedar River, activate downtown as a vibrant destination, and improve connectivity with adjacent districts and neighborhoods.

Key updates and near‑term projects presented:
- Mays Island and tree plantings: staff described partnership efforts to restore and accentuate canopy trees on Mays Island; planting is expected in spring 2025.
- Tree of Five Seasons Plaza and riverfront park: replanting and flood‑control work were noted; design work for riverfront park was described as expected to finish in summer 2025 with construction to follow.
- Trolley pilot: the downtown trolley pilot runs through this weekend; staff said the highest day had 111 riders and the pilot includes a rider survey. Councilmembers urged staff to consider route changes to create a full loop for improved connectivity.
- Music and arts activation: Knutson said the city had been invited to the 2025 music census cohort and will use data to create an action plan; expansion of 5‑season lighting for visitor experience was also discussed.
- Mays Island activation and interactive sign: a large interactive sign and other activation pieces were described as part of branding and visitor amenities on Mays Island.
- Homelessness and lived‑experience engagement: staff said the city secured Iowa Finance Authority funding to create a lived‑experience council and formed a local oversight board to implement recommendations from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
- Landlord and tenant “success” pilot: staff described a landlord‑tenant pilot funded by a private $100,000 grant intended to reduce barriers and support housing stability.

Council feedback: Council members welcomed Knutson and praised the downtown team and partners. Comments included suggestions to evaluate the trolley loop for broader connectivity, include updates on the landlord‑tenant pilot and hotel study at the April update, and continuing attention to public‑safety and homelessness concerns in downtown activation efforts.

Why it matters: The update shows how the downtown vision plan is moving from planning toward implementation across public‑private partnerships, with active pilots and grant‑funded initiatives intended to boost downtown visitation, support housing stability, and make the riverfront and Mays Island more accessible.

What’s next: Staff said the implementation team meets monthly and will return with a more complete update in April 2025, including hotel study results, landlord‑tenant pilot status and music census action steps.

Ending: Council members thanked the Downtown District and staff for their work and welcomed the new executive director; no council motions or votes were required for the update.","Cedar Rapids city staff and the Downtown District delivered the second quarterly update on implementation of the Downtown Vision and Action Plan, outlining near‑term projects including Mays Island plantings, a trolley pilot, a hotel study, a music census action plan and a landlord/tenant pilot funded by a private grant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves multiple construction and utility contracts, easement vacatons and project bids

Council approves urban renewal area, development agreement to clear way for data center projects at Big Cedar Industrial Park

Council authorizes Revision 10 to Cedar River flood control system plan; staff cites $300–$500M funding gap and Army Corps feasibility study

City hears quarterly downtown plan update; trolley pilot, Mays Island and landlord‑tenant pilot highlighted