Govt Notes: Linn Supervisors Delay Utility-Scale Wind Energy Rules

The Linn County Board of Supervisors last week adjourned until July 29 a second hearing on changes to an ordinance regulating utility-scale wind projects in the county.

Planning and Development Director Charlie Nichols previously told supervisors there are no major wind energy projects on the horizon in Linn County.

But just as supervisors did last summer when they amended a county ordinance governing utility-scale solar energy use, the board intends to update the county’s policy governing large-scale wind energy projects before potential projects even begin.

Supervisors are examining changes to language regarding noise levels, setback requirements and debris removal. The county wants more input on the proposed changes, particularly the language regarding debris removal.

Residents can review a draft of the proposed ordinance changes on the Linn County website: linncountyiowa.gov.

The ordinance changes require three votes before they are finalized.

Johnson County meeting to review sheriff and jail needs report

On Wednesday, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will consider a report on space needs for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail.

The review will take place during the supervisors’ work session at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in the second-floor conference room of the Johnson County Health and Human Services building, 855 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.

The study, conducted by Shive-Hattery, cost the county $75,000. It can be viewed on the county’s website — johnsoncountyiowa.gov/sheriff/jail-stats — under the Jail Studies tab.

An initial presentation was made to the Supervisory Board last month.

The current Johnson County Jail, which opened in 1981, is in “very poor” condition, according to a 2022 facility condition audit. The building has numerous structural deficiencies, including cracks and deterioration in walls, ceilings and parts of the roof. In 2022, county officials told The Gazette the facility had reached the end of its useful life.

“To be clear, this is a study. It is not a proposal, nor does it begin any predetermined path,” Sheriff Brad Kunkel said in a news release announcing this week’s meeting.

“What it does is give us an understanding of what the future Sheriff’s Office and Jail will need to serve us in the future and evolve if necessary,” he said. “It also gives us a concept that we can present to the public to get a springboard for their opinions and questions.”

Previous bond referendums in Johnson County to fund jail upgrades failed in 2012 and 2013. In both years, the proposals received more than 50 percent voter approval but fell short of the 60 percent required to pass the referendum.

Cedar Rapids 1-Bag Challenge Sets New Cleanup Record

Cedar Rapids officials announced last week that the City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge trash collection program has broken the record for the most bags of trash collected in a single year.

A total of 9,074 bags of trash were collected in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30. The previous record was 7,192 bags of trash collected in fiscal year 2023. Trash was collected by residents, individuals and groups of volunteers, city employees, contract workers and local businesses.

Since its inception in 2012, the 1-Bag Challenge has inspired volunteers to fill nearly 40,000 bags of trash. Final collection figures are tallied at the end of each fiscal year since June 2014.

“We have a saying here in Cedar Rapids—‘Welcome is our language.’ One way we create a welcoming community is by taking pride in our homes, businesses, commercial areas, parks and trails,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “I am passionate about making Cedar Rapids the best place to live, work and play. That’s why we created the CleanUpCR campaign and the City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge. Over the years, our community has weathered disasters like extreme flooding and the 2020 Derecho, and we have come together with resilience and strength to clean up Cedar Rapids.”

The program’s waste collection kits, which include feedback postcards, bags and gloves, are available April through October each year at designated Hy-Vee stores, the NewBo City Market, the Cedar Rapids Public Library and city buildings.

Waste collectors can place filled 1-Bag bags next to GARBY household trash containers on their regular collection day. Groups interested in scheduling a cleanup event or signing up for the Adopt-a-Road program can do so on the city’s website.

For more information and to sign up for the 1-Bag Challenge, visit CleanUpCR.com.

Linn County asks for input on community health

Linn County Public Health and Together! Healthy Linn are hosting two town halls for community members to share their experiences and perspectives on community health.

These meetings are part of the Community Health Assessment process, which takes place every three years. The feedback will be used to determine the health priorities for the 2025–2027 Community Health Improvement Plan.

Town Hall meeting dates and times:

Residents can also express their opinion by completing two surveys.

The Food Security Survey aims to gather information on the current status of food security in the county, as well as identify needs and challenges in improving access to food resources.

The Community Violence Survey is designed to gather residents’ views on community safety, and the information gathered will help develop strategies to prevent violence.

Both studies, available on the Linn County Public Health website, will end July 31.

Linn County is accepting grant applications

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is currently accepting applications for the Linn County Economic and Community Development Fund, which is designed to support economic growth and improve the quality of life in Linn County.

This competitive grant process is open to eligible organizations in Linn County or those with a branch in the county whose work benefits the residents of Linn County. This year, $100,000 is available.

Grants must be used for projects or programs that benefit county residents. Applications for program and capital projects will be given priority over applications for operating support. Preference will be given to applications for projects/programs that:

The application deadline is July 31 at 4:30 p.m. Application information is available on the Linn County website: LinnCountyIowa.gov.

Closure of Iowa Avenue in Iowa City

Iowa Avenue between Dubuque and Linn streets in Iowa City will be closed today through July 19.

The closure is part of ongoing construction on Dubuque Street. Pedestrian access will not be affected by the closure.

Johnson County Redevelopment Nears Completion

County services will return to the Johnson County Administration Building at 913 S. Dubuque St. in August.

Renovations to the building began in October 2023. To accommodate construction, some county services were relocated to the Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque St.

The renovation included interior remodeling, installation of new HVAC and fire protection systems and accessibility improvements to the building.

The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the county’s general fund.

Government Notes is published Mondays and features updates from local governments. Contributed by Gazette reporters Marissa Payne and Megan Woolard.