Annotated Agenda for January 21, 2025
Welcome to your annotated version of our council agenda! If you’re back again, thank you for your continued engagement, if this is your first time reading, I’m glad you’re here.
I’m writing this in what could be the final hours of TikTok (or perhaps not — the internet is full of surprises). While we wait to see what unfolds in the world of social media, it’s a great time to reflect on how we connect with one another and stay informed on a local level.
On a lighter note, I’m looking forward to Pack the Dome in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy and advance his vision of equality and justice.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this agenda. I hope you find it helpful and informative as we work together to make our city the best it can be.
Just like last time, I encourage you to join us for the meeting—whether in person at City Hall, by tuning in on Channel 15, or watching the live stream on Channel 15’s YouTube. Your participation and feedback are always valued as we work together to make our city a great place to live and grow!
You can download the council packet with all the nitty gritty on the city’s website if you’d like more details on any of these items.
Call to Order by the Mayor
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Minutes
1. Regular meeting of January 6, 2025.
Agenda Revisions
Public Forum. (Speakers will have one opportunity to speak for up to 5 minutes on topics relevant to City business.)
Staff Updates
Special Order of Business
2. Public hearing on the proposed FY2025-FY2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) serves as the city's annual budget planning guide. It identifies which initiatives will come forward for to City Council for approval during Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) and their funding sources. It also lists other tentatively planned major projects for the following four years.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 01/07/25)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and adopting the FY2025-FY2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
3. Resolution declaring an official intent under Treasury Regulation 1.150-2 to issue debt to reimburse the City for certain original expenditures paid in connection with specified projects.
This document is required by the state in order to submit bonds for approval.
4. Public hearing to consider entering into an Agreement for Private Development with BT Holdings, LLC.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 01/11/25)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Agreement for Private Development with BT Holdings, LLC.
5. Public hearing to consider entering into an Agreement for Private Development with UMENB, LLC.
City staff has been collaborating with Brent Johnson of BT Holdings, LLC, on the rehabilitation of a downtown property at 122-124 Main Street (Stam and Edward Jones). This project qualifies under the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan for potential incentives aimed at supporting the redevelopment of older buildings in need of repairs. The available incentive for projects like this is a 10-year, 100% rebate on the tax increments generated by the building's increased value after improvements, provided a minimum investment of $200,000 is made.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 01/11/25)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Agreement for Private Development with UMENB, LLC.
6. Public hearing on a proposed Multiresidential Urban Revitalization Plan for a proposed Urban Revitalization Area.
In October 2024 City Council approved incentive guidelines to encourage new residential development in Cedar Falls. One of the incentives is to provide a tax rebate to a developer to reimburse 50% of the cost of the installation of public improvements (i.e. streets, sewer, water, etc.) within a proposed development. With that, City Council adopted the Hidden Pines Urban Renewal Plan at our meeting on January 6, 2025. By adopting the Hidden Pines Urban Renewal Plan, the City is now able to enter into a development agreement with the developer of the project to provide tax rebates using the tax increment that the project generates.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 12/19/24)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and adopting the Multiresidential Urban Revitalization Plan for a proposed Urban Revitalization Area.
7. Pass an ordinance designating the Multiresidential Urban Revitalization Area of the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa, upon its first consideration. (Contingent upon approval of previous item)
The proposed Cedar Falls Multiresidential Urban Revitalization Plan aims to encourage multi-family residential development near Greenhill Road and Cedar Heights Drive in Cedar Falls. Under Iowa Code, City Councils can designate areas for revitalization if they are suitable for economic development, including commercial, industrial, or housing projects, or specifically for residential construction, such as single or multi-family housing.
8. Public hearing on the proposed rezoning from R-2, Residential District, to MU, Mixed Use Residential District of property located at 4616 Cedar Heights Drive.
The applicant is seeking to rezone the property from R-2 Residence District to MU Mixed-Use Residence District. This change would allow them (pending council approval) to build a 195- unit residential development at the southeast corner of Cedar Heights Drive and Greenhill Road.
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 01/11/25)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Pass an ordinance amending the Zoning Map by removing approximately 13.28 acres of property located at the southeast corner of Greenhill and Cedar Heights from R-2, Residential District, and placing the same into MU, Mixed Use Residential District, upon its first consideration.
9. Public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Every year the City updates parts of sewer lines to ensure things keep running smoothly. This involves installing a cured in place liner within existing 6-inch, 8-inch, 12- inch, and 27-inch diameter sewer lines in selected areas of the city. The total estimated cost for the construction of this project is $273,920.00. The project will be funded by Sewer Rental Funds (SRF).
a) Receive and file proof of publication of notice of hearing. (Notice published 01/11/25)
b) Written communications filed with the City Clerk.
c) Staff comments.
d) Public comments.
e) Resolution approving and adopting the plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Old Business
10. Pass Ordinance #3092, providing that general property taxes levied and collected each year on all property located within the Hidden Pines Urban Renewal Area, in the City of Cedar Falls, County of Black Hawk, State of Iowa, by and for the benefit of the State of Iowa, City of Cedar Falls, County of Black Hawk, Cedar Falls Community School District, and other taxing districts, be paid to a special fund for payment of principal and interest on loans, monies advanced to an indebtedness, including bonds issued or to be issued, incurred by the City in connection with the Hidden Pines Urban Renewal Area, upon its second consideration.
This ordinance formalizes that a portion of property taxes collected within the Urban Renewal Area will be allocated to the special Housing Trust Fund. Since it requires three readings to pass, you’ll see it on our next agenda as well.
Consent Calendar: (The following items will be acted upon by voice vote on a single motion without separate discussion, unless someone from the Council or public requests that a specific item be considered separately.)
11. Receive and file the City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of January 6, 2025 relative to the following items:
This creates a record of what was discussed at official meetings to the official archives; it is not an opportunity to debate the merits of the items covered.
a) College Hill Incentive Request.
b) Presentation of 5 Year Capital Improvements Plan.
12. Approve the application of Cloud 9 Glass & Novelty, 2125 College Street, Suite C, for a device retailer permit.
This is new! During the 2024 legislative session, the Iowa legislature enacted Senate File 345, which regulates and taxes the sale of devices effective January 1, 2025. Per the legislation, a “device” is defined as any equipment or product, made in whole or in part of glass or metal, that is designed for use in inhaling through combustion tobacco, hemp, other plant materials, or a controlled substance. As part of the retail permit process, the Iowa Department of Revenue requires applications be approved by the city council once the city receives the completed application and appropriate fee.
13. Approve the following applications for retail alcohol licenses:
The City Council is the approving authority for all cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vapor permits and retail alcohol licenses.
a) Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2125 West Lone Tree Road, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service - renewal.
b) Kwik Spirits, 4116 University Avenue, Class E retail alcohol - renewal.
c) Mezcalitos Mexican Grill, 1704 West 1st Street, Class C retail alcohol - new.
d) MINIMART, 1420 West 1st Street, Class E retail alcohol - new - change in ownership.
Resolution Calendar: (The following items will be acted upon by roll call vote on a single motion without separate discussion, unless someone from the Council or public requests that a specific item be considered separately.)
14. Resolution Calendar with items considered separately.
15. Resolution levying a final assessment for costs incurred by the City to mow the property located at 803-805 Tremont Street.
The city uses a contractor to mow properties which are in violation of the city's nuisance ordinances, after several warnings. The cost is then assessed to the property taxes.
16. Resolution levying a final assessment for costs incurred by the City to mow the property located at 904 West 3rd Street.
See #15
17. Resolution levying a final assessment for costs incurred by the City to mow the property located at 2210 Iowa Street.
See #15
18. Resolution levying a final assessment for costs incurred by the City to mow the property located at 2318 California Street.
See #15
19. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Advertising Agreement with Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, d/b/a Courier Communications relative to recruitment advertising.
20. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Lease with Doug Wetlaufer relative to property vacated by flood buyout programs.
For several years, the City has leased vacant parcels of land to nearby neighbors through a leasing program that benefits both the community and the City. Neighbors maintain and mow the land during the growing season, reducing the City’s maintenance costs and freeing up park staff to focus on other properties. It’s a win-win for everyone!
21. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of an Iowa Tourism Grant Agreement with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) relative to promotional materials to promote the Gateway River Park.
Our Tourism Division was recently awarded a $10,000 Iowa Tourism grant to assist with a Gateway River Park video and digital advertising during the spring and summer 2025. (Amazing! Congratulations staff!) The grant requires a 25 percent cash match which is accounted for in the tourism FY25 budget.
22. Resolution approving and authorizing submission of a Letter of Intent to the Black Hawk County Gaming Association relative to an application for funding for a Seerley Park bathroom facility.
To be considered for a BHCGA grant award, applicants must first submit a letter of intent to determine preliminary qualifications. A bathroom is not currently in the budget for the Seerley Park renovations. If awarded, this grant would make a bathroom possible!
23. Resolution approving submission of an application for the 2025 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity RAISE Grant Program relative to reconstruction of Highway 58 & Greenhill Road Interchange Construction Project.
This grant will help fund the reconstruction of the intersection at Highway 58 & Greenhill Road, into a grade-separated, dogbone interchange. Currently, the intersection is the 2nd most dangerous high-speed, signalized intersection in the State of Iowa.
24. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a License Agreement with Aureon Network Services relative to installing a fiber optic telecommunications system within the public right-of-ways of Bluebell Road, Coneflower Parkway, Greenhill Road, and Prairie Parkway.
This allows Aureon Network Services to install additional fiber optic cable within the City’s public right-of way.
25. Resolution setting February 3, 2025 as the date of public hearing to consider entering into a proposed Amended and Restated Agreement for Private Development with CV Commercial, L.L.C.
Scheduling a public hearing informs the public of the date when the council will vote on an item.
26. Resolution setting February 3, 2025 as the date of public hearing on the proposed rezoning from A1, Agricultural Zoning District to PC-2, Planned Commercial District approximately 75.84 acres of property located at the northeast corner of US Highway 20 and Hudson Road.
See #25 — I’ve received a lot of communication on this one. If this is one you’re invested in, come to the February 3rd meeting as we will not be discussing anything about the proposal at this meeting.
27. Resolution setting February 3, 2025 as the date of public hearing on proposed amendments to the Cedar Falls Zoning Map, specifically to amend the Downtown Character District Regulating Plan changing the “Neighborhood Small” frontage designation to “Urban General 2” frontage designation on Walnut and Olive Streets in the first block south of West 1st Street.
See #25
28. Resolution receiving and filing, and setting February 3, 2025 as the date of the public hearing, on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract & estimate of cost for the 2025 Alley Reconstruction Project.
See #25
29. Resolution terminating the College Hill Urban Revitalization Plan for the College Hill Urban Revitalization Area and ending the College Hill Urban Revitalization Area.
In October 2024, the City Council approved new residential development incentives, including a 10-year tax exemption for urban revitalization areas. To implement this, the existing College Hill Urban Revitalization Plan must be repealed. A new plan, expanding to include the College Hill area and a larger core, is being drafted for Council consideration.
Ordinances
30. Pass an ordinance repealing Ordinance #2774 designating the College Hill Urban Revitalization Area in the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa, upon its first consideration. (Contingent upon approval of the previous Resolution item)
See #29
Allow Bills and Claims
31. Allow Bills and Claims for January 21, 2025.
The council serves as the approving authority for all bills and claims submitted to the city since the previous council meeting.
Council Updates and Announcements
Council Referrals
Adjournment
