What's Up in Other Small Towns

I happened to run across two news stories today that made me go hmmm.... Tiffin and Riverside at population 1,900 and 1,040 respectively are similar to U-Heights in size and in the issues they face.

The first story is about Tiffin's new city hall which will open in two weeks. This is from the North Liberty Leader/Solon Economist. The new city hall sounds similar in size to a proposed city facility that could be part of  a U-Heights One University Place project. The article mentions that this site would also be available to rent for private functions, or as a meeting site for groups such as scouts. The print edition of the paper has a photo, but the web version doesn't.

New City Hall to Open in Tiffin

The second story is much more cautionary. This one ran in yesterday's Cedar Rapids Gazette:

Distrust and Tension Continue to Plague Riverside

Since the opening of the Riverside Casino in 2006 city government has had to respond to major changes in city revenue and operation. This had led to a lot of tension among residents and has played out in city government and council meetings. The proposed One University Heights development would significantly increase U-Heights tax revenue. While any increase would not be as dramatic as Riverside's, we would do well to think about how changes would need to be handled.

January Council Meeting Summary

U-Heights City Council held their regular January meeting January 14th, here are some highlights:

Streets and Sidewalks news:
Committee Chair  Virginia Miller announced that residents with concerns about unshoveled sidewalks can email her at virginia@university-heights.org
Miller also announced she has secured $1000 in tree planting grant funds from Mid American Energy for new street trees. That amount has  been matched by HILLS BANK (correction from email) and Midwest One Bank for a total of $2000 toward new trees. High pedestrian traffic areas with little shade would be prime places to begin planting in the spring.

MVP's of 2013 
As is her tradition, Mayor From recognized volunteers' outstanding service to U-Heights in 2013. Honorees were:
Carol Christiansen and Pat Yeggy for the city garden club work on the plantings next to Stella.
Chris Luzzie the founder and Chair of the University Heights Community Fund.
John McLure city videographer who has filmed city council and other important meetings as a volunteer.
Al Wells who has cared for the Triangle Park and shelter area. This has included mowing and planting flowers.

FY2015 Budget Planning
Finance Chair Jim Lane has begun to gather department budget information. Council will discuss this further at their February meeting. By state law an adopted FY15 Budget must be submitted to the Johnson County Auditor no later than March 15, 2014. FY 15 begins July 1, 2014.

Boards and Comissions:
Mayor Louise From announced new members appointed to the following:
Board of Adjustment: Randall Aitchison
Zoning Commission: Stuart Rosebrook, Pat Yeggy

Mayor From and the council thanked outgoing members Michael Flaum from Board of Adjustment and Pat Bauer from Zoning for their faithful service to the city.

 Council members being sworn into office.

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January City Council Meetings

With the start of a new term for the city council and mayor there are two regularly scheduled meetings this month. On Tuesday, January 7th, at 7:00 PM, the council will hold an orientation session in the city office at 1004 Melrose Ave. The agenda for that meeting can be found here:

Council Orientation Agenda

Mayor Louise From has announced the following council assignments:

• Mayor Pro Tem- Silvia Quezada
• Building/Zoning/Sanitation Chair- Silvia Quezada
• Community Protection Co-Chairs- Mike Haverkamp & Zadok Nampala
• eGovernment Chairs- Mike Haverkamp
• Finance Chair- Jim Lane
• Streets and Sidewalks Chair- Virginia Miller
• Community Relations contact- Virginia Miller

The regular 2nd Tuesday of the month council meeting will be held at 7:00 PM on January 14th, at a location to be determined.

Both meeting are open to the public.