Government Notes: Uptown Marion Seeks Input on District’s Future

Uptown Marion Main Street is asking for feedback via a survey to help shape the future of the growing Uptown district.

The survey is designed to gather insights into experiences, preferences and ideas for future improvements in the area. The survey is open until August 16. To participate in the survey, go to: polco.us/sbfmaa.

Two previous studies provided insights that helped shape the district’s economic growth and attract new businesses. Now, with many improvements in place, the new study will help Uptown Main Street determine the next steps in the district’s future growth.

“We often hear from people sharing their feelings about where Marion should go moving forward, and this is a perfect opportunity to make your voice heard,” Ben Davis, owner of The Marion Chocolate Shop and chair of the Uptown Advisory Board, said in a statement. “The Uptown Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce, City of Marion staff and elected officials will review the data provided in these studies and take it into consideration when making future planning decisions.”

The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. All answers are confidential.

Public meeting to share information about solar energy project proposal

A public meeting will be held Wednesday to provide information about a solar energy project to be built in Linn County.

Duane Arnold Solar IV LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, plans to file an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity with the Iowa Utilities Commission to obtain approval to develop a solar energy project southwest of Center Point.

NextEra has led the development of two other solar projects in Linn County: Duane Arnold Solar 1, which produces 50 megawatts of electricity and was completed March 31; and Duane Arnold Solar 2, which will produce 150 megawatts and be operational by the end of this year.

Duane Arnold Solar IV would have the capacity to generate and/or capture up to 220 megawatts of energy and store up to 180 megawatts. The Iowa Utilities Commission will decide whether to grant the certificate.

The Iowa Utilities Commission has scheduled a public information meeting to discuss the proposed Duane Arnold Solar IV project. The meeting is open to the public and will include project developers and representatives from the Iowa Utilities Commission. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4601 Sixth St. SW, Cedar Rapids.

Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions or provide comments about the projects. Individuals with disabilities who require assistive devices or services to observe or participate should contact the Iowa Utilities Commission at (515) 725-7300 prior to the scheduled date to request that appropriate arrangements be made.

A PowerPoint presentation will be given at the information session. Additional information about the projects is available on the project website and Facebook page www.DuaneArnoldSolar.com and Facebook.com/DuaneArnoldSolarIV.

If the weather is bad, the Iowa Utilities Commission will set a new date for the information meeting.

Marion project focuses on safety at major intersection

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes around the intersection of Highway 100 and East Post Road in Marion after construction began there this month.

The intersection sees more than 35,000 vehicles daily and the work being done will impact traffic. Initially, the outer lanes of Highway 100 will be closed in both directions.

During construction, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. Traffic cameras at the intersection will remain operational and have been adjusted to reflect the new speed limit. City officials also warn that fines in the work zone will double.

The project, which will take approximately three months to complete, is intended to improve safety and traffic capacity at the intersection. The scope of work includes replacing traffic signals, adding eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes, a new westbound right-turn lane, and safety features such as advanced warning signs to alert oncoming traffic that vehicles ahead are stopped.

The project is funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Improvement Program. More information about the project can be found at cityofmarion.org/enotify.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Part of Prestigious City Leadership Initiative

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell is part of the eighth class of mayors and senior city officials participating in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

This year-long professional management training program provides city leaders with the tools and expertise to “expand their problem-solving capabilities, strengthen their city halls, and improve outcomes for residents as cities increasingly face global challenges,” according to a press release.

The 2024 class includes 39 mayors and 78 senior leaders from 11 countries across five continents. O’Donnell and Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen are among the 27 U.S. mayors participating and are the only Iowa mayors participating.

The program, co-founded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, has trained 314 mayors and more than 540 senior city leaders in 33 countries and six continents since its launch in 2017.

“As national governments increasingly rely on cities to help them achieve their goals, there has never been a greater need to invest in the capacity of mayors and local leaders to do big things,” said Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP and New York City’s 108th mayor, in a statement.

“Our Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is designed to help mayors become more effective managers, build strong teams, and learn from the successes of other cities. This diverse class of leaders comes from 11 countries, and we look forward to helping them deliver results for the millions of residents they serve.”

Clear Creek Amana Hosts Active Shooter Training

The Clear Creek Amana Community School District will host an active shooter drill at the high school, middle school, parking lots and west campus on Friday, August 2 from 8 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m.

The training activity may seem like a real emergency, but it is merely an exercise coordinated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release from the county.

There is no danger to anyone, but the school district is asking the public to stay off campus during practices. This is a no-contact period for all Iowa schools, so there are no scheduled camps, practices, drills, or activities scheduled for the week of July 28 through August 4.

The parking lots next to Clear Creek Amana High School, 551 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin, and the high school, 311 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin, will be closed during practice from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trails near the school will also be closed during this time.

Highway 6 and Roberts Ferry Road remain open, but expect possible short traffic delays due to the large deployment of law enforcement and emergency services during the exercise.

The City of Tiffin will post signs to indicate areas that are closed to the public.

The training exercise enables agencies to work cooperatively and in close coordination with each other to prepare for emergencies in the community. Information gathered during the training is used by agencies to analyze the response and strengthen multi-agency coordination.

Mercer Park Aquatic Center Swimming Pool Closed for Maintenance

The Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool in Iowa City will be closed for scheduled maintenance beginning July 22. The pool is expected to reopen for regular service beginning August 5.

The Robert A. Lee Pool and City Park Pool will be open during normal business hours during the closure of the Mercer Park pool.

North Liberty Officers Honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

North Liberty Police Officers Jeffrey McVey and Spencer Maddow were awarded the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hero Award for their work enforcing and educating drivers on drunk driving laws.

MADD Iowa honored 37 officers nominated by people in their department.

“These officers have dedicated their efforts to saving lives through proactive traffic enforcement and public education, making Iowa a safer place for everyone,” Todd Olmstead, DUI and DRE coordinator for the Governor’s Office of Traffic Safety, said in a news release.

Government Notes is published Mondays and features updates from regional government agencies. Gazette reporters Marissa Payne, Grace King and Megan Woolard contributed.