Coralville Courier

Today's weather forecast and a four day outlook.  Check this page for the latest weather reports in the corridor area.  Up-to-date weather conditions for the Iowa City area are observed at the Iowa City, Iowa City Municipal Airport, IA.  For weather conditions specific to other cities outside the corridor area, just type in your zip code below.

Advertisement

IOWA CITY -- For the 36th consecutive year, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Iowa City for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or Annual Report, for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020.

The Government Finance Officers Association, or GFOA, awarded the Certificate of Achievement, the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting for “significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

The Annual Report is the document prepared after the fiscal year ends to report the City’s actual income, incurred expenses, and financial position in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The FY2020 report is available at icgov.org/budget.

The GFOA established the awards program in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to exceed minimum accounting requirements by preparing comprehensive annual financial reports that provide transparency and full disclosure, and then recognize cities, counties, states, school districts and other government entities that achieve that goal.

Annual financial reports submitted to the program for consideration for the award are reviewed by selected members of the GFOA professional staff and Special Review Committee, comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector financial reporting.

For more information, contact City of Iowa City Assistant Finance Director Nicole Davies at 319-356-5085 or nicole-davies@iowa-city.org.

Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community 

Cedar Rapids, IA, – The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded on September 9 and will be recognized at the NRPA Annual Conference on September 23.  

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. As part of the accreditation process, the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.

“We are excited to have received this designation from CAPRA, and be among 193 cities nationwide and two in Iowa who have met these rigorous standards. Accreditation is important to the City of Cedar Rapids because it demonstrates that we are constantly working to meet industry best standards,” said Jeff Pomeranz, City Manager.

The process for accreditation involved a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that resulted in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's visitations were held virtually. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years. The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network and the Council of State Executive Directors.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.

About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Permanent flood control measures continue to move forward throughout the community. Starting Monday, September 20, construction will begin in the Czech Village District on a rolling floodgate at 16^th Avenue SW. This work extends flood control measures already completed in this area, which includes an earthen flood levee that stretches from the Linn County Solid Waste Agency to 16^th Avenue SW.  

The 16^th Avenue Bridge will be closed to vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic from fall 2021 until spring 2022. Trail traffic will be detoured onto 12^th Avenue SW.  

The 16^th Avenue SW floodgate – similar to the one already completed on the SE side of the bridge – will roll across the road in times of flood emergencies, protecting the neighborhood and community from rising flood waters. The project also includes the installation of a decorative gateway arch that will welcome residents and visitors into the Czech Village. A similar arch will also be installed on the east side of the bridge. The floodgate is scheduled for completion summer 2022.  

Future work in this area includes the construction of a permanent full height floodwall at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. The floodwall will extend from 16th Avenue SW to 12th Avenue SW, and includes a raised, terraced yard to accommodate outdoor activities at the museum and minimize the appearance of the floodwall. Landscaping enhancements are also planned near the Czech Village Clock Tower. The floodwall is scheduled for completion 2023.  

Other flood control work currently underway in the Czech Village District includes the installation of a new underground stormwater gate, which will close during Cedar River flood emergencies. The new gate will prevent river water from backing up into the City’s storm sewer system and causing street flooding. The gate will also reduce the City’s reliance on plugs and pumps that are annually deployed as temporary protection during high river events. The underground gate is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.  

In addition to the levee, underground gate, floodgate and floodwall, future plans for this area also include a pump station that will be installed adjacent to the NCSML.

Iowa City's Deer Bow Hunt will begin Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. The bow hunt season will continue through Jan. 10, 2022.

The bow hunt is part of the City’s Long-Term Deer Management Plan, which includes one year of professional sharpshooting in 2019 and an urban bow hunt in 2020 – 2024. The hunts are held only on private property and conducted by the property owner or those with permission from the owner. Before hunting is allowed, Permission to Hunt on Private Property and Waiver of Separation forms must be submitted to the police department and approved.

No bows can be fired within 150 feet of any trail, road, park, school, sidewalk, or right-of-way. Additionally, no bows can be fired within 150 of a home or property line without an owner’s permission. Hunt rules are available on the City website at icgov.org/Urban-Bow-Hunt or at the Iowa City Police Department, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa.

How to apply:

Interested hunters must submit an application and have it approved before hunting. Applications are available here. Applications are available as a fillable PDF or can be downloaded and handwritten. A copy of the hunter's Iowa Department of Natural Resources Hunting License must be included with the application.

Completed applications must be emailed to zach-diersen@iowa-city.org or delivered to the Iowa City Police Department, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240, by no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 20. Applications will be processed by the Iowa City Police Department. 

Don't veer for deer

The Iowa City Police Department would like to remind motorists to be extra vigilant to avoid deer collisions this time of year. Deer activity will increase in the coming weeks as the peak of breeding season approaches, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Deer will be more active during the dawn and dusk periods, when more motorists will be driving due to shorter days.

Motorists can help avoid deer collisions by slowing down and remaining alert while driving, particularly near potential deer crossings, such as creeks, fence lines or breaks in the tree line. If deer enter the roadway, drivers are reminded to not "veer for deer" and risk entering the ditch or hitting oncoming vehicles. 

A map of all car crashes in Iowa City involving animals - the majority of which involve deer - dating back to 2016 can be found here. The map also includes the estimated damage caused by each collision.

To learn more about Iowa City’s Deer Population Management Program, visit icgov.org/deerprogram.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance will be holding the Cedar Rapids Farmers’ Market this Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 7:30 a.m. (set up beings at 5:00 a.m.) until 12:00 p.m. (tear down ends by 1:00 p.m.). This year, the following streets will be utilized for the event:

• 2nd Avenue SE from 1^st Street (not inclusive) to 5^th Street
• 3rd Avenue SE from 1^st Street (not inclusive) to 5^th Street
• 4th Avenue SE from 1^st Street (no inclusive) to 5^th Street
• 2nd Street SE from 1^st Avenue (not inclusive) to 4^th Avenue
• 3rd Street SE from 1^st Avenue ( not inclusive) to 4^th Avenue
• 5th Street SE from 1^st Avenue (not inclusive) to 4^th Avenue

Additionally, a “No Parking/Tow Away” zone will be enforced on these streets from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. per Municipal Code Sections 61.094 and 61.094A. Guests of the Market are encouraged to use the 4^th Avenue, GTC, 5 Seasons, or Convention Complex parking ramps located within a few blocks of the Market. For additional parking information, please visit www.parkcedarrapids.com. Parking ramps are handicapped-accessible and market patrons with special needs are encouraged to use those areas.

Please visit Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance for additional information.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library will be holding BrewNost, an international beer and food tasting fundraiser, this Friday, September 17, 2021, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  The cul-de-sac portion of Inspiration Place SW will be closed for the event.  The closing of the cul-de-sac will not impede traffic flow between Inspiration Place and 15^th Avenue SW.

Please see the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library website for additional information at https://www.ncsml.org/ncsml-events/brewnost/.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The City of Cedar Rapids will unveil the new city flag selected by residents on September 18, 2021 at 10:00 am in the Cedar Rapids Public Library downtown location main lobby area.

In 2019 the City of Cedar Rapids began public outreach asking residents to submit design ideas, colors, shapes and symbols for a new flag. The goal was to create a flag that reflects the city and incorporates citizen input and ideas. The city put the project on hold because of the pandemic and derecho.

After the public input process that launched the project, local volunteer graphic designers helped take the public input and create several possible designs. Members of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) provided two rounds of ratings, comments and suggestions on the submitted designs. A local committee used NAVA feedback and resident input to select four final designs.

The City of Cedar Rapids invited Cedar Rapids residents to help pick a new city flag by ranking their favorite of four designs throughout the month of August. The top choice selected by residents will become the new Cedar Rapids flag.

A city flag is a symbol of pride for the community. Cedar Rapids residents will also drive how it is used. All design files will be publicly available for printing and other community uses. Local businesses interested in creating flag merchandise are encouraged to contact the city at CityFlag@cedar-rapids.org.

IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, beginning on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, the main yard of Thornberry Off-leash Dog Park will be closed to the public. The two side yards will remain open throughout the project.

The closure will facilitate park maintenance. It is anticipated that the work will take about three days to be completed and the park will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies are joining Iowa’s statewide Traffic Fatality Reduction Task Force in an effort to reduce deaths on Iowa roadways. As part of that effort the Cedar Rapids Police Department, will be conducting a special enforcement initiative geared toward reduction of speeding drivers on September 16. This time period is one of the most deadly in the state according to the past 10 years of crash data.

Since the start of the pandemic, Iowa has seen a significant increase in drivers greatly exceeding the speed limit, putting everyone on the road in danger.  Recent data released from the Iowa State Patrol, tracking speeding violations from January 1 through December 31, 2020, shows a 74 percent increase in drivers exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph or more.

Even more alarming are patterns in the data identifying that a total of 1,497 drivers were cited for speeds that exceeded 100 mph. Violations for these flagrant speeds increased 108 percent compared to the four-year average.

The eventual goal for fatalities in Iowa is ZERO, but the incremental goal for 2021 is under 300, down from 338 in 2020. If achieved, this will be the first time Iowa traffic fatalities were under 300 lives since 1925.

About the Iowa Traffic Fatality Reduction Task Force

Iowa’s multi-discipline Traffic Fatality Reduction Task Force was created in 2021 to implement educational, enforcement and legislative initiatives to help Iowa achieve the target of less than 300 traffic fatalities annually, with the ultimate goal of zero fatalities. Enforcement is one key element to reduce fatalities. The task force is led by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa State Patrol. For more information on the task force and its work, contact Alex Dinkla, Iowa State Patrol at 515-443-6644 or dinkla@dps.state.ia.us