August 2022

Join Us September 1 for a Community Conversation on Resiliency

The public is invited to a community conversation on resiliency hosted by Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids on September 1 at 6 p.m. at CSPS Hall (1103 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids).

This event will include a panel discussion on community resiliency and how local leaders are working to improve local disaster recovery capabilities just as this community and other parts of Iowa marked the two-year anniversary of the August 10, 2020 derecho. Learn more about the event.

Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids Announce Release of Community Resilience Project Final Report

Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids have released the final report for the Community Resilience Project: Improving Disaster Recover Capabilities facilitated and authored by Collective Clarity. The Community Resilience Project was conceived by Linn County and Cedar Rapids leaders in an effort to capture critical learning from the August 10, 2020 derecho and grow the capabilities of Linn County communities and organizations to collaborate effectively during the recovery phase of a disaster. This project was a countywide effort that included collaboration with surrounding jurisdictions and service providers, stakeholder interviews, a literature review, facilitated assessments, focused work groups, and a final review of observations and recommendations between December 2020 and October 2021.

The report notes that one of the most significant barriers to effective pre-planning and recovery strategies is the limited bandwidth of staff across jurisdictions and institutions and the need to address the tensions and limitations inherent in multiple accountabilities. See the full report and report recommendations.

Public Meetings to Review Duane Arnold Solar Applications

New Dates Announced for Review of Duane Arnold Solar LLC Utility-Scale Solar Rezoning Applications

New meeting dates are now scheduled for the Linn County Board of Supervisors to review the rezoning applications for the Duane Arnold Solar I and II utility-scale solar projects. The previously scheduled meetings were canceled because the required public notice was not issued in time. The rescheduled meeting dates are August 29, August 30, and September 6. All meetings will be held at the Palo Community Center at 6 p.m. Agendas for each of the meetings will be posted on Linn County’s website 24 hours in advance of each meeting. Learn more about these meetings and the solar rezoning review process.

Monkeypox Response and Vaccination

Since July 2022, local public health departments in Iowa have been coordinating with the state health department to investigate cases and contacts of monkeypox. The Iowa Department of Public Health is tracking cases in Iowa and sharing information on its website. Vaccine quantities are limited, however, individuals who may be at high risk of contracting monkeypox and have interest in receiving the Jynneos vaccine should complete this survey to determine if they are currently eligible and to register to receive the vaccine as it becomes more widely available. Stay informed about monkeypox, its symptoms, how it spreads, and actions you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Property Tax Payments Due September 30

The semiannual installment of property and mobile home tax statements have been mailed. The deadline to pay the first half of property taxes without penalty is September 30, 2022. A penalty of one and one half percent will attach to late payments beginning October 1, 2022. Learn about payment options and sign up for payment reminders.

Linn County Attorney’s Office Completes Investigation into the Officer-Involved Shooting on July 30, 2022

The Linn County Attorney’s Office has completed an investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of Glass Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 30, 2022. The incident involved Cedar Rapids Police Officers Blair Klostermann and Matt Jenatscheck, both of whom discharged their service weapons at Brandon Nelson, 23, of Cedar Rapids. Brandon Nelson sustained at least 3 gunshot wounds from being shot at by these two officers. He had wounds to his left lower abdomen, his left chest and his left tibia. Nelson survived his injuries. Through the investigation, which included review of squad car and body cam footage, County Attorney Nick Maybanks concluded the shooting in this case was justified and criminal charges against the officers are not warranted. Learn more about the incident, investigation, and conclusion.

Interactive Public Art Installed at the Harris Building

A new piece of public art was installed at Linn County’s Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building. Artist Madeline Wiener was onsite August 26 installing the art. The installation included use of an overhead crane to lower two stone sculptures onto a concrete pad. The outdoor artwork is two stone sculptures shaped as abstract people who are actually benches. These sculptures are the newest ‘members’ of what Wiener refers to as her “Bench People” series and are meant to be interactive with the community, inviting people to sit on them and become part of the sculpture itself. Wiener creates her Bench People as one-of-a-kind, site-specific sculptures. Learn more about the art piece.

Bench People Sculpture at the Harris Building

Get Nuts with Linn County Conservation!

The Linn County Conservation Department invites you to collect and share your nuts and acorns because nuts grow to be trees! Help the Conservation Department replant and restore the Linn County public woodlands by donating acorns and hickory nuts you may have that can be used within the forests of Wanatee and Morgan Creek Parks. Linn County forests sustained significant damage from the 2020 derecho with over 70 percent of the tree canopy lost in some areas. These donated nuts will be planted later this fall in a 15-acre area that has been cleared of derecho debris with new seedling trees. Plans are to host a public nut planting program later this fall. Learn more about the type of nuts needed and where to drop them off.

Most Linn County Offices to Close in Observance of Labor Day

Most Linn County governmental offices will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. Learn which services will remain operational.

13 Local Organizations Receive $200,000 in Economic and Community Development Funds

The Linn County Board of Supervisors recently awarded $200,000 in economic and community development funding to 13 Linn County organizations through an annual competitive application process. The Linn County Economic and Community Development Fund fosters and supports economic growth and enhances quality of life in Linn County.

Upcoming Events

August 29 Board of Supervisors Public Hearing and First Consideration of Duane Arnold Solar Application
August 29 Interactive Rain Garden Build
August 30 Board of Supervisors Second Consideration of Duane Arnold Solar Application
September 1 Community Conversation on Resiliency
September 1 Five Seasons Stand Down
September 6 Board of Supervisors Third Consideration of Duane Arnold Solar Application
Conservation Department Events

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