Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cedar Rapids public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in public safety with high priority
Police chief search transparency
Advocates for Social Justice says the city was slow to respond to written requests about the police chief search and wants community members on the search committee, community panels, and public finalist events.
Dangerous dog enforcement
The city is replacing its 2005 animal control laws with a modern code legalizing trap-neuter-return for community cats, allowing goat/sheep grazing, and tightening animal event rules. Advocates say it will cut shelter intakes and stop punishing caregivers.
Fire Chief Appointment
Brent Smith, a 24-year veteran of the department, becomes fire chief October 7. Council members tied the appointment to November's fire bond measure for stations and a training facility.
$60 Million Fire Department Bond Election
Voters will decide November 3 on up to $60 million in bonds to relocate Stations 2 and 8, rebuild Stations 5 and 6, refurbish Stations 4 and 9, build a training facility and buy new trucks. It's the fire department's first major facilities ask in 32 years and would cost about $2 a month on a $100,000 home. Retired firefighters and the union backed it strongly, citing cancer-risk reduction, response times and the city's nearly-lost ISO insurance rating.