August 21st, 2023 Meeting Minutes | Call to order: 7:01pm
Attendance: Amy Hall-Haney, Nicole Schroeder, George Heeren, Rose Heetland, Gaylon Heetland, Matt Wagner

• Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney - Current bank balance is $3,482.56, including expenses from National Night Out. Pending reimbursement of $254.63. Amy will be submitting the reimbursement next week. 
  • George commented on the solid bank balance we have been carrying the last few years, due to our increased fundraising efforts. He and Nicole have discussed to end the CANA Connect fundraiser. 
    • Gaylon Heetland commented that he would like to continue to connect with existing sponsors and not continue on with outreach for new sponsors. He will continue his sponsorship commitment. Nicole will reach out to the other sponsors from 2021 and 2022 and not do any mailers or email outreach for additional sponsors. Businesses and organizations can still reach out to CANA to be added to the website or additional advertising opportunities through CANA Connect. 
• CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - Not in attendance, no report
• CRFD Update - Chief Smith - Review Neighborhood News. YARDY cart reminders to keep it light and avoid putting in branches and logs that are too big. Fire safety reminders as fall approaches. Recreational fires are allowed in the city and away from structures, but you must have the ability to extinguish the fire. Embers in the ash will continue to smolder for a few days, even if the container is cool. Reminder to neighbors to stay cool and keep an eye out for Linn County Emergency Management Agency will provide cooling shelters in the community.
  • George asked about homeless population getting information on the cooling shelters provided by Linn County EMA. Chief commented that Linn County EMA has that information published and agencies communicate those details to shelters and otherwise.  George also asked about the overflow shelter. Chief shared that it opens for the winter weather in November. It isn’t open in the summer. 
• City Update - Jeff Wozencraft/Ashley Vanorny - Not in attendance, no report
• SAFE CR - Matt Wagner - Majority of current nuisance properties are being reported, due to lack of yard care. Currently 516 active nuisance properties in Cedar Rapids. Weeds are the biggest issue compared to actual grass. 
  • George started discussion on unkept properties. Comments were shared on how to handle neighbor concerns on unkept properties. Discussion of neighborhood properties that have been approached and handled through SAFE-CR. 
• City Councilmember - Scott Olson - Not in attendance, will be attending in September 
  • Gaylon Heetland is curious on the current sidewalk policy is. 18th St SW does not have any sort of sidewalks installed, so it must not be a part of the Complete Streets Policy. It is one of the most needed streets to help students get to/from Jefferson High School. There are not even sidewalk cut outs for driveways. 
• Park Updates - George Heeren 
  • Pavilion roof - We have not yet heard back on this. We are waiting on a bid and timeframe from Parks and Rec. The roof is sagging now and needs to be replaced. 
  • Parking lot - Expansion has begun! They have added rock and about eight more spots are available. They will be repaving the lot and adding formal spots. 
  • Mural opportunity - George is interested in adding a mural on the wall of the pavilion. Betsy Borchardt recommended we connect with Stephanie Schaffer at the city. George spoke with her and shared our vision for the park to be a destination space for all of the City that is inclusive, and he shared that he’s interested in bringing in a local artist to do the work. She estimated that it would be between $3,000-$4,000 for the inside wall in the pavilion to be painted professionally. There are special materials that will be needed for painting it and protecting it from the sun and weather. Since it’s primarily shaded, it would be ideal. There are grant opportunities for paint supplies to be paid for, but we would be responsible for labor/artwork costs. We will need to collect ideas for design and set money aside for the pavilion to be painted by an artist. George will look into this more and report at a future meeting. 
    • Amy asked about new picnic tables in the pavilion. George shared that the City has a group that’s interested in contributing to new ADA-compliant tables to Cleveland Park. The money we have put aside for that in our budget from past years will be put towards the pavilion upgrades. 
    • George shared that neighbors are happy with more of the cleanup efforts from those who are participating in activities at the park. The trash cans we’ve added to the park have really come in handy. Rose commented on the extra efforts from the City representative that comes to the park to collect the trash. He walks the park for extra clean up. 
• National Night Out Recap - Nicole Schroeder - We had approximately 120 neighbors in attendance on Tuesday, August 1st! Many return neighbors from past years and many who are new to the neighborhood. Burgers and hot dogs were grilled by Hillside Wesleyan Church’s team and side dishes were served by their volunteers. HyVee donated some of the food and CANA took care of the rest. Neighbors were generous in sharing sides and desserts. Many City officials and agency representatives attended. Photos are on our Facebook page and website. The weather was perfect! 
• October event ideas - George Heeren - George is interested in hosting one more event this year. He’s interested in organizing a Trunk-or-Treat or some sort of fall festival this year in partnership with one of the local churches on 1st Ave NW. Ideas shared were outdoor games, coloring and craft stations, dunk tank, photo booth, or some sort of meal after the trunk-or-treat event. Nicole commented that it should be in similar size to National Night Out since we have such a short turnaround time. We’re looking at the afternoon of Saturday 10/28 from 3-5pm. Budget, partners, and activities  will be finalized at the next CANA meeting.  
• Other Business
  • Rose Heetland is concerned about the ongoing issue with the dogs that run loose in the park. She is also concerned about the big dogs that are playing on the playground with the little kids playing. Neighbors are encouraged to call the CRPD or Animal Control immediately to come to the park and address the concerns. 
    • George will be approaching the City about adding more signs. 
  • HyVee - Johnson Ave HyVee is hosting “Dog Days of Summer Adventure” from 11-3 on Saturday, August 26th with CRPD K9 unit, dunk tank, face painting, cotton candy, games, and bouncy house. Information is on their Facebook page. CANA is invited to host a table with information. George will be attending this event on behalf of CANA.
  • Upcoming events with Bridge to Opportunities - Calendar for September senior events will be shared in email post-meeting and on our website. 
    • Amy suggested that we invite the program organizers to our CANA meeting in September. Nicole will reach out to the Bridge to Opportunities email address about that. 
  • George is interested in hosting a Playtime Poppy or Theatre Cedar Rapids “theater in the park” event at Cleveland Park. This would include popcorn, a short performance, and everything is free and open to neighbors to attend. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm. 

Next Meeting: Monday, September 17th, 2023 at 7:00pm

​

Thank you to the 120+ guests in attendance at our National Night Out event at Cleveland Park on August 1st! We were thankful to be able to serve burgers and hot dogs provided by HyVee. Thank you to Hillside Wesleyan Church for grilling for us! 

We would also like to thank the CRPD, CRFD, Neighborhood Finance Corporation, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation, City of Cedar Rapids employees and councilmembers who stopped by our event. We appreciate your support year-round! 
​

Tuesday, August 1st is National Night Out at Cleveland Park! Join us from 5:30-7 at the pavilion for FREE burgers and hot dogs. Neighbors are invited to bring a side or dessert to share as we are calling tonight a potluck. Hope to see you there!
​
Thank you to Hy-Vee and Hillside Wesleyan Church for making our grill out possible.
​

June 19th, 2023 Meeting Minutes | Call to Order: 7:03pm
Attendance: George Heeren, Amy Hall-Haney, Nicole Schroeder, Matt Wagner, Jessica English, Denise Klemp, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, Chief Greg Smith, Councilwoman Ashley Vanorny

• Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney - Current balance:$3,058.45. We have paid out PO box, liability insurance, city permit for the fair, and Herky the Hawk. We will submit all safety fair receipts to the City. We still have about $4,000 in our City budget for FY23. 
  
• CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - Not in attendance/No report
  
• CRFD Update - Chief Smith - Review of Neighborhood News. New fire and police dogs are part of the team! The CRPD and CRFD introduced them at the June 3rd farmer’s market. Arson detection dog is named Wally. His handler trained long hours and long days in Maine to learn how to work with him. Ranger is the bloodhound and he’s still in training with CRPD. Reminder that fireworks in City are prohibited but are locally for sale. There is also a new solid waste schedule for many neighborhoods across town. CRFD Public Safety will be sharing information on proper hot ashes and coal disposal with outdoor fire pits and barbecues. Dry weather lately is a higher risk for fires, so please be safe. CRFD recently had a peer accreditation in town and CRFD was recommended for accreditation for international status. This week is the final week of the CRFD Fire Academy. 
  
• Councilwoman Ashley Vanorny - Ashley shared positive comments on the CRFD. Commented on the success of the safety and wellness fair at the park. Ashley commented on the Downtown Farmers Market footprint and scheduling his summer as well as Newbo City Market events. Ashley shared comments on road construction progress on 1st Avenue. She shared that she is appreciative of neighbors being patient with the cones and construction workers.  
  
• City Mayor - Tiffany O’Donnell - Mayor shared positive comments on the safety and wellness fair. City had multiple events going on that day, including Bike the District and CR Pride Parade. The splash pad is getting a new controller installed in the coming days. New locks are on the restroom doors. New swingset will be installed in the next 2-3 weeks! New ADA upgrades will be in the next month. The Cleveland Park parking lot is tentatively scheduled for end of August/September. Pavilion roof plan is still in progress. Rollin’ Recmobile is scheduled for Monday mornings at Cleveland Park and the CRPL Mobile Tech Lab on Wednesdays. Downtown Vision Plan is underway and surveys are available to the public. Last survey was done in 2017, so neighbors are encouraged to take the survey.  West side flood control and 1st/1st West construction is underway as well as Paving for Progress updates near CANA limits.  The inaugural Mayor’s Youth Conference will be this fall at the library to connect young people to the City long-term. 
  
  • George Heeren asked about Spot the Hot. Chief Smith commented on this and shared the information from Neighborhood News. This information will be in the email tonight. Nicole Schroeder asked about the heat relief centers in town and if that was a part of this data collection. Chief Smith explained that those are actually provided through Linn County Emergency Management, not the City. 
    
  • Denise Klemp asked about the low income housing shortage. Mayor Tiffany commented on the large number of units that are being built currently with tax incentives, but the need is high. There is not enough low-income housing. By 2030, the City will need more housing overall (not just low-income housing units). Councilwoman Vanorny explained that we had a housing shortage pre-derecho, but it’s even more significant now. The City feasibility study shows we are short thousands of units currently, but will be even more as industries grow in/around Cedar Rapids. Mayor also commented on the “Missing Middle” as we have a large housing gap between low-income and current market rate. This includes young professionals in our community, which are the people we want to live here. The City is actively working on these needs and concerns. 
    
• SAFE-CR - Matt Wagner - 498 calls for service in Cedar Rapids, 16 nuisance property abatement plans which is an increase from year’s past. In 550 total nuisance properties in Cedar Rapids, 192 are rental and 358 are owner-occupied. CRPD is who to call about fireworks in the area. The larger displays that could cause property damage or injuries are the top priority in Cedar Rapids and the dry weather creates a higher risk as well. Neighbors shared feedback on experiences in CANA limits with fireworks being illegally displayed. 
  
• Community Safety & Wellness Fair 2023 Wrap-Up - George Heeren - The event was hosted on Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 1pm at Cleveland Park. We had 18 information stations, over an estimated $400 in craft and school supply donations from Staples, two bike giveaways, two car seat giveaways, $100+ in giveaway gift certificates from Kwik Star, 16th Avenue Grill, and CR Kernels, just shy of 150 attendees, nearly 50 volunteers, almost 100 helmets fitted on kiddos, a whole bunch of hot dogs served thanks to HyVee, popsicles, three hours of fun, and ONE VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT!!! THANK YOU to everyone who attended and all of our sponsors and volunteers who helped make it happen. Photos are available on our CANA Facebook page and our website. 
  
• National Night Out - Nicole Schroeder - Scheduled for Tuesday, August 1st from 5:30-7pm. In the past, we’ve hosted a potluck style event at Cleveland Park. CANA will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Hillside will grill for us at the park. 
  
  • Nicole Schroeder made a motion to spend $50 on Facebook ads for National Night Out. Denise Klemp seconded this motion. All in favor, none opposed. Nicole will set up the ads and communicate the plan with CRPD and CRFD. 
    
• Other Business 
  
  • Garden at Cleveland School - Amy Hall-Haney asked about spending on this. Denise Klemp will work on this as it has kind of fallen to the side.
    
  • Ashley Vanorny shared the Starbucks now offers free coffee grounds to add to your garden as part of their sustainability initiatives. 
    
  • George Heeren shared that CANA has approximately $4,000 left in our budget this year. George has spoken with Tyler at Parks and Rec about the roof project. The $4,000 won’t cover the whole project, but we could use CANA funds this year and next year towards it and have the City match. 
    
    • George Heeren made a motion to spend the remaining CANA funds for current fiscal year to put towards the project. Denise Klemp seconded it. Nicole Schroeder asked about the soffit being replaced during the construction as well. George said that he will confirm, but he assumed that would be part of the project as the plywood is damaged from moisture currently. All in favor, none opposed in the vote. 
      
      • George will communicate with Tyler our financial commitment to the project and get a timeline for bids and construction setup. 
        
        
        

Meeting adjourned at 8:04pm.  

Next Meeting: Monday, July 17th, 2023 at 7:00pm

May 15th, 2023  Meeting Agenda | Call to Order: 7:01pm
Attendance: George Heeren, Amy Hall-Haney, Lt. Matt Welsh, Chief Greg Smith, Matt Wagner, Denise Klemp, Jessica English, Donna Anderson, Mayaken Yoder

• Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney - Ending balance on 4/30/23: $2,071.18. This amount includes a $250 CANA Connect sponsorship from HyVee and postcards. We have checks out for $176 (post office box) and $80 (safety fair city permit fee). Our balance with those outstanding checks taken into consideration is $1,715.18. We have a $400 pending payment for insurance. Amy will be submitting that payment soon. 
• CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - Review of CRPD Calls for Service through 5/15/23. 15 recruits for CRPD’s current class of potential officers. No details on Williams Blvd at this time, but two deaths in the motor vehicle accident were reported. 
• CRFD Update - Chief Smith - Review of Neighborhood News. CRFD is one short of full capacity on firefighters right now. There are multiple upcoming retirements that will lead to open positions this summer. CRFD will be coming to the Safety and Wellness Fair as Megan will be stepping in for Sydney in Public Education/Events this summer while Sydney is out on maternity leave. 
  • George Heeren asked about high school training/education opportunities to get students interested at a younger age. CRFD only has a connection with Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection at this time. 
• SAFE-CR/City Update - Matt Wagner - There are a couple of hundred active nuisance properties in all of Cedar Rapids right now. The biggest issue this time of year is grass height and lack of mowing. City does not observe “No Mow May” so all properties should be mowed. Have you seen a property that is overgrown with noxious weeds or tall grass? If you have, call 319-286-5897 and report the address. SAFE-CR will send an Official Notice to the property owner, and then a Nuisance Abatement Worker will do a follow-up inspection within 4 days of sending the Official Notice. If a property owner has failed to mow their property, the City of Cedar Rapids will authorize the mowing of the property and bill the property owner. If the property owner fails to pay their bill for the mowing, the charges are assessed against the property. 
• Community Safety & Wellness Fair 2023 - George Heeren - Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 1pm at Cleveland Park! Park reservation permit is paid for. Waiting for a new certificate of insurance for the City. HyVee has been confirmed for food as we will be hosting a free picnic lunch. Jessica English and friends from Hillside Church will be helping prepare the food. Mr. Shucks has also been confirmed as an additional mascot. We will have one more planning meeting. Marketing materials are going out this week. Sponsorships are still available. Questions should be directed to Nicole Schroeder at clevelandpark108@gmail.com. 
• Other Business
  • Neighborhood Clean-Up Day Recap - George Heeren - Neighbors picked up four bags of trash. It was rainy, but it was a good morning to clean up the neighborhood! 
  • Mayaken Yoder - Cleveland PTA would love to get more involved in CANA efforts. PTA is currently taking food donations and delivering them to students/families as food insecurity is a major issue at Cleveland Elementary School. 
  • Donna Anderson - Christ Church Presbyterian - Hosting VBS this summer as well as neighborhood picnics on 6/3, 7/11, and 8/8. Interested in opportunities to connect with CANA and share information online and in the park. 
  • Nicole Schroeder will be back at our June meeting. We are still seeking volunteers to assist with the live streaming setup at meetings. 

Next Meeting: Monday, June 19th, 2023 at 7:00pm

​

The Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association is beyond excited to partner with Safe Kids Linn County again in 2023 to bring back our 4th Annual Community Safety & Wellness Fair at Cleveland Park on Saturday, June 10th. This year's fair will run from 10am to 1pm for families in Linn County.

Admission is FREE. No pre-registration or tickets required. Registration will be at the welcome tents at the event.

Children and families will have the opportunity to check out safety stations with information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, poison and drug safety, heart health, fire safety, and a variety of local agencies providing community resources, including Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Central Furniture Rescue, Heart and Solutions, UnityPoint, HACAP, and more. There will be yard games, crafts, and other fun activities for families to participate in.

​Those who attend will have the opportunity to enter to win a car seat, bicycle helmets, gift cards, and other special prizes. Special guests at the fair will include some of our local mascot friends - and a few other surprise guests!

The Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association welcomes families to enjoy the splash pad and playground at Cleveland Park as well as join us for lunch. Lunch will be served from 11am to 1pm. This picnic lunch includes a hot dog, chips, cookies, and bottled water for FREE!

Donations are also welcome and will go back to the association to continue to produce free community events in the neighborhood. For sponsorship information or if you have any questions, please send inquiries to clevelandpark108@gmail.com.

Q: When is the event? Where is the event?
A: The fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 1pm at Cleveland Park. 

Q: How much does it cost? Who can attend? 
A: Event admission is free! Registration will be at the event at the welcome table. Children and families of all ages are welcome. 

Q: Is there food?
A: There is a FREE picnic lunch available. Lunch will be served between 11am and 1pm in the pavilion. The meal includes a hot dog, chips, cookie, and a bottle of water. 

Q: Are there bathrooms?
A: Yes, Cleveland Park has a pavilion with restrooms. 

Q: What happens if there is bad weather? 
A: The fair will be held in the event of good weather or even in slight rain. If there is a risk of severe weather, the fair will be canceled. It will not be rescheduled in 2023. 

Q: How do I enter to win the prizes?
A: To enter to win the prizes, you’ll be asked to submit your “Event Passport” completed with your name and contact information after visiting all of the booths. When you arrive, stop by the registration table to pick up your Event Passport. With the Event Passport, you will need to stop at each booth and get a signature or sticker from a booth representative. 

Q: Who is eligible to win the prizes?
A: Prizes will be given away at 11:30am and 12:45pm. You must be present to win. 

Q: What organizations will be represented at the fair?
A: Organizations will include, but are not limited to, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids Fire Department, HACAP, Central Furniture Rescue, Amerigroup Iowa, and more 

Q: What activities are there? 
A: There will be booths with kids’ activities and information for families, yard games, and crafts. The playground and splash pad will also be open at Cleveland Park.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Feel free to contact clevelandpark108@gmail.com and your question will be directed to the best event volunteer. 
​