June 16, 2025 Meeting Agenda | Call to Order: 7:01pm
Attendance: Amy Hall-Haney, Nicole Schroeder, Valerie Smith, George Heeren, Matt Wagner, Chief Smith, Lt. Welsh, Gaylon Heetland, Rose Heetland, David Maier, Denise Klemp
Next Meeting: Monday, July 21st, 2025 at 7:00pm
Attendance: Amy Hall-Haney, Nicole Schroeder, Valerie Smith, George Heeren, Matt Wagner, Chief Smith, Lt. Welsh, Gaylon Heetland, Rose Heetland, David Maier, Denise Klemp
- Linn County Auditor’s Office - Valerie Smith - Review of the process of voting in Iowa. Iowa is waiting for the Secretary of State’s office for final notice of any changes for upcoming elections. Based on reading the current legislation, the upcoming changes will only affect US naturalized citizens. Election offices are not allowed to mail out request forms for absentee ballots. They can only send the absentee ballot request forms that are personally requested through the Election Office.
- George Heeren asked about where new US citizens can learn about candidates. The election office does not have that information available, but there are many resource groups within the city, as well as contacts within each political party locally, with which to connect. The Cedar Rapids Public Library also has a reference librarian on staff to get resources from.
- For voter registration, absentee ballot requests etc., go to LinnCountyIowa.gov/vote
- George Heeren asked about where new US citizens can learn about candidates. The election office does not have that information available, but there are many resource groups within the city, as well as contacts within each political party locally, with which to connect. The Cedar Rapids Public Library also has a reference librarian on staff to get resources from.
- How do I register to vote?
- Update Your Voter Registration or Register Online
(Must have an Iowa Driver's License or Non-operator ID) - How do I request an absentee ballot?
- Track your absentee ballot.
- Where do I vote? Enter your address to find your polling place.
- Who are my elected officials? Enter your address to find your elected officials.
- Election Calendar (PDF)
- Felon Voter Rights Restoration Information (PDF)
- Guide for voter registration drives (PDF)
- Guide to running an absentee campaign (PDF)
- Voting In Iowa - Step by Step (PDF)
- What's on the Ballot? (PDF)
- CRFD Update - Chief Smith - CRFD has seven in a recruitment class now, with three individuals being added. In late May, the Iowa Governor signed a new bill that allows all localities to discharge fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, as well as December 31st. Fireworks are for sale within City limits as well. On any day that discharge is not allowed, CRPD will come out for fireworks calls for service.
- David Maier shared thanks to CRFD and CRPD as they showed their support at the Juneteenth celebrations in Newbo as well as the protests in Cedar Rapids.
- David Maier shared thanks to CRFD and CRPD as they showed their support at the Juneteenth celebrations in Newbo as well as the protests in Cedar Rapids.
- CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - CRPD swore in 10 new officers on May 28th. The city put out information regarding fireworks on their website for neighbors to review. That information can be found here. Overall, crime is down in Cedar Rapids in 2025. This year is expected to be approximately. 67% lower than the five-year average for shots fired.
- SAFE-CR - Matt Wagner - 128 founded calls for service in May 2025. 66 recorded as owner-occupied properties. Any disturbances within Cedar Rapids City limits require a call for service through CRPD dispatch in a timely manner. Tall grass and weeds are handled through Solid Waste, and they can be reported through the MyCR app. Summer is a popular season for graffiti as well, so please keep an eye out for any graffiti issues in your neighborhood.
- Amy Hall-Haney inquired about nuisance properties being transferred from homeowner to homeowner upon the sale of a home. Matt confirmed that this is the case, but any new homeowner can call the City to verify its nuisance status, submit an abatement plan, or request a hearing to remove their address from the list.
- Amy Hall-Haney inquired about nuisance properties being transferred from homeowner to homeowner upon the sale of a home. Matt confirmed that this is the case, but any new homeowner can call the City to verify its nuisance status, submit an abatement plan, or request a hearing to remove their address from the list.
- City Council - David Maier - There has been a lot of buzz around the Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control operations, due to a lack of hours and the conditions of the facility. It’s reported through the CRPD, but ultimately, it’s understaffed and underfunded. The facility is being reviewed for feasibility and upgrades that may be available to accommodate the growing needs of the staff and space.
- Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney - Current account balance is $2,077.37. Waiting on reimbursement of $1,993.85 from the City. Amy has loaned CANA $3,000 to pay for the invoice from Trees Forever. All bills are currently settled and paid in full at this time.
- David Maier commented that the City does have a process to provide funding to NAs over $2,500 for big up-front expenditures. He looked into it for us.
- David Maier commented that the City does have a process to provide funding to NAs over $2,500 for big up-front expenditures. He looked into it for us.
- Neighborhood Tree Update - Denise Klemp - 42 trees at $75/each were planted in CANA limits!
- CANA Community Wellness & Safety Fair 6/21/25 - We have secured sponsors for the picnic lunch, the helmets, and the first aid kits as a presenting sponsor. We have started promotions for the event, and we have already received good feedback on social media about it! We have a surplus of our CANA budget allocated to the fair, thanks to our sponsor stepping in. Amy is handling the purchase of local gift cards for giveaways. George is handling the bike purchases from Chain Reaction Bike Hub and the school supplies from Staples. Central Furniture Rescue donated gift bags for us to use at Registration.
- Gaylon Heetland makes a motion to spend an additional $250 from our budget to purchase additional school supplies, and Nicole Schroeder seconds. All in favor, none opposed. The motion passes.
- Gaylon Heetland makes a motion to spend an additional $250 from our budget to purchase additional school supplies, and Nicole Schroeder seconds. All in favor, none opposed. The motion passes.
- Rollin’ Recmobile - In 2025, Cleveland Park will be recognized as a FREE LUNCH STOP with the Rollin' Recmobile on Tuesdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm. The Rollin' Recmobile will also be at Cleveland Park on Fridays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. There will be NO Rollin' Recmobile on Friday, July 4th, due to the holiday. Event information is available on the CANA Facebook page.
- CANA Future Questions/Bylaw Review - Discussion of current bylaws. Amy Hall-Haney explained the idea of moving CANA meetings to quarterly meetings vs. monthly meetings and responsibilities each quarter, including events and required City meetings. This will be proposed for a vote at the next meeting. Discussion of filling the vacant VP/Secretary position and the upcoming vacancy of President. We are still seeking nominations for these positions.
- OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
- David Maier self-nominates for the President position.
- Nicole Schroeder nominates Gaylon Heetland for VP/Secretary. Gaylon accepts.
- David Maier self-nominates for the President position.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSED
- OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
- Other business
Next Meeting: Monday, July 21st, 2025 at 7:00pm
