May 2025 Meeting Minutes

May 19, 2025 Meeting Agenda | Call to Order: 7:00pm
Attendance: George Heeren, Amy Hall-Haney, Nicole Schroeder, Gaylen Heetland, Rose Heetland, Lt. Welsh, Matt Wagner, Denise Klemp, Chief Smith

• Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney -  $2,855.60 with pending reimbursements $1,993.85 coming in. We have donations coming in for the Safety & Wellness Fair. 
• CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - CRPD is bringing on seven new officers for training with a tentative graduation date in October. Overall crime in CANA limits is down compared to the five-year average. 
• CRFD Update - Chief Smith - CRFD Open House brought in between 300-400 individuals at the end of April. A new ladder truck is coming in July for Station 3. 
  • Denise Klemp asked about which Cedar Rapids neighborhood resource center is considered the CANA resource center. The NW Rec Center is the closest to CANA limits. More information can be found here. 
  • Nicole Schroeder asked about the monthly PACT information that CRFD used to send out. No new topics are being added, but the information can be found on the PACT webpage here. 
• SAFE-CR - Matt Wagner - 580 active nuisance properties in CR city limits. 95 founded calls for service in April (down from 107 in 2024). Half of the calls for service were specifically for “Disturbing the Peace.” It’s now tall grass and weed season, so please stay vigilant in that around CANA limits. 
  • Nicole Schroeder asked about yard care for a vacant property due to death of property owner. Any current nuisance property records will transfer to the new owner if any calls are made on the property for lack of yard work, etc. 
  • George Heeren asked about the trees that have been installed and the wind damage. Trees are under warranty for two years for replacement if any issues are reported. 
  • George Heeren asked about reporting the VEO Ride scooters left behind at the park. Neighbors should report them through the MyCR app or call VEO Ride directly at 855-836-2256 or email [email protected]. David Maier will look into liability and TOS with VEO Ride users with the City Attorney. 
• Neighborhood Tree Update - Denise Klemp - Not as many people signed up as anticipated with Trees Forever. Email communications have been sent to get 811 out to verify property setup before trees are dug. Trees Forever is tracking the dig permits. Trees Forever will be sending us an invoice by 6/30 for the CANA budget. 
• Dogs in the Park - Rose Heetland - Rose shared concerns about the dogs playing off-leash on the playground and going to the bathroom. Cleveland Park does not have signs like other parks in Cedar Rapids that have rules about dogs. Denise Klemp reminded everyone of the City leash laws. 
  • David Maier will look into adding these signs to Cleveland Park. He asked if Cleveland Park had the poop bag dispensers at the park. George shared that we do not because they caused issues at other parks more than they were helpful, according to the Parks Department. 
• CANA Future Questions - Gaylen Heetland  - Gaylen asked about the parameters in keeping CANA going with events only and the City budget support. We will need to check with the City about any arrangements that need to be made in FY planning, but ultimately, we need to keep our 501(c)3 status and attend the quarterly meetings. 
• CERT Training - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training is happening June 6–8 with Linn County Emergency Management and the Marion Police Department. This free training is a great opportunity for residents to get involved in local emergency preparedness efforts and help build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community. CERT Basic Training provides you with the skills and knowledge to reduce emergency needs during disasters, effectively manage available resources until professional help arrives, and assist neighbors and your community through teamwork, training, and preparation. The classes are free. Registration is online here. 
• 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 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. We need to decide how we want to further support the fair. This can include giveaway items, school supplies, new tattoo station supplies, and other ideas. 
  • Gaylen Heetland makes a motion to spend $200 on gift card giveaways for the fair, Denise Klemp seconds. All in favor. None opposed. Motion passes. 
  • George Heeren would like to purchase multiple bikes to give away at the fair. George made a motion to spend up to $200 on bikes from Chain Reaction Bike Hub, Denise Klemp seconded this. All in favor, none opposed. Motion passes.
• Other Business 
  • Succession planning for the President position
  • Vice President/Secretary position vacant 

Meeting adjourned at 8:08pm.

Next Meeting: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:00pm

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