LINN COUNTY INFO: Linn County Public Health Providing Free Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Linn County Public Health and the University of Iowa are partnering on an indoor air quality study of flood-affected homes in Linn County. Dr. Peter Thorne, professor in Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa, is conducting the study on homes affected by last year’s flooding. This project is co-sponsored by Linn County Public Health, and the results of the study will be used to draw conclusions about damage caused by the floods.

The project is seeking approximately 80 flood-affected homes to assess and analyze their indoor air quality. The study will test for radon, lead, asbestos, mold and common allergens at no cost to participants. If you or someone you know would like to participate in the study of flood-affected homes, contact Linn County Public Health as soon as possible at (319) 892-6030.

LINN COUNTY INFO: Linn County Public Health Providing Free Inspection for Asthma Triggers

Linn County Public Health is sponsoring a free in-home asthma education program to help children with asthma. The Children’s Home Asthma Management Program, or CHAMP, is available for families with children older than 5 with asthma. The program includes an indoor air quality inspection of the home that will help identify potential asthma triggers, and provides follow-up visits that focus on asthma education. Families in Linn and surrounding counties are eligible. The CHAMP program is funded by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and by project partners. For more information about the CHAMP asthma project, call (319) 892-6022.

LINN COUNTY INFO: Absentee Ballots Now Available for LOST Special Election

Absentee ballots for the March 3 Local Option Sales and Services Tax special election are available now in the Linn County Elections Office at Westdale Mall. Registered voters may vote absentee in one of two ways: in person at the Elections Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by requesting an absentee ballot be mailed to their home. The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed is Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. The last day to vote absentee is Monday, March 2, 2009.

Voters in all Linn County jurisdictions (with the exception of Coggon, Bertram, Central City, and Prairieburg) will vote March 3, 2009, on whether to implement a one-cent local option sales and services tax. If passed, the tax will begin April 1, 2009 and will last for five years and three months ending June 30, 2014.

Polling locations for the March 3 special election are available on the Linn County Auditor’s website at www.linncounty.org/auditor or by calling (319) 892-5300. Poll hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all jurisdictions. For questions regarding this election, call the Linn County Auditor’s Office at (319) 892-5300.

Dates & Deadlines

Friday, February 20th – 5:00pm    Last Day to Pre-Register to Vote
Friday, February 27th – 5:00pm    Last Day to Request an Absentee to be Mailed
Monday, March 2nd – 5:00pm    Last Day to Vote Absentee at the Counter
Tuesday, March 3rd     Election Day
Monday, March 9th      Canvass
Friday, March 13th – 5:00pm    Last Day to Request a Recount

BUSINESS INFO: Stress-Management Presentation for Flood-Impacted Small Business Owners

 The Kirkwood Small Business Development Center, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Project Recovery Iowa together will host a stress-management presentation on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at the Clark Alumni House on the Coe College Campus.

The presentation is designed for small business owners who were affected, either directly or indirectly, by the June 2008 flood. On top of helping the community rebuild, local business owners have had the added stress of rebuilding their own businesses or otherwise keeping them intact. The ability to recognize and deal with stress in the workplace can make the difference between success and failure.
 
The event is free of charge for small business owners and a light dinner will be provided.  A reservation is required; please call the Kirkwood Small Business Development Center at (319) 398-5623 to reserve a space.

HOME INFO: Cedar Rapids Contractor Certification Program Update

As of February 13, 2009, more than 7,000 contractors and 1,100 companies that provide clean-up, construction and repair services have gone through the City’s Contractor Certification Program.  On June 18, 2008, less than five days after the flood crest, Mayor Kay Halloran created the Emergency Contractor Certification Program to protect residents impacted by the flood from fraud and scams. As of February 13, 2009, the program has resulted in 20 arrests due to criminal background checks.

All contractors conducting clean-up, construction, or repair work in the flood-affected area are still required to be certified.  The certification process includes verification of all appropriate licenses, a criminal background check and issuance of a photo identification badge.  

When hiring a contractor, it is important to get multiple bids from qualified workers.  Please check with Contractor Certification to verify the status of firms providing bids to do work. The list of companies with certified contractors is available at www.corridorrecovery.org/ContractorList.asp. The Contractor Certification Center is located at the Public Works building and can be reached at (319) 286-5160. 

CEDAR RAPIDS INFO: Three Simultaneous Neighborhood Planning Area Meetings Set for February 24

You are invited to meet with the people that live, work and play in one of the three neighborhood planning areas listed below.

•    North Area – Time Check/Northwest, Ellis Park, Taylor Area, and Cedar Lake
•    Central Area – Downtown, Medical District, and Cedar Lake
•    South Area – Czech Village, Oak Hill/Jackson, New Bohemia and Cedar Valley (Rompot)

Please note that Cedar Lake is included in two areas because of its connection to multiple neighborhoods. For more information about the Neighborhood Planning Process, call (319) 286-5041, or visit www.corridorrecovery.org/neighborhoods.

CEDAR RAPIDS INFO: Voluntary Property Acquisition Questions Answered

Q: What is the Voluntary Property Acquisition process?
A: The City’s Voluntary Property Acquisition process includes several steps and approximately 1,200 properties. The owners of these properties have shown interest in participating in the Voluntary Property Acquisition process. Right now, City staff is refining a Voluntary Property Acquisition Plan. However, the actual property acquisition process cannot begin until the state and federal government provide funding for the buyouts. The City is hoping to receive funding in July 2009.

Q: How soon will the CDBG funds be available for Voluntary Property Acquisitions in Cedar Rapids?
A: The City anticipates the federal government will announce the next allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in April 2009, and receipt by Cedar Rapids in July 2009. By law, the funds must be allocated to the state government before they are allocated to the City of Cedar Rapids. In the past, Voluntary Property Acquisitions have not been an approved expense for CDBG funds. The City has requested that Voluntary Property Acquisitions are permitted in the next CDBG allocation.

Q: What will I get paid to buyout my property?
A: The City will offer property owners the pre-flood assessed value to purchase their flood-damaged properties included in the Voluntary Property Acquisition process. These owners must have owned the property at the time of the flood. This applies to properties in the Greenway Acquisition and Construction Areas, as well as properties beyond reasonable repair in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area.

Q: Will my buyout payment be affected by other government funding I’ve received?
A: By law, federal Community Development Block Grant dollars cannot duplicate funds received from other government sources, such as FEMA repair assistance, flood insurance benefits or property acquisition funds. This is often referred to as Duplication of Benefits restrictions. These restrictions have not been established for funding received through the Jumpstart program yet.

All current housing and business funding assistance programs require a Duplication of Benefits verification to check for other assistance received. This verification will be completed at the state level before funds can be released. There may be some delays in Jumpstart payments because these payments cannot be processed until the Duplications of Benefits verification is complete. The City and the State are working to refine this process, which currently can take several weeks.

Q: Is the City going to force me to sell my property?
A: No. This is a VOLUNTARY property acquisition process. When using FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Community Development Block Grant funds, the City cannot use eminent domain to acquire properties.

Q: What will all these buyouts cost?
A: The City needs about $180 million to purchase all of the properties in the Greenway Acquisition Area, the Construction Area and the houses beyond reasonable repair in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area. These costs include acquisition, relocation, demolition and administration fees. The City does not have that much money in its budget or its reserves. The City must rely on the state and federal government to provide this funding.

Q: How will these buyouts be paid for?
A: FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is expected to provide funding for the acquisition of Greenway Acquisition Area properties. The City is seeking funding through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program to provide funding for the acquisition of Construction Area properties and the properties in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area that are beyond reasonable repair. These are the only funding sources available for property acquisition at this time.


Q: When will the City’s flood management system (floodwalls & levees) be finalized by the Army Corps of Engineers?
A: The US Army Corps of Engineers is expected to finalize and approve its feasibility study for the City’s Flood Management System (floodwalls and levees) in 2012. Construction of the floodwalls and levees is expected to begin in another five to eight years after that.

Q: Is it true that the City of Cedar Rapids has hired a firm that specializes in property acquisition?
A: Yes. JCG Land Services has been contracted by the City to perform one-on-one consultations with property owners for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and to administer the Right-of-Entry agreements for the US Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study. This firm has extensive experience with projects that include thousands of properties.

Q: Do I still have to pay taxes on my flood-damaged property?
A: Yes. All property owners are obligated to pay taxes and keep their property in compliance with City Codes, until the sale of the property is finalized and ownership changes hands. This is true for all flood-affected properties throughout the City.   

Please contact the City’s Community Development Department at (319) 286-5041 for answers to any additional questions.

FINANCIAL INFO: Horizons Consumer Credit Question Answered

Q. My home was severely damaged by last June’s flood and I can no longer live in it.  I had flood insurance and got some help from FEMA, but I still owe money on the flooded property’s mortgage. I can’t make payments on two places, what should I do?

A.  If you have not already contacted your mortgage company, please do so immediately.  Most lenders have some options for working with victims of disasters. The Iowa Jumpstart program may be able to help you make the payments on the flooded property for a period of time, which would be of assistance if your property will be bought out.  Unfortunately, in some cases, the only option is to let the property go back to the lender.  Get legal advice before you do. You may also call Horizons for assistance in working with your creditors.

Horizons, a Family Service Alliance, can help with setting up your budget, maneuvering through your FEMA and Jumpstart paperwork and rebuilding your credit. Call (319) 398-3576, or go to www.horizonscccs.org.

FAMILY INFO: Call 2-1-1 for Help

Call United Way 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211 for help connecting to:

•    Affordable housing
•    Childcare
•    Clothing
•    Counseling
•    Crisis intervention
•    Disability services
•    Drug and alcohol programs
•    Energy assistance
•    Financial assistance
•    Food
•    Home health care
•    Meals on Wheels
•    Medicaid/Medicare
•    Senior services
•    Support groups
•    Tax support
•    Transportation assistance

LIBRARY INFO: Cedar Rapids Public Library Update

Jane Eyre Film Showing
Date: Sunday, February 22, at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Programming Room, Library Bridge Facility, Westdale Mall
As part of the Fresh Threads of Connection series, this film is an adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic 1847 novel. We will watch the second half of the film.

Toddler Time & Story Time: Red, White, & Blue
Date: Friday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m. (1-2-year-olds) & Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. (3-5-year olds)
Location: CRPL-West Side Branch

Story Time: Dinosaurs
Date: Monday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m. Children may wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal friend with them.& Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 a.m.
Location: CRPL-West Side Branch
Enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes around a particular theme designed for children ages 3-5 years old.

Toddler Time: Dinosaurs
Date: Friday, February 27, at 10:30 a.m. & Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: CRPL-West Side Branch
Enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes around a particular theme designed for children ages 1-2 years old.

HOME INFO: Free Flood Rebuilding Seminar on March 3

Your house is down to the studs.  What’s the best way to rearrange some interior walls to gain more usable space? You have to raise your house above the 100-year flood level. What’s it going to look like? You’re building new and need some help with floor plans to meet your family’s needs. You can get answers to these and other remodeling or building questions at a free “Flood Rebuilding Seminar” sponsored by Iowa State University Linn County Extension on Tuesday, March 3.

The half-day seminar is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and will bring together specialists from Iowa State University and Iowa Central Community College to provide the latest information in their fields.  Sessions will focus on ways to improve energy- efficiency, quality construction methods, accessibility, interior floor planning, interior and exterior appearance, radon reduction, indoor air quality, basement construction, site grading, sustainable building and site systems.   

Specialists will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide one-on-one consultations with families that have specific questions. Participants requesting individual help are asked to bring pictures of their home and lot, along with sketches, floor plans, magazine articles and pictures of homes and rooms they like.

The seminar is free, but registration is required. The workshop will be held at the Linn County Extension Office, 3279 7th Ave., Suite 140, Marion. To register and to learn more, contact the office at (319) 377-9839.

LINN COUNTY INFO: Special Election for Local Option Sales and Services Tax on March 3

Voters whose voting site was in the flooded area will be voting in a temporary location, just as they did for the Presidential Election. They are as follows:

CR01	who were voting at the Grant Wood AEA Building will be voting at temporarily Plumbers & Pipefitter Training Center, 5101 J St SW.
CR04	who were voting at the National Czech and Slovak Museum will be voting temporarily at St. Ludmilla Church Social Hall, 214-21st Ave SW.
CR06	who were voting at the Cedar Rapids Public Library will be voting temporarily at First Presbyterian Church, 310-3rd Ave SE.
CR07	who were voting at the County Administrative Office Building will be voting temporarily at the Elections Depot, 823-2nd Ave SW.
CR18	who were voting at St James United Methodist Church will be voting temporarily at Edgewood Family Fellowship Church, 621 Edgewood Rd NW.
CR19	who were voting at Time Check Recreation Center will be voting temporarily at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1900 F Ave NW.
CR22	who were voting at Taylor Elementary School will be voting temporarily at Kirkwood Lincoln Center, 912-18th Ave SW.
CR34	who were voting at Options of Linn County will be voting permanently at Jane Boyd Community House, 943-14th Ave SE
FY	who were voting at the Palo Community Center will be voting temporarily at the Palo Fire Station Meeting Room, 505 Vinton St, Palo.

For additional questions please contact Linn County Elections at (319) 892-5300.

TAX INFO: AARP Free Income Tax Assistance

IRS-certified free tax preparation sites are available to assist residents of Linn County with their tax returns. To schedule an appointment, call United Way 2-1-1 at 2-1-1, (319) 739-4211 or 1-866-469-2211. When you schedule your appointment, you’ll be told which documents to bring to the tax appointment. The AARP tax preparation sites include:
•    First Christian Church, 840 3rd Ave SE
•    Hope Lutheran Church, 2736 Bowling St SW
•    Christ Episcopal Church, 220 40th St NE
•    First United Methodist Church, 1298 7th Ave, Marion
•    Hiawatha Library, 150 W Willman St, Hiawatha
•    Anamosa Library, 600 E 1st St, Anamosa

TAX INFO: VITA Free Income Tax Assistance

Wage earners who worked in 2008 and earned less than $41,646 may qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). IRS-certified tax sites will help prepare tax returns for low income families free of charge. Residents of Linn County can call United Way at 2-1-1, or (319) 739-4211, or 1-866-469-2211 toll free to schedule tax appointments. Tax assistance locations include:
•    Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood Resource Center, 1230 5th St SE
•    Wellington Heights Neighborhood Resource Center, 392 15th St SE
•    Mound View Neighborhood Resource Center, 1700 B Ave NE
•    Matthew 25 Hub, 220 6th St. NW