LINN COUNTY INFO: Mold and Your Health: A Free Conference for People Concerned about Mold

Date:   Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time:  8:30 a.m. to noon (registration begins at 8 a.m.)
Location:  Hallagan Center, Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids  
Speaker Topics Include: 

• Mold: A Fungus Among Us
• Post-Flood Information about Air Quality in Homes
• Free Home Inspections for Children with Asthma
• The New HFA Inhalers

 
Families from flooded neighborhoods in Linn County and nearby counties will especially benefit from this event. While adults are listening to the speakers, children will be encouraged to attend an asthma education class. Children, teens, and adults with asthma will also learn important information. This event is sponsored by the Linn County Asthma Reduction Coalition and its community partners. For more information, please call Dr. Lyla Schweiger at (319) 365-9146.   
 

Linn County Public Health Offers Free Inspections for Asthma Triggers

Linn County Public Health is providing a free in-home asthma education program to help children with asthma. The Children’s Home Asthma Management Program (CHAMP) is available for families with children older than five 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 Announces Moving Dates

With phase one construction of the Linn County West location nearly complete, Linn County is preparing to move to its new temporary offices in the former Steve & Barry’s storefront in Westdale Mall. The following Linn County offices are scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on the following dates: 

Monday, April 13, 2009: Recorder’s Office—The Recorder’s Office has moved and is open for business in Linn County West. 


Monday, April 20, 2009: Elections Office—will move to Linn County West on Friday, April 17; election activities will be handled out of the Auditor’s Office on that day. The Elections Office and Auditor’s Office are not expected to be closed to the public during the move. The Election’s Office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Monday, April 20. 

Tuesday, April 21, 2009:

• Auditor’s Office—will move to Linn County West on Monday, April 20; Auditor’s Office activities will be hosted by the Elections Office on that date. The Elections Office and Auditor’s Office are not expected to be closed to the public during the move. The Auditor’s Office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Tuesday, April 21.

• General Assistance—will be closed Monday, April 20 for the move to Linn County West. The General Assistance office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Tuesday, April 21.

• Treasurer’s Office—will be closed Friday, April 17 and Monday, April 20 for the move to Linn County West. The Treasurer’s Office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Tuesday, April 21.

• Veteran Affairs Office—will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17 for the move to Linn County West. This office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Tuesday, April 21.

 


Wednesday, April 22, 2009: Planning and Development—plans to remain open for business during the move by keeping one counter open on Tuesday, April 21. Planning and Development is scheduled to be open for business at Linn County West on Wednesday, April 22.  

Thursday, April 23, 2009:

• Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities – Protective Payee—will be closed Wednesday, April 22 for the move to Linn County West. This office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Thursday, April 23.

• Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities – Central Point of Coordination—is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Thursday, April 23.

• Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities – Intake Services—is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Thursday, April 23. There will be limited staff availability on April 22 -23.

 

Monday April 27, 2009:

• Linn County Assessor’s Office—is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Monday, April 27. The Assessor’s Office does not anticipate being closed to the public during the move.

• Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities – Service Coordination and Client Counseling—will be closed Friday, April 24 for the move to Linn County West; however, staff will attempt to answer phones. This office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Monday, April 27.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009:

Linn County Community Services – Core Services/Administration—this office is scheduled to be open for business in Linn County West on Wednesday, April 29.  

The Board of Supervisors also approved moving the offices currently located downtown in the Palmer Building to Linn County West. This phase two plan includes the Board of Supervisors, Finance and Budget, Human Resources, Risk Management,Juvenile Probation offices, Clerk of Courts and court functions for Juvenile, Small Claims and Traffic Courts. Details are still being worked out, however, Linn County anticipates these offices will move to Linn County West by the end of June. 

County offices and court functions will remain at this temporary Linn County West location until permanent facilities are complete. These dates are posted on the Linn County website at www.linncounty.org. 
 

Last Neighborhood Planning Workshop on Saturday April 25

Join Roundtable Discussions t

• Analyze the preferred Neighborhood Reinvestment Plan for all flood-damaged neighborhoods
• Discuss implementation of action plans
• Learn more about designing public spaces

 

Call 1-866-999-1224 to register for a free lunch or to reserve space for your children. For more information, call (319) 286-5041 or visit www.corridorrecovery.org/neighborhoods. 

US Army Corps of Engineers Open House on April 28

Learn more about the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Cedar River Feasibility Study at an open house on:

Tuesday, April 28
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom,
Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel,
350 First Avenue NE

The purpose of the open house is to explain the Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study process and to provide a forum for questions and comments.   
The Corps’ feasibility study is to determine if a federal project can be recommended as economically feasible and environmentally acceptable for the following areas: 

• the downtown business district and the rest of the east side of the Cedar River corridor from Cedar Lake to the Waste Water Treatment Facilities
• on the west side from the Edgewood Neighborhood in the north to the Alliant Energy-Prairie Creek Generating Station in the south.  
  

If you have technical questions about the feasibility study, please call Mr. Chris Haring at (309) 794-5885.  Logistical questions about the open house may be directed to Ms. Marsha Dolan at (309) 794-5648.

Energy Saving Ideas from Alliant Energy: Replacing Your Water Heater

Shopping for a new water heater?  Whether you shop online or in stores, look for the Energy Guide label.  The yellow and black sticker (usually on the tank) will give you the annual operating cost and the EF number. The annual operating cost lets you know how much it will cost you to run the water heater for a year.  EF stands for “energy factor,” a measure of energy efficiency.  A higher EF number means a more efficient model. 

Higher efficiency models run $300- $350 more than standard models. But don’t let sticker shock sway you.   According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, a non-profit energy research and consulting firm, the higher efficiency model can save $130 a year in energy costs.  That pays off the difference in price in less than three years.  Energy-efficient models tend to last longer, also evening out the price difference.  Cash rewards (rebates) from utilities make the purchase a little easier on your wallet, too. Alliant Energy offers a $50 reward ($75 for flood affected customers) for electric water heaters that are 40 gallons or more, with an EF of 0.93 or better. Natural gas water heater rewards are offered through your gas provider.  

Other things you can do to save water heating energy:

• Lower the temperature on the tank to 120–130°F.  If you’re mixing hot and cold to get warm water, its set too high. For every 10-degree reduction, you can save up to 5 percent on your water heating costs

• Low flow showerheads – they’ve improved in the last 10 years.  If you’re water pressure is properly set (20-80 psi), you won’t notice a difference but you’ll use less water.

• Wash clothes in cold water

• If you are installing/replacing your dishwasher, look for one that uses less water, and boosts water heat (allowing you to lower your water heater temperature). Use the light or energy-saving wash mode.

• Water heaters consume energy keeping the tank of water hot even when you’re not home. Wrap your water heater and accessible hot water pipes to lower the stand-by heat loss.

 
For more information on cash rewards or locating a dealer, call the Alliant Energy Energy-Efficiency Hotline at 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268). 
 

Help is Still Here for Flood Survivors Recovering from Last Year’s Flood

The Flood of 2008 happened ten months ago, but you may still be experiencing sadness and stress. This is normal. Sometimes these feelings can be overwhelming. You or your family may need help to recover from last summer’s events. Project Recovery Iowa can provide support through free and confidential counseling services. 

Project Recovery Iowa crisis counselors help people regain a sense of control over their lives. And they reassure survivors that their feelings are normal responses to a natural disaster. Crisis counseling helps survivors take advantage of support systems already in place: family, friends and community resources. Counselors can also help survivors access other services and agencies for additional types of disaster assistance.  

Crisis counseling is free and confidential. If you or your family are feeling stressed from the effects of Iowa’s 2008 natural disasters, call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985 or the Local Office at (319) 297-3264, for help. 

Cedar Rapids Contractor Certification Program Update

As of April 9, 2009, more than 7,375 contractors, 1,166 companies and 44 volunteers that provide clean-up, construction and repair services have passed 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 April 9, 2009, the program has resulted in 22 arrests and three warrants 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. 

Jumpstart Housing & Business Assistance Update

On behalf of the City of Cedar Rapids, the Affordable Housing Network Inc., (AHNI) has disbursed more than $17 million to eligible households. As of April 9, 2009, AHNI has processed 1,738 Jumpstart applications. Seventy-five applicants did not qualify for the program and have been referred to the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition (LTRC) for other assistance.

Approximately 1,388 applicants have received a second consultation. Over 1,210 of these applicants have been awarded funds for rehabilitation, down payment, or interim mortgage assistance totaling more than $25.9 Million. Of these applicants:

• 798 have been awarded rehabilitation assistance; total valued at $16,901,259
• 346 have been awarded both down payment assistance and interim mortgage assistance; total valued at $7,874,240
• 41 have been awarded down payment assistance only; total valued at $1,134,439
• 25 have been awarded interim mortgage assistance only; total valued at $80,141

On behalf of the City of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has processed more than 500 applications and distributed nearly $10 million in Jumpstart funds to the business community. Staff is working with the Chamber to reconcile applications and determine the final number of businesses assisted through the Jumpstart Business program. The business program is scheduled to end on April 30, 2009. New applications may still be submitted through April 15, 2009.

State Clarifies Community Development Block Grant Funding Process

To date, Iowa has been awarded about $282 million of federal Supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help the state recover from the 2008 tornadoes and floods. 

CDBG funds are currently being used in Iowa to help fund disaster recovery programs that assist communities with new housing production, homeowner repair, small rental rehabilitation, large rental property repair, lead paint abatement training, small business assistance, floodplain mapping, sewer and water infrastructure repair and case management. While all of these programs are traditional uses for CDBG funds, using CDBG funds following a disaster has proven immeasurably more complicated.   

Below are some of the parameters that come with CDBG funds:

• CDBG funds are used to pay for community development projects during normal times and were not developed for use during disaster recovery. 
• Distributions of CDBG funds must be reimbursements and cannot be made prior to the start of a project.
• All properties that are eligible for CDBG dollars must be inspected by certified inspectors to verify and estimate damage.
• CDBG funds must benefit people or communities with predominantly low to moderate incomes.  For example, 51 percent of CDBG funds must be spent on people at the 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI) level or below.
• The National Environmental Preservation Act requires environmental notices and inspections before work is performed. 
• The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires clearance of buildings as historic structures by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) before work can be performed.
• Federal Lead Safe Housing requirements must be met on all units.  Testing for lead paint must be done on all homes built prior to 1978.
• Duplication of Benefits is prohibited.  Disaster victims that receive CDBG funds must establish their actual damages, plus show what they have received from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), flood insurance, private insurance and other sources.

 
Meeting these rigorous program regulations requires additional administrative procedures, prolongs the timeline to process individual requests for assistance, and in general, can be overwhelming to individual businesses and homeowners. That is why the state of Iowa has requested every possible waiver to expedite the process and continues to seek further assistance from HUD on these issues. 

Despite these parameters, Iowa has done well in distributing CDBG funds in a timely manner.  When looking at a timeline comparing Iowa’s 2008 disasters to Hurricane Rita in Texas, it took Texas 30 months to move its CDBG funding into the hands of disaster victims.  It took Iowa only seven months before money started to flow through the Jumpstart Housing program.  The initial state allocation that started the Jumpstart Housing and Small Business program in September helped bridge the gap that existed before federal funds became available. 

This is just one example of how state and local partners are working together to get the funds into the hands of disaster-impacted Iowans and communities as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the Rebuild Iowa Office at (515) 242-5004. 

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

General Information:

• United Way 2-1-1 Information Line - Call 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211
• Visit www.corridorrecovery.org for the latest flood recovery news and community resources.

Financial:

• Disaster Unemployment Information – 1-800-562-4692
• Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling Service (free help) - (319) 398-3576 or 1-800-826-3574
• Iowa Legal Aid – 1-800-532-1275
• Iowa Mortgage Help – 1-877-622-4866
• IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline – 1-866-562-5227
• ISU Linn County Extension (free financial counseling) - (319) 377-9839
• Jumpstart Housing Funding Assistance - (319) 286-5850
• National Flood Insurance Program – 1-800-427-4661

Family:

• Abbe Center for Community Mental Health (free counseling) - (319) 398-3562
• Area Substance Abuse Council – (319) 390-4611
• Cedar Rapids Community Schools – (319) 558-2000
• Child Care Resource & Referral Center - (319) 739-1556
• Community Recovery Center – (319) 261-0987
• Foundation 2 Crisis Center (free 24/7 counseling) – (319) 362-2174
• Horizons Mental Health Counseling (free help) – (319) 398-3943
• Iowa Concern Hotline (free counseling) – 1-800-447-1985
• Salvation Army – (319)364-9131

Home:

• Alliant Energy Rebate Program- 1-800-723-7635
• Alliant Energy Residential Electrical Inspection – 1-800-255-4268
• MidAmerican Energy Natural Gas Inspection – 1-800-432-0586
• MidAmerican Rebate Program - 1-800-894-9599
• Volunteer Labor - (319) 540-4810

Cedar Rapids:

• City of Cedar Rapids Building/Zoning Dept. – (319) 286-5831
• City of Cedar Rapids Housing Inspections Dept. – (319) 286-5197
• City of Cedar Rapids Information Line – (319) 286-5555
• City of Cedar Rapids Water Dept. – (319) 286-5900
• Flood Recovery Assistance – 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211

County:

• Linn County Community Services – (319) 892-5600
• Linn County Planning & Development – (319) 892-5130
• Linn County Public Health – (319) 892-6000

How to Report Disaster Assistance on Tax Returns

The Rebuild Iowa Office and the Iowa Department of Revenue remind taxpayers to properly report disaster assistance on their tax forms. 

Recovering from a disaster can be complex. Disaster victims are strongly encouraged to visit with a tax preparer if they are uncertain about how to report their losses or disaster assistance. The following site contains a listing of free tax preparation sites in Iowa:  http://www.iowa.gov/tax/elf/IowaTaxPrepSitesTY2008.pdf. 

Financial assistance received under the Jumpstart Iowa Housing and Small Business programs must be reported for Iowa tax purposes in the same manner they are reported on the federal tax return. According to federal officials, financial assistance received under these programs must reduce the amount of casualty loss allowed as a deduction on an individual’s or small business’s federal and Iowa income tax return.  This is similar to how insurance proceeds reduce the amount of casualty losses allowed to be deducted. (Support for this position can be found in Revenue Ruling 2005-46 and Revenue Notice 2003-18.)    

For example, $10,000 of Jumpstart assistance received in 2008 for a $40,000 casualty loss results in only $30,000 allowed as a casualty loss on the federal and Iowa 2008 tax returns. If Jumpstart assistance was not received until 2009, the $40,000 casualty loss can be deducted on the 2008 federal and Iowa returns, and the $10,000 must be reported as a recovery of a previous deduction on the 2009 federal and Iowa returns.  

According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, if taxpayers reported a net loss on their 2008 Iowa returns due to a disaster loss, then these taxpayers have several options.  Taxpayers may elect to carry back the loss to prior tax periods and receive a refund of Iowa taxes paid for prior years.  This can be done by filing amended Iowa tax returns for periods prior to 2008.  Another option is the net loss may be carried forward to offset income for 2009 and subsequent tax periods.  It is important to remember that every person’s situation is unique and may allow for various options. 

If no casualty loss is claimed on federal and state income tax returns, then the financial assistance is not reported on the federal and state return. Questions about Iowa tax law may be directed to Iowa Taxpayer Services at (800) 367-3388, or (515) 281-3114.  Iowans can also e-mail questions to idr@iowa.gov. 

Additional Financial Assistance Available for Disaster-Impacted Small Business Family Farms & Nonprofit Organizations

Small businesses, family farms and non-profit organizations impacted by the 2008 summer disasters can now apply for additional financial assistance through the Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant Program. The program, administered by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), provides up to a $5,000 grant for damages incurred from last year’s floods and tornadoes.

To be eligible, a business, non-profit agency or farm must have existed prior to the disaster; have 25 or fewer employees; be located in a county that was declared eligible for Public Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and experienced a dislocation of at least one worker as a result of the disaster. Businesses do not need to have a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan or have received FEMA assistance in order to qualify for this program.

The grant can be used to reimburse or pay for the cost of repairing or replacing property and items damaged by the flood. Other costs the grant can cover include disaster-related insurance co-payments and deductibles, as long as the costs are associated with the business and not the individual. 

The Small Business Disaster Recovery grant cannot be used for costs that have been covered by other sources including, but not limited to, FEMA, SBA, Jumpstart funds and insurance claims. Also, salary payments and capital improvements expenses are not eligible to be paid under the program. 

About $1.7 million is available for the program statewide on a first-come, first-served basis. The Rebuild Iowa Office and Iowa Workforce Development encourage business owners who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible due to the limited amount of grants available at this time.

Grant Application Steps:

1. To access the Small Business Disaster Recovery grant application, click here:
2. http://www.rio.iowa.gov/assets/small_business_grant/Disaster_grant_application.doc
3. Applicants must submit the grant request to their local Emergency Public Jobs County Coordinator. To find local contacts, click here: http://www.rio.iowa.gov/assets/small_business_grant/Emergency_Public_Jobs_Contact_Sheet.pdf
4. To view the Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant Program guidelines, click here: http://www.rio.iowa.gov/assets/small_business_grant/Small_Business_Disaster_Recovery_Grant_Program_Guidelines.pdf

For more information about the Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant Program, visit the Rebuild Iowa Office Web site at www.rio.iowa.gov, or call (515) 242-5004.   

Join a Flood Survivor Support Group

Project Recovery Iowa offers several support groups throughout the area to help flood survivors meet others who were affected by the flood. 

Mondays:
10:00 a.m. at Eagle Ridge Community Room, 1285 Red Fox Way, Marion
5:00 p.m. at Five Seasons Community Room, 3421 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids

Tuesdays:
10:00 a.m. at Five Seasons Community Room, 3421 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
1:00 p.m. at Grandview Community Room, 5410 Wabash St SW, Cedar Rapids
5:00 p.m. at Cedar Terrace Community Room, 1834 Gretchen Dr SW, Cedar Rapids

Wednesdays:
6:30 p.m. at Bali Hai Recreation Center, 1405 Robins Rd, Hiawatha

Thursdays:
6:00 p.m. at Marion Village Community Room, 700 35th St, Marion

If you are interested in starting or joining a group, or if you have questions, please call Project Recovery Iowa at 297-3275.

2500 Grants Available for Flood Survivors

The Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition (LALTRC), is now accepting applications for “Unmet Needs Grants” from persons affected by last year’s floods. Grants can be as much as $2,500, and are to be used to cover expenses associated with personal property, home repair, food assistance, mental health assistance, childcare and temporary housing. Grants can be for reimbursement of documented expenses which have already occurred, or to cover the cost of upcoming expenses.

To be eligible for an “Unmet Needs Grant,” you must have a FEMA number and your household income must be less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Grants cannot supplant any other financial support, assistance or grants from any other federal or state government, or nonprofit or faith-based agency. Applicants have until June 30, 2010 to apply for any existing funds, and should apply to the Long-Term Recovery Coalition that covers the county where they lived when the disaster occurred. 

Call the Community Recovery Center at (319) 261-0987 for more information. Applications must be obtained and completed at the center located at 220 Sixth Street NW, Cedar Rapids. 

Apply for a Habitat for Humanity Home

Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity will host a special Build Project in Cedar Rapids beginning this summer. They plan to build 20 houses in each of the next three years. That’s a total of 60 new houses to be built in our community for qualified flood survivors. Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for potential homeowners for these houses.

To request an application, please call the Habitat or ReStore office at (319) 366-4485 or (319) 294-1500, or e-mail cvhhinfo@cvhabitat.org. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message requesting an application with your name and address, and Habitat will mail you an application. You may drop off your completed application, or mail it to the Habitat/Restore office, 725 N. Center Point Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.

You may be eligible for a Habitat home if you meet these guidelines: need for a home, ability to pay based on income guidelines, willingness to put 300 - 400 hours of “sweat equity” into building a home and attendance at budget classes and monthly homeowner workshops.