City News

Snow Emergency for City of North Liberty

January 20, 2012 — The City of North Liberty is under a snow emergency which is anticipated to end tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. As always, no on-street parking is permitted during snow emergencies.

Snow emergencies are automatically declared when there are two or more inches of snow. Parking on streets is not permitted until the snow emergency has been lifted. No on-street parking during snow emergencies ensures streets are clear for effective snow removal and other road maintenance. Any vehicles in violation of the ordinance may be ticketed and towed without notice. Each 12-hour period that a vehicle is parked or remains on any street in violation of this ordinance constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

To sign up for snow emergency notifications, residents should visit http://northlibertyiowa.org/about-us/press-release-sign-up/. Alerts will also be posted on NLTV channel 5, the City website (northlibertyiowa.org), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/northliberty) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/northliberty). Additionally, occasional text and email notices may be sent by CodeRED; for free sign up visit http://bit.ly/hxQxGx.

For more information about the snow emergency ordinance or parking, please contact City Hall at (319) 626-5700.

Cherry Street closed this Sunday for One Book Two Book

January 10, 2012 – On Sunday, the Hawkeye Express train with be traveling between North Liberty and Iowa City as part of the One Book Two Book children’s literature festival. This will necessitate the temporary, intermittent closure of Cherry Street at the train crossing. Due to this road closure, travelers are advised to plan drive time accordingly.

Thanks to the Iowa Northern Railway, children and adults of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in a Reading on the Rails excursion. For only the second time in 55 years organizers have made arrangements to run the Hawkeye Express train on the historic CRANDIC railroad. Bring the entire family aboard this special literary excursion! Both library partners (North Liberty & University of Iowa) will have special children’s programming taking place throughout the duration of the excursions including:

Movie Screenings
Hot Cocoa and Cider
Legos
Curator-led Show and Tell
Railroad Slide-Show
Free Diaries

For more information about One Book Two Book: A Celebration of Children’s Literature in the City of Literature or to purchase tickets, visit the website onebooktwobook.org.

Hometown Rewards 2012 Kickoff

The City of North Liberty is kicking off the second phase of our Hometown Rewards Program. Hometown Rewards is a pilot program in partnership with Alliant Energy to help create a sustainability plan for the community with achievable goals.  The City has a plan in place and has two years to complete the goals. If the goals are completed, Alliant Energy will contribute financially to a “cool” City project that promotes sustainability.

Two working groups will begin meeting in January to help achieve these goals and put the project in motion…..

You can help by:
1.    Going online to https://www.alliantenergy.com/CommunityInvolvement/CommunityOutreach/HometownRewards/029985 and register to be a part of the process.  Pledge your support for reducing your family’s footprint on North Liberty and the world.
2.    Join a Work Group.
a.    The Education work group will meet in January to set a timeline for educational events in 2012.  What types of sustainability things would you like to learn about? Come offer your opinion and help plan a great years worth of events!
b.    The Civic Engagement/Community Partnerships work group will meet in January to plan the marketing of the program and events for 2012.  Join us to offer your technology skills or ideas for creatively getting the word out.

Are you interested in being a part of planning for a sustainable North Liberty?  Please contact Tracey Mulcahey at tmulcahey {at} ci.north-liberty.ia(.)us or via phone at 319.626.5700 for more information.

Winter is coming

This little girl and Santa must have the same costume designer.

November 30, 2011 – December starts tomorrow and there are lots of programs this holiday season:

The annual Breakfast with Santa is coming up on Saturday, December 10 from 8am to noon. It’s great for kids up to ten years old and it’s at the North Liberty Recreation Center. Santa will sit in his elf-made big red chair while guests tell him what they want for Christmas. Be sure to put on your happy face, because Santa’s helpers are taking photos. New this year, the North Liberty Lions Club will provide a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. It’s only $3 per person.

The guy in the red suit is making phone calls to households on Monday, December 12 from 6-7:30pm. Just fill out a form at the Rec Center and Santa will give you a call.

The printed Community Center brochure comes out soon, too. Registration for programs such as swim lessons start next week. In the meantime, you can see the PDF version of the January-April Community Center brochure at http://northlibertyiowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/spring_12_brochure-11_17_11_low_res.pdf

For more information about Recreation programs, contact 626-5716.

The Library has holiday programs, too. For example, A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas is Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30pm. Give them a call to find out more at 626-5701.

As winter crashes through the door, snow fall is almost surely upon us. Remember, no on-street parking is permitted during snow emergencies. When in doubt, don’t park in the street. For more info on Snow Emergencies, look at http://northlibertyiowa.org/city-services/snow-ordinance/

For updates, be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter: username northliberty.

Have a safe holiday season!

Jones Boulevard to open

November 17, 2011 – According to Larry Trout, the Construction and Project Coordinator for the City of North Liberty, Jones Boulevard will be fully open with construction cones the afternoon of Wednesday, November 23. For information, please contact City Hall at (319) 626-5700.

Register support as an Iowa City area Blue Zone designation

November 9, 2011 – The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce is leading the Iowa City area to become a Blue Zones Community. The goal of the Blue Zones Project is to position Iowa as first in the nation for well-being as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index.

The Iowa City area is vying to become one of ten designated Blue Zones communities, for the opportunity to receive direct assistance from national experts to become a healthier and happier community.

“The cost of healthcare is a significant burden on businesses,” said Nancy Quellhorst, president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. “Reducing healthcare costs will allow business owners to invest in our local economy. The initiative will also result in a more productive workforce.”

The Chamber has taken the first step in securing the designation by submitting a statement of interest. Select applicants will be invited to submit a Blue Zones Project application.  Assisting the Chamber with the Blue Zones process are Mercy, the University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City Community School District, United Way, cities of Coralville, Iowa City and North Liberty, Hy-Vee, University of Iowa Hospitals, and others.

The Chamber encourages citizens to help bring Blue Zones principles to our community by registering support at www.bluezonesproject.com. Click on the green button “I’m a Citizen. Support Your Community.”  Under the “City” field, please enter Iowa City Area and use your home zip code.  You may also pledge by texting “BZP” to 772937. Those who are interested in participating in the initiative should contact the Chamber at (319) 337-9637 or info {at} iowacityarea(.)com.

Economic Development Magazine in the works

November 7, 2011 — The City of North Liberty is working with the Corridor Business Journal (CBJ) to develop an economic development magazine. This publication is intended to promote the city throughout the state and region as a viable business location. Current North Liberty companies and residents may see the CBJ staff throughout the winter and spring as they take pictures and talk with interested citizens. The magazine is scheduled to be printed in March or April.

For more information, contact the City of North Liberty Telecommunications office at 319-626-5726.

Golf carts permitted in North Liberty

November 3, 2011 — City Council recently passed an ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets. Please read the Golfcarts FAQ for information.

Haunted Happenings pictures are now available

November 3, 2011 — There were over 800 kids who paid for Haunted Happenings at the North Liberty Recreation Center – that’s not including parents, grandparents, babies and siblings. The two-day event featured a maze, spooky swim, games by the North Liberty Optimist Club, lots of candy and a photo booth. Two photographers from NLTV shot over 6,000 pictures. After several days of editing, the pictures are now available for free download at http://northlibertyiowa.org/community/photo-galleries/.

To receive press releases and news from the City of North Liberty, simply send an email to webmaster {at} northlibertyiowa(.)org or fill out the form at http://northlibertyiowa.org/about-us/press-release-sign-up/. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook and Twitter, username northliberty.

Haunted Happenings at the North Liberty Recreation Center

Sections of Dubuque Street Trail Closed for Repairs

October 29, 2011 — Parts of the Dubuque Street Trail will be closed starting Monday, October 31 in order to replace multiple panels. As these sections are holding water, it is best to replace them as soon as possible rather than waiting for winter when areas may freeze and crack. Portions of the trail will be closed until the project is complete in approximately two weeks (Monday, November 14). As always, the end date is contingent on weather. Users of the trail should use caution during the repairs.

For additional information contact the City of North Liberty at 626-5700.

Description of wards and precincts now available

October 28, 2011 – An informative document describing precincts and the ward petition can be downloaded by visiting Wards and Precincts Informational Flyer. The ward system public measure will be on the November 8 ballot, as well as city council candidates.

It’s time for Halloween in North Liberty

October 27, 2011 — The annual Haunted Happenings at the North Liberty Recreation Center is this Thursday and Friday (27th & 28th) from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required – just pay $2 at the door. Kiddos should wear their costumes because the photo area will be set up again. Pictures are free to download from http://northlibertyiowa.org/community/photo-galleries/. The event is presented by the North Liberty Optimists and the North Liberty Recreation Center. It’s perfect for little ones because there is a maze, loads of candy, a spooky swim and cool games. In preparation of Haunted Happenings, parts of the Recreation Center will be closed, such as the weight and exercise area along with both gyms starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Some sections may close earlier in the week. For more information, contact the Recreation Center at 626-5716.

Speaking of Halloween, Trick or Treating is on Monday, October 31 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

You can find out more about the city not just through the website, but by checking us out on Facebook and Twitter – username northliberty.

Cuties at Haunted Happenings in 2010

Council candidate forum this evening

October 26, 2011 – The League of Women Voters of Johnson County are hosting a public forum for the candidates for North Liberty City Council. Starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1 Quail Creek Circle, and will be aired (and re-aired) on NLTV.

Ward forum hosted by the Chamber this evening

October 20, 2011 — A forum regarding the ward system ballot in North Liberty will be held this evening at council chambers located at 1 Quail Creek Circle. The forum is hosted by the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce and starts at 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to hear the discussion. It will also air live on NLTV – channel 5 for Mediacom viewers and channel 268 for South Slope subscribers.

As construction continues, sections of Jones Boulevard are slated to reopen

Beginning on the morning of Friday, Oct. 14, Jones Boulevard in North Liberty will be closed from Zeller Street to Penn Street for the next phase of the road’s reconstruction. The City of North Liberty asks drivers to follow detour signs directing traffic along Penn Street to Highway 965 and down Zeller Street to the southern section of Jones Boulevard.

Patrons of the North Liberty Community Pantry and the First United Methodist Church will be able to access those buildings through a temporary entrance off Jones Boulevard, accessed via Zeller Street.

The southern section of Jones Boulevard from Zeller Street to St. Andrews Drive will reopen to traffic on Friday. Construction will continue along that section of road, so drivers are asked to be mindful of workers and equipment near the street. Jones Boulevard from St. Andrews Drive south to Forevergreen Road remains open to traffic.

Dubuque Street Trail Grand Opening this Friday

October 11, 2011 — On Friday, October 14, 2011, the North Liberty City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will host the grand opening of the Dubuque Street Trail Project. This event celebrates the official opening of the bicycle and pedestrian trail connection from Iowa City along Dubuque Street to the north city limits of North Liberty on Front Street.

At 4:00 p.m. on Friday, the public is invited to join the elected officials for the grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting on the trail at the intersection of Juniper Street and Dubuque Street. The program will also include speakers and refreshments. Parking is available on street along Juniper Street and in the parking lot at Beaver Kreek Center.

For additional information contact the City of North Liberty at 626-5700 or the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at 356-6000.

North Liberty City Council Candidate Forum Tonight

The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidates’ forum tonight at 6:30 in the City Council chambers at 1 Quail Creek Circle. The forum will be live on NLTV (5 on Mediacom, 268 on South Slope) and streamed online (on NLTV’s web stream at http://bit.ly/ajJpJ0 ). It will be replayed on NLTV as well as posted online for on-demand viewing (a link will be posted when it’s available).

Take a walk on Friday, October 7

On October 7, 2011, at noon, we’re kicking off the Healthiest State Initiative by walking one kilometer together as a state. Wherever you are – work, school, home, church – take about 12 minutes out of your day to go on a quick one kilometer (0.62 miles) walk with friends, family, neighbors or co-workers. Why not enjoy the beautiful weather at Liberty Centre and walk for just a few minutes? We hope to see you there.

For more information on this state initiative, visit http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/start-somewhere-walk.

Stop light activated at Penn and Jones

September 15, 2011 — The newly installed stop light at the intersection of Penn Street and Jones Boulevard will be in flash mode today. Drivers on Penn will see a flashing yellow light, while those on Jones will see a flashing red light. North Liberty officials are urging all drivers to be cognizant of the change.

According to Street Superintendent Don Colony, the stop light will be fully operational next week – as early as Monday. “Penn Street has been widened and Jones is still under construction. One of the amenities for both of these roads is the new stop light. It should start going through the green, yellow, red cycle Monday. We help make drivers aware of the change by flashing the lights a few days in advance. This new light will ease the congestion on those heavily traveled streets.”

For information on projects throughout North Liberty contact City Hall at (319) 626-5700.

Check out this video and flash file to understand right of way at Jones and Penn:

Turning on a yellow light instruction

 Video courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation via YouTube.

Good Neighbor meeting September 29

A good neighbor meeting will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. at North Liberty City Hall located at 3 Quail Creek Circle. The City may soon consider a rezoning and subdivision for property in the area and is inviting everyone to an open house-style meeting held to explain the proposal. The property is in the Autumn Ridge subdivision, on the south side of Zeller Street west of Front Street. The rezoning and subdivision being considered would allow the development of duplex buildings on the east side of South Stewart Street where currently only single-family houses are allowed (note that Stewart Street is not yet constructed in this location). A copy of this memo is being sent to property owners within 200 feet of the proposed development.

This good neighbor meeting is being held to explain the potential rezoning and subdivision being considered by the owner, and to gather any comments you may have regarding those requests. No Planning Commission or City Council action has been taken, but is anticipated within the next several months. This meeting is intended to notify everyone early in the process and to help the developer understand neighborhood concerns, and other formal public meetings will be held by the Planning Commission and City Council if the development applications proceed.

Please feel free to drop into the good neighbor meeting any time within the period shown above. There will not be a formal meeting or presentation; instead, city staff and the developer will be available for informal open-house discussions with maps and information regarding the proposal.To discuss this application, please contact Dean Wheatley in order to schedule a private meeting at 319-626-5747 or dwheatley {at} ci.north-liberty.ia(.)us. For a PDF version of this memo, including a map, visit Notice of Good Neighbor Meeting 9-29

North Liberty forges a paperless future

September 6, 2011 — The City of North Liberty recently discarded paper agenda packets for council and commissions in exchange for iPads. Staff estimates the savings in time, ink, paper and other resources to be over $10,000 per year. Plus, North Liberty is one of  the first municipalities in Iowa to make such a transition.

Cheryle Caplinger, Director of Telecommunications, says, “When we decided to distribute the information digitally, we contacted many Iowa governments for guidance. Some noted they were investigating similar technology, but none had taken the plunge. So, it looks like we are the groundbreakers.” Caplinger continues, “We considered laptops, e-readers and iPads, while also taking into account usability, flexibility, mobility and, of course, cost. We knew the chosen system would not be used for archiving, but we required write-on capability. We also wanted to sync them with ease, keep software expenses low and access Internet, email and other applications without difficulty. iPads became the obvious choice.”

With the relocation of North Liberty Council Chambers, councilors were issued iPads to use before, during and after meetings, while commissioners only use them when they are in session. Paper is limited to agendas, scratch paper and an occasional easel presentation. City Administrator, Ryan Heiar says, “We are helping the community by saving natural resources. Plus, we are on the forefront of using an ever-popular technology. We are proud to be one of the first and we would gladly share our ideas with interested cities.”

Mayor Tom Salm adds, “The training was easy and, let me tell you, these things are slick. The innovation is fantastic and we are going greener all the time.”

To view the iPads in action and see the new space, the public is invited to the City of North Liberty Council Chambers ribbon cutting and open house on Tuesday, September 13 at 6pm. Chambers are located at 1 Quail Creek Circle – just off Highway 965 and two doors from City Hall.

For information contact City Hall at (319) 626-5700.

Sign up for the 8th Annual North Liberty Fun Run / Walk

September 1, 2011 – The North Liberty Steering Committee of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 8th annual North Liberty Fun Run/Walk, to be held on Sunday, September 18. The event features a 5k route and children’s race. The race starts at 650 W. Cherry Street, near the gazebo at Liberty Centre. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m., with the children’s race beginning at 9 a.m. followed by the 5k at 9:15 a.m.

New for the 2011 Run is the competition for the Fast Feet Firefighting Trophy, as well as the Most Fun Costume contest. The North Liberty Fire Department has issued a friendly challenge to surrounding fire departments to participate in the Fun Run in full firefighting gear. Firefighters who do so race free. Participants are encouraged to get creative with their race day gear for a chance to win a prize for the Most Fun Costume. The fire department will also bring out the bounce house!

Each year, the Iowa City Area Chamber’s North Liberty Steering Committee donates back to the North Liberty community through a worthy organization. This year the Committee will be supporting the North Liberty Fire Department. As in past years, the Committee will also award $100 to the North Liberty school that recruits the most participants.

Pre-registration ends September 9, and includes a free event T-shirt. After September 9, participants should register the day of the event. Since a Fun Run T-shirt will not be available for day of registration, pre-registration is encouraged. To download the registration form, visit www.iowacityarea.com. Forms are also available at the North Liberty Community Center and all North Liberty banks.

Prizes will be awarded for the fastest male and female runners. Pre-registration is $10 per person by September 9 and $15 day of registration. Children under the age of 12 race for free, but if the runner would like a T-shirt, it must be purchased for $5. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please contact Maggie at the Chamber at (319) 337-9637 for more information.