Our Meeting was called to order by Past President Barb Thomas.
The attendees sang Christmas carols led by Rtn. Ray Muston with piano by Rtn. Devin van Holsteijn.
INTRODUCTIONS:
VISITORS: Guests: Sarah Thomson, guest of Nancy Bird; guests of Margaret Reese, Lindsey Gruber and Cami Rasmussen; Will Downing, guest of Bruce Guither; and Jeff Diserhoft, guest of Barb Thomas.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Iowa Most needs our help! This is a wonderful Rotary project that has helped so many children with serious medical and dental issues, all done by volunteers. Consider a gift and take a look at their history here https://iowamost.org/donate-now/
Brianna Wills: Rotary Youth Exchange is seeking host families for City High West and Liberty; the student must have their own bed, but can share a room. There are not a lot of responsibilities beyond hosting and some transportation. Brie and her family have hosted, and they have found it is a wonderful way to share cultures. Please contact her if you are willing to host.
Minutes Committee needs help! Need a few alternative minute takers. Contact Committee Chair Shannon Ramsay if you willing to help out once a month or six weeks. Thanks to our current members: Dave Siebert, Barb Thomas, Julia Winter and Shannon.
PROGRAM:
Rtn. Margaret Reese introduced our speaker Cami Rassmussen, the Solon City Administrator.
Cami Rasmussen is the Solon City Administrator, and was introduced by Margaret Reese. Cami has lived in Solon for 27 years and has served as Mayor and Council Member, becoming City Administrator in 2018. Originally from Polk City, Cami is very fond of small town life. Solon’s slogan is a “A Place to Put Down Roots” The Spartans are the mascot for Solon Schools with orange and black as school colors.
The city works with local citizens within a two-mile radius of Solon city limits. They strive to identify local priorities and include farms, acreages, etc. They are in the process of updating the Solon Comprehensive Plan completed in 2015, which is the vision and plan for Solon. They have to work around Hwy. One, which is of course controlled by the Iowa DOT. The Zoning Code provides for four residential districts, including single family, multi and zero lot/shared walls. They know they are one of the best locations in Johnson County with many job opportunities. Quality of life is something they are very proud of with trails, great schools and festivals like “Beef Days”. They strive to provide connections that make residents feel at home.
Projects: The Solon Fire Agency serves Solon along with Cedar, Big Grove with 35 volunteers and protect a total of 112 Square Miles, literally from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids. They are very proud of their new Fire House and have an annual breakfast fundraiser.
Alliant provides electric with MidAmerican providing gas. Johnson County Refuse manages trash and recycling.
Solon Main Street has completed many major projects using various funds. They have found that if you “plan” the funds will come. Design standards have blended old and new. They offer TIF loans and rebates along with other tax abatement incentives. The Solon Recreation and Nature Area and the Johnson County Freedom Rock are part of the Solon story and attractions. Lake McBride is a close partner with Solon, and they work together to be sure water quality is maintained.
The city works with local citizens within a two-mile radius of Solon city limits. They strive to identify local priorities and include farms, acreages, etc. They are in the process of updating the Solon Comprehensive Plan completed in 2015, which is the vision and plan for Solon. They have to work around Hwy. One, which is of course controlled by the Iowa DOT. The Zoning Code provides for four residential districts, including single family, multi and zero lot/shared walls. They know they are one of the best locations in Johnson County with many job opportunities. Quality of life is something they are very proud of with trails, great schools and festivals like “Beef Days”. They strive to provide connections that make residents feel at home.
Projects: The Solon Fire Agency serves Solon along with Cedar, Big Grove with 35 volunteers and protect a total of 112 Square Miles, literally from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids. They are very proud of their new Fire House and have an annual breakfast fundraiser.
Alliant provides electric with MidAmerican providing gas. Johnson County Refuse manages trash and recycling.
Solon Main Street has completed many major projects using various funds. They have found that if you “plan” the funds will come. Design standards have blended old and new. They offer TIF loans and rebates along with other tax abatement incentives. The Solon Recreation and Nature Area and the Johnson County Freedom Rock are part of the Solon story and attractions. Lake McBride is a close partner with Solon, and they work together to be sure water quality is maintained.
Program: Rtn. Devin van Holsteijn; Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Rtn. Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com
For questions related to Club administration, please contact us at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.