May 16, 2013

With spring well underway and vegetation growing, the City of Waterloo Code Enforcement Department would like to remind property owners and residents to keep trimmed all vegetation adjacent to city right-of-way and for properties to be maintained and free of overgrowth so as not to be a nuisance. The magic number to remember is “8”:

  • All grasses, annuals and vegetation other than trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses or cultivated flowers and gardens shall not be taller than eight (8) inches at any residential property. Mowing vegetation onto city streets and or dumping yard debris into storm sewers is prohibited. Please make certain all cut vegetation is removed off of the street and disposed of properly.
  • Trees and shrubs need to be trimmed so there is an eight (8) foot clearance for the traveled portion of sidewalks, roadways and alleys.

To assist homeowners disposing of yard debris, the yard waste drop-off site at Waste Management Services Department, 3505 Easton Ave., is now open. Composting is another way in which homeowners can dispose of yard waste while freeing up valuable landfill space and is encouraged.

Abiding by these guidelines will keep pedestrians and motorists safer as well as maintaining curb appeal.

Questions or concerns about this or other property maintenance issues, please contact the City of Waterloo Code Enforcement Department at 291-3820.

May 3, 2013

CITY OF WATERLOO SPONSORS ANNUAL SPRING CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP “BUCK DAY”

Waterloo will hold its citywide Clean-up “Buck” Day Saturday, June 29, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Waste Management Services site at 3505 Easton Avenue in Waterloo. It is open to all City of Waterloo residents. I.D. will be requested.

In order to defray costs, the following fees will be applied. Each vehicle entering the site will be charged $2.00. Major household appliances will be charged $1.00 each, limit 3. Tires will be charged $3.00 per tire for the first 4 tires; 5 through 8 tires will be charged $5.00 each. 9 and over will be charged $10.00 each. Residents are asked to have exact change to expedite their visit.

ALLOWABLE ITEMS:

  1. Appliances: limit 3 per household, air conditioner, dehumidifier, freezer, refrigerator, clothes dryer, clothes washer, dishwasher, kitchen range, oven/stove, microwave oven, furnace, thermostat, water heater, etc.
  2. Tires: Automobile and pick-up truck tires (rim or no rim).
  3. General bulk item “trash”: Televisions, computers, furniture, lawn furniture, clothing, bedding, scrap lumber and building remodeling and repair scrap materials, carpet, house wares, toys, bicycles, etc.
  4. All Gas powered equipment: lawnmowers, weed eaters, tillers, snow blowers, etc. Power equipment must be drained of gas and oil prior to dumping.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

  1. No Garbage (please use your weekly garbage service)
  2. No Hazardous Materials
  3. No Paint
  4. No Liquids: fuels, oils, pharmaceuticals, etc.
  5. No Batteries
  6. No propane gas tanks
  7. No tractor or semi tires
  8. No yard waste or tree debris. Please use the yard waste dumpsite at the Waste Management Services site. The yard waste dumpsite will be open this date for patrons.

Please remember to properly secure your loads when transporting them to the Easton Avenue facility. Use a tarp or enclose waste materials for safety and sanitation purposes. The City of Waterloo will not be responsible for any personal vehicle damage.

Citizens are asked to cooperate with these established guidelines. Questions or concerns may be directed to Waste Management Services at (319) 291-4553.

April 11, 2013

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION NAMES WATERLOO 2012 TREE CITY USA

Waterloo was named a 2012 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 29th year Waterloo has earned the national designation.

Waterloo achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Waterloo make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.

More information on the program is available at: arborday.org/treecityusa

April 3, 2013

Waterloo’s three municipal golf courses—South Hills, Gates Park and Irv Warren Memorial—will open April 5, 2013, 12:00 noon and will remain open for the season, weather permitting.

Season passes are currently available at all three golf courses and at the Leisure Services offices at 1101 Campbell Ave., Waterloo. There are no increases in greens fees or pass rates for 2013. Complete information regarding Waterloo’s three Municipal Golf Courses is available at: www.waterlooleisureservices.org or by phone at 291-4370.

The Waterloo Senior (55+) handicap league has openings for players. League play will begin May 10, 2013. League play is on Fridays at all three courses—Gates, Irv Warren Memorial and South Hills. If interested, please call Jerry at 319-233-5158.

January 24, 2013

The Waterloo Building Inspection Department is now offering Residential Contractor Exams for those who want to become a licensed contractor with the City of Waterloo.
Available Exam Dates for the remainder of 2012 are as follows:

  • Saturday, January 19, 2013
  • Saturday, February 16, 2013
  • Saturday, March 16, 2013
  • Saturday, April 20, 2013
  • Saturday, May 18, 2013
  • Saturday, June 15, 2013
  • Saturday, July 20, 2013
  • Saturday, August 17, 2013
  • Saturday, September 21, 2013
  • Saturday, October 19, 2013
  • Saturday, November 16, 2013
  • Saturday, December 21, 2013

Exam Times will be 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and will be given in the Mollenhoff Room – 2nd Floor – City Hall

You must sign up for the exam one (1) week prior to the exam date.

Residential Contractor Exam Resources
Procedure for Licensed Residential Contractor (pdf) | Residential Testing Requirements and Application (pdf)

January 4, 2013

Check out 2013's yardwaste & recycle schedule PDF »

October 26, 2012

As the result of Ansborough Avenue traffic signal optimization signal timing on Ansborough Avenue has changed. Drivers should now experience less delays. We would like to remind the drivers to use caution as some lights will change at sequences they might not be used to. Drivers should not speed to make the best of the new timings. As always drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions.

September 5, 2012

Beautification Program

Beginning September 10, 2012, Waterloo’s Code Enforcement Unit will begin a beautification program that will start on the near west side bounding the area from Locust to the Cedar River and from West 4th to West 7th Streets. The City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances prohibits the scattering of refuse, litter, garbage or yard waste on any public or private street, area, or place.

In an effort to begin ridding the city of unwanted litter, the Code Enforcement Unit will start in this relatively small, narrowly defined area of he City with the intent to incrementally include the entire City in the effort.

Owners of locations found to be in violation of the ordinance will be notified and given 10 days to remove the offending material. If the material is not removed, a citation will be issued, the City will remove the material, and the cost assessed to the property owner.

Questions may be directed to Mayor Buck Clark at (319) 291-4301.

January 20, 2012

The Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control has awarded the City of Waterloo additional funding to eliminate lead-based paint hazards in the homes of eligible Waterloo residents. This program is administered through the Community Development office in conjunction with the single-family, owner-occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Currently, the City of Waterloo is accepting calls from homeowners who may be eligible for assistance. If you believe lead-based paint could be a hazard to your family, you are encouraged to apply for assistance.

Qualifications include:

  • the home must be located within the city limits of Waterloo
  • dwelling must be owner-occupied, and built before 1978
  • there must be children living in the home, age five years or younger, and
  • owner/occupants must meet income eligibility requirements listed below

HOUSEHOLD SIZE MONTHLY INCOME ANNUAL INCOME
1 $2,937.50 $35,250.00
2 $3,354.17 $40,250.00
3 $3,775.00 $45,300.00
4 $4,191.67 $50,300.00
5 $4,529.17 $54,350.00
6 $4,862.50 $58,350.00
7 $5,200.00 $62,400.00
8 $5,533.33 $66,400.00
9 $5,693.33 $68,320.00
10 $6,018.67 $72,224.00

Please contact the Waterloo Community Development office at 291-4429 if you are concerned with lead-hazards in your home. Staff will be available to review your qualifications and determine whether your name can be placed on the waiting list for assistance.

January 24, 2013

The Waterloo Building Inspection Department is now offering Residential Contractor Exams for those who want to become a licensed contractor with the City of Waterloo.
Available Exam Dates for the remainder of 2012 are as follows:

  • Saturday, January 21, 2012
  • Saturday, February 18, 2012
  • Saturday, March 17, 2012
  • Saturday, April 21, 2012
  • Saturday, May 19, 2012
  • Saturday, June 16, 2012
  • Saturday, July 21, 2012
  • Saturday, August 18, 2012
  • Saturday, September 15, 2012
  • Saturday, October 20, 2012
  • Saturday, November 17, 2012
  • Saturday, December 15, 2012

Exam Times will be 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and will be given in the Mollenhoff Room – 2nd Floor – City Hall

You must sign up for the exam one (1) week prior to the exam date.

Residential Contractor Exam Resources
Procedure for Licensed Residential Contractor (pdf) | Residential Testing Requirements and Application (pdf)

December 7, 2011

Hybrid pedestrian traffic signals will be operational starting Friday, December 9. Drivers should learn the meaning of the new signal indications. Read More »

August 12, 2011

The Waterloo Water Works is accepting applications for treatment/distribution employee.

The individual will be assigned duties in the treatment plant, distribution department and other assigned duties. Qualified applicants will have experience in water utility operations and/or underground construction and possess an Iowa Drinking Water Operators License.

Newly hired employees must meet the residence policy of residing within a 15-mile radius of the Waterloo Water Works office within 18 months of date of hire.

New employees must obtain (within 18 months after appointment) and maintain a Grade I Iowa Water Treatment Operators’ Certificate and a Grade I Iowa Water Distribution Operator Certificate; and must obtain and maintain a valid Iowa CDL within three months after appointment.

Waterloo Water Works offers an excellent benefit package. Pay range starts at 80% of 2011 base rate of $23.90 for first year; second year 90%; third year 100% of base rate. EOE. Position open until filled.

Send resume and cover letter to:
Waterloo Water Works
Attn: Distribution Department Manager
PO Box 27
Waterloo, IA 50704-0027

August 6, 2010

The City is serious about getting rid of graffiti. Please report graffiti as soon as you see it. The sooner we are able to respond and remove graffiti, the more our community will send a message that we will not tolerate graffiti in our City.
Graffiti complaint number 319-291-3820.