Misti Kloubec

Misti Kloubec, a Cedar Rapids resident and administrative officer in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, received the award from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder during an Oct. 21 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“Many people in our office played critical roles in responding to the flood of 2008, but no one did more than Misti in helping our office establish effective operations at a temporary location in less than two weeks and ensuring a smooth return to our permanent office within five months,” said U.S. Attorney Matt M. Dummermuth. “Misti’s tireless efforts in finding practical and creative solutions to significant challenges in the midst of the flood and for months afterward were truly outstanding and deserving of this highest administrative support honor the department can grant.”

While presenting the award to Kloubec, Holder noted that she “carried out the important mission of the Department of Justice … with excellence and distinction.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (right) met with Shawn Gallagher, owner of Cedar Rapids-based AdCraft Printing, and Sue Dinsdale, representative of Iowa Citizens Action Network, on Saturday for a discussion of the financial benefits health care reform will have on small business owners. (Photo by Lynda Waddington/Iowa Independent)

“Right now small businesses are at the end of the tail that is wagged,” the Democratic lawmaker explained. “They don’t get the discounts and the rates and the coverage like the huge businesses do because they just don’t have the bargaining power, and they don’t have the choices available to them. So many small businesses in Iowa basically have one insurance company to deal with or maybe two at the most. So, therefore, there is no competition out there.

“I think one of the best-kept secrets of our health reform bill that we have in Congress right now is that the biggest winners are going to be small businesses and the self-employed.”

A lack of competition within the health care market, according to Harkin, would be alleviated when a national health care exchange is opened a few years following the passage of reform legislation. At that point, small business owners and those who are self-employed would theoretically be able to go onto the exchange either as individual entities or in cooperation with other businesses and/or individuals, which ever way provided consumers the best insurance rates.

Prior to that time, however, the bill also includes a provision that would allow small business owners to take up to a 35-percent tax credit for the portion of health care premiums they pay. Once the exchange opens, the tax credit jumps to 50 percent.

Cedar Rapids small business owner Shawn Gallagher, who had just spent a few minutes speaking with Harkin about the difficulty he and his wife have had providing health insurance coverage for their four employees at AdCraft Printing, said such reforms are not only welcome, but necessary.

“One of the reports I’ve read shows that it will cost $27,000 per person or something like that if nothing is done,” Gallagher said. “We certainly couldn’t afford that. So I guess the question is how many years it will take to get to that level. Is it 2012? 2013? I don’t know, but we aren’t that far away from it. What I do know is that we just flat-out can’t afford it, whether it is a year or two years down the road.”

Through his commercial printing business, Gallagher provides health insurance for himself, his wife and four employees. The business has experienced an average yearly increase of 14 percent in the premiums it pays. Gallagher is also quick to point out that even as he has been paying steady increases, his family and his employees are receiving less coverage and paying much higher deductibles than they were only a few years ago.

“It is very difficult. This is something that we want to provide to our employees,” he said, noting that with such a small pool of employees, any moderate illness impacting one of his employees’ families can have dire consequences on the entire company’s health insurance premiums.

Harkin, who has spent the past several months in reform hearings and public forums, said Gallagher’s plight is not at all unique.

“What we just heard from Mr. Gallagher regarding his small business and employees is, sadly, something that we hear all over Iowa and all over the United States,” Harkin said.

Gallagher, who is also a long-term member of the Democratic Party and was one of thousands of Cedar Rapids business owners heavily impacted by the June 2008 floods, was only one of several small business owners that provided Harkin details of their struggles with health insurance costs. The meetings were scheduled with the assistance of Iowa Citizen Action Network, a grassroots public interest organization that has been actively supporting national reform efforts.

During the meeting in Cedar Rapids, Harkin once again vowed that Congress will pass health care reform with a public option and have the bill on President Obama’s desk before the winter holiday recess.

In short, King is quoted as saying that his “best vote” was the one he cast against relief for victims Hurricane Katrina:

…Q: What vote would you like to redo?

A: I don’t really go back and re-live that sort of thing. Some of the big votes that I’ve thought about, some of the jury’s still out. And at this point, maybe I’d answer that question another way, probably with the singular vote that stands out that went against the grain, and it turns out to be the best vote that I cast, was my “no” vote to the $51.5 billion to [Hurricane] Katrina. That probably was my best vote…

It should come as no surprise that The Times-Picayune staff — many of whom felt the direct and personal wrath of Hurricane Katrina even as they attempted to cover the storm and its aftermath — wouldn’t take kindly to King’s point.

… Rep. King was one of 11 House members to vote against this urgently needed help for an area that, at the time, was still under water. But opposing relief for a devastated region of this country is hardly an act of political courage. The fact that he considers it a point of pride is appalling…

Even now, officials in Des Moines are complaining about a slow and inadequate response to their flood recovery — including the lament that FEMA is underestimating the amount of money needed to replace public buildings. That’s something that South Louisianians can understand, and in fact, we feel for Iowans.

Unfortunately, when it counted, Rep. King didn’t feel for us.

The Cedar Rapids Central Fire Station, the site of today's press conference with FEMA Director Craig Fugate, sat in the heart of the flood zone and was literally submerged in flood water.

The group was joined by additional state and local officials for a press conference at the Cedar Rapids Central Fire Station, one of many city buildings that was decimated by flood waters in June 2008. The federal government has promised more than $5 million for repair of the facility.

“Today’s trip was an important opportunity to see first-hand the collaborative efforts taking place to ensure Iowa communities have the tools they need to recover,” Fugate said. “There is a strong partnership between FEMA and the state, as we work toward the common goal of supporting community recovery.”

Fugate also signaled that the role FEMA has played in Cedar Rapids has changed from that of management of the emergency to future flood prevention. Representatives of the agency will continue to be involved as state and local officials set priorities and action plans related to prevention.

Following their public appearances the elected officials adjourned to private meetings to discuss recovery successes and challenges, flood prevention and the roles of the various contributing agencies in the years to come. According to a White House spokesman, officials attending the closed door meeting were Culver, Loebsack, Fugate, Rebuild Iowa Office Director Lt. Gen. Ron Dardis, Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran, Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery Director Greg Eyerly, Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston, Cedar Rapids City Council member Chuck Wienke, FEMA Iowa Recovery Center Director Kay Phillips, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Art Freeman and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director David Miller.

According to information from FEMA, the agency has obligated more than $876.2 million for Iowa flood assistance since the 2008 storms. Of that, $737.1 million has been in public assistance aid for state and local public buildings and roadways. The agency reports that 23,287 Iowans have received more than $122.2 million under the FEMA Housing Assistance program; and that 8,521 Iowans received $16.3 million through the agency’s Other Needs Assistance program. Cedar Rapids, a city that lost more than 5,000 homes and 700 businesses and suffered an estimated $6 billion in damage, has received roughly $184 million in public assistance.

Fugate’s visit was at the bequest of Culver, who met with the federal official earlier this summer. Culver is also optimistic that Fugate will return to Iowa to view recovery efforts in Iowa City at the University of Iowa.

The contract, approved Tuesday by the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, states that at least 6,000 tons of chipped wood debris will be sold to Michigan-based DTE Energy Services for use in a modified coal plant in Cassville, Wis. that is being retrofitted to burn biomass to produce energy.  The project is made possible in part through grants and loans provided by the state.

The local agency will receive $4 per ton for the debris, which will be prepared at the existing compost site near downtown Cedar Rapids, and DTE will provide shipping to the Wisconsin plant, according to Marie DeVries, planner and contract administrator for the Solid Waste Agency. Although the Cedar Rapids agency has been grinding up wood for compost use for some time, the requirements as to which wood is appropriate for compost differs from what is appropriate for biomass uses.

“This is a project that has been in development since last winter,” DeVries said, adding that the project was not done specifically to address the debris that will be generated when more than 1,000 flood-damaged homes in Cedar Rapids are demolished. “We simply don’t know yet how much of the flood debris will be appropriate for this project or used in other projects.”

As an added incentive for wood products to be diverted from the landfill, organic loads that are sent to the grinder cost $15 a ton. Loads taken directly to the landfill, however, are cost $35 per ton. Since landfill space in Linn County has been an historically controversial issue, extending the life of existing facilities is a win-win situation for both residents and officials.

The event, which was billed as a forum, was set up a bit like a job fair. Presenters provided remarks in a large crowd setting and then sat down at tables in the lobby to answer specific, one-on-one questions from attendees.

General overviews of what has been offered and/or accomplished were provided by representatives from the City of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Small Business Development Centers, Iowa Finance Authority, Jumpstart Housing, Linn Area Long-Term Recovery Coalition and the Rebuild Iowa Office.

Greg Eyerly, flood director for the City of Cedar Rapids, openly praised residents of the city for their patience and hard work during the 15-months since the flood. He also cautioned that much more work remained to be done.

“Midwestern people are truly unique,” Eyerly said after noting that he has had opportunity to live in many other regions in the U.S. and abroad. “They have a value system you don’t see in any other parts of the country. … We will be a stronger community. We have to have faith. We have to have faith in each other and we have to work together.

“We should be proud of our accomplishments — but should not be satisfied with where we are today.”

Eyerly noted:

• The city continues to “muck and gut” 280 residential and 15 commercial properties that have not been touched since the June 2008 floods. The goal is to complete this project by the end of October.
• Local, state and federal agencies are still conducting walking tours of damage in major public facilities, often with additional information being discovered during the tours. These should be physically completed by Sept. 8, and hopefully will be followed by recovery funds for those facilities by the end of October.
• The numerous databases in place since the flood — volunteers, impacted residents, flooded business owners, property specifics, etc. — are in the process of being merged into one.
• 71 properties considered imminent threat are in line for acquisition and demolition by the city.
• The city has roughly 1,300 total properties that need to be demolished, and the current goal is to have all of those done by this time next year.
• An additional $516 million in Community Development Block Grants is available to Iowa from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Although applications will be submitted for those funds, any disbursements will likely not be seen until December due to the federal review process.
• Ten vertical wells have been raised for the city’s water supply, providing an additional 10 million gallons.

Cedar Rapids residents and business owners with recovery or other flood-related questions should contact the Rebuild Iowa Office. Those experiencing stress can also contact the Iowa Concern Hotline, 1-800-447-1985.

The Ticket to Hope Program, funded through a social services emergency disaster relief appropriation by the 2009 legislature, provides services to people who are uninsured, whose insurance does not cover mental health services, or who have exhausted existing mental health benefits.

“There are many Iowans who could benefit from professional assistance to process the aftermath of the 2008 disasters and help them move forward, said Bill Gardam, administrator of the Mental Health and Disability Services Division of the DHS.

He said that in any given disaster, loss and trauma will directly affect many people. In addition, some people are emotionally impacted simply by being a part of the affected community. Even individuals who experience a disaster “second hand” through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected.

“Most disaster survivors function well under the stresses of every day life, but with the added stress of disaster, many will show signs of emotional and psychological strain. If these normal reactions to an abnormal event become more severe as time passes, people should seek help from a mental health professional,” Gardam said.

Access to Ticket to Hope services is available through the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985. Services will be available through June 2010.

The money, part of the $830 million program designed to help the state rebuild after last year’s tornado and flooding disaster, includes $20 million for projects in Cedar Rapids, one of the cities that was hit hardest by the 2008 floods.

“This is only the beginning, and I look forward to working with all Iowans as we rebuild this state, create good-paying jobs, and build a brighter future for all Iowans,” Culver said in a statement.

The I-JOBS Board, which will oversee $165 million of the infrastructure and flood relief money, will begin accepting applications for the remainder of the money later this week. The program is being paid for with bonding, with the state paying it back over the next 20 years with gambling revenues.

The projects approved today were:

City of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Public Library ($5 million)
The Cedar Rapids Public Library was more than 50 percent damaged during last year’s floods. I-JOBS funds will help the library rebuild its main facility and expand the library’s Westdale Mall branch.

City of Cedar Rapids, Paramount Theater ($5 million)
I-JOBS funds will help repair the historic Paramount Theater, returning it to its original condition. Additional renovations include enhancing the sound system, expanding the backstage area and adding a pre-function bar/café.

City of Cedar Rapids, Public Works Building ($5 million)
The city of Cedar Rapids will use I-JOBS funding to rebuild the Public Works Building, including its mechanical and electrical systems.

City of Cedar Rapids, Steam System Customer Relief ($5 million)
The floods of 2008 rendered Cedar Rapids’ steam system inoperable and extensively damaged the steam distribution system. Temporary boilers and rudimentary repairs meant customers were able to take advantage of steam service through the winter but at a drastically increased cost. I-JOBS funds will help steam system customers convert to more affordable individual heating or steam supply systems.

City of Elkader ($500,000)
The city of Elkader will use these funds to build a new fire station. Their existing fire station has flooded several times – including in 2008 – and has fallen into disrepair. A new fire station will be built on donated land outside the flood plain and will include adequate space for equipment and training, a helo-pad, a tornado shelter, a post-disaster shelter and room for possible expansion.

Linn County, Human Services Campus ($10 million)
The floods of 2008 displaced several nonprofit service organizations in Cedar Rapids. I-JOBS funds will be used to build a new Human Services Campus in downtown Cedar Rapids that will provide space for seven to 10 nonprofit organizations that provide services to more than 13,000 people annually.

Linn County, Options Building ($5 million)
Last year’s floods meant Linn County lost 80 percent of its county infrastructure, including the Options and Witwer Buildings that housed several public services. I-JOBS funds will be used to construct a new building to replace the two that were damaged. The new building will house Linn County Community Services, General Assistance, Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services, Veterans Affairs, Home Health and Youth Services.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library ($10 million)
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids will use I-JOBS funds to build the museum’s operations. The project includes four components: restoration of an historic building in the Czech Village that will serve as administrative offices, restoration of two historic homes, construction of an exhibition center and research library and construction of a permanent exhibit that focuses on the Czech and Slovak American immigrant experience.

Kelley Lynn Brutsman will also be required to pay $3,251.99 in restitution to FEMA, and will serve an additional two months of home detention following her prison term. She must also serve a three-year period of supervised release.

At the plea hearing, Brutsman admitted she lied while completing an application for FEMA disaster relief. On that form she claimed to live on Ellis Boulevard in Cedar Rapids at the time of the historic June 2008 floods. As result of her misrepresentation, she received financial benefits from FEMA that she should not have received.

Brutsman was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade on June 23 in Cedar Rapids. She had entered a guilty plea in December 2008. The Cedar Rapids Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Office of the Inspector General investigated. Her prison term is scheduled to begin on July 6.

“Lessons Learned: Natural Disasters Toolkit for Schools” will be presented today at the annual conference of the American Association of State Policy Services in Chicago. The document and a companion video, developed in the wake of 2008 flood and tornado disasters, are designed to help school boards and districts begin to develop a workable and sustainable response plan to the unknown.

“IASB staff and representatives from Jester Insurance toured the state and talked with folks about their experiences,” IASB President Jack Hill wrote in the toolkit’s introductory letter. “The biggest lessons, which multiple people reiterated, were the importance of relationships, whether between board members and their superintendent, or between the school district and other agencies; and also that teamwork is key in emergency situations, and no one can recover alone.”

IASB Communications Director Megan Hawkins who will be one of the presenters in Chicago this week, said the project began last fall.

“The idea came about as we talked with more and more districts needing guidance after they experience a tornado or floods,” she said. “The staff fielded all sorts of questions, from what funds they could use to what kinds of policies they should have in place to handle different issues that arose. But the other thing we noticed is that these school board/superintendent teams were learning all kinds of really valuable lessons that other schools needed to hear.”

Hawkins points to the Aplington-Parkersburg district, which was devastated by tornadoes, as a good example of lessons learned.

“They learned that the areas that older, common knowledge had told them to designate as tornado shelters — a long hallway that went through the school — was torn apart. The tornado went straight through it,” she said. “Thankfully, the school was empty when the tornado went through, but it reiterated that every building is different and every school needs to have a walk-through with an engineer to determine the safest areas for shelters. Other schools need to know that.”

IASB staff members, accompanied by representatives from Jester Insurance, which insures most Iowa schools, visited school sites in the Aplington-Parkersburg, Dike-New Hartford, Cedar Rapids and Waverly-Shell Rock school districts. They also visited Grant Wood Area Education Agency, located in Cedar Rapids.

The toolkit itself, born from those visits, is broken up into roughly a dozen topics, and each topic has both how to prepare in case of disaster as well as what to when and if disaster strikes.

The practical advice is interspersed with quotations from school administrators as they looked back on what worked and what didn’t.

“Communication was part of our emergency operations,” said Jere Vyverberg, superintendent of Waverly-Shell Rock. “[Officials] met twice a day, but we didn’t know to to best get information out. Roads were still closed. I came back here to type up updates and sent them out to all staff so they knew what was going on. I found out later that those e-mails were going out everywhere. Even overseas. You can’t underestimate the need for communication. There’s a hunger for it. People crave it.”

Hawkins and Mary Gannon, IASB attorney, will present to the convention this afternoon.