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Cedar Falls council adopts nuisance and UTV ordinances; vape permit fails in 3-3 tie
Summary
At its Sept. 15 meeting the Cedar Falls City Council passed two ordinances — amending nuisance rules and updating ATV/UTV street regulations — approved a bird-friendly community resolution and a temporary event sign, and deadlocked 3-3 on a vape permit so it did not pass.
The Cedar Falls City Council on Monday approved two ordinances and several community items but did not approve a proposed cigarette, tobacco and nicotine vapor (vape) permit after a 3–3 split vote.
On second consideration the council adopted ordinance No. 3123, which amends chapter 15 of the city code related to nuisances. The mayor called for a motion; after a motion and second, a councilor said they opposed the measure because it could function like a citywide homeowners association, but the ordinance passed on roll call, 5–1. "I just wanna clarify my no vote," the councilor said. The council declared the ordinance adopted.
The council also passed ordinance No. 3124 on second consideration, updating chapter 17 (traffic regulations) and chapter 23 (definitions) to address all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles. The clerk reported "all members voting aye" and the ordinance carried.
A previously postponed cigarette, tobacco and nicotine vapor permit was considered next. The mayor reminded council members that a "yes" vote would approve the permit and a "no" vote would deny it. After the voice vote produced an even split, the mayor noted: "So 3 3 on that; that motion does not carry," meaning the permit did not receive the majority required to approve it.
On the resolution calendar, the council approved a resolution supporting an Iowa bird-friendly community designation, with one councilor praising neighborhood associations and volunteers for habitat work. The clerk recorded "all members voting aye."
The council approved a temporary sign request for the Lost Woods Music Festival at 1400 E. Lone Tree Road with removal immediately following the event on Sept. 27, 2025. Festival organizer Jacob Paul spoke in support of the request, thanking the council and describing the community benefits of the event. "Don't forget to visit lostwoods.live to get your tickets," Paul said.
The council also approved bills and claims for Sept. 15, 2025 on a motion and second.
Finally, the mayor moved and council seconded entry into executive session to discuss property acquisition under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(j); the clerk recorded all members voting aye and the council recessed into executive session.
Votes at a glance - Ordinance No. 3123 (amending chapter 15, nuisances): Passed, roll call 5–1. - Ordinance No. 3124 (traffic/UTV rules): Passed, roll call unanimous. - Cigarette/tobacco/nicotine vapor permit: Failed to carry after a 3–3 voice vote (no majority). - Temporary sign at 1400 E. Lone Tree Rd. (Lost Woods Music Festival): Approved (removal after 09/27/2025 event). - Resolution supporting Iowa bird-friendly community designation: Approved, unanimous. - Bills and claims for 09/15/2025: Approved. - Motion to enter executive session (property acquisition per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j)): Approved, unanimous.
The meeting moved next into an executive session to discuss real-estate negotiation strategy; no further public action was taken that evening.
