IN FOCUS: 4.10.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Police Officer Kyle Goodell takes his Oath of Office
City staff, community members, family and friends turned out to celebrate the ceremonial swearing-in of police officer Kyle Goodell on Thursday. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Jensen administered the oath. Congratulations, Kyle! We're proud to have you on the team.

Kudos to Accountant Staci Vigil
Congrats are in order for Accountant Staci Vigil, who recently received a $10,000 scholarship from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This scholarship recognizes Staci's dedication to public service and professional growth and will support her continued education as she pursues her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance. Staci will be formally recognized at the GFOA annual conference later this summer. Way to go, Staci!

Recording of the State of the City Presentation Now Available
Mayor Nick AbouAssaly delivered Marion's 31st annual State of the City address last month. The recording of the speech is now available. It highlights the progress and forward-looking initiatives that make Marion a place where people and businesses thrive. With a focus on collaboration, housing, economic development and quality of life, Marion is a "City of Opportunity." Check it out!

Tree Planting Underway to Help Restore Canopy Lost in Derecho
The City of Marion was awarded up to $900,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support its disaster recovery efforts. Having lost more than 41 percent of the public trees in the 2020 derecho, the funds are intended to help restore the tree canopy. Earlier this week, a contractor for the City began planting 1,138 trees in the right-of-way, in most cases the area between the curb and the sidewalk, in neighborhoods hardest hit by the derecho. The plantings help support the City's overarching Urban Reforestation Plan. Tree species and locations were selected based on evaluation by a City arborist, with consideration for utilities and other conflicts. The City will handle all watering, maintenance and long-term care of these trees. In addition to providing shade, reducing stormwater runoff and improving air quality, street trees have a traffic-calming effect and positively impact human health and mental well-being.

City Modifies Garbage and Recycling Collection Process to Gain Efficiencies
After months of testing, the City of Marion transitioned to a new curbside garbage and recycling collection process this week. The change comes after a year of analysis following the move to automated curbside collection in the fall of 2024. With residents having access to larger receptacles, compaction rates in the split-body trucks were lower than anticipated, resulting in additional trips to the landfill and delays in service. To gain efficiencies, the City is moving away from collecting both garbage and recycling in a single stop, and will begin using single hopper trucks, one collecting garbage and one collecting recycling. This change will not impact rates or collection days for residents. It may result in services being provided at different times throughout the day. Residents are reminded to have their carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/automatedcollection.

Curbside Yard Waste Collection has Resumed
The Public Works Department has resumed curbside collection of yard waste. Yard waste must be placed inside a City-issued yard waste cart with a green lid for curbside service. Service is provided weekly from April through November. Marion residents who receive municipal solid waste collection can use the Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility located at 195 35th Street year-round. Residents are also welcome to compost (topsoil) free of charge. They should be able to produce their blue card, or identification card with a Marion address, upon request and load it themselves. If you only have a seasonal need for yard waste, consider scheduling a special brush pick-up. These happen on Tuesdays and can be scheduled by calling Public Works at 319-377-6367. The cost is $60 for the first 15 minutes at the curb and $40 for every 15 minutes after.

Senate File 579 Removes Protections and Limits Civil Rights Commissions
Senate File 579, which was signed into law by Governor Reynolds on March 10, 2026, removes certain protected classes and makes Civil Rights Commissions optional across the state. The bill requires all cities and local governments to enact ordinances that limit protected classes to match protections at the state level. For the City of Marion, this means the removal of gender identity and lawful source of income as protected classes. It also requires modifications to areas of protection for age, marital status, family status and mental disability. The bill also makes it optional for cities to have a Civil Rights Commission as opposed to the previous requirement that cities with a population over 29,000 must maintain a Commission. The City of Marion has no intention of disbanding the Marion Civil Rights Commission and continues to be a city where all are welcome. Marion expects to update relevant sections of the Marion Code of Ordinances to comply with the new state law in the coming months. Learn more.

City Accepting Hotel/Motel Grant Applications
The City of Marion is now accepting grant applications from any non-profit organization for a project that increases tourism within Marion. The funding source for these grants is the City's share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the city. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for the competitive grant program in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Applications will be accepted online at www.cityofmarion.org/HotelMotel through May 4, 2026. Award allocations are expected during the June 18, 2026, City Council meeting.

Public Hearings for Budget and Capital Improvement Program Scheduled for April 23
The Marion City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2027-2031 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Marion City Hall. These hearings offer residents the chance to share their feedback on both the upcoming budget and long-term capital projects. The proposed budget and capital improvement program are available for review on the City's website.

31st Street Sidewalk Extension Project to Begin April 13
On Monday, April 13, Midwest Concrete will begin the 31st Street Sidewalk Extension Project. This project includes installing a new sidewalk on the west side of 31st Street from McGowan Boulevard to 25th Avenue. It addresses a gap in the sidewalk providing access to Taube Park and Wilkins Elementary and includes replacement of the sidewalk ramps at the intersections to ensure ADA compliance. Residents can expect intermittent lane closures, as well as a temporary closure of 23rd Avenue on the west side of 31st Street. This project is expected to last 6 weeks, weather permitting.

Hydrant Flushing to Begin April 13
Employees of the Marion Water Department plan to begin flushing the water system beginning Monday, April 13, 2026, and will continue through mid-May, if necessary. Flushing typically begins around 8 a.m. and may continue through 2 a.m. To provide residents with a look at the progress, a GIS map has been created to show all 2,033 hydrants within the City and the flushing/inspection status of each hydrant. Find the map at www.cityofmarion.org/hydrantflushing. Flushing hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity that verifies proper operation of the City's fire hydrants and ensures adequate water flow will be available if the need for firefighting arises. Flushing also removes sediment that naturally accumulates in water mains.

Hands-Free Enforcement Initiative to Occur April 17
On April 17, 2026, the Marion Police Department will conduct a targeted traffic enforcement initiative with an emphasis on Iowa's "Use of Electronic Communications Device" law, commonly referred to as the Hands-Free law. Under Iowa law, drivers are prohibited from holding or manually using a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free use, including voice commands and integrated vehicle systems, is permitted. Officers assigned to the project will monitor for violations related to the use of electronic devices while driving. The goal of this important effort is to enhance roadway safety by reducing distracted driving and preventing crashes caused by improper use of electronic devices. The fine for violating the Hands-Free law is $170. Please drive safely.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale Happening April 17-19
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening April 17-19. The sale on Friday, April 17, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but all are welcome to attend on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 19, from 1-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, hardcopy books are $3, paperback books are $2, children's books are $2 for hardcopy and paperbacks are $1. On Sunday, a bag of books is $5. The event will be in the Marion Public Library in the Community Room and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you then!

Healthy Kids Day & Marion City Showcase Happening April 18
Make your way to the Marion YMCA & Community Rec Center, 3740 Irish Drive, on Saturday, April 18, for the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day and the Marion City Showcase. Between 9 a.m.-noon, there will be dozens of free, hands-on activities for the entire family to enjoy. Celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2026, Healthy Kids Day® is the Y's national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. It teaches healthy habits, encourages active play and inspires a lifetime love of physical activity. In addition to learning about the five pillars of healthy living, kids will have a chance to get up close to various City vehicles and win prizes. There will also be games and giveaways. All activities are free and open to the public.

We're Hiring
If you're looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community, look no further. Current full-time openings include a 911 communications center manager, a police officer, a fleet asset specialist and a patron services lead at the library. We're also looking to fill several seasonal openings in our Parks and Recreation Department. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• City ordinance requires that pets are kept on leashes. Could you give residents a reminder about this?
  This is the best time of year to get out and enjoy some fresh air, pets included! It's important to remember that pets MUST be kept on a 6-foot leash in all park areas. This includes the trails and Oak Shade Cemetery, too. As a reminder, pets are not allowed at splash pads or the Marion Pool. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our trails, parks and sidewalks year-round, so pet owners, please do your part and clean up after your pets. Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome to attend many community events, but it is at the discretion of event organizers (city or private entity) to determine when they are not allowed.

• I noticed several white "T's" painted along the curb in my neighborhood. What do they mean?
  City crews have been evaluating potential locations for right-of-way trees. The white T's indicate the general area, between the curb and the sidewalk, where future street trees will be planted. The trees funded by the CDBG - Disaster Recovery grant (referenced above) will be planted by the end of May. There are also future right-of-way projects planned for the fall. Nearby properties will receive a postcard ahead of any trees being planted and will know work is likely to be completed soon when the utilities are marked.
  
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between April 10-14, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5400 block of Kacena Avenue, eastbound. Between April 16-20, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5400 block of Kacena Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

• Bingo Night, 6-8:30 p.m., Friday, April 10, Lowe Park
• Red Cedar Chamber Music - Reunion Redux, Noon, Saturday, April 11, Marion Public Library
• Vision to Venture Entrepreneur Event, 4-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, Uptown Marion
• Healthy Kids Day & Marion City Showcase, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 18, Marion YMCA

• Future Council Items

  Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

  On the Docket

  The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

  • Internal meetings
  • Monthly check-in with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
  • Meeting with Justin Zehr
  • Meeting with Destiny Hastings
  • Northeast City Managers group meeting

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