IN FOCUS: 10.9.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Residents Encouraged to Power Up Devices with Fire Safety in Mind
This week was Fire Prevention Week and it came with an important fire safety message for all ages. "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in, like only using the cord that came with the device or one that is approved by the manufacturer; charging devices on a table, desk or other hard, flat surface; and discontinuing the use of a device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking or has a strange smell. To find out more about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit https://fpw.org.

Marion to Plant 250 Trees for 250 Years
The City of Marion and community volunteers will plant 250 trees throughout Marion this fall in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Two planting opportunities are open to volunteers, while a third event will engage local high school students. On Monday, Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m. at the Lowe Park Woodland, 4401 Irish Drive, Marion, 100 three-gallon trees will be planted. Then on Friday, Nov. 6, from 3-5 p.m. volunteers will plant 100 seedlings at the Legion Park Disc Golf Course, 343 Marion Boulevard, Marion. Marion's Urban Forestry Division will share proper planting techniques, provide the necessary equipment and oversee each event. Advance registration is requested via the City website or at https://signup.com/go/JHPxMRa.

Leaf Collection Pilot Program Underway
The pilot program for vacuum leaf collection began this week, and we've noticed it too - there aren't many leaves on the ground yet. With this being the first time this service is being offered in Marion, it is a learning process. Here are some tips and requests to help make this program run as efficiently as possible:

• Please only sign up for collection after the majority of your leaves have fallen and have been raked to the curb.
• Submit a form (www.cityofmarion.org/leafcollection) to sign up for date of collection. If you've signed up and no longer need the service, please call 319-377-6367 to let us know.
• One online submission is good for the date you select or select multiple dates.
• Only loose leaves will be collected. The vacuum cannot handle branches or bagged leaves.

Updated Strategic Plan for FY2027-FY2029 Now Available
Earlier this year, the City of Marion partnered with consultant Aaron-Marie Thoms to update its Strategic Plan for fiscal years FY2027-FY2029. This was done to align with the onboarding of new Council members, reflect the latest community survey results and ultimately integrate with the budget process. This document represents the collective priorities of our community and is informed by survey data, resident feedback, planning documents, our City's leadership team and City Council members. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/strategicplan.

Seasonal Transformation to Begin in Uptown Marion
Over the next several weeks, Uptown Marion will begin its seasonal transformation as the Parks and Recreation Department prepares for the fall and winter months. With more than 100,000 winter lights installed throughout Marion, getting everything in place is a significant seasonal project that takes time to complete. The team will also install seasonal decorations, winterize the water feature and relocate the Skate Shack to its seasonal home at the Depot in preparation for Ice Loop operations. The Central Plaza water feature will close for the season on Monday.

Marion Fire Completes Rescue Training
The Marion Fire Department (MFD) recently partnered with the REACT Center to provide Confined Space Rescue Awareness training. Fifteen members of the MFD participated in intensive classroom and hands-on, scenario-based training. Throughout the course, firefighters developed and reinforced the specialized skills needed to manage confined space emergencies safely and effectively. This training is part of the department's focus on the continued development of its technical rescue capabilities and pursuit of Technical Rescue Technician-level certification.

Facade Work Happening at TownePlace Suites
Facade work is underway at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott on 7th Avenue. The contractor continues to work on exterior renovations and the service drive behind the facility remains closed to traffic during daytime hours. The exterior work is scheduled to be completed by mid-November, with full project completed anticipated by mid-December, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to obey any posted closures to ensure the safety of those working in the area.

Road Construction Updates
Stay up-to-date on road construction projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Marion to Host Budget 101/ Town Hall Meeting in November
To help residents understand the complexities of city budgeting, City leaders are planning to host a Budget 101/Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. We want to hear from you! Help shape the presentation by sharing your questions via this form.

Linn County Arts & Culture Week Happening October 19-25
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is expanding its celebration of local arts and culture this fall with Free for All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week. The celebration will take place Oct. 19-25. The weeklong event will give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the diverse arts, history, music, theater and cultural offerings found throughout Linn County. Activities range from dance lessons, pottery, history, songwriting and more! This event is free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events visit the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation website.

Marion Monster Mash Happening October 24
Something spooky is brewing in Uptown Marion! Join us for Marion Monster Mash on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on 7th Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets and in the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The free event will feature trunk-or-treating, games and more. The event is co-hosted by Farmers State Bank, the City of Marion and Uptown Marion District.

Sirens and Sweets Planned for October 30
The Marion Police Department will host a new Halloween trick-or-treat event, "Sirens and Sweets," on Friday, Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m. at 6315 Hwy 151, Marion. Members of the Marion Police Department, Marion Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service will be on hand. A police squad car, fire engine and ambulance will be on display, with additional trick-or-treat stops offered inside the decorated police station. The event will also include a "Fill the Squad Car" food drive. Community members are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for local families in need.

Trick-or-Treat on Halloween
Trick-or-treating in Marion takes place on Oct. 31. Those wishing to participate should turn their porch lights on; those choosing not to participate should leave their porch lights off. There is no set start time, but trick-or-treating should conclude by 8 p.m.

Upcoming General Election
The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Linn County has released important dates and shared resources to help residents prepare. Residents have until Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. Early and satellite voting also opens on Oct. 14. For details on registration, absentee voting, early voting locations and more, visit Linn County Elections website. Residents can also look up their polling place, sample ballot and elected officials using the Election Lookup tool.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Library Board, Nuisance Enforcement or Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

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. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• I walked the CeMar Trail from the cemetery to the second bridge over Indian Creek this week. Why was no work being done?
  Progress on the trail was significantly delayed in September due to repeated rain events and flooding along Indian Creek. This left portions of the trail too saturated for productive construction. Conditions have improved and the contractor was back on site earlier this week. With that said, the trail remains an active construction zone. The public is reminded to stay out of the work zone and obey posted signage to ensure everyone's safety.
• Also, a puddle of water sits over a low spot in trail. Why was this area not raised to avoid flooding?
  Because the trail lies within a floodplain, regulatory permitting restrictions prevented us from raising elevations in that area, and the low spot cannot be fully eliminated. However, the contractor will be installing a small storm intake to help drain the area. If a high-water event occurs following project completion the City will unfortunately have to close the trail until water levels go down.
  
• Lastly, a bridge is lodged with debris, making it vulnerable as the creek rises. What hasn't this been cleared?
  The contractor has cleared debris throughout the duration of the project and is scheduled to clean up the remaining debris prior to final project acceptance. Upon completion of construction, routine maintenance will be conducted by the City.
• I've noticed there aren't shelters at certain bus stops. Is the City planning to add any?
  The City of Marion has secured grant funding from the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) to install bus stop shelters at 15 locations throughout the community. The project has completed environmental clearances and preliminary planning and is now moving into acquisitions and final design. We expect to bid the project in late winter or spring 2027, with construction anticipated in summer 2027.
  
• What is the City doing to address traffic congestion near 29th Avenue and Indian Creek Road, and how does the Tower Terrace Road project fit into the long-term solution?
  A traffic study completed in 2017 during normal school days confirmed the congestion many residents experience near 29th Avenue and Indian Creek Road. Long-term decisions, such as whether a traffic signal is needed, depend on the future Tower Terrace Road extension, which is expected to reduce traffic volumes. The City is actively pursuing funding for the estimated $9.3 million bridge needed to complete Tower Terrace. Once constructed, the current temporary "jog" between Winslow Road and Wallace Road will be removed, and Tower Terrace Road will provide a direct connection over Indian Creek.
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Oct. 7-11, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 700 block of Barrington Parkway. Between Oct. 13-17, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of First Avenue.

Upcoming Events

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
• Meeting with Katie Curtis
• Collaborative Growth Initiative meeting
• Meeting with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
• Meeting with Haifeng Qian

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