IN FOCUS: 4.17.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Harris Named Reach Higher! Award Recipient
The Reach Higher! Awards recognize City employees who exemplify excellence and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to service. Please join me in congratulating Justin Harris as the recipient of the Winter 2026 Reach Higher! Award. Justin is an equipment operator with the Public Works Department, but his impact is felt throughout the community. Justin was nominated for going above and beyond his typical job duties. A resident recently reached out with sewer issues in their home. Although he determined the issue was not within the City's infrastructure, Justin didn't stop there. Justin found the source of the issue to be a damaged service line caused by a contractor that was working the area. Justin worked internally to ensure the resident received the proper notification and the company was out to fix the line the next day. This extra step shows how much Justin cares about our residents. Way to go, Justin!

Congratulations to Rhonda Kaczinski on her Retirement
After 30 years of dedicated service, Rhonda Kaczinski retired from the Marion Police Department. Rhonda joined the City in 1996 as a 911 communications operator and in 2018 was named communications center manager. Thank you for your many contributions over the years, Rhonda. We wish you all the best in retirement!

Firefighter Logan Ludwig attains Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certification
Congratulations to Marion Firefighter Logan Ludwig for attaining his Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification. This achievement is the result of higher-level training of pre-hospital care and delivering critical life-saving interventions in emergency situations. Congratulations Logan and thank you for dedication to our community.

City Celebrates its 911 Communications Operators
In 1994, President William J. Clinton signed Presidential Proclamation 6667, declaring the second week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. This week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications employees who serve our communities, residents and first responders. The Public Safety Communications Center is housed within the Marion Police Department and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by nine communication operators and one supervisor. They are responsible for answering 911 calls and other requests for service. The safety of our first responders depends on the quality and accuracy of the information they obtain, and they are a vital part of the Marion public safety network. Thank you to our 911 Communications Center team!

10th Street Bridge Closure Extended
With all the rain we've received lately, the 10th Street bridge closure has been extended. Sanitary sewer work in the area is ongoing and the recent heavy rainfall and elevated creek levels have slowed progress. As a result, the closure between Indian Creek Road and Boyson Road is now expected to remain in place for three more weeks, weather permitting. Detours are posted at 10th Street and Boyson Road, Central Avenue and Boyson Road and the 10th Street and Central Avenue/10th Avenue roundabout. This work is part of Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5. We appreciate your patience as this project progresses.

35th Street Emergency Roadway Repairs to Begin Next Week
On Monday, April 20, two emergency roadway repairs will begin on 35th Street. Work will occur in the southbound lane of in two locations, including near 25th Avenue and near Parkcrest Court. These locations were previously identified for repairs in an upcoming project, but due to rapid deterioration, repairs will be completed at this time. Traffic control will be in place to shift southbound traffic. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout construction. Work is expected to last one week, weather permitting.

2026 Music Under the Moon Concert Series Announced
The Music Under the Moon concert series sponsored by Veridian Credit Union returns to the Klopfenstein Amphitheater stage at Lowe Park this summer. Three high-energy acts will take the stage, including:

• Saturday, June 20: That Arena Rock Show, a tribute to the greatest rock anthems of all time.
• Saturday, July 18: Beyond the Blonde, Ultimate Pop Tribute; celebrating the powerhouse divas P!NK, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga.
• Saturday, Aug. 15: Vegas McGraw, Tim McGraw Tribute; a powerful show that thrills and captivates audiences everywhere.

The Music Under the Moon concerts are free to attend and begin at 8 p.m.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale Happening This Weekend
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening this weekend. The sale tonight, April 17, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but all are welcome to attend tomorrow from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Today and tomorrow, 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 at the Marion Public Library in the Community Room and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you there!

Healthy Kids Day & Marion City Showcase Happening Tomorrow
Make your way to the Marion YMCA & Community Rec Center, 3740 Irish Drive, this 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. 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.

Marion Police Department to Host 5K4K9 Fun Run/Walk on May 9
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the return of the 5K4K9 fun run/walk hosted by the Marion Police Department (MPD). The family-friendly community event will be held at Linn-Mar High School and include bounce houses, a kids' fun run and the 5K event. Be sure to stick around to see the MPD K9s and their handlers in action. Event activities start at 9 a.m. The cost is $25 for those running/walking the 5K and $15 for those participating in the kids' fun run. Register online at www.cityofmarion.org/5K4K9. Those registered by April 19 will receive a 2026 5K4K9 t-shirt. T-shirt quantities and sizes will be limited the day of the event.

City Accepting Hotel/Motel Grant Applications
The City of Marion is 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 opportunity 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.

Marion Water Department Publishes Annual Water Quality Report
The Marion Water Department, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, is providing its customers with the 2025 annual water quality report. This report explains where your water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. The report for Glenbrook Cove residents is also available. Prior year reports are available under Documents-Reports.

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.

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, April 20, Ashten Hayes will be joining the Marion Police Department as a police officer. She comes to us from the Iowa City Police Department. We look forward to working with you, Ashten!

Also on Monday, Austin Dopp will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services team member. He previously worked as a volunteer with the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Welcome aboard, Austin.

Word on the Street

• What is the status of the pedestrian bridge at Hanna Park?
  We're pleased to share the next step in restoring neighborhood access to Hanna Park. On March 19, Council approved a contract with Rathje Construction for construction of a box culvert across the drainage channel that previously had the pedestrian bridge. The culvert will include a pedestrian trail on top that will connect South 6th Street and the surrounding neighborhood to the existing trail that enters Hanna Park from the south. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion anticipated in November 2026.
• When is construction of the pedestrian bridge over Indian Creek near Lucore Road expected to start?
  Property acquisitions for this project are complete and plans have been submitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). The project is anticipated for a June bid letting by the IDOT. Following the letting and contract award, the construction start date and timeline will be determined by the IDOT. At that time, we will have a better understanding of project timelines. Updates will be shared as this project progresses.
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between April 16-20, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5400 block of Kacena Avenue, westbound. Between April 22-26, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue.

Upcoming Events

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

• Healthy Kids Day & Marion City Showcase, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 18, Marion YMCA
• Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, April 18, Marion Public Library
• Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale, 1-5 p.m., Saturday, April 19, Marion Public Library

• 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
  • Realtors Governmental Affairs guest speaker
  • City Council Work Session
  • MEDCO Board meeting
  • Meeting with the NAACP
  • Meeting with Aaron-Marie Thoms
  • Meeting with Cari McCoy
  • Meeting with Justin Zehr
  • Young Parents Network Board meeting
  • City Council Meeting
  • Scheduled time out of the office

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