IN FOCUS: 12.19.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

With Gratitude to Councilmember Strnad
Please join me in thanking Randy Strnad for his time on the Marion City Council as the At-Large representative. He is stepping down at the end of this month. Randy was appointed to City Council in 2016 to fill a vacant seat and was elected in 2018 and again in 2022. Randy has been a dedicated public servant and an active member of the community for decades. We appreciated the perspective he offered to many City Council discussions, especially in the areas of economic development, public safety, infrastructure and finances. We wish him all the best.

Congratulations to Mayor Nick AbouAssaly on Most Influential List
Marion is going places, thanks to strong leadership! Please join me in congratulating Mayor Nick AbouAssaly for being recognized by the business community as one of the CBJ's 25 Most Influential Leaders in the Corridor. He has consistently landed among the top 5, and this year is number 2. Thank you, Mayor, for your leadership and commitment to our community and the region!

Marion Fire Department Helps Make Spirits Bright
Members of the Marion Fire Department and CERT team helped make the holidays a little brighter for some area seniors today. They delivered nearly 50 gifts on behalf of Home Instead Senior Care's "Be a Santa to a Senior" program. This is the 21st year Home Instead has partnered with local non-profits and community organizations to identify seniors who may be isolated or alone during the holidays.

Marion Holiday Giving Project
For the last several years, City departments have collaborated to support the Marion Holiday Giving Project. This year, staff raised more than $1,000 to help two families of 5. Gift cards were purchased and delivered to the families earlier this month. This is a great way to come together and make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

8th Avenue Now Open
Earlier this week, 8th Avenue east of 10th Street opened to traffic. We appreciate your patience as we worked through some unanticipated delays with this water main installation project.

City Receives Energy Credit for Public Works Facility Geothermal System
To be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, the City installed a geothermal system on the new Public Works Facility. The project received a 62% energy efficiency rating. Due to some recent federal legislative changes, entities that don't pay taxes, including municipalities, can apply for a cash rebate program in lieu of a tax rebate. We are pleased to share, the City of Marion was awarded $2,503,783.08 from the US Department of the Treasury. The City partnered with Afton Energy to apply, and the contract included 15% of the award going to Afton Energy. This results in the City's share totaling $2,128,215.62. The allocation of these funds will be reviewed as part of the City's budget work session on Jan. 30, 2026.

Capital Improvement Program Update and Implications for the Proposed Aquatics Park
Earlier this week, City Council provided feedback to staff regarding the FY 27-31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Funding requests included line items for continued planning and design, as well as land acquisition funding for the proposed aquatic park. These placeholders provide staff with the opportunity to evaluate potential alternatives and refine cost estimates. This analysis and research is necessary for City Council to make an informed decision. It is important to note, any land purchase would be contingent on City Council deciding to proceed with a public vote. Last fall, Marion City Council voted 6-1 to hold off on putting the proposed outdoor aquatics park on the November ballot. Staff are working with the resident-appointed steering committee to discuss next steps and create an updated timeline associated with replacing the aging Marion Pool at Willowood Park. If this project were to receive City Council approval, it would proceed to a community vote.

Experience the Ice Loop in City Square Park
The Ice Loop in the Central Plaza at City Square Park (1001 7th Avenue) is open and available for use seven days a week between 6 a.m.-10 p.m. for those who have skates. It is available for use free of charge anytime the Skate Shack is not open. For a heightened skating experience, visit when skate rental and the warming house are open for a minimal fee. Skate rental and warming house hours are Thursday/Friday - 5-10 p.m., Saturday - noon-10 p.m. and Sunday - noon-6 p.m. This is when admission is charged, ice skates will be available to rent and additional services like ice resurfacing, outdoor heaters and concessions are offered. The Skate Shack and the warming house will not be open on Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Eve/Day as they are City holidays. It is important to note that extreme temperatures and weather patterns can impact the schedule. Hours will be extended on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 from noon-10 p.m. to provide additional skate rental opportunities over winter break. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/iceloop for details and an FAQ document.

City Offices to Close in Observance of Upcoming Holidays
Marion City Hall and other City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Regular business hours resume on Friday, Dec. 26. City offices will also be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year's holiday. Regular business hours resume on Friday, Jan. 2. Police, Fire and other critical City services continue to be provided. The Marion Public Library will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The library's bookmobile will not operate on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Garbage and Recycling Collection Schedule Changes
Garbage and recycling collection will happen according to the normal schedule for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday routes. It will be delayed by one day for Thursday and Friday routes both weeks, happening Friday and Saturday instead. Due to the increased size in garbage carts, the City will no longer allow an extra free bag of garbage the week between Christmas and New Year's. The Yard Waste Facility and Recycling Drop-off Center (195 35th Street) will be closed on Dec. 24/25 and Dec. 31/Jan. 1.

Meetings Temporarily Relocated to Linn-Mar Educational Leadership Center
Renovation work at Marion City Hall will begin in January, including updates to the Council Chambers, where several public meetings are typically held. During this time, meetings of the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment will be temporarily moved to the Linn-Mar Educational Leadership Center, located at 3556 Winslow Road. If additional meetings are affected, updated locations will be listed on the meeting agenda. Agendas, minutes, and video recordings remain available on the City's meeting portal. Thank you to our partners at Linn-Mar for providing a meeting space during this renovation period.

Reminders about the Use of Fireworks on New Year's Eve
As New Year's Eve approaches, Marion residents are reminded to be aware of the rules surrounding the purchase and use of consumer-grade fireworks within city limits. Consumer fireworks are allowed in Marion this time of year on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. Fireworks may only be used by people who are 18 years of age or older and with permission from the property owner. Fireworks may NOT be used in public parks.

Crews to Collect Real Christmas Trees from January 5-16
Curbside collection of real Christmas trees will be provided from Jan. 5-16, 2026. Trees, free of stands and decorations, should be placed at the curb on your designated collection day. Flocked trees or those in bags will not be collected. This service is available to all households regardless of whether they subscribe to curbside yard waste service.

Drop-off Boxes for Residential Battery Recycling Now Available
The City is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency to provide residents with an option for recycling their household batteries free of charge. Many batteries can spark fires or explosions, while some batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful. If not disposed of properly, these batteries can cause fire to expensive equipment or contaminate land and waterways. Drop-off boxes have been placed at two City facilities to encourage proper disposal. Access the drop-off boxes at the Marion Public Library, located at 1101 6th Avenue, and the Marion Recycling Center, located at 195 35th Street, during normal hours of operation. All types of batteries are accepted.

Nominate a Stand-Out Volunteer for the Community Impact Award
Have you nominated someone for the Morris F. Neighbor Community Impact Award presented by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and the City of Marion? Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2026. Community Impact Award nominees may be an individual, couple or organization whose volunteerism, outstanding service and dedication have impacted the Marion community. The honoree will be announced by Mayor AbouAssaly during the Marion State of the City event in March. Visit marioncc.org/community-impact-award to access the nomination form.

Board and Commission Openings
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 Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Park Board, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

New Faces in New Places
We want to congratulate Rebecca Vorobtsov on being promoted to records clerk for the Marion Police Department. She started as a part-time data entry clerk in December 2024. Congrats, Rebecca!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Dec. 17-21, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue. Between Dec. 23-27, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue.

Upcoming Events

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

• Saturday, Dec. 20 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - Marion Public Library
• Wednesday, Dec. 24 & Thursday, Dec. 25 - Most City offices closed
• Wednesday, Dec. 31 & Thursday, Jan. 1 - Most City offices closed
• Saturday, Jan. 3 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - 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
• Offices closed on Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday
• Offices closed on Dec. 31-Jan. 1 for the New Year's holiday
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Iowa Economic Development Authority
• City Council meeting

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