IN FOCUS: 11.14.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

City to Celebrate Two Playground Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies Next Week
Community leaders, City staff and Chamber ambassadors will join the Marion Parks and Recreation Department for two ribbon-cutting ceremonies next week to celebrate the completion of two major park playground projects. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Monday, Nov. 17, at noon with Linn-Mar Community School District representatives to mark the completion of the new Taube Park/Wilkins Elementary playground, 2200 31st Street, Marion. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 20, at noon, City officials will dedicate the new playground at Ascension Park, 875 S. 22nd Street, Marion. Both playgrounds were replaced as part of the annual equipment replacement program and support the City's commitment to safe, inclusive and engaging play environments for all children.

Curbside Waste Collection Continues; Sunday Hours Added at Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility
Curbside yard waste collection will continue through the end of November 2025. Staff will re-evaluate needs and weather conditions later in the month to determine if curbside collection will be extended. The Public Works Department is offering extended hours at the Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility, located at 193 35th Street, for those who prefer a Sunday option. On Nov. 16 and Nov. 23, the Yard Waste Drop-off Facility will be open from noon-4 p.m. Regular hours include weekdays 7 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Tuesdays 7 a.m.-5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Community Survey Now Open to All Residents
Your input is critical to a healthy and thriving community, and we want to hear from you! Every other year the City partners with The National Community Survey to gain insight on how the City is best assisting residents, and where there is room for improvement. The 2025 survey is now available to all residents at polco.us/Marion2025. It will likely take 15-20 minutes of your time. If you received a postcard and survey in the mail as part of the random sample, and have already responded to the survey invitation, we ask that you please do not respond twice. The online survey will be open through Nov. 26, 2025.

City Food Drive Continues At a time when area food pantries are seeing greater demand, the City of Marion is partnering with HACAP Food Reservoir to host a food drive to support those facing food insecurity. Donations will be redistributed to local food pantries by HACAP. Several City facilities are accepting non-perishable food items through the end of November. Donations may be brought to the Thomas Park Administrative and Operations Facility, Marion Public Library, Marion Police Headquarters or Fire Station No. 1 during normal business hours. Financial donations can be directed to HACAP at https://www.hacap.org/donate. Learn more and find a list of requested foods on the City website.

Churches of Marion Food Pantry Distribution
The Churches of Marion Food Pantry continues to be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Residents can receive food once every seven days at 864 12th Street in Marion (next to the First Presbyterian Church). An ID is not required, but those registering for the first time will be asked to complete a short form. Saturday distributions are in addition to regular distribution times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. and are on a trial basis through November.

Environmental Survey Work to Occur in Willow Park Next Week
As part of the ongoing development of the Alburnett Road Extension project, additional environmental survey work will take place in Willow Park next week. These surveys are required as the City progresses through the federal approval process for the project. The Alburnett Road Extension will create a new north-south corridor designed to significantly improve safety and efficiency for both motorists and pedestrians. Identified as a priority need in 1999, this project will better connect a rapidly developing area with Marion's business and downtown districts along Marion Boulevard. The improved connection is expected to reduce congestion, support continued community growth and enhance response times for first responders. Over the next few months, the City anticipates completing environmental reviews and necessary property acquisitions. This timeline keeps the project on track for a planned spring 2026 project letting.

Weeklong Street Closure on 8th Avenue East of 10th Street
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8th Avenue will close just east of 10th Street for sanitary and water service connections. This full closure is expected to be in place for one week.

Budget Planning for FY27 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2027 continues. The next discussion with Marion City Council is happening on Tuesday, Nov. 18, where the focus will be on the Capital Improvement Program. The staff recommendations will be presented with a follow-up discussion on Dec. 16. A series of budget discussions will occur over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget work session at the end of January. Stay informed by visiting the City's budget page.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale This Weekend
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening this weekend. The sale today, Nov. 14, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but member signups are welcome at the door. All are welcome to attend tomorrow, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 from 2-4 p.m. Today and Saturday, hardcopy books are $3, paperback books are $2 and children's books are $2 for hardcover and $1 for paperbacks. On Sunday, a bag of books is $5. Puzzles will be available for $3. In addition, there will be a bake sale and seasonal art made from recycled books. The event will be in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you then!

Marion Fire Department Seeks CERT Volunteers Are you passionate about service and interested in helping reduce the impacts of emergencies and disasters? The Marion Fire Department is seeking additional volunteers to support the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Marion. Designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), CERTs provide volunteers who are integrated into the community response structure. The City of Marion's CERT team will receive training from Linn County Emergency Management and the Marion Fire Department. Previous experience is not required, but applicants must be 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. Learn more and apply at https://www.cityofmarion.org/employment. Questions may be directed to the Marion Fire Department at 319-377-8237.

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 Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board and Marion Arts Council. 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. Current full-time openings include public works fleet supervisor, police records clerk, police officer, 911 communications operator and library patron services manager. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at https://www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Nov. 17, Su-Lin Featherston will join Team Marion. Su-Lin will be a principal planner with the Community Development Department and comes to us from the City of Gulfport, Mississippi. Congrats, Su-Lin! Welcome aboard!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Nov. 11-15, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street. Then, between Nov. 17-21, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 50th Street.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Nov. 14 - Bingo Night - 6-8:30 p.m.- Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
• Saturday, Nov. 15 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - Marion Public Library
• Saturday, Nov. 15 - Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Marion Public Library Community Room
• Sunday, Nov. 16 - Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale - 2-4 p.m. - Marion Public Library Community Room
• Monday, Nov. 17 - Taube Park/Wilkins Playground Ribbon Cutting - noon - Taube Park
• Thursday, Nov. 20 - Ascension Park Playground Ribbon Cutting - noon - Ascension Park

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 Aaron-Marie Thoms
• MEDCO Board meeting
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Jennifer Peden
• Meeting with Ellie Evans
• Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting
• City Council meeting

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