IN FOCUS: 10.3.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

Marion Receives Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award
The City of Marion and Shive-Hattery, Inc. were recently honored with the 2025 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award for our new Public Works Facility. This award celebrates projects that demonstrate outstanding efforts to reduce energy use for new construction, building additions or major renovations. The facility achieved a 66 percent annual energy savings compared to the Commercial New Construction (CNC) program baseline. The award was presented at the 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Convention in Des Moines. Congrats to the Public Works Department for their commitment to energy efficiency!

Coffeehouse Nights Return Tonight
Kick back and enjoy live music in an intimate setting with Coffeehouse Nights at Lowe Park, hosted by the Marion Arts Council. These musical performances feature talented local acoustic artists in a relaxed coffeehouse-type atmosphere. Admission is free and light refreshments and pastries are available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tonight, Oct. 3, enjoy the Blake Shaw Trio from 7-8:30 p.m.

Chocolate Walk & Shop This Friday
Fall's favorite night returns to Uptown Marion this evening, with this after-hours, adult-focused shopping event from 6-9 p.m. Visit your favorite stores, listen to live music and savor a sweet treat from participating businesses. The Chocolate Walk & Shop event is hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion District and supported by the Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners.

Highway 151 & Highway 13 Traffic Signal Cabinet Replacement Happening Overnight on October 7
Starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Price Electric will shut down the traffic signals at Highway 151 and Highway 13 to replace the traffic signal cabinet. Work is expected to last most of the overnight hours, with the signals shut off for approximately two hours, before switching to flashing red for an additional four hours. During this time, traffic will be reduced to one lane, turn lanes will be closed and the intersection will operate under an all-way stop condition. Staff anticipates that the traffic signals will be fully operational for the morning commute on Wednesday. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as this upgrade occurs.

Marion Boulevard Bridge Inspection Planned for October 8
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, crews will conduct bridge deck inspection work on the Marion Boulevard bridge over Indian Creek (near Thomas Park). Work is expected to begin at 9 a.m. and should be complete by 4 p.m. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with lane closures shifting throughout the day to allow for a full inspection of the bridge deck surface.

Falliday Market Returns to Lowe Park on October 11
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its fourth annual Falliday Market at Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St., on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This festive event features nearly 50 vendors, many with seasonal and holiday-inspired items - from handcrafted décor and delicious treats to fresh greenery, produce and unique gift ideas. It's the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year! The event is free and open to the public.

Marion Monster Mash Happening October 25
Something spooky is brewing in Uptown Marion! Join us for the first-ever Marion Monster Mash on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The Monster Mash will feature pumpkin decorating, parade, spooky stories, face painting and more. Thank you to the event sponsors - Farmers State Bank, Uptown Marion, East Post Pumpkins and KidStrong Cedar Rapids.

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 City and School Board Elections
City and School Board officials will be on the ballot for the upcoming election on Nov. 4, 2025. The seats for At-Large, Ward 2 and Ward 4 will all be included for the City of Marion. Residents have until Oct. 20 to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. More information regarding polling locations or current representatives can be viewed on the Linn County Elections website.

Be Aware of Rules for Temporary Sign Placement
As election season approaches, we want to remind everyone of the rules for the placement of political signs in Marion. Signs may not be placed in the City right-of-way, between the sidewalk and curb, per City code. In areas where there is no sidewalk, typically 15 feet from the back of the curb is considered to be the start of private property. Please be mindful of the placement of signs on corner lots so that they do not obstruct driver and pedestrian visibility of oncoming traffic.

Come Work at the Coolest Place in Town Be part of the ice loop's inaugural season in City Square Park. The Marion Parks and Recreation Department is looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic team members to help create a safe and fun experience for visitors. Open positions include ice loop lead, ice loop attendant and ice loop operator. Learn more and apply at https://www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
Thomas Peyton previously held an operations position with the Parks and Recreation Department. Last month, he transferred to Public Works as an equipment operator. Congratulations, Thomas!

• Can you provide an update on the work happening at Lininger Park?
  The Indian Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5 include the reconstruction of sanitary sewer along Indian Creek from Central Avenue to 10th Street, in addition to Central Avenue from Indian Creek to Boyson Road. It also includes water main replacement along Central Avenue from Indian Creek to Boyson Road, and north along Larick Drive to Isham Drive. The current work happening at Lininger Park is considered Phase 1, which includes reconstructing the sanitary sewer along Indian Creek from Central Avenue to 10th Street. Sanitary sewer installation that impacts the Indian Creek Trail is completed, and trail repaving and reseeding operations have commenced. Staff anticipates reopening the trail by Oct. 17. Additional updates will be provided when the trail is reopened.

• Has an establishment been announced for the new building going in at Indian Creek Mall on Marion Boulevard?
  A restaurant by the name of Casa Don Julio is planned for the site. An opening date is yet to be determined.

• Is there a method for residents to get rid of extra dirt from home projects?
  Dirt, sod and mulch are not accepted at the Yard Waste Drop-off Facility. The Solid Waste Agency, located at 1954 County Home Road, will accept dirt for a fee. The normal tipping fee is $50 a ton or $22 minimum for a truck or full-size van.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Oct. 5-9, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 3400 block of McGowan Boulevard.

• Friday, Oct. 3 - Chocolate Walk & Shop - 6-9 p.m. - Uptown Marion
• Friday, Oct. 3 - Coffeehouse Night featuring Blake Shaw Trio - 7-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park
• Saturday, Oct. 11 - Falliday Market - 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Lowe Park