IN FOCUS: 6.5.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Police Department Representatives attend National Police Week in Washington, D.C.
Officer Brian Davis and Sergeant Jeff Hartwig, of the Marion Police Department Honor Guard, represented the department and the City of Marion during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., from May 11-14. During the week, they assisted in welcoming and escorting the surviving family members of fallen officers, helping provide honors and support throughout their visit. They also participated in the candlelight vigil, where the names of 363 fallen officers newly added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read. Outside of these events, they connected with law enforcement officers from agencies across the country. Both found it to be an extremely humbling experience and were honored to represent the Marion Police Department in this way.

Marion Fire Department Hosts Peer Assessment Team
The Marion Fire Department hosted a Peer Assessment Team on site this week as part of its accreditation process. Accreditation assessors from fire agencies across the country, including Colorado, California and New Mexico, reviewed and validated the department's performance against more than 250 performance indicators. The assessment team identified 21 recommendations for the accreditation report and unanimously recommended that the department be considered for accredited status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The next step in the process is a hearing in August, during which department representatives will appear before the commission to seek official accreditation status. Pursuing accreditation is a symbol of the City of Marion's commitment to quality fire and emergency services for its residents and businesses, and it recognizes, through a third-party validation process, the Fire Department's commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and service to the community. This is a significant milestone for not only the department but also for our organization. Congratulations to all!

Marion Public Library Announces "The Big Marion Read"
The Marion Public Library is proud to announce it has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant to support The Big Marion Read, a community-wide reading initiative launching this fall. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read brings communities together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a book. Learn more at marionpubliclibrary.org/bigread.

Marion Police Department to Host Inaugural Civilian Police Academy
The Marion Police Department will launch its first Civilian Police Academy this fall, offering community members a behind-the-scenes look at the department and an opportunity to learn about patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, community policing and other law enforcement responsibilities. The nine-week program will meet on consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. beginning Sept. 2, 2026. Participants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants, with preference given to Marion residents. Applications are now open at www.cityofmarion.org/employment and will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Apply today!

Festival Street Closure for BBQ Rendezvous
The Marion Metro Kiwanis BBQ Rendezvous returns to Uptown Marion this Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of localized road closures that will be in place to accommodate the event. Seventh Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets will close at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, for vendor move-in and will remain closed until 10 p.m. on Saturday. Detours are posted. Parking is available on-street surrounding the event and in the six City-owned lots within the district. The day of music, food and fun supports the Kiwanis Miracle League field at Prospect Meadows.

Camera Replacement Project to Impact Traffic on Blairs Ferry Road
Beginning Monday, June 8, Oncore Signal and Light will remove and replace four vehicle detection cameras and install two luminaires on the existing traffic signal poles located at the intersection of Blairs Ferry Road and Northland Avenue. During this project, the turn lanes at Blairs Ferry Road and Northland Avenue will be temporarily closed while the work is underway. The project is expected to take four days to complete.

Sanitary Sewer Repair Happening Next Week on Indian Creek Road
On Monday, June 8, Brecke Mechanical Contractors will close Indian Creek Road on the north side of the Indian Creek Country Club to fix a broken sanitary sewer main. Traffic will be detoured to 29th Avenue and 10th Street. Access to Indian Creek Country Club will be maintained from the south via 10th Street and Indian Creek Road. This full street closure will remain in place for a week to allow for street patch cure time.

Next Phases of Asphalt Overlay Program to Begin Next Week
Mobilization #1 of the 2026 Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Resurfacing Project is expected to be fully completed today. Beginning Monday, June 8, 2026, LL Pelling will begin work on Mobilization #2 of the 2026 HMA Resurfacing Project. Mobilization #2 includes W 14th Avenue from the end to Elm Street and Alpine Road from the end to Linnview Drive. These sections of roadway will be closed to through traffic during construction. Flaggers will be present to assist local traffic during working hours. This work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Additionally, beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2026, LL Pelling will begin work on E Robins Road, from the Christ Community Church entrance to Alburnett Road. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, June 12, 2026. This section of roadway will be closed to traffic, with traffic detoured via Tower Terrace Road.

2026 Minor Pavement Patching to Begin Monday
On Monday, June 8, crews will begin the Minor Pavement Patching Project for 2026, starting with Hamm Drive. This project is part of the City's ongoing roadway maintenance program to improve pavement conditions and provide safer, smoother travel for motorists. Work will include the removal and replacement of deteriorated pavement joints and severely cracked concrete panels. This project focuses on lower-volume residential streets, while the Major Pavement Patching Project focuses on higher-volume, arterial roadways. During construction, traffic on Hamm Drive will be reduced to one lane. Additional segments of roadway impacted by this project include Jasper Street from Beryl Street to Onyx Avenue and 24th Avenue from 35th Street to Stratford Drive. Residents can expect lane reductions and road closures in these areas later this summer. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in work zones and allow extra travel time during construction activities. Work is expected to be completed within 50 days of starting, weather permitting.

Pavement Patching on 35th Street Progresses
Pavement patching work on 35th Street from Munier Road to 3rd Avenue continues. Work on the southbound lane of 35th Street from Munier Road to 3rd Avenue is complete, and construction will shift to the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 35th Street. Earlier this week, the contractor closed the southbound traffic lane at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 35th Street. Traffic will be one lane on 35th Street with southbound yielding to oncoming traffic. It is anticipated that early next week; they will flip to close the northbound traffic lane for roadway repairs. Third Avenue at 35th Street is closed to traffic. The City's Recycling and Yard Waste Drop-Off facilities will remain open and can be accessed from either direction on 35th Street.

Pavement Patching Work to Begin on 10th Street
On Tuesday, June 9, crews will begin work on 10th Street from 29th Avenue to Tower Terrace Road. 10th Street will be closed with detours directing traffic to 29th Avenue, Alburnett Road and Tower Terrace Road. Message boards will be placed in advance to notify residents and motorists of the upcoming closures and traffic impacts. Please follow the posted detours. This phase of the project is expected to take four weeks, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in work zones and allow extra travel time during construction activities. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.

Intersection at 1st Avenue and 22nd Street to Close on June 10
On Wednesday, June 10, Rathje Construction will close the intersection of 1st Avenue and 22nd Street, as well as 22nd Street from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue, to continue work on the 1st Avenue Reconstruction Project. This major reconstruction project includes the replacement of sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main and street paving. The goal is to complete the work on 1st Avenue from 19th Street to 22nd Street, including the 22nd Street intersection, by mid-August. Reconstruction of 22nd Street from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue will continue beyond mid-August and is expected to extend into October, weather permitting.

Marion Approves Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
The Marion City Council recently approved the City's Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) Plan, which is managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation and makes Marion eligible for grant funding and free native seed through the Living Roadway Trust Fund. The IRVM Plan encourages the use of native vegetation where appropriate, helping reduce erosion, improve stormwater quality and create habitat for pollinators and other beneficial species. Native plants are well-suited to Iowa's climate and can reduce long-term maintenance needs. Development of the plan was a collaborative effort between the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments. The IRVM Plan establishes clear maintenance objectives and provides a framework for managing vegetation in a way that supports both infrastructure performance and natural resource conservation. By adopting the IRVM Plan, Marion is taking another step toward building a more sustainable and resilient community for future generations.

Overnight Street Painting Continues
Beginning on Sunday, and for the next week or two, the Public Works Department will be painting street markings overnight. Crews will work overnight to take advantage of lower traffic volumes and minimize disruptions for drivers. The work zones will be clearly marked and crews will be wearing reflective clothing. Please be vigilant and slow down in the active work zones.

Sidewalk Inspection Program Underway
In May, the Public Works Department began its annual sidewalk inspection program in Marion. Previously, this was a biannual program evaluating the condition of half of Marion every two years. Now, this program has been modified to inspect one quadrant every year in a four-year rotation. This year, the focus is on the southwest quadrant of Marion. After completing the inspection, residents may find their sidewalk has been marked with pink paint. The pink paint signifies that the panel may be defective according to the City's adopted repair standards. In the coming weeks, residents with panels in need of repair will receive a letter outlining the process. This process is changing slightly over previous years, and these differences will be outlined in the letter.

Free Outdoor Fitness Programming Offered through the Summer
Be Well Marion and Marion Parks and Recreation are teaming up with area instructors to offer free fitness programming in Marion through the summer. The dates and times for Zumba at Lowe Park, Sunrise Yoga at Lowe Park, Downdogs in Uptown and Pilates in City Square Park are set. All ages and abilities are welcome. Yoga and pilates participants should bring a mat and a water bottle. Participants will need to complete a waiver, which covers all programs for the season. Additional copies will be available on-site.

Uptown Marion Market Returns June 13
The sights, sounds and tastes of summer return as the Uptown Marion Market kicks off its 2026 season on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon along 7th Avenue and in City Square Park in Uptown Marion. Shoppers can explore a selection of over 40 local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and honey to wine, baked goods and handcrafted artisan items. The market, in addition to dozens of local shops, cafés, and eateries, is the perfect reason to spend a Saturday in Marion. Look for Face Painting by Lindsay, balloon creations from The Balloon Buffoons, and live music from steel drum band Pandelirium, all happening from 9 a.m. to noon. The Power of Produce (POP) Club invites kids to dig into the homegrown food scene with hands-on activities, educational games and fresh produce tastings. Offered in partnership with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Linn County, and sponsored by Revive Family Chiropractic, POP is open to all children while supplies last. The Uptown Marion Market continues throughout the summer and early fall on July 11, Aug. 8, and Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon each day. Vendor information and maps are available at marioncc.org and facebook.com/MarionIAChamber.

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 or Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

Word on the Street

• Are there any plans to finish paving the Boyson Trail from Thomas Park to Hanna Park?
  This section of the Boyson Trail was intentionally designed and constructed as a lime trail surface, and there are currently no plans to pave that segment. Linn County Trails Association has identified this section as a potential future trail improvement, and any future paving would be considered as part of broader trail and park planning discussions.

• Speaking of trails, could you share a general reminder about trail etiquette?
  School's out for summer and we love to see the increase in activity in our parks and on our trails. Please remember to be respectful and courteous. These are shared spaces - meant to be enjoyable for everyone! With the growing popularity of e-bikes and electric scooters, the City has updated its ordinance to improve safety and reduce confusion. The maximum speed on sidewalks is 10 mph and the maximum speed on trails is 20 mph. Please make the young people in your life aware of the expectations, too. Marion's trails are for everyone. Let's keep them safe and enjoyable for all.
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between June 3-6, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road. Between June 9-13, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of First Avenue.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, June 5 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Beauty & the Beat - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway
• Saturday, June 6 - Sunrise Yoga - 7:30 a.m. - Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park
• Saturday, June 6 - Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours - 8-11 a.m. - Willowood Park
• Saturday, June 6 - BBQ Rendezvous - 11 a.m.-9 p.m. - 7th Avenue & City Square Park
• Wednesday, June 10 - Downdogs in Uptown - 6-7 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Thursday, June 11 - Marion by Moonlight hosted by Farmers State Bank featuring 90s Kid - 6-9 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square 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:

• Scheduled time out of the office
• Internal meetings
• Monthly check-in with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
• Volunteering at Meals from the Heartland

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